The first stop on my Road Trip was hosting a panel at the TieCon 2006 Conference held at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Maybe I hoped it would bring me good karma, but since it was the site of my first big technology presentation, more than 12 years ago, I figured it would be good for my soul. Plus, I had to come to the Bay Area for four nights of a company conference, so it seemed cost efficient.

The panel was really good. We talked about “stories from the front lines” of media convergence. We were one of the last panels of the day, but had good flow and good energy. Folks I know from Grouper and Akimbo were on the panel and they shared interesting tidbits that should be of value to those looking to start in the media business.

I found the conference interesting in that it’s a giant VC-start up matchmaking event. You could just smell the money changing hands.

So, right about now, I feel like a bad rock act on tour: Six plane rides, five cities, five hotels, etc… On a newly restricted diet, the challenges are somewhere between ridiculous and impossible. But, luckily for me, in Northern California, there are places like Draeger’s, gourmet supermarkets that go the extra mile with freshly baked items (sourdough, my life saver), salad bar, olive bar, soup bar, etc.. Being in a hotel with its own kitchen will get me through the next few days.

By the way, Google Map’s (formerly Google Local) gave me the wrong directions from my hotel to the Draeger’s in Los Altos. It was big enough to see from the main highway, so I was safe, otherwise I might be halfway to Half Moon Bay. Speaking of Draeger’s, Mike has always talked about the big Draeger’s in San Mateo. Could be worth a trip later after my work event.