I'm returning to the US this week after spending more than a year in Asia. I'm pessimistic about many things, as I recently explained in a separate article.

But let's talk about the rays of light in today's grim global greyness. Let's talk about Cloud Expo.

I don't know much, but I do know that Cloud Expo 2011 New York (at New York's Javits Center June 6-9) presents a golden opportunity for IT managers and executives to see what's on display, listen to the whys and hows of Cloud, and network with their colleagues. I would never underestimate the power of such networking.

Say what you will about virtual events: they do save money. But I think you get what you pay for with them. A virtual event is virtual in the human sense of "not really," rather than virtual in the IT-centric sense of "in effect."

The opportunity to compare notes with one's colleagues, do a reality check, and maybe have a Mojito or two has tremendous value, even if you can't put a price on it.

Cloud Expo New York will have thousands of delegates, has a couple dozen major sponsors, has assembled an amazing 100 exhibitors, and a four-day, multi-track conference with an all-star conference faculty that has no equal in the world.

Hope to see you there.