No geek left behind...

Last week, 4th and 5th of May, 2007, was the IAA (Intel Achievement Award) ceremony held at Arizona Biltmore Resorts and Spa, Phoenix. I was nominated by Tom (thanks) as one of 9 from our team who indeed won the award. My ASU friend Chety (Chetan Prasad) was also one of the 261 awardees. It was an honour to be part of this commemoration -- I knew I would be stading beside some of the top minds in the company.



Bharat and I hopped on a US Airways flight to Phoenix. There were a pack of people from Intel and the rest going back home. The flight was full and I had to sit on my luggage. As we landed, I could spot the yellow "A" far away. Sun Devils Stadium was empty. I had my GPS guide me to the resort, which is only a few miles from the airport. The actual resort is a mile away from the gates. As we drove in our SUV, we spotted an estate on sale for $20,000,000. Unless the house was built with $ bills, I can't imagine a house in AZ at that price. We checked into the resort which is completely built on the Aztec architecture. We were immediately greeted w/ cocktails and guided to the Aztec room for a reception.

In the Aztec room, there was a camera crew and we were loaded with gifts just for showing up -- a digital photo frame. Nice. The camera crew were shooting the "multiply your groove" video (the latest Intel Ad) with you dancing. I had to go and shake it a bit. Bharat and Terry chickened out but they'd do it later. I had no idea they were collaging for a short entertainment during the ceremony. Guess what -- I was on the big-screen that evening and Chety had to come around from his table and giggle next to me. After some groovy dancing, I checked into my room which was splendid. Spent some time in the fantastic lobby sipping Whiskey Sour with Bharat, Terry and family. Later, in the evening, all 9 met at a nice Italian restaurant, Tomaso's -- thanks to Bob for organizing this.

Next day, I drove upto Charlie and Chitra's place and met with their newborn son, Arya. Played with him a little bit, met the other Karthik and drove back for the big event. On the way, I made the obligatory stop at ASU bookstore and picked up some memorabilia. Clad in my suit I went to the join the team for the evening. I registered myself at the Grand Ballroom. I found my team mates, each one toting a camera. It was picture festival. I saw everyone out there from Paul to myself :-). After grabbing gin-n-tonic, it was time to socialize. We took pictures with Tom McDonald and Dyane Bryant, the DEG heads. Our group photo was officially taken. We then spotted Paul Otellini chatting with someone and as soon as we got a break, I introduced myself and shook hands with him. He congratualted and thanked. I also met with atleast one of the CPU architects that I had worked with, who infact was dressed up like a magician -- which he is. Chetan came around with his wife and found me. He looked completely different and it took me a moment to place him.

After reception at the lawn, we headed to the Arizona Biltmore Ballroom. The setting was mind-boggling. 4 bigscreens on all corners, dining tables well arranged, camera crew all over the place.. indeed like an academy award ceremony -- only difference is you get to eat while being entertained. Larry Schoop opened the evening with the video of "Mutliply your possibilities" featuring all the people who thought they could dance well, including me. Later Paul gave his speech. The awards were announced by representing managers, Tom McDonald for us. On the big-screens, the big-guys would describe the reason for the award before it was presented. Dinner was served, followed by dessert. Pat Gelsinger (CTO, Intel) came around to speak to each one of us. We had a short conversation. There was this group called Alley Cats who would come and entertain between awards. They were funny.

At the Gold Room was dancing and desserts. The Grand Ballroom was used to showcase "Gallery of Honor" where they had these pillars for each set of people that won the award. We spent the rest of the evening in the Gold Room and the Aztec room spending time dancing for the "Multiply your groove video". I also ended up getting interviewed by our internal correspondent and all of it actually ended up in our intranet news website two days later.

On May 6th, I headed back home very pleased. Anu missed it all and I missed her.