Keynote

Tech·Ed kicks-off with a 90 minute Keynote Session presented by one or more Microsoft executives who share the company’s vision for the future of IT and provide insights into Microsoft’s strategy for the realization of this vision through current and soon-to-release products.

Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions are 75 minute presentations given by some of Microsoft’s most noted speakers. Attendees have close to 400 Breakouts to pick from that are developed with the Tech·Ed audience in mind. Speakers use PowerPoint slides, which are available to attendees prior to the session, and in many cases product demos. All Breakout Sessions are recorded and available to attendees via Tech·Ed Online.

To review a full list of Breakout Sessions or to find the ones that interest you, visit our Session Catalog.

Foundational Sessions

New at Tech·Ed this year are Foundational Sessions, which take place directly after the Keynote presentation on Monday, June 6. Lead by Microsoft senior executives, these special sessions bridge the general Keynote topics and in-depth Breakout Sessions. Pick from one of three sessions and find out how Microsoft envisions specific products and technologies to be used together for the best results and ROI today and in the future. In Foundational Sessions, the presenters may share product-specific news, drill-down on points made during the Keynote and/or share the roadmap that explains where Microsoft is heading with certain product groupings. Attending a Foundational Session also may help you think through which Breakout Sessions best meet your needs.

To find Foundational Sessions in the Session Catalog or Schedule Builder, use the Keyword search and enter “Foundational.”

Interactive Sessions

Interactive Sessions are discussion-based sessions that often take a Breakout Session topic one step further. They may be a chalk-talk or “Code Camp” style chat, or simply Q&A with a speaker. With seating limited to 50-75 people, participants fully engage in these 75 minute long sessions.

To review a full list of Interactive Sessions or to find the ones that interest you, visit our Session Catalog.

Hands-on Labs

Hands-on Labs allow you to drill down into Microsoft products on your own, at your own pace. The HOL is filled with hundreds of computer stations and staffed by Technical Learning Guides – noted Microsoft Certified Trainers – who are standing by to assist you. Each lab typically takes 45-60 minutes to complete.

To review a full list of Hands-on Labs or to find the ones that interest you, visit our Session Catalog.

Technical Learning Center (TLC)

The Technical Learning Center (TLC) is the place to see Microsoft product demos, talk with industry experts, learn about Microsoft services, and connect with your peers.

Track Areas: Meet the people behind the products
Throughout the TLC you will find Track Areas filled with Microsoft product team members ready to talk about the technologies – new and soon-to-release -- they know inside and out. Bring your questions and issues to Tech·Ed and plan to sit down with industry experts who, just like you, work with Microsoft technology on a day-to-day basis. You can find the Product Experts throughout the Track Areas.

Microsoft Resources Zone: Learn about services available to you
The Zone showcases Microsoft programs and services that assist customers with product and technology education and support. In the area you can find information about Microsoft Learning and certification; meet the people behind MSDN and TechNet; learn about advantages offered when you’re a Microsoft partner; and more.

To find a full listing of the Microsoft product teams, programs and services participating at this year's event, visit our Exhibition Catalog.

Partner Expo

The Partner Expo lets you review all the products, solutions, and services from Microsoft Partners, all in one location. Meet one-on-one with Partners to:

• Learn about new companies and their offerings
• Discover new products and services
• Find solutions for your company’s technological challenges
• Make new business connections
• Get ahead by finding out about new and upcoming innovations

Use the Exhibition Catalog to find a full listing of Sponsors and Exhibitors participating at this year's event.

For more information on how to become a Sponsor or Exhibitor, please visit Becoming a Sponsor or Exhibitor.

Birds-of-a-Feather Sessions

Birds of a Feather Sessions are discussions on timely technology-based topics suggested, selected, and moderated by you and your peers in the Microsoft Community. BOF sessions, which run 75 minutes, are organized by the User Group organizations GITCA (formally Culminis) and INETA.

Use the Session Catalog to find BOF sessions that interest you, and then visit the  Facebook discussion board to join the conversation today.

Tech·Ed Online

Tech·Ed Online is a global online community where visitors view select Tech·Ed sessions and keynotes from around the world and video interviews with industry experts. Attendees of Tech·Ed North America 2010 are given access to the Keynote and all Breakout Sessions soon after they are completed. Bookmark the Tech·Ed Online page now.