MVPs Denny Cherry (SQL Server), Ed Webb (XBOX 360) and Me (Zune)

I have to say that I'm blown away. 

The #MSMVP event that was held this past Saturday, July 31st went quite swimmingly. 31 attendees (that doesn't include participating MVPs and special guests) were on hand at the Mission Viejo Microsoft Store (the theatre area, located in the back) to get insider knowledge from some MVPs on-hand.

I (representing Zune), Ed Webb (representing XBOX 360) and Denny Cherry (representing SQL Server) came out to share knowledge with the attendees and employees alike. One of my good friends, Seeson Mahathavorn (XBOX Ambassador) also participated and became event photographer.

We were also blessed with the arrival of Lynn Langit and Daniel Egan, who are two Microsoft Developer Evangelists based out of Southern California. Daniel provided attendees and employees with an inside look at Windows Phone 7 (which needless to say was one of the hits of the event).

Special thanks to Lynn Langit and Daniel Egan for their attendance

Prizes included complete Zune HD Power User packages!

Attendees were also treated to a raffle that gave away various prizes from XBOX and Zune. Ed was also kind enough to offer some custom XBOX 360 faceplates as part of the prizes. In order to obtain tickets, attendees had to interact with the MVPs -- either by picking our brains, or kicking our butts at trivia or stumping our knowledge.

Attendees were treated to a demonstration of Windows Phone 7

Edward Webb brought a sampling of his custom XBOX 360 faceplates

Everyone had a great time and I'm glad that this went well for a first time event. There's already rumblings that this event could take place at the Microsoft Store in AZ. With four stores already open and 3 more on the way, I would hope that at some point, throughout the year, events like the #MSMVP Meet-and-Greet would happen so that more MVPs can chat with the community and share what they know.

Many thanks to those who helped me before, during and after the event (you all know who you are!) I'm deeply grateful for the assistance. I think this event was a fantastic way for Inside the Circle to conclude its month long celebration because it basically embodied what we're about. Fun! Friends! Community! Sharing!

If you want to see some more pictures from the event, click here to visit Inside the Circle's Facebook page.

Many thanks to Seeson Mahathavorn, from 360 Junkies for taking the photos!