Microsoft heads to Big Easy for convention

REDMOND, Wash., June 12 (UPI) -- Microsoft Corp. said executives and sales personnel plan to introduce buyers to Windows 7 at the annual Worldwide Partner Conference in New Orleans this year.

The conference is geared toward interactions with "the Best Buys of the world down to the mom-and-pop technology companies," said Pam Salzer, senior director of worldwide partner marketing.

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer, Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner and Corporate Vice President of the Worldwide Partner Group Allison Watson will all give keynote speeches, The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune reported Friday.

As many as 7,000 people are expected to turn out for the event.

Former General Electric CEO Jack Welch is also scheduled to speak.

"They really wanted a business leader who had taken a company and led it in tough times," Salzer said.