I’m headed to Austin, TX next week for DellWorld 2013, courtesy of Dell and the wonderful folks at DellTechCenter.com. Apparently I’ve been helpful and vocal enough about Dell servers, desktops and support on Twitter and other places that they are calling me an “influencer” again this year.

As part of that, I’m required to state that Dell flew me in to Austin for #DellWorld2013. And paid for my hotel. And my food. So, the things that I mention here over the next few days have been influenced by this, though I’ll try really hard to be honest and clear about everything I see.

The week is starting Tuesday evening with BBQ and beer at a (non-Dell) event at Salt Lick BBQ, organized by the awesome CiscoServerGeek. And it sounds like transportation will be provided by Dell Data Protection and Gina Minks.

Wednesday includes a Dell Tech Center Users Group meeting where a couple of my fellow RockStars will be presenting some of their work to our peers. And then Wednesday evening is the opening event for DellWorld 2013 with Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater, with Camp Freddy returning for a second year. I’ll be bringing ear plugs this year. Probably a Harbor Freight package to share.

Thursday is the beginning of the full conference, with breakout sessions and keynotes with Michael Dell, Elon Musk and Jeff Clarke. And Thursday evening is the DellTechCenter RockStar event.

Friday has breakout sessions and ends with a keynote speaker yet to be announced.

Saturday I fly back, it’s going to be a whirlwind week, I think.