So my new job has had me scrounging the web for “Electrical Engineering for Dumbasses” and anything else that would get me up to speed on the what, when, where, how and why of computer power supplies all last week. This week had me melting at a small event held at the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix (you know, of Frank Lloyd Wright fame). [Note to Tim: Sorry I didn’t get in touch, as I pretty much correctly guessed that this was an all day, all night type of event. As a consolation prize, a free drinks tip for ya: if you find yourself in the neighborhood of the Biltmore between 5-7pm, head over to the Embassy Suites.]

RetailVision has been a strange experience. Despite it being tech-oriented, and it otherwise being a natural show for previous employers, I had never heard of it before - nor did I know what to expect. Good news: It’s the only show that I’ve ever been to where drinking is on the menu (and expected) during show hours. Bad news: It’s also the only show I’ve been to where a business partner got food poisoning and a co-worker broke his leg. I was originally going to fly home alone while he and the Director of Sales play golf tomorrow, but he changed his flight so I can help him on the way home. So needless to say, tomorrow will be interesting…

Tonight was the big night of the event - awards ceremony, fancy-schmancy dinner and crazy after-party. As part of the entertainment of the dinner/ceremony, they had the lead from “Movin’ Out” with (basically) Billy Joel’s band. Initially, I must admit, I felt sorry for the Tobey Maguire look-a-like (think Peter Parker). I mean, you’re there playing with some world-class musicians (hey, they’re good enough for Billy) in what seems to be the most elaborate and authentic cover band of all time. What about his turn? His songs? His aspirations?

While these questions are certainly still wide open for pondering, I have to say that this kid ROCKED. Voice was pretty much dead-on, his mastery of Joelian piano truly amazing and he’s a gifted entertainer. Surprisingly good show.

Now if I could just shake the mild melancholy from the realization that while I wasn’t 100% the target audience (which would’ve enabled me to enjoy everything at a respectable distance), I was damn frickin’ close. That and the image of middle-aged nerds and 300-lb midwestern soccer-moms shakin’ their groove thang to some of “The Piano Man’s” greatest hits that have been forever etched into my memory. Perhaps it is time for a beer. Or a case…