When planning a community event, we have some common To-Dos, such as event schedule, agenda, speaker recruitment, promotion, and so on. In terms of event format, online streaming has been widely known as a useful tool that enables organizers to host an online event and for attendees to join the digital event anytime and anywhere. On the other hand, hosting an in-person event requires additional processes both for organizers and attendees, for example, organizers need to find an event venue during the planning phase and help attendees on the event day, and attendees need to go to the event venue physically. Another event format is the hybrid event that gives attendees two options to join the event either at the venue or in a virtual space. The more community members have choice, the more required processes are needed for organizers. People often prefer the easier option, but there is an obvious reason why community leaders voluntary work hard for community members.
This post is a story from Kazakhstan about how Data Platform MVP Catherine Rekhert and local speakers organized a successful one-day hybrid Azure AI Day event with tremendous efforts.
Catherine who led the preparation and execution summarizes this event, “A lot of factors make this event special. This was the first Azure AI Day in Kazakhstan and one of the first in person events after the pandemic (everybody missed them, but we also had a live broadcast via YouTube for online attendees)” and looks back at her role as an organizer, “We did not have any budgeting/sponsorship for this event, only gifts (which was huge) - so finding a free place and a team of volunteers was another role of mine.”
Five speakers including Microsoft MVPs and top Azure experts shared their unique experiences and knowledge on the application of Azure services. Catherine says, “Attendees asked a lot of questions and made discoveries about what Azure AI had to offer.” One of the speakers, Alexey Lee, said “I like to share knowledge with others. And I like Azure Kubernetes and microarchitecture services.” According to him, attendees provided positive feedback about his session, and he expects further opportunity to talk about different architectural examples.
Another unique feature of this event was that people had a chance to complete a workshop before the event. By completing the workshop, they not only were getting new skills and knowledge that made them more engaged at the event, but they also received a gift that had a Microsoft logo on it. AI MVP Alibek Jakupov designed two workshops on AI and successfully provided additional learning experiences to attendees. He says “Conferences like Azure AI day are an excellent way for the Kazakhstani IT industry to come together and find solutions to common challenges that benefit the whole industry. The networking and exchange of ideas that conferences facilitate help to move companies and industries in Kazakhstan forward. Moreover, there is a massive difference between connecting with someone online and in person. Attendees introduce themselves to speakers for an acquaintance. This is a great opportunity to expand our circles of influence. When you help others, you are also getting helped. Finally, the more you keep speaking; the more ideas you generate as you research more for your speech. When you have practical exposure to other people in your industry, you learn more about the challenges they face.”
Microsoft Kazakhstan team supported this event and pitched in with gift takeaways The Country Manager of Microsoft Kazakhstan, Sergey Leschenko, describes this event, “The room was full, there were no places to sit. There were great practical presentations of IT leaders and architects from our customers – leaders of local digital business. Speakers presented very deep, practical & inspiring aspects of Microsoft technology in business of their companies, their personal career, and their leadership. Audience asked very sharp and open questions – incl choosing between competitors, being dependent on single vendor, and speakers answered very sincere, professionally and polite. I was surprised to see extended team from our local customers’ speakers. We were happy to meet there as friends at a party. Everyone was happy about organization.”
Sergey explains, “My role as Country Manager is to bring together Microsoft technology & community – those who use this technology. MVPs are living their life as leaders of local communities, building and developing them. MVPs and their communities are focal points where great Microsoft technologies meet our great customers.” Besides, Alibek says his presentation was a success and mentions his achievements gained through this opportunity. “We've enlarged our business circle and developed new relationships. The presentation also allowed us to increase our personal visibility and that of our company. We've also gained personal connections such as emails and names, with well-connected folks in the industry, as well as potential partners.”
Hybrid events became one of the best ways that works for reaching out to diverse offline and online attendees as many as possible, inviting them to a ‘passion-driven’ learning initiative, connecting each other to improve their business and make a better society with Microsoft technologies. This Azure AI Day event worked as the place where Catherine and speakers demonstrated the power of MVP and community as well as their dedication to help local community members.
This is a message from Sergey to MVPs and communities who love Microsoft Azure and AI:
“Thank you so very much for your leadership and growth culture! You provided implicit learning examples for us, our customers, partners, and communities.”
