TechEd announces 2012 speakers

Paul Thurrott will lead the Keynote presentations at this year’s TechEd conference, with the Microsoft blogger speaking about the companies’ upcoming product releases.

Blogger, published author, podcaster and the news editor for Windows IT Pro magazine, Thurrott will be discussing products such as Windows 8 and Office 2013.

He will be joined on stage by Jer Thorp, the New York Times' Data Artist in Residence.

Thorp will discuss the evolution of computing and how our interactions with computers are becoming more natural and more human.

With an anticipated 2,200 attendees, and more than 80 speakers holding 160 sessions, TechEd has revealed new additions for 2012, after extending the conference by four days.

‘Birds of a Feather’ sessions, where delegates can discuss hot topics with experts, will be available along with the Microsoft Certification Centre and an on-site Exam Cram room to be provided by company partner Auldhouse.

“TechEd is New Zealand’s largest event for the local IT community, bringing together some of the world’s best technology and solution specialists,” says Paul Muckleston, Microsoft New Zealand’s managing director.

“We hope delegates will come away from the event motivated to go out and create their own innovative solutions to support their customers and their own businesses.

“Development of our local IT and software industry is critical to the success of Kiwi organisations, as well as the positive impact on New Zealand's economy.”

TechEd begins on September 4 at the SKYCITY Convention Centre, Auckland.