For the first time in 10 years, MVPs and Microsoft Exchange Server professionals gathered at the Microsoft Exchange Conference (MEC) to discuss new trends and technologies. After some professional petitioning (for instance, see Exchange MVP Tony Redmond’s post I Miss the Microsoft Exchange Conference (MEC)!), the event was back by popular demand, spanning three days and covered a variety of topics including: The Release of Exchange Server 2013, Exchange Web Services and Load Balancing and Unified Messaging.
![clip_image002[1]](http://blogs.msdn.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-01-15-70-metablogapi/1817.clip_5F00_image0021_5F00_thumb_5F00_6DD19461.jpg "clip_image002[1]")
“I attended my first MEC in 1998 in Boston,” said Exchange MVP Paul Robichaux. “I knew very little about Exchange at the time, but by the time the show was over I had learned an amazing amount, all from the mouths of experts. Getting to hear how Exchange worked directly from the people who designed, built, and supported it really cemented my understanding. I'm super excited about the return of MEC because it's bringing back that same level of direct connection between Microsoft and Exchange administrators, something that's been missing these last 10 years. Viva MEC!”
Of the 25 MVPs on hand at the conference, 12 delivered session presentations and many MVPs participated in impromptu whiteboard sessions that popped up during breaks. Many sessions were standing room only and conversations continued into the halls and doorways of the convention center.
MEC attendees also had an opportunity to stop by the MVP Award area to meet and network with MVPs, where many had stopped by to sign the MVP attendee board. Industry events like MEC allow MVP Award team members to meet potential new 
MVPs and discuss the program.
“In a year where there are so many new products and features coming from Microsoft it is easy to get distracted,” said Exchange MVP J. Peter Bruzzese. “Having an opportunity to be at a 
conference with a singular focus will really help me concentrate and retain essential changes to the Exchange platform.”
A MEC conference t-shirt called out MVP presenters by name – some attendees took on the challenge of tracking down MVPs and getting their shirt signed by each MVP.