In October 2001I was recognized by Microsoft for my efforts as a beta tester and participation in the Expert Associate Program, receiving MVP status for 2001/2002.

This status is not earned by completing certain tasks or achieving scores on tests, an MVP recipient is nominated by Microsoft employees and MVPs. As an MVP recipient, I was invited to the 2001/2002 MVP Summit in Redmond, WA to become personally acquainted with the other MVPs and some Microsoft employees. Among the guest speakers for the Summit was Bill Gates.

The whole experience of actually visiting the Microsoft Campus was phenomenal.  The sheer size alone left me in awe and I had to take this photo op just to say, "I was there".

Now don't misunderstand anything at this point.  I did say that Bill Gates was the keynote speaker, and yes, I did manage to get a shot or two of him as well.