Microsoft event enters 16th year

Tickets are selling fast for Microsoft's 16th Tech.Ed conference, due to kick off in just over a month.

Microsoft says the event, which begins on Wednesday August 24, will attract more than 2500 IT professionals.

Speakers include Microsoft chief technology officer of worldwide services, Norm Judah, and former All Black captain and business leader, David Kirk.

Paul Muckleston, Microsoft New Zealand managing director, says Tech.Ed is the largest IT training event in the country.

"Tech.Ed brings some of the world's best technology and solution specialists to the tech community," Muckleston says.

"Having the opportunity to see and hear what these experts are doing and creating is hugely valuable to attendees.

Brett O'Riley, CEO of NZICT, agrees, saying Tech.Ed plays a 'huge role' in IT training of the New Zealand.

"The IT industry is continuously reinventing itself," O'Riley says, "meaning IT professionals must continue to up-skill and reshape the way they work.

Joining Judah and Kirk at the keynote session will be New Zealand Minister for ICT, Steven Joyce.

The three-day event will culminate in a party at the Auckland Town Hall, featuring comedian Dai Henwood and kiwi band Fat Freddy's Drop.