Early Tech.Ed birds offered $300 worm

By Stephen Withers
Thursday, 14 May 2009 10:55

Strategy

Times are tough, but maybe your boss will be more likely to send you to Tech.Ed if you tell him or her that you can save $300 by booking early.

Scheduled for September 8-11, Tech.Ed is Microsoft's developer fest.

Full-price tickets cost $1999, but by booking no later than July 14 you can save $300. And Microsoft says some of the nearby Gold Coast hotels are offering additional discounts to delegates.

Is this a sign that the industry is feeling the economic pinch? Are employers delaying registrations in case they have to retrench people between now and September? Who knows? Last year's event sold out, but that was before the bubble burst.

Even bigger savings are offered to academic and related delegates. Along with Microsoft Certified Trainers and Certified Partners, they qualify for $1599 tickets.

Focus areas at Tech.Ed 2009 will include Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2008 R2, and Microsoft Office Communication Server 2008.

Microsoft expects more than 300 delegates will take the opportunity to gain certification, with on-site training, practice tests, and 40 percent discounts on certification exams.