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Microsoft Global Community Initiative Newsletter (Jan/Feb)

IsidoraKatanic's avatar
IsidoraKatanic
Brass Contributor
Feb 06, 2026

Hi MGCI members!

We have an exciting year ahead of us with many community initiatives around the world. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up next!

MGCI Regional Leader Applications are Now Open!

We are now accepting applications to become a Regional Leader for the Microsoft Community! This is a volunteer leadership role where Regional Leaders share best practices, connect with community regionally and globally and elevate their own game - and others.​ The Microsoft Global Community Initiative (MGCI) empowers Global Microsoft communities with the tools, training, and resources to create impactful events and amplify diverse voices.

**Applications close on Feb 12

#CommunityLuv on Social Media

We’ve been doing a little social‑scrolling lately and loved stumbling across your moments of #CommunityLuv. From personal wins to meetup snapshots to your reflections about 2025, these posts always make us happy. This month, we’re excited to spotlight a fun update from Microsoft MVP Shari L. Oswald, who’s gearing up to lead her first‑ever workshop at the Microsoft 365 Community Conference. She’s bringing some big enthusiasm - and even a special discount code just for you! Check out her announcement on LinkedIn and give her some community cheer. 🎉

From Community to Stage: Women in Microsoft Tech

Looking for amazing women speakers in the Microsoft ecosystem? 💜 The Microsoft Solutions Women in Tech speaker directory on Sessionize is a go‑to resource for community leaders and event organizers. It’s a curated list of talented, knowledgeable women who love sharing their expertise and supporting inclusive tech spaces. Even better - you don’t just have to browse it, you can be part of it. If you’re a woman speaking (or ready to start!) on Microsoft technologies, you can create a profile and get yourself listed too. 👉 Check it out, share it with your network, and help our community grow louder, more diverse, and more connected.

Missed our Events in January?

January 2026 MGCI General Session:

Didn't catch our January 2026 General Session with a Community Overview and AMA or care to watch it again? Check out the recording here.

 

January 2026 Event Training:

The MGCI Event Training on Sponsorships and Sponsors is a must see. If you weren’t able to make it, check it out here.

Congratulations, and welcome new MVPs!

Each month, Microsoft welcomes a selected group of newly awarded Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVP) into the MVP Program. A big congratulations to the newly awarded MVPs in January!

Need Help to Amplify Your Community Event?

If you’re organizing an event and would like to receive some extra support with your marketing activities – the Microsoft Global Community Initiative offers a Social Amplification Submission for your event. Fill out the form for the opportunity to have your event promoted on our community channels (such as LinkedIn, MTC, Newsletter etc.)

Mondays at Microsoft

Mondays at Microsoft hosted by Heather Cook (Microsoft) and Karuana Gatimu (Microsoft) is a bi-weekly show that aggregates new product announcements and upcoming community events to drive technical skilling and engagement. With deep love for the Microsoft community and very actively involved worldwide, Heather and Karuana take us along on their community journeys. Learn more at https://aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoft

 

In the Spotlights: Global AI Community AgentCon

The Global AI Community is traveling around the world with AgentCon events, enabling and connecting developers to learn and build with AI together. This week, Switzerland stands in the spotlights in the pictures below with a Keynote presented by Dona Sarkar (Microsoft Enterprise AI Advocacy). In case you are interested to attend any of the upcoming events, check out all the locations scheduled in 2026!

📸 Dona Sarkar (Microsoft), Isidora Katanic (Experts Inside AG | Microsoft MVP), Jose Luis Latorre (Swiss Life AG | Microsoft MVP), Zaid Zaim (Neo4j | Microsoft MVP)

Discover Community Events in February

There are tons of active communities around the world who are currently working, volunteering, and supporting upcoming events happening next month. We’ve summed up a few of the February events coming up, which you can all find on https://www.communitydays.org – the place to be to find your favorite events!

 

o   M365 MIAMI: February 6 , Miami, FL, USA

o   AICD D365UGME: February 7, Dubai, UAE

o   AICD MAHDIA: February 14, Rejiche, Tunisia

o   Global Power Platform Bootcamp: February 20, virtual from Poland

o   Exchange Summit: February 24-25, Würzburg, Germany

o   Knoxville Microsoft Community Days: February 26-27, Maryville, TN, USA

 

 

Join our next General Session on February 17th

Come join us for engaging, interactive conversations with the Microsoft Global Community Initiative, featuring voices from around the world. Board Members, Microsoft leaders, and guest speakers invite you to participate in open discussions and knowledge sharing this February.

 

📅 February 17th ⏰ 8:10 AM PT - https://aka.ms/MGCIMtgAM

📅 February 17th ⏰ 5:10 PM PT - https://aka.ms/MGCIMtgPM

Join our next Event Training on February 26th

Join MGCI Board Members Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver who host our Monthly Microsoft Global Community Initiative (#MGCI) Event Production Training & Office Hours – and we'd love for you to attend! All are welcome!

 

February’s topic: Run of Show: What to do the day of the event

📅 February 26th ⏰ 8:10 AM PT - https://aka.ms/MGCITrainingMTG

Celebrate 25 years of SharePoint with us!

Join our global digital event on March 2, 2026 as we look back at SharePoint’s most iconic moments - and look ahead to the next chapter powered by AI. Get an exclusive first look at new content AI capabilities and intelligent experiences that will reshape how people create, manage, and collaborate.

Register now: https://aka.ms/spat25
Read the full announcement: https://aka.ms/spat25/blog
Join the celebration: Share your stories and memories with #SPat25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find our MGCI Resources

We have helpful MGCI resources available for you such as PowerPoint decks from our General Sessions, Event Training Sessions & Office Hours and other resources to help you run community events such as checklists, how to create a sponsor plan and more relevant tips & tricks.

Stay connected with MGCI on LinkedIn

With nearly 30.000 followers from around the world, we invite you to follow our Microsoft Community on LinkedIn. Here you can find the latest news, frequent updates, and interactive comments on what’s happening in the community.

 

Sincerely, 

Your Board Officers

Microsoft Global Community Initiative

 

Updated Feb 06, 2026
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