Transforming Communities: The AI Revolution at Power 365

On October 17, 2024, Lille became a hub of inspiration and innovation as Power 365, now in its fifth year, gathered 120 attendees from France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Co-organized by MVP Amélie Plockyn and former MVP Guillaume Gaudfroy, the event attracted experts and enthusiasts from the Power Platform, Power BI, and broader Microsoft community, aiming to make Lille a key destination for digital transformation in Europe. With themes ranging from artificial intelligence to Power BI, Power 365 delivered an enriching experience that expanded both community and knowledge.

This year, artificial intelligence took center stage. Amélie Plockyn invited renowned French tech journalist François Sorel to lead a keynote and round table on AI's integration into everyday workflows and businesses. For many attendees, this was a unique opportunity to engage directly with François Sorel, often a familiar voice on the radio or TV, but never before accessible in person. His insights sparked discussions on AI’s real-world implications, helping attendees approach AI with a practical, step-by-step mindset.

MVPs Isabelle Van Campenhoudt and MVP Jean-Pierre Riehl delivering their session

A standout session led by speakers Isabelle Van Campenhoudt and Jean-Pierre Riehl demonstrated the integration of AI into Power BI through Copilot. By sharing over 40 years of combined experience in business intelligence, they highlighted the transformative impact of AI on data analysis and report generation. For attendees, learning how to use Copilot to enhance data insights and make informed decisions was an exciting glimpse into the future of BI. As Isabelle noted, understanding “how to prompt” and staying agile in this evolving landscape were key takeaways for everyone.

The event also reflected the organizers' commitment to ongoing community engagement. Beyond the annual event, Power 365 will host more meetups and expand to Belgium in 2025, enhancing cross-border collaboration and access to Microsoft knowledge. Through regular LinkedIn updates, newsletters, and Amélie’s active social media presence, Power 365 is creating a network that transcends the event itself, offering community members resources and a space to connect year-round.

For Amélie and her team, organizing Power 365 is a labor of love. From the attendees’ enthusiasm to the wealth of shared knowledge, this year’s event left her inspired to keep building community connections. As the lights dimmed on Power 365 in Lille, one thing was clear: this community is more than just a gathering; it’s a catalyst for growth and innovation, empowering professionals across borders to drive transformation in the digital age.