Over the past six months I have addressed more than a dozen user groups and ten classes across Canada and the United States. I have spoken on Windows Vista, Office 2007, Small Business Server, Forefront Client Security, and most prominently certifications. I have spoken to more than two thousand IT Pros ranging from independent consultants and hobbyists to the engineers and architects to design and manage the networks for some of the largest corporations and government agencies in both countries, and
I have (I hope) always done so confidently.
...But tonight I was nervous. I was invited to speak to the Montreal IT Professionals Community, the group that I helped create and led for over two years. It was the first time I would address the group of people I came to think of as not only my peers but as my friends since I told them I was leaving. Though I had hopes and suspicions, I honestly did not know how I would be received. Would people come?
My fears were unfounded because I was welcomed by a packed MPR room at the Microsoft Montreal office. Well maybe it was not packed, but there were not too many empty seats. Crowds don't bother me but I truly hate speaking to an empty room. Of course I was fidgeting with my slide deck until the last minute, but when MITPro's vice-president, Majida Rhazi, I felt like I was back where I belonged.
The MITPro crowd is still my favorite group to speak to. I love Montreal and I love the people here, and it hurts to know that I am leaving... but not for good. I will be back to visit as often as I can, and any time I am invited I will happily come back to speak to the Montreal IT Pro Community. Thanks to the new leadership team - Daniel, Majida, and the rest of the gang - I know that the legacy will continue.