For the third issue of Behind the Scenes at TechEd we have a chance to meet Nigel Watson. Let's get into the questions.

1. Who are you, and what do you do when you aren't doing things for TechEd?
   My name is Nigel Watson, and I work as an Architect Advisor for Microsoft Australia. When I'm not doing things for Tech.Ed, my team and I work with customer and partner architects, helping them better understand where Microsoft's technology stack fits into the bigger scheme of things. This might consist of working with them on a specific solution architecture incorporating our kit, helping them understand Microsoft's strategic technology road map, or helping them assess and apply materials such as Microsoft's patterns & practices reference architectures and guidance. I also look after the Microsoft ANZ Architecture website and newsletter (sign up via the website). When I'm not working, I'm updating my blog or getting shot down in Aces High.
2. What's the secret location of this year's party?
   I could tell you, but I'm thinking of auctioning this key information on www.trademe.co.nz :)
3. What track(s) are you running? What sort of things do they cover?
   This year, I'm running the Architecture Track. We'll be covering the usual suspects, including SOA and patterns & practices material, as well as some really interesting stuff around Web vNext, CardSpaces, and location aware architectures.
   We've also got ARCast luminary Ron Jacobs coming down to present a bunch of stuff for us and do some ARCasts, and he'll also be hosting what promises to be a very interesting panel discussion on Web vNext.
   We'll also have as local architecture stars Kevin Francis, Jim Webber, and Martin Granell speaking, as well as members of the local Microsoft ANZ Architecture team.
4. What else are you involved with this year?
   This year, I'll be involved with quite a few community events; we're actually in the process of starting up a new IASA (International Association of Software Architects) chapter in Melbourne, and once we've got the formula right here, we'll be working with other groups around Australia and New Zealand to foster similar communities.
5. No really, you can tell me. Where's the party going to be?
   Where do you think I should start the bidding... $100?
6. Why should I go to your track(s) and not a different one?
   If you are interested in solution architecture in the Web, SOA, or Web vNext space, then this track is for you.
7. If I couldn't make it to TechEd this year, is there any way I'd be able to get my hands on some of the information presented on your track?
   Most of the speakers in the track this year have blogs where they'll post content - keep checking back to my blog after TechEd, and I'll provide links.
8. Why should I even go to TechEd at all?
   Tech.Ed. is a one-stop event for quickly getting up to speed with the entire spectrum of Microsoft technologies - both released, as well as upcoming. I can't think of a better place to get this information - directly from Microsoft and external speakers who think, live and breathe the material on a daily basis. In addition to the content in sessions, don't forget that there are hands-on labs that allow you to skill yourself up on the technologies discussed, as well as numerous informal cabana sessions that will be running during the event.
   Notwithstanding all that, there's also the opportunity to network and learn from your peers in the industry - and you can book 1 on 1 time with speakers if you want to drill them on specific topics.
   And don't forget the party - it'll be massive!!!!
9. How many TechEds have you been to before? Which one was the best?
   This will be my fifth Tech.Ed. Last years was pretty good. but...
10. Why is this years going to be the best one yet?
    ...this one is going to be the best! Best line-up of speakers, great location, huge selection of hands-on labs, fantastic content - it's going to be awesome.
11. There's a lot of new stuff coming out in the next 12 months - Vista, Office, .Net 3.0, Expressions, and more. Which one are you looking forward to the most?
    I'm extremely impressed with Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server 2007 (MOSS 2007). It really hits the spot in terms of building internet - as well as - intranet facing sites, and supports so much stuff it's crazy. InfoPath Forms Server, Excel Calc Services, Content Management, workflow, blogging, as well as a development model that aligns really nicely with ASP.NET 2.0. Really, really cool technology.
12. And finally, let's say I couldn't make it to TechEd this year, but I could make it to the party. Where would I need to go? ;)
    www.trademe.co.nz - I should have the auction up in the next few days :)

Thanks Nigel. See you in Sydney! (And you won't be seeing me at tradme.co.nz. That's just not fair! :)