Ok, but who paid for 200 pizzas? MS? It's not just a big MS love fest, is it? Are the sessions at all levels, so beginners would feel comfortable? Are there workshops using PCs, or is it simply lecture-based? How do you find out where/when these are held?

I would assume MS paid for the lunch. I don't know if the regional offices get paid by Microsoft for running them (I would guess they do).

No, it is absolutely NOT a big MS love fest. I've openly criticized (in a professional manner) specific features in .NET that I don't like, with MS employees standing in the room. (I've also tried to offer a workaround where I could).

Yes, beginners would feel comfortable. This is very community-driven. Sessions are at all levels. I would say that more than half are beginner-intermediate.

In Philly, some rooms had computers, some didn't.

As far as finding out, best think to do is check MSDN Community events, and stay in touch with .NET user groups.

I'm not trying to sound like a salesman - they are great experiences. If you have an opportunity to go to one, I highly recommend them.


Kevin