Microsoft PDC 2011: Seattle or bust?

I've mentioned previously that I've heard from various contacts of mine that Microsoft will hold another Professional Developers Conference (PDC) this year, most likely in September.

Now there's new evidence -- courtesy of the Microsoft India Web site -- that this year's PDC will be in Seattle again, as last year's was. A contest for the best new Windows Azure applications will reward the top six creators all-expenses-paid trips to the PDC 2011 in Seattle, according to the Web site. Microsoft has yet to announce officially if and when it plans to hold PDC this year. I'd guess the lack of information is related to Windows 8, something else the Softies still have said nothing about officially. I've noted that there's been speculation that Microsoft is planning to deliver a first test build of Windows 8 at this year's PDC.

The PDC is held regularly, though not annually. The target audience is professional developers and software architects who build for Microsoft's various platforms, including Windows, Windows Azure and Windows Phone. In the past few years, Microsoft has held PDCs in 2003 (Los Angeles), 2005 (Los Angeles), 2008 (Los Angeles), 2009 (Los Angeles) and 2010 (Seattle). The planned 2007 PDC was cancelled.

Back to the Azure developers contest with the PDC 2011 prize. It's open to amateur and professional developers. Registrations must be completed by April 15, and entries must be received by April 30. Winners are slated to be announced by July 31, 2011.

I've asked Microsoft officials again for dates and the location of this year's expected PDC. No word back so far. If/when I hear back, I'll update this post.

Update: "Sorry, not commenting," a Microsoft spokesperson responded to my inquiry via e-mail.