Yesterday I had the pleasure of doing something I never get to do — getting out of the office to take in a conference (Tech*Days Canada 2011, Toronto leg). Only one session, but it was an awesome one:  my esteemed colleague, Derek Kerr, director of all things infrastructure for non-linear creations, spoke on Microsoft Lync 2010: Audio, Video, and Web Conferencing Architecture and Experience.

Derek is one of the hottest IT speakers on the conference tour these days, and during this session I figured out at least of his secrets:

1. Know everything there is to know (key!).
2. Before your talk begins, Instead of hiding behind the podium reviewing your notes, walk around and chat with the audience members to get an idea of their expectations for your session.

Brilliant!

Here are some snapshots: