Microsoft NZ shafts TechEd 2009 delegates

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Fenderboy

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#36719 30-Jun-2009 23:22

Anyone here going to this years TechEd.I was looking forward to this years as usual but after I was sent this link today http://www.msteched.com/australia/Public/windows-7-experience.aspx

I'm feeling a little ripped off. I guess the Aussies are a little more valued than us Kiwis

amanzi

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#229755 1-Jul-2009 04:53

I don't think you can say that we're being 'shafted' here in NZ - I don't know of any other conference that gives away a free laptop to attendees - that's one hell of a free gift!

Fenderboy

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#229774 1-Jul-2009 08:27

"Shafted" a bit unfair eh.A better term would probably be "cheapskate bast**ds".

See if you can spot the difference here

1. Attend Aussie Tech Ed - get given netbook with W7
2. Attend NZ Tech Ed - Be in for a chance to win one of seven cameras

http://www.msteched.com/newzealand/Public/registration-info.aspx

the attendance costs are pretty much the same for both countries so why shouldnt I be feeling "shafted" ?

freitasm

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#229777 1-Jul-2009 08:40

You have to consider how these things work. Last year I gave away about US$30,000 of HP gear on Geekzone. We also had a NZ$25,000 prize giveaway form Symantec.

Did I pay for these prizes? No. They were part of an effort from those companies. It took us (both Geekzone and Symantec) about three months to get the giveaway going. It involved lawyers from both sides, three or four different countries involved and more.

What I think it could have happened is that Microsoft Australia had a better relationship with HP Australia and managed to get those laptops from them as part of a "contra" - free publicity if you provide some service or hardware. No money changed hands and everyone gets something.

These "contra" are very hard to do sometimes. First you have to come up with the idea (pure genius, perhaps someone at Microsoft New Zealand didn't think of it, or didn't think it would work), then both companies need to have some relationship at some levels that will facilitate it. Then have "budget" (time and people to actually create the images, update the laptops before shipping, testing, etc).

Microsoft New Zealand is smaller, independent operation. Let's say Microsoft Australia was bolder on their idea and execution. But it doesn't mean Microsoft New Zealand "shafted" you.

By the way, are you registered for the Microsoft Tech Ed?

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Fenderboy

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#229781 1-Jul-2009 08:56

Firstly yes I have registered for this years event as I have the past couple of years.I did attend one of the sessions you gave last year in fact. All the points you make are valid and I can appreciate your point of view.However I cannot believe that MS NZ would have been completely unaware of what the Aussie organisers were doing and vice versa.All I know is that after having to fork out close to $2k on this years attendance and then learning that if I have simply gone to the Aussie one instead i would have walked out with a new netbook it leaves a bit of a sour taste in the mouth.

You say that Aussie MS & HP may have a closer relationship,Seeing that here in NZ both firms pretty much share the same building down at the Viaduct doesn't count for much then?

Also the fact that Steve Riley was kicked to the curb by MS and wont be here again left me feeling pretty annoyed as his lectures were some of the most enjoyable I have attended the past few years.

freitasm

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#229784 1-Jul-2009 09:06

I agree, it's a bit of a let down seeing the conference across the Tasman having such a big "incentive".

The rumours I heard once though are that they might need this "incentive". Tech Ed New Zealand was alwas a sold out event - this year they had to do some juggling to accommodate more atendeees and sessions - while it seems the Australian version isn't quite successful full.

On another note, one of these laptops will set you back on about $800 (I am guessing it's about this)... This is about how much you'd pay in air fares and hotel while in Sydney to attend the other conference to get a "free notebook". In other words, I don't think it would be economically feasible to attend the other conference just to get the free notebook (if you are coming out of New Zealand).

Yes, it would be nice. No, I am not sure it makes sense in economical terms for the organisers to offer this.

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darrylb

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#229800 1-Jul-2009 09:50

FWIW, AFAIK, the aussies are paying for these devices. Their budget is bigger than ours, so its difficult to match it.

If we could do this, we'd love to.

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freitasm

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#229803 1-Jul-2009 09:55

There you go, the official word now...

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xpd

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#229815 1-Jul-2009 10:07

Freebie vs draw - Id take a freebie of a 2gb USB drive over a "chance" to win a camera TBH :)

Time to move to Oz..... ;)

XPD / Gavin

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Fenderboy

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#229822 1-Jul-2009 10:14

So no chance of one of these then??

http://www.tesora.com.au/images/products/oregon-scientific-barbie-bookL.jpg

Alternately decent sausage rolls inbetween sessions always gets my tick of approval

Fenderboy

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#229826 1-Jul-2009 10:19

xpd: Freebie vs draw - Id take a freebie of a 2gb USB drive over a "chance" to win a camera TBH :)

Time to move to Oz..... ;)

I got sent a USB from MS the other week strangely enough - in the shape of a guitar but only 1gb I'm afraid.