Blog Post

Community News Desk Blog
12 MIN READ

Event Guide - European Collab Cloud & Biz Apps Summit - Cologne, Germany

HeatherCook's avatar
HeatherCook
Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
Apr 17, 2026

Join Microsoft - May 5-7, 2026, in Cologne, Germany

Microsoft at the European Collaboration Summit 2026- Cologne, Germany | Microsoft Event Guide

Get ready for an exciting experience at theEuropean Collaboration Summit, European AI & Cloud Summit, and European BizApps Summit! Taking place from May 5-7, 2026, in Cologne, Germany. This event gives you the chance to explore over 300 sessions packed with insights on Microsoft 365 products and solutions, AI in business and operations, Microsoft Security and Compliance, Copilot and Agents, Microsoft Viva, SharePoint, Power Platform, Fabric, and so much more. 

The best part? With a small upgrade, your ticket to one conference opens the door to all three! You’ll have the flexibility to attend sessions across all three events, connecting you with even more Microsoft experts and tech enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and network!

The summit will feature pre-conference full-day tutorials led by M365 industry experts on best practices, insights, and implementation across collaboration, AI, Copilot, and more.  

The conference has an incredible speaker lineup with: 

  • 40 top Executives and Product Leaders from Microsoft 
  • 20 Regional Directors 
  • 120 MVP speakers from around the globe with inspiring business and technology keynotes from Marco CasalainaVice President of Products, Microsoft Azure AI, Adam HarmetzVice President of Product, OneDrive and SharePoint, Collaborative Apps & Platforms, Microsoft, and Julie Koesmarno, Principal Group Product Manager, Agent 365, Microsoft on how the future of AI and the age of the Agents is here. Learn how AI can work for your organizations and propel careers forward.

Along with the European Collaboration Summit, two more conferences are co-located: the European AI and Cloud Summit, which focuses on AI, Microsoft Azure, OpenAI, and Cloud Security; and the European BizApps Summit, which centers on the Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft Fabric, Citizen Development, and Low Code/No Code Business Applications. See sessions from all three conferences on the sessions page.

Kicking off on May 4 with pre-conference tutorials, the events all run May 5-7, 2026.​​​​​​​  

 

 

From a grassroots gathering of 200 professionals in 2012 to the largest Microsoft collaboration conference in the world, the European Collaboration Summit is where the future of work comes together. What began as a SharePointfocused event has consistently been ahead of the curve—spotlighting major innovations from SharePoint Server 2013 to the rise of Office 365 and beyond.

Today, with more than 3,000 attendees from across the globe, CollabSummit is a must-attend destination for anyone shaping modern collaboration. Each year, Germany becomes a global hub for CEOs, IT leaders, developers, consultants, makers, and students—coming together to gain practical insights, discover what’s next in Microsoft collaboration technologies, and build connections that last well beyond the event.

At its core, CollabSummit is powered by community: a shared commitment to learning, open knowledgesharing, and inclusive connection. Huge thanks to Adis Jugo, Mustafa Toroman, Waldek Mastykarz, Garry Trinder, Brett Lonsdale, Margit Jugo, and the outstanding teams of volunteers and sponsors who continue to turn this vision into an unforgettable experience. 

101 on the European Collaboration Summit  

What: European Collaboration Summit   

Where: Cologne, Germany 
Cofex Cologne Koelnmesse Halle 1, 50679 Köln, Cologne, Germany 

When: May 5-7, 2026, with Pre-day May 4 

Content: Microsoft presence at the European Collab Summit (ECS) | 3 keynotes | 51 Microsoft Breakout sessions  

Review all sessionstutorials, and speakers. 

Registration: Register today | Use the MICROSOFT15 discount code to save 15% off registration. 

Cost: Learn more about ticket prices 

  • CollabSummit Ticket: €845 (approx. $990 USD) 
  • Included access to the content during the main conference days of European Collaboration Summit on May 6-7, 2026. 
  • ECS All Session Pass: €1385 (approx. $1,624 USD) 
  • Includes access to sessions of European Collaboration Summit, BizApps Summit, and AI&Cloud Summit on May 6-7, 2026. 
  • CollabSummit + Tutorials, May 5-7: €1,485 (approx. $1,741 USD) 
  • Includes access to one of the full-day tutorials on May 5 and to all of the content of the European Collaboration Summit on May 6-7, 2026. 
  • Master Pass, May 5-7: €1,845 (approx. $2,164 USD) 
  • Includes access to ECS Conference + Tutorials + European BizApps & European AI & Cloud Summits 

European Collab Summit Socials: Linkedin.com/showcase/collabsummit

Note: For this guide, we’ll use their main acronym ECS to talk about the event European Collaboration Summit and be clear when highlighting content in either Collab, Cloud or Biz app side of things. 

Microsoft Keynotes 

AI Microsoft Keynote  

Marco Castalaina, Vice President of Products, Microsoft Azure AI 

May 6, 2026 | Confexhall Section 3 

 

AI & Cloud Summit Keynote 

The Age of the Agent: AI That Works for You 

Julie Koesmarno, Principal Group Product Manager, Microsoft 

May 6, 2026 | Confexhall Section 3 

 

Collab Keynote 

The Future of AI is Already Here 

Adam Harmetz, Vice President of PM in the Collaborative Apps & Platforms, Microsoft 

May 7, 2026 | Confexhall Section 3 

 

May 5 Tutorials 

Microsoft 365 Developer Power Class: Copilot and Platform Extensibility | Speaker: Julie Turner, Paolo Pialorsi, Garry Trinder, Vesa Juvonen | May 5, 9:00 AM | Room: Tutorial - A 

Model-Driven Apps for Canvas Apps Developers Powerclass | Speaker: Robin Rosengrün, Luise Freese | May 5, 9:00 AM | Room: Tutorial - Y 

 

Microsoft-led breakout sessions 

Build your own experience by choosing the sessions that matter most to you. Every breakout is packed with impactful product updates, dynamic demos, inspiring customer stories, and practical best practices—plus deep dives into product and solution strategy. You’ll even get a sneak peek at what’s ahead. This is your chance to dive in and get inspired.

You can review each full agenda for  European Collab Summit sessions Plus, use the event mobile app (iOS and Android) to add sessions to your schedule. 

Microsoft-led CollabSummit sessions 

Preparing your organization to fully capitalize on Copilot for Microsoft 365 starts with strong technical readiness. These sessions dive into what it takes to be prepared, sharing the latest insights and best practices. Learn from our experts how to harness AI effectively and unlock the full value of Copilot across your organization. 

 

Wednesday 

 

Thursday 

Microsoft-led AI and Cloud sessions 

Professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses can explore opportunities with Azure, Copilot, and OpenAI, enhancing their knowledge and networking. Attendees will experience demos, discussions, and insights into Microsoft's cloud strategy. The focus is on understanding the impact of cloud adoption and promoting Responsible AI. 

  • LLM evaluations for the rest of us | Speaker: Garry Trinder, Waldek Mastykarz | May 6, 2:20 PM | Room: Confexhall Section 2 
  • Integrating LLMs with Patterns, Cost, and Practical Usage | Speaker: Garry Trinder, Waldek Mastykarz | May 7, 1:30 PM | Room: Confexhall Section 2 

 Microsoft-led BizApps sessions  

Browse these sessions to learn about Power Platform, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Business Apps, Dynamics 365, and Citizen Development. 

 Women in Tech Panel 

Heather Cook and Karuana Gatimu will be hosting a diverse group of women in technology and their allies for an engaging roundtable discussion on the current opportunities and challenges presented by the era of AI. They will explore whether anything has fundamentally changed or if familiar patterns persist. You will leave feeling motivated and empowered to embark on your next endeavors in our dynamic industry. Everyone is encouraged to participate and contribute! 

May 7, 10:20 AM | Room: run.events Stage (Expo) 

 

Expo City 

Expo City is where Microsoft innovation comes to life.

At the heart of CollabSummit, Expo City brings together Microsoft, its partners, and the global community shaping the future of Modern Work. This immersive hub connects Microsoft 365, Copilot, Teams, SharePoint, Viva, Security, Power Platform, and AI in one dynamic space — designed for discovery, conversation, and real-world impact. Attendees engage directly with Microsoft-aligned solutions, explore live demos, and exchange ideas with the people building what’s next.

More than an expo floor, Expo City is the meeting place for the Microsoft ecosystem — where strategy meets execution, partnerships are formed, and innovation moves from vision to reality. 

You have a chance to WIN a Citroen Ami! 

Don't miss the closing ceremony for the drawing for a brand-new Citroen Ami for one lucky attendee. On the final day of ECS 2026, one lucky attendee will win a brand-new Citroën Ami. Not a voucher. The actual car. 

How to participate? 

You need a valid ticket for any of the three conferences (European Collaboration Summit, European AI & Cloud Summit, or European BizApps Summit), and you need to be physically present for the drawing. 

That's it. 

  • No forms, no hoops. Just be there. 
  • The drawing happens live, on stage, at the closing session. You'll want to be in the room. 
  • Fine print: Only attendees are eligible.  
  • Speakers, sponsors, and organizers are excluded. 

Community Panel – description  

So You Want to Run a CollabDays? A Practical Guide to Building Great Community Events  

Presented by: Rodrigo Pinto, Thomas Goelles, Paul Hunt and Thomas Vochen | June 5 at 11:00 AM 

 

 

Thinking about running your own CollabDays? Join Rodrigo Pinto, Enterprise Architect and Microsoft 365 & Azure MVP at Perspective Dragon, Paul Hunt, Global M365 Solutions Designer at Willis Towers and Microsoft MVP, Thomas Goelles, Team Lead for Modern Workplace Solutions at Solvion, and Thomas Vochten, Technology Evangelist and Microsoft MVP as they show you how to make it happen. Learn the essentials—from planning and promotion to speakers, sponsors, and showday execution—plus proven tips for great content, strong partnerships, and inclusive community-building.  

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, you’ll leave with a clear playbook and the confidence to run a successful CollabDays event. 

Microsoft Global Community Initiative at ECS

Coming soon - meet up for MGCI board, regional leads and those who want to join! Learn how to produce local events in your city!
 
AI Competition 

On Wednesday, May 6, on the FutureMakers Stage in the Expo City on Wednesday, May 6, as the AI Competition finalists will present their 5-minute pitch on their AI focused product or solution live on stage. This is your chance to watch the most innovative startups in the AI ecosystem battle it out for first place—walking away with a bronze package for next year's event. You don't want to miss being the first to see the newest innovations from startups around the world.

Microsoft Booth – Experience Overview 

Step into the Microsoft booth and experience AI in action. From a central collaboration hub designed for 1:1 developer conversations and architecture deep dives, to the Microsoft Foundry Information Tower showcasing the Agent Factory and production-ready AI at scale, every space is built for discovery and impact. 

Connect in the Microsoft Lounge for deeper GTM, funding, and acceleration conversations, or gather around the digital engagement screen for live demos, platform storytelling, and walkthroughs that bring Microsoft’s AI vision to life. 

 

Learn more 

Visit CollabSummit.eu and follow the action on X/Twitter: @CollabSummit / #CollabSummit@Microsoft365@MSFTCopilot@SharePoint@OneDrive@MicrosoftTeams@MSPowerPlat@Microsoft365Dev, and @MSFTAdoption. 

 

 

We look forward to connecting in Germany for one of the year’s most career defining collaboration events. The European Collaboration Summit delivers opportunities to engage with industry leaders, explore emerging innovations, and gain practical insights that can accelerate your professional growth. With role aligned sessions, hands on demos, and in-depth discussions on collaboration tools and strategies, the Summit equips you with the knowledge and perspective needed to stay competitive and ahead of industry trends.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity – register today and take advantage of the exclusive discount!

Finally, don't miss the ECS 2025 recap video! Dive into the highlights and get a sneak peek of all the thrilling moments and what makes ECS events unforgettable:  

ECS 2025 Highlights – A Celebration of Collaboration, AI, and Innovation 

 

 

Register today | Note: Use the MICROSOFT15 discount code to save 15% off registration. We can’t wait to see you in Germany, May 5-7, 2026! 

 

Cheers, 

Heather Cook  

Updated Apr 17, 2026
Version 1.0
No CommentsBe the first to comment