Web 2.0 technologies like Twitter have "become table stakes" among members' everyday lives and so it made sense to introduce it in the context of the user groups and Convergence, he said.

Users like Smith will find ample opportunity to network during the 400 sessions planned for the event.

Scores are devoted to each Dynamics product line, as well as Office and related technologies like SharePoint and Office Communications Server. Others focus on BI (business intelligence) and Microsoft's BizTalk Server enterprise service bus.

But Convergence's main speeches and presentations will be heavier on topical matters than hard news, said Craig Dewar, director of marketing, Dynamics.

"There will be some product announcements, but mainly we're focusing on helping customers get more value out of what they're already own," he said.