Powering Up People: Growing Tech Communities Through UK Dynamics 365 & Power Platform Groups

This is the second story in the User Group blog series. In this  blog we turn to the UK, home to one of the largest and most active Dynamics 365 and Power Platform communities, to explore how connection and collaboration power lasting growth.

Birmingham UG team, attendees and speakers group photo

The UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups began in the early 2000s when MVP Neil Benson recognized a need for Dynamics CRM users to connect and share experiences. What started as a small gathering has evolved into a national network of 11 user groups with over 9,000 members, guided by an advisory board chaired by MVPs Andrew Bibby and co-chaired by Areti Iles, supported by 24 volunteers—14 of them MVPs.

The group hosts more than 30 free events each year, ranging from local evening meetups in Reading, Birmingham, Manchester, and Newcastle to national all-day events featuring Microsoft roadmap updates, workshops, and panel sessions. Each event offers a space for learning, networking, and mentoring across all skill levels—from new professionals to seasoned consultants.

Right: Panel discussion at the London Evening UG, Left: Members playing ice breaker game

Areti’s own journey as the founder of the Reading User Group in 2023 reflects the heart of this community. Wanting to connect locally, she reached out to the UK UG leadership and soon gathered a small team, including MVPs and local professionals, to launch their first event. It wasn’t without challenges—from finding venues to coping with the 50% no-show rate common in free events—but as Areti notes, “Running a user group is not a one-person undertaking. It needs a community to get going and keep going.”

Left: Reading Attendees networking, Right: Areti and Fraser in action kicking of a UG

The success of the UK User Groups lies not just in the number of events but in the sense of belonging they create. Every detail—from venue accessibility and event timing to speaker collaboration and post-event follow-ups—reflects a shared commitment to inclusion and growth.

Areti highlights several practical lessons:

• Build your team early. Collaboration sustains momentum when challenges arise.
• Engage and appreciate speakers. Promote their sessions, share their stories, and celebrate their efforts.
• Keep communication personal. Send reminders, thank attendees, and make everyone feel seen.
• Make it fun. Add icebreakers, music, or games—community thrives on joy as much as learning.

As Areti reminds us, “This is supposed to be fun. If it starts feeling like a second unpaid job, ask for help!” That spirit of openness and collaboration is what makes the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups a true model for community success.

The UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups prove that thriving tech communities are built through shared purpose and persistence. Whether you’re an experienced architect, an aspiring speaker, or a first-time attendee, your participation helps the community grow stronger.

Join the movement, attend an event, or start your own user group. Visit www.d365ppug.com to get started.

Microsoft session at the London National UG

Stay tuned for the next story in the User Group blog series, where we’ll spotlight another inspiring MVP-led community and the unique ways they’re empowering others through connection and collaboration.

If you missed the first post, check out TechNexus: A Best Practice in Building Passion-Driven Tech User Groups — a look at how a dynamic team in Asia created a model for collaboration and mentorship.

Resources

• Website: d365ppug.com
• Events: Meetup – D365PPUG
• Speaker Form: Join as a Speaker