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Modern Endpoint Management Summit 2026: A Global Celebration of the MVP Community

CristinaGonzalezHerrero — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:43:44 GMT

A Truly Global and Community-Driven Event

The Modern Endpoint Management Summit 2026 brought together one of the most engaged and technically advanced communities in the Microsoft ecosystem for three days of deep learning, collaboration, and innovation.

Hosted this year at the iconic Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Paris, the event marked a new milestone in both scale and impact—reinforcing its position as a premier global gathering for endpoint management professionals.

The 2026 edition welcomed over 650 participants from 40 countries, creating a vibrant and diverse environment for knowledge sharing and networking. Over three full days, attendees could choose from more than 100 sessions delivered by over 60 expert speakers.

The organizing team included Microsoft MVPs Angel Garcia, Mattias Melkersen, Nicklas Ahlberg, Florian Salzmann, Joost Gelijsteen, and Peter Klapwijk, who paid close attention to every detail to ensure attendees felt welcome and could enjoy the conference from start to finish.

What makes this event particularly special for the MVP Program is that most speakers were Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals, representing key technical areas including Microsoft Intune, Security, and Microsoft 365. Their contributions showcased not only deep product expertise but also the strong culture of community leadership and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing that defines the MVP Program.

Strong Microsoft Engagement

Microsoft’s presence at the Summit was equally remarkable. More than 20 Microsoft speakers and engineers participated in the event, with many traveling from Redmond alongside teams from across EMEA and France.

Throughout the three days, the Microsoft booth was consistently one of the most visited areas of the Summit. Staffed by a global mix of corporate teams, the booth became a hub for discussions, product feedback, and real-time collaboration between engineers and the community. In addition, several daily focus groups were conducted with customers and community members, providing valuable insights directly to the Intune product teams.

This level of engagement highlights the importance of events like this in strengthening the feedback loop between Microsoft and its communities.

Memorable Keynotes and Thought Leadership

One of the standout moments of the Summit was a truly memorable keynote by Jeffrey Snover, creator of PowerShell and former Microsoft Technical Fellow. His session left a strong impression on attendees and was widely regarded as one of the most impactful highlights of the event.

The momentum continued with another powerful keynote delivered by Sangee Visweswaran and Lior Bela from Microsoft, offering strategic perspectives and insights into the future of endpoint management and the broader Microsoft ecosystem.

Together, these sessions provided both inspiration and direction, complementing the highly technical content delivered throughout the conference.

Exceptional Quality and Community Impact

Despite the scale of the event, the overall quality of sessions remained exceptionally high. Attendee feedback reflects this clearly, with an average session rating of 4.7 out of 5—a remarkable achievement given the volume and diversity of content offered.

This level of satisfaction is a testament to the dedication of the speakers, organizers, and the broader community, and it reinforces the value of MVP-led events in delivering high-impact technical learning experiences.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Another highlight of this year’s Summit was the move to a new venue. The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, one of Paris’s most iconic conference centers, provided an outstanding setting that elevated the overall attendee experience. The success of the venue has already been confirmed, with plans to return in 2027.

Following the success of this year’s edition, preparations are already underway for the next Summit, which will take place from April 14 to April 16, 2027.

Want to Learn More About the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn or #mvpbuzz.

Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the MVP program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes - with time for questions, examples, and real conversations.

MVPs show up for M365 Community Conference

BetsyWeber — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 19:53:21 GMT

Microsoft 365 Community Conference 2026 brought together technologists, community leaders, builders, admins, architects, and product teams for three days of learning and connection in Orlando, Florida. Across the event, Microsoft MVPs helped make the experience practical, welcoming, and community-powered. They led sessions, answered questions, supported demos, sparked hallway conversations, and created moments of belonging that extended well beyond the agenda. For anyone curious about becoming an MVP, the conference offered a clear reminder: community impact often starts by showing up, sharing generously, and helping others grow.

“Seeing so many fellow MVPs… sharing knowledge, leading sessions, answering questions, recording podcasts, building connections, and making the whole event better was something else.” - MVP Diego Domingos da Silva

AMA about the Microsoft MVP Program breakfast at the M365 Community Conference. (left to right) Betsy Weber (Microsoft),Diego Domingos da Silva (MVP), Norm Young (MVP),Rachel Sullivan(MVP)

MVPs at the Center of the Community

At the conference, MVP participation was visible everywhere - from keynote moments and technical sessions to meetups, podcasts, booth conversations, and peer support. More than 60 MVPs participated as speakers, representing communities from the US, Canada, Italy, the UK, Germany, Austria, Norway, Portugal, Denmark, Belgium, and Finland. MVPs also delivered all 14 pre-conference workshops and led more than 65 sessions across the week, bringing trusted, real-world expertise to topics including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Graph, governance, compliance, accessibility, Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft Dataverse, neurodiversity, and women in tech.

That practical depth came through especially in the pre-conference workshops. MVP Galen Keene approached his hands-on Copilot workshop with a high bar: attendees invested a full day, and he wanted them to leave with far more than a slide deck. His workshop focused on the real-world work of preparing an enterprise for Copilot, including secure-by-default deployment, gotchas, hard-won lessons, and practical assets attendees could use immediately when they returned to the office. For Galen, the most rewarding part was that the workshop became less of a presentation and more of a conversation, shaped by real environments, real challenges, and a shared commitment to helping each other do the work well.

“I wanted attendees to leave my workshop feeling like they invested a day and walked away with a month’s worth of value.” - MVP Galen Keene

Some moments showed the unique bridge MVPs create between Microsoft and the broader technical community. MVPs Susan Hanley and Laura Rogers joined Microsoft President of Collaborative Apps and Platforms, Jeff Teper, on stage, helping connect product vision with practitioner perspective. For Susan, the conversation was a meaningful reminder of how deeply her career has been tied to SharePoint and how long she has been part of the SharePoint community, even before becoming an MVP. It also reinforced the role MVPs play in representing community experience, sharing product feedback, and helping others get more from the technologies they use every day.

“SharePoint wouldn’t be SharePoint without the community – not just MVPs, but all of us who use the product, share what we learn, and tell Microsoft what works and what doesn’t!” - MVP Susan Hanley

SharePint Mixer at the M365 Community Conference. (Left to right) Jonathan Weaver (MVP), Bryan Wofford (Microsoft), Charles Lakes II (MVP), Rachel Sullivan (MVP)

MVP Charles Lakes II brought that same spirit to his Dataverse session, using the stage to demystify low-code and help attendees see what was possible. His message was clear: Dataverse is not something to fear, but a tool that can help people reimagine existing solutions and build with more confidence. For Charles, speaking as an MVP was also an opportunity to inspire future MVPs by sharing the lessons he had learned from the community that helped him grow early in his career. He knew the session had landed when he could see attendees connecting the dots, and when follow-up conversations turned into ideas for rebuilding solutions with Dataverse.

“Dataverse isn’t scary, it’s here to help.” - MVP Charles Lakes II

When Community Is Worth the Journey

That commitment to community also showed up in the distance MVPs traveled to be there. MVP Toni Pohl traveled from Austria to Orlando, roughly 5,400 miles one way, to deliver a workshop and connect with the Microsoft 365 community in person. For Toni, the value of the conference came from its unique mix of learning, inspiration, and genuine human connection. The travel felt worth it because the event created space to meet the community face-to-face, exchange experiences, and turn shared ideas into practical knowledge. MVP and RD Ståle Hansen brought that same global commitment, traveling thousands of miles from Norway to speak at the conference and share practical field experience on Copilot adoption. For Ståle, part of what makes Microsoft 365 Community Conference meaningful is the strong Microsoft product group presence, paired with the opportunity for community experts to bring real-world adoption lessons to the stage.

“Being together with this community in person reminded me that we move faster when we learn together.” - MVP Toni Pohl

MVP Eric Marsi brought a different kind of community experience with him - literally - driving his podcast studio more than 2,200 miles roundtrip from Ohio to Orlando. For Eric, the goal was to add something attendees might not typically see at a large conference and to create a space where speakers and community members could be themselves, focus on their message, and not worry about the technology.

“What I like about the M365 Conference is the strong Microsoft product group presence to discuss the latest new, and it is an honor to be invited to share my own practical experiences from the field on Copilot adoption as a speaker.” - MVP and RD Ståle Hansen

There were also deeply human moments. Heather Cook partnered with MVP Diego Domingos da Silva on a new LGBTQ+ meetup, helping create space for identity-based connection, inclusion, and belonging alongside technical learning. For Diego, speaking at community events is also about making the experience more welcoming and less intimidating for others, especially for people who are still finding their place in the community. As MVP and RD Sharon Weaver reflected from the front row of the keynote, the experience felt both personal and communal: “Grateful for the journey. Grateful for the people. Grateful and excited for what’s ahead.”

MVP Eric Marsi's Podcast Studio (photo by MVP Mark Kashman)

How MVP Voices Shape the Community

MVPs helped define the tone of Microsoft 365 Community Conference by turning announcements and product strategy into practical, scenario-based guidance attendees could take back to their organizations. Their impact was not limited to formal sessions. They were active in the hallway track, at the Microsoft booth, in meetups, at meals, and in follow-up conversations where attendees could ask candid questions and get grounded advice from people using Microsoft technologies every day. Galen's workshop showed how MVP-led learning can go beyond theory by giving attendees hands-on guidance, practical tools, and space to work through real enterprise challenges together. Charles described the value of MVP-led sessions as helping the community better grasp practical applications, not just theory, especially when speakers share real-world experiences and lessons learned. MVP Heather Severino echoed that point, noting that when MVPs share real-world experience on stage, they help the community build practical skills on emerging Microsoft technologies and understand what is new, changing, and worth adopting. As Copilot continues to evolve quickly, she emphasized, MVPs play a vital role in helping the community apply adoption best practices with ease. Eric's podcast room extended that impact by helping people with smaller individual reach tap into the broader Microsoft Community audience, while giving speakers a simple way to create live, authentic content that showed what the community can do together.

“I wanted speakers and community members to have a place where they could be themselves, not worry about the technology, and show what they were truly capable of.” - MVP Eric Marsi

Their presence also made the event more approachable for people exploring the MVP path. Through AMA-style conversations about the MVP Program, community storytelling, and informal mentoring, attendees could see that MVP recognition is not about having all the answers. It is about sharing knowledge, creating inclusive spaces, supporting peers, and contributing consistently in ways that help others succeed. Toni's journey from Austria underscored how far MVPs are willing to go to learn together, exchange practical knowledge, and strengthen the global Microsoft 365 community. Susan described the relationship between Microsoft and the community as one built on listening, mutual respect, and shared outcomes, noting that MVPs help shape the products Microsoft creates while also helping the community get the most out of those products. Diego's reflections reinforced that same responsibility: MVPs do more than teach features or explain platform decisions. They share real lessons, hard-earned advice, and practical encouragement that helps others feel less alone in the work. When MVPs show up at events like this, they do more than fill sessions - they create momentum, deepen relationships, and help Microsoft feel more connected to the communities it serves.

Celebrating 25 Years of SharePoint panel discussion (left to right): Heather Cook (Microsoft), Adam Harmetz (Microsoft), Laura Rogers (MVP), Jeff Teper (Microsoft), Susan Hanley (MVP), Karuana Gatimu (Microsoft)

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are a developer, engineer, IT pro, community organizer, or technologist wondering whether the Microsoft MVP path might be for you, let this be encouragement to keep showing up. Share what you know. Ask questions. Welcome someone new. Lead a session, write a post, mentor a peer, or help make a technical space more inclusive. Community grows through everyday contributions, and those contributions make a difference. Learn more about the next Microsoft 365 Community Conference 2027 in Las Vegas and consider how you might help your own community learn, connect, and grow.

Want to learn more about the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn.

Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor, where we walk through what the MVP Program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you are already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes - with time for questions, examples, and real conversations.

From Uncertainty to Community: Yanina’s Path to Microsoft MVP

alicepiras — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:19:16 GMT

By Guest Blogger: Yanina Ariadna Cohen Yolde

It Wasn’t Luck. It Was Decisions. When one door closes, a decision begins

When the company where I had worked for 10 years suddenly closed its doors and left the country, I was devastated. I had stability. I was learning. I liked what I was doing. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I had been living inside my comfort zone. What felt like a cold shock at first was also the beginning of a new opportunity, one I could step into if I was willing to take on the challenge.

In the middle of the shock of losing my job, I updated my résumé and started thinking about how to make myself valuable to the market.

Years earlier, during a course, I had learned a concept that stayed with me: employability. Each of us is responsible for our own employability. I needed to become someone companies would want to hire.

Suddenly, many possibilities appeared.

Yanina inspiring the audience at "El futuro está entre nosotros"

Until that moment, work had simply been a way to support my family, to have a roof over our heads, food on the table, and make it to the end of the month.

For the first time in my life, I asked myself a different

question: What do I actually want to do every day?

Discovering what had always been there

While updating my LinkedIn profile, I gained access to LinkedIn Learning. It became the perfect place to start updating my professional profile. That’s when I found a Power BI course by MVP Ana María Bisbe. I discovered a tool that fascinated me. But I also discovered something else: the work I had been doing for years was already data analysis; it just had a different job title (commercial planning).

At that moment, everything clicked.

This was what I enjoyed. This was what energized me. This was what I wanted to do.

For the first time, I truly believed it was possible to build a career around something I was passionate about. I took every Power BI and Business Intelligence course I could find. I updated my CV. All I needed was one opportunity.

That opportunity arrived a few months later. A company gave me a chance, not only because of technical skills, but because they valued my soft skills, my attitude toward challenges, and my ability to adapt.

And just like that, I officially became a Data Analyst, working with the tool that had inspired me from the very beginning. It felt like my opportunity.

The power of community

Yanina speaking on stage at "Data Aventura Training Day" at Microsoft offices

In my previous job, there was someone who taught me somehing that shaped the way I see knowledge today.

Sharing knowledge helps people grow.

He was the person who taught me my first VLOOKUP in Excel, my first SUMIFS, and how to build pivot tables.

With Gustavo Berretta I learned that when we share knowledge, we create opportunities for others.

A part of my community mindset started there.

When I started my new job, the first weeks were wonderful. Everything felt exciting, until I faced my first real-world data problem.

And no course really prepares you for that.

I was facing a database with no documentation, questionable structure, undefined business questions, and extremely messy data.

I had no idea how to move forward. That’s when the community appeared.

People who were more experienced started helping me, reviewing projects, answering questions that were blocking my progress, and teaching me the things I needed to learn next: advanced DAX, complex data models, semantic models, SQL, and much more.

I remember one meeting where we were exploring a table and I couldn’t solve something very basic. Deyvit Jeri said something that stayed with me: "You can’t be working with these tools and not know the fundamentals."

It was a wake-up call.

I had focused so much on delivering projects that I had stopped investing in my technical foundations. Partly because I didn’t want to disappoint Dey, and partly because I wanted to prove to myself that I wouldn’t settle for shallow knowledge, I committed to learning even more.

Weekends and vacations became study time.

That decision helped me grow technically, professionally, and personally, and it made me appreciate even more the value of community.

Many of those people are still by my side today. And now, together, we help those who are just starting.

In some way, it’s our way of supporting the Yanina I once was — the one just beginning to take her first steps in BI.

Helping beginners. Sharing knowledge. Watching people smile when they solve something they once thought was impossible.

That’s what makes this journey meaningful.

Inspiring students and young professionals at "Data Aventura Summit", University of Buenos Aires

A community that lifts others

I’m grateful that I crossed paths with the right people along the way. And surprisingly, today I’m even grateful for being pushed out of my comfort zone.

My desire to share what I was learning, to keep growing, and to build community started inspiring curiosity in others. Without even realizing it, that path eventually led me to becoming a Microsoft MVP.

Thanks to MVP Walter Calcagno, who saw something in me, guided me, and constantly reminds me of something simple but powerful: When we share, we all grow.

Felices los Datos

Today, together with Paula Bria, we support people who are starting their journey through Felices los Datos, a community where we laugh, learn, and grow alongside experts who believe in democratizing knowledge. We are also part of DataLatina, a community that promotes and supports women in technology and data, creating spaces where more women can step forward, grow, and find role models.

MVP as a consequence

Exploring how the future is already among us at “El futuro está entre nosotros"

Today I understand something clearly.

Becoming an MVP was never the goal. It was a consequence.

A consequence of stepping outside my comfort zone. Of choosing to learn. Of deciding to share.

Every step, from updating my CV in a moment of uncertainty to helping someone understand their first data model, was part of the same path.

If there is one thing I learned during these years, it is this: No one grows alone. We grow when we share. When we ask for help. When we support others. The community didn’t just help me become a better professional. It helped me become the person I am today.

And if my story can inspire someone who is just starting, someone who doubts themselves, or feels they don’t know enough yet, then everything makes even more sense.

Because it wasn’t luck. It was decisions. Because it wasn’t luck. It was community.

Want to Learn More About the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn or #mvpbuzz.

Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the MVP Program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes — with time for questions, examples, and real conversations.

Behind the Longevity of Visual Studio Live!: The People, the Craft, and the Community

TinaStenderup — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:10:52 GMT

In tech, longevity is rare. Platforms change. Skills evolve. Conferences come and go - often quickly. And yet, some events manage to persist, quietly earning trust over decades. Visual Studio Live! - also known as VSLive! - is one of those exceptions.

In a fast-moving industry, only a few technical conferences manage to endure. Insights from MVP and RDs Andrew Brust and Rockford Lhotka - both long-time contributors to Visual Studio Live! - offer a closer look at what enables an event to remain relevant across generations of developers and shifting technologies.

It started with community - before we called it that

Long before “ecosystem” became a buzzword in the industry, Visual Studio Live! was already bringing the concept to life. It began as VBITS (Visual Basic Insiders Technical Summit), founded by Jim Fawcette and Fawcette Technical Publications. Through initiatives like Visual Basic Programmer’s Journal, Fawcette didn’t just publish content - he helped build a community, connecting tools, third-party components, and developers around a shared platform. Over time, the event evolved alongside the industry. While its roots trace back to Fawcette, Visual Studio Live! has been under the stewardship of 1105 Communications for more than 20 years and is now part of the company’s Converge360 division - continuing to carry that same spirit of connection forward.

Andrew Brust reflects on that early intent: “VBITS was established to add a true face-to-face social community aspect to the ecosystem. From the very first event, the goal was to anchor the developer community - and that intent has held up remarkably well.”

Rockford Lhotka remembers VBITS from the attendee perspective in the mid-90s: “There were Microsoft product people alongside third-party experts. That mix was exactly what I needed at the time.”

From the beginning, Visual Studio Live! (and VBITS before it) wasn’t just about sessions - it was about connection.

Evolving with the platform without losing the plot

Andrew Brust at Visual Studio Live!

Over the years, the Microsoft developer platform has gone through radical shifts: from Visual Basic to Visual Studio, from on-premises to cloud, and now into the era of AI. Visual Studio Live! has evolved alongside those changes - but not by chasing every trend.

As Andrew puts it, what changes is the content. What must not change is the conference’s sensitivity to the realities of enterprise development: “Many organizations adopt new technologies conservatively. Visual Studio Live! has always balanced what’s coming with what’s actually in use.”

That balance shows up repeatedly in the conference’s approach: helping developers stay grounded in proven technologies while gradually exploring what’s next.

Sometimes, that means placing patient, long-term bets. Rockford shares a great example: “We had sessions on Azure years before most attendees were interested. For a while, the rooms were nearly empty - but we believed it would matter. Eventually, it did.”

Credibility is built on judgment, not hype

A recurring theme from both Andrew and Rockford is credibility - and how carefully it must be protected.

For Andrew, credibility means resisting the urge to over-invest in technologies that haven’t yet earned their place in production environments: “Some coverage of emerging tech is good - but too much is irresponsible. Developers need help balancing what’s solid today with what’s exploratory.”

Rockford adds that credibility is shaped over time, through feedback and trust: “We look closely at attendee feedback, but we also give new speakers room to grow. Some of today’s most respected voices didn’t start perfect - they improved over time.”

That combination of data, experience, and human judgment is what keeps the content relevant without becoming reactive.

Interaction is not optional - it’s essential

Rockford Lhotka speaking at Visual Studio Live!

One thing that has remained constant throughout Visual Studio Live!’s history is the emphasis on interaction.

Speakers aren’t treated as distant experts. They’re colleagues - available for questions, hallway conversations, lunch-table discussions, and shared experiences beyond the session room.

Rockford reflects on this especially strongly in a post-pandemic world: “You can stream content and use AI for answers - but you can’t replace shared human experience, conversation, and camaraderie.”

That focus on approachability and connection has become one of VSLive!’s defining characteristics - and one of the reasons attendees return.

The invisible work behind long‑term sustainability

Sustaining a conference for decades isn’t glamorous. Much of the hardest work happens out of sight.

Andrew describes it as maintaining quality, rigor, and integrity - not just in content and speakers, but in how the event is marketed and operated year after year: “We never aimed for enormous scale or spectacle. We aimed to be consistently helpful, accessible, and grounded.”

Rockford highlights the operational reality behind the scenes: multi-year venue commitments, complex logistics, rising costs, and constant uncertainty about what the future might bring. “Sustainability requires that every part of the process is sustainable - and that’s harder than most people realize.”

Why Visual Studio Live! endured

When asked why Visual Studio Live! has lasted while others have faded, Andrew points to consistency - of people, culture, and values: “We’ve kept the culture focused, authentic, and grounded through recessions, disruptions, and massive platform shifts. We’ve been people’s rock.”

It’s a powerful image. And it captures something many community builders intuitively understand: trust isn’t built quickly - but it can be built deliberately.

A quiet blueprint for community builders

The story of Visual Studio Live! isn’t just about a conference. It’s a reminder that sustainable communities are built through:

Long-term thinking

Careful judgment

Respect for practitioners’ realities

Intentional opportunities for connection

And a commitment to showing up consistently

In a fast-moving industry, that kind of craft still matters. And perhaps now more than ever, it’s what endures.

Want to Learn More About the MVP & RD Program?

To find an MVP or RD and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn or #mvpbuzz.

Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the MVP program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes - with time for questions, examples, and real conversations. 

MVP and RD Community Powers Connection and Innovation at Microsoft Build 2026

kimsanchez — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

A Community-Driven Experience

From demo and lightning talk sessions to hands-on labs and informal table talks, MVPs and RDs were deeply embedded across the Microsoft Build experience. They contributed as speakers, experts, proctors, and facilitators, helping developers explore new technologies and translate announcements into practical insights. MVPs and RDs also had priority seating at the keynote, creating a strong community presence for one of Microsoft Build’s most visible moments.

Microsoft Build 2026 featured a wide range of session formats—including breakouts, labs, demos, lightning talks, and table talk discussions—designed to create both technical depth and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

The MVP Program team also partnered with multiple MVPs to deliver, “So You Want to Become an MVP ,” offering attendees a closer look at the program and the community behind it. Together, the team and MVP speakers answered questions about how the program works, what it recognizes, and what it’s like to be an MVP.

Supporting the Global Livestream Audience

MVPs also helped extend the Microsoft Build experience to developers tuning in remotely by supporting livestream moderation on YouTube. During two-hour moderator shifts, MVPs jumped into chat to engage with viewers, keep the energy up, and help create a welcoming, high-quality online experience for a global developer audience.

Their role included answering technical questions in real time in English, helping viewers connect session content to practical implementation, and making the online broadcast feel more interactive and community-driven. This support was another meaningful example of MVPs meeting developers where they are, whether in person at Build or online from around the world.

Their involvement extended beyond formal sessions. Throughout the event, MVPs and RDs engaged directly with attendees at the Skilling Hub, Expert Meetup booths, and Community Finder activation, helping foster an environment where developers could learn, connect, and collaborate.

MVP Connect: Bringing the Community Together

MVP Connect offered MVPs and RDs a relaxed social gathering before Microsoft Build, creating dedicated time to connect with one another, engage with product group teams, and spend time with the MVP Program team. With delicious food, drinks, and informal conversation, the event gave community members a welcoming space to reconnect, meet new peers, and build relationships ahead of the broader conference experience.

The gathering was intentionally designed to make conversation easy and natural, helping MVPs share ideas, strengthen peer relationships, and have direct touchpoints with the product groups they collaborate with throughout the year. It also created an approachable setting for the MVP Program team to listen, answer questions, and celebrate the community in person.

Moments like MVP Connect reinforce what makes the MVP community so valuable: relationships built through shared expertise, open conversation, and a genuine commitment to helping one another learn, connect, and grow.

Expanding Impact Beyond Build

The momentum from Microsoft Build doesn’t stop when the event ends. MVPs and RDs are instrumental in extending Microsoft Build’s reach through community-led initiatives like Build //localhost events hosted through the Microsoft Reactor, bringing content and learnings back to local developer communities around the world.

These post-event engagements ensure that insights from Microsoft Build are shared broadly, enabling more developers to benefit from the knowledge, resources, and innovations introduced during the event.

A Thank You to Our Community

The success of Microsoft Build 2026 is a direct reflection of the passion, expertise, and generosity of the MVP and RD community.

From delivering sessions and mentoring attendees, to creating welcoming spaces and amplifying conversations, MVPs and RDs continue to shape what it means to build a thriving, global developer ecosystem.

As we look ahead, their role remains essential, not just in supporting Microsoft events, but in driving innovation, fostering inclusion, and helping developers everywhere learn, connect, and grow.

Learn more about the MVP Program

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn.

Why Your Copilot Studio Agent Fails in Production (And How to Fix It)

varun_m — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:12:31 GMT

Most Copilot Studio tutorials show you how to build a chatbot. This post is about something harder: building agents that actually work in production.

I architect enterprise agents at a hospitality company — handling customer email triage, HR workflows, helpdesk automation, and reporting pipelines across multiple systems. One of those agents reduced human handling time per customer email from ~12 minutes to under 2 minutes (88% reduction) by orchestrating sentiment analysis, CRM lookups, SOP research via child agents, and response drafting — all before a human agent ever opens the email.

Here is what I've learned building at that scale.

The Four Layers Every Enterprise Agent Needs

Most teams design only the top layer and treat everything else as "we'll figure it out later." By the time the other layers become urgent — usually after an incident — they're too expensive to retrofit.

Layer	Component
Conversation	Topics · Entities · Adaptive Cards · NLU
Orchestration	Agent routing · Context passing · State
Integration	Connectors · Power Automate · Azure Functions
Governance	DLP · Auth · ALM · Monitoring · Logging

Build the governance layer first. Design the conversation layer last. The demo will be slightly less impressive. The production deployment will be significantly more stable.

The Three Mistakes I See Most Often

1. Slot-filling designed for the happy path

The default Copilot Studio pattern collects parameters one by one. It breaks the moment your flow has conditional branches — which every real enterprise workflow does. Use intent-first routing instead: identify what the user wants before collecting any parameters, then branch to a sub-flow that collects only what that variant needs.

2. Multi-agent context that gets dropped

When you delegate from a router agent to a capability agent, the receiving agent needs to know who the user is and what conversation state to preserve. Native session variables don't cross agent boundaries. Build an explicit context envelope — a JSON object passed at delegation time — that carries user identity, security scope, origin topic, and return context. Your agents become stateless with respect to each other. Context travels with the conversation.

3. No async pattern for slow integrations

A synchronous request that works for a REST API returning in 200ms will silently fail for a legacy system query that takes 45 seconds. Design async from day one: submit to an Azure Service Bus queue, return a correlation ID, acknowledge the user, and use proactive messaging to deliver the result when it's ready. This is the single biggest gap between demos and production deployments.

A Note on Authentication — Chatbots vs. Autonomous Agents

This is a distinction most articles get wrong, so it's worth being explicit.

Chatbots have a human on the other end of the conversation. Authentication options here include Entra ID SSO (works in Teams and SharePoint channels where the user's identity is delegated to the agent) or client ID + secret (validates against AD but without user delegation — the agent authenticates as itself, not as the user).

Autonomous agents are different in a fundamental way: there is no human in the authentication loop. The agent authenticates using the identity of the account that owns and runs it. There is no SSO because there is no interactive user session. This distinction matters because the security model shifts entirely — you are no longer protecting a user session, you are protecting a service identity.

This gets more interesting when your autonomous agent connects to non-Microsoft systems. There is no universal pattern here — it depends entirely on what the external system supports:

- API Key / Secret — the most common pattern for SaaS integrations. The external system issues a scoped key specifically for this integration. Store it in Azure Key Vault or encrypted Power Platform environment variables, never hardcoded in a flow. The scoping question is critical: is this a full-admin key or a least-privilege key issued only for what this agent needs?

- OAuth 2.0 Client Credentials (machine-to-machine) — the agent authenticates as itself using client ID + secret against the external system's auth server and receives a bearer token. No user involved, fully automated.

- Basic Auth on legacy systems — still common in enterprise environments. Credentials must live in Key Vault, not in flow variables or connector configuration in plain text.

- Custom connector with encrypted connection — Power Platform manages the auth at the connector level; credentials are stored encrypted and scoped to the environment.

The governing principle across all of these: the identity the agent uses to call an external system should be issued specifically for that integration, scoped to only the permissions that agent needs, stored securely (Key Vault or encrypted environment variables), and auditable — meaning the external system's logs show the agent's calls as a distinct identity, not a shared admin account that 12 other things also use.

Before You Go to Production — Quick Checklist

[ ] Autonomous agent's owning account/service principal is scoped to least-privilege — access only to systems the agent needs, nothing broader

[ ] Non-Microsoft system credentials stored in Azure Key Vault or encrypted environment variables — never hardcoded in flows

[ ] Each external system integration uses a dedicated, scoped credential — not a shared admin account

[ ] External system audit logs show the agent as a distinct, identifiable caller

[ ] DLP policies configured per environment — production is strict, dev is permissive

[ ] Dataverse schema finalized before topic design begins

[ ] Error handling designed for every integration point with user-readable failure messages

[ ] Async pattern in place for any integration that may take > 10 seconds

[ ] ALM pipeline configured: Dev → Test → UAT → Prod with automated solution checker

[ ] Application Insights connected with custom events for key agent actions

[ ] Escalation rate baseline established with alert threshold configured

The One Question to Ask Before Building Anything

"What does success look like in six months, and what data does the agent need access to in order to achieve it?"

That answer determines your Dataverse schema, your integration architecture, your authentication model, and your DLP policy — before a single topic is created. Agents designed from that question forward are maintainable and trusted by the business. Agents designed from the conversation layer down spend their first year in retrofitting mode.

Happy to go deeper on any of these layers in the comments — particularly multi-agent context passing and the async pattern, which I find generate the most questions in enterprise deployments.

Tech, Community, and a Movie: MVPs Help Bring Stir Trek to Life

BetsyWeber — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:01:24 GMT

What happens when you combine a full day of technical learning with a movie theater full of developers, designers, and tech leaders - and a shared commitment to giving back? You get Stir Trek: Tech & a Flick, a one-day community conference in Columbus, Ohio, that ends not with closing slides, but with popcorn and a blockbuster movie.

Since its first event in 2009, Stir Trek has built a reputation for being practical, welcoming, and unmistakably different. The format is simple: 50+ sessions of technical content, conversations with regional and national speakers, breakfast, lunch, movie refreshments, and a shared movie screening experience. But the impact goes beyond the agenda. Stir Trek also organizes a MEGA FOOD DRIVE to support local food banks and supports the Stir Scholarship, which provides support for women in Computer Science programs.

For Microsoft MVPs, that combination of technical learning, community connection, and service makes Stir Trek a natural place to show up, share knowledge, and help others take their next step.

Stir Trek attendees in the movie theater lobby

Why MVPs Show Up

This year, MVP speakers including Steve Smith, Barret Blake, Robert Fornal, Brian Gorman, Brian McKeiver, Cory House, Ed Charbeneau, Jay Harris, Joseph Guadagno, Matthew-Hope Eland, Sam Basu, and Samuel Gomez brought their expertise to the Stir Trek stage. Their sessions reflected what the MVP community does best: translate real-world experience into practical guidance that helps others learn, build, and grow.

For MVP Brian McKeiver, the chance to speak at Stir Trek was also a chance to meet technologists where they are right now. “What stood out to me at Stir Trek was the sheer curiosity that almost every person had this year about AI tooling like GitHub Copilot CLI and Microsoft Foundry because everyone is on the same learning curve,” he shared. “We are all trying to learn tips and tricks, best practices, and what not to do when building AI solutions.”

“Everyone is on the same learning curve.” - MVP Brian McKeiver

That focus on usefulness is part of what makes the event stand out. Stir Trek’s audience includes people across disciplines and experience levels, from software developers and engineers to designers, IT pros, tech leaders, and aspiring community contributors. For speakers, that means designing sessions that are approachable, relevant, and grounded in what practitioners can apply immediately.

MVP Brian McKeiver presenting at Stir Trek

MVP Robert Fornal brought that practical focus into his TypeScript session. “The session I brought to Stir Trek focused on TypeScript, which can be used right now, because I want developers to walk away with tangible improvements to their systems and processes,” he shared.

That curiosity reinforced the value of practical, community-led learning. It also showed why MVPs continue to invest their time in events where the audience is ready to engage deeply and learn together - even when showing up requires a significant personal commitment.

For MVP Joseph Guadagno, traveling from Arizona to Ohio to speak at Stir Trek was worth it because of the chance to connect with technologists from a different part of the country. “I get to meet technology people from a different part of the country which generally means different viewpoints and problems that need to be solved,” he shared. “The community impact I hoped to make was to further grow people. I hoped to at least meet and connect to one new person, which I did.”

A Conference That Feels Different

The movie-theater setting gives Stir Trek a character all its own. Instead of moving through a traditional conference center, attendees spend the day learning in theaters, connecting in shared spaces, and ending the experience together with a film. It creates a rhythm that feels both focused and fun.

Brian also pointed to the event’s unique rhythm. “The mix of technical sessions, hallway conversations, and a shared movie experience creates a community experience that really is unmatched,” he said. “Stir Trek is and always has been a pretty unique conference. The sense of overall community is very strong there.”

“The blend of technical sessions, hallway conversations, and a movie screening creates a community experience that really is unmatched.”

- MVP Brian McKeiver

That difference matters. The event is memorable not only because of the sessions, but because the structure invites people to stay, talk, laugh, learn, and participate in something shared. It lowers barriers, makes room for connection, and reminds attendees that community can be both purposeful and playful.

MVP Robert Fornal presenting at Stir Trek

For Robert Fornal, the format helps keep the focus on learning. “Stir Trek feels different from other technical conferences because of its unique theater environment and focused selection of high-quality presentations,” he said. “The movie-theater format changes the energy of the day by focusing the time on the presentation.”

“The movie theater snack that best captures the spirit of Stir Trek is trail mix, because it has a little bit of everything.” - MVP Kevin Griffin

The Community Work Behind the Curtain

Stir Trek is also a reminder that great community events do not happen by accident. MVP organizers and community leaders help create the conditions that make the day work - from program planning and speaker coordination to attendee experience and the details that make the event feel welcoming.

For organizers like MVP Kevin Griffin and MVP Carey Payette, the work reflects the same community-first mindset that defines the MVP Program. As Carey shared, one lesson from organizing Stir Trek is that accessibility goes beyond ticket price or session variety. “It is about creating a relaxed, friendly environment where people feel comfortable learning, connecting, and participating at whatever stage of their career they are in,” she said. “Stir Trek aims to keep prices low (budget cuts are very real in the tech industry) and offers scholarship tickets for students and the unemployed.”

The giving component is central to that mission. Through its annual MEGA FOOD DRIVE and the Stir Scholarship, Stir Trek connects technical learning with tangible community impact. In 2023, attendees donated more than 1,400 pounds of food, and the scholarship program has awarded more than $87,000 to support women in Computer Science programs.

The organizers and volunteers behind Stir Trek - including MVPs Matthew-Hope Eland (second from left, front row), Samuel Gomez (third from left, front row), Carey Payette (right side, front row), Kevin Griffin (second from right, back row), and Steve Smith (right side, back row)

Carey also described the impact organizers hope to create beyond the day itself: “A moment from organizing Stir Trek that reminded me why this work matters was hearing that attendees went back to work excited about what they learned. It is even better when those stories include people making professional connections, finding jobs, volunteering year after year, or giving their first tech talk at Stir Trek. That kind of impact makes all the planning worthwhile and proves that you can, in fact, build community inside a movie theater.”

“You can, in fact, build community inside a movie theater.” — MVP Carey Payette

Advice for Future Speakers, Organizers, and Community Builders

For anyone hoping to get more involved - whether as a future speaker, volunteer, organizer, or attendee - the MVPs emphasized starting with contribution. Attend with curiosity. Ask questions. Share what you are learning. Look for gaps you can help fill. Community impact often begins with one practical step.

For organizers, the advice is similar: start with the people you want to serve. “If a community wanted to create its own tech or shared experience event, I would encourage them to invite the people they would like to see in that environment,” said Kevin Griffin. “A lot of the success of Stir Trek was from us personally reaching out to people that we knew would make Stir Trek an amazing experience.”

What They Took Home

Like the best community events, Stir Trek sends people home with more than notes from a session. It gives attendees new ideas, new connections, and a reminder that technical communities thrive when people keep showing up for one another.

Brian McKeiver said one moment he will remember is the curiosity attendees brought to conversations about AI tooling like GitHub Copilot CLI and Microsoft Foundry. That shared sense of learning reinforced one of Stir Trek’s strengths: people were not just attending sessions; they were comparing experiences, asking practical questions, and learning alongside one another.

That mix of practical learning, community care, and shared fun is what makes Stir Trek memorable - and what makes MVP participation so meaningful. Whether they are speaking, organizing, mentoring, or simply making room for someone new to join the conversation, MVPs help events like Stir Trek become more than a day on the calendar. They become a place where community grows.

Want to learn more about the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn.

Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the MVP program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes — with time for questions, examples, and real conversations.

From the Classroom to Community Impact: Lindsay Shelton’s MVP Journey

BetsyWeber — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:35:43 GMT

Where Curiosity Met Community

Lindsay Shelton’s path to becoming a Microsoft MVP did not begin with a traditional tech resume. It began in the classroom, where she spent a decade teaching middle school English Language Arts before being selected to train as a technology and pre-engineering teacher. What carried her forward was not only technical curiosity, but also a deep belief in sharing knowledge, helping others grow, and building community. Today, that same mindset shapes her work as an Application Programmer, consultant, speaker, and community leader.

“It was through sharing knowledge that I had learned with other teachers that even led me down this pathway and got me to where I am today.”

From Teacher to Technologist

Technology had always been part of Lindsay’s life. She grew up in a home where her father, a self-taught career switcher, explored HTML, CSS, graphic design, and web design long before career pivots became common conversation. Later, while teaching eighth-grade writing, Lindsay built a paperless classroom so she would not have to carry stacks of essays home. That practical problem-solving mindset led colleagues to seek her out, and soon she was sharing what she had learned while teaching STEM-focused courses. When burnout pushed her to imagine something different, she began looking for a new direction. An unexpected conversation at a community gathering opened the door to a role at a tech consultancy, growing from a lunch meeting into a part-time position and then a full-time opportunity in 2020. As Lindsay found her footing in tech, she also found her people - organizing events, speaking at user groups, and channeling the energy she once brought to teaching into community, collaboration, and helping other technologists solve real-world problems.

“It’s not about the size of the crowd, it’s just about the impact really.”

Heather Cook, Microsoft, MVP Lindsay Shelton, MVP Diego Domingos da Silva at the Microsoft 365 Community Conference (Left to right)

Building an Inclusive, Pay-It-Forward Community

For Lindsay, the MVP Award represented more than recognition. It affirmed that she was contributing in meaningful ways and gave her more opportunities to advocate for the people she serves. She values how the MVP community helps members connect with product groups, share practical feedback, and influence better outcomes. Just as important, she believes community should be inclusive by design. Lindsay speaks openly about making space for people with different identities, backgrounds, and experiences - and about the responsibility allies have to listen, learn, and support without taking over. That perspective shapes the spaces she helps build and the way she encourages others entering tech from nontraditional paths. Her message is clear: community is strongest when people feel welcome, respected, and encouraged to contribute in their own way.

“People want to help other people, especially MVPs. If you ask for help and you are given help, then remember to pay it forward.”

Finding Her Voice on Stage

As Lindsay became more involved in the community, she discovered that speaking was not just a professional skill - it was a way to connect. Her earliest contributions included helping organize SharePoint Saturday in Kansas City and speaking at local user groups, experiences that helped her explore what community leadership could look like outside the classroom. Over time, those smaller moments led to bigger opportunities, including her first international conference appearance at Scottish Summit. What stayed with her was not the size of the audience, but the relationships formed in those rooms. Whether she is presenting to a packed session or a handful of peers, Lindsay approaches every talk as a chance to make someone’s work a little easier, share a practical lesson, or help another person feel more confident showing up in tech spaces.

“It was more like a jam session than a concert.”

MVP Lindsay Shelton at MVP Summit

Advice for Career Changers and Future MVPs

One of the most encouraging parts of Lindsay’s story is how directly it speaks to people who may not see a traditional path into tech. Her advice is practical: say yes to opportunities, even when they seem small or uncertain. Attend the local user group. Go to the networking event. Introduce yourself. Ask questions. Lindsay knows firsthand that career changes can feel intimidating, especially when confidence has not yet caught up with curiosity. But she also believes community can bridge that gap. For those interested in becoming an MVP one day, her example is a reminder that contributions take many forms—speaking, writing, organizing, mentoring, advocating, and simply helping others solve problems. The common thread is generosity: show up, share what you know, and when someone helps you, pay it forward.

“Say yes to networking events, say yes to local user groups... you never know who you're going to meet.”

Why This Matters

Lindsay Shelton’s story matters because it challenges a common myth in tech: that there is only one right way to get here. Her journey shows that skills built in other careers - teaching, communication, adaptability, empathy, and problem-solving - can become powerful assets in technical spaces. It also highlights something equally important: community can be a catalyst. For aspiring MVPs, developers, IT Pros, and technologists, Lindsay’s example is a reminder that meaningful contributions do not begin with having all the answers. They begin with curiosity, generosity, and a willingness to participate. In a field that changes quickly, communities grow stronger when people with different experiences feel welcome to learn, share, and lead.

Explore Lindsay’s Story - and Your Own Next Step

If Lindsay Shelton’s story resonates with you, let it be a reminder that there is no single path into tech - or into community leadership. Whether you are early in your journey, changing careers, or looking for ways to contribute more deeply, there is value in showing up, learning in public, and helping others along the way. To learn more, visit Lindsay’s existing MVP Profile and LinkedIn, and explore the Microsoft MVP Program to see how community contributions can grow into meaningful impact.

Want to Learn More About the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn or #mvpbuzz.

Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the MVP program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes - with time for questions, examples, and real conversations. 

From Showing Up to Lifting Others: Diego Domingos da Silva's MVP Journey

BetsyWeber — Tue, 26 May 2026 19:55:57 GMT

For MVP Diego Domingos da Silva, the journey to becoming a Microsoft MVP was never about collecting credentials. It was about showing up, learning in public, and finding people who made the tech world feel more human. A newer MVP in the program, Diego has built his reputation by helping others make sense of Microsoft 365 with honesty, humor, and heart. Along the way, the community became more than a professional network. It became a place of growth, connection, and support—and ultimately helped shape both his career and his life.

The spark that started it all

Diego’s path into the community started with a challenge from a manager: build a personal brand. At the time, he was working in Washington, D.C. and began experimenting with a blog that would eventually grow into his recognizable voice in the Microsoft 365 space. He attended his first Microsoft 365 Community Conference in Las Vegas shortly after the pandemic, where one session about making community part of your career shifted his perspective. Instead of watching from the back, he moved to the front of the room - curious, observant, and determined to understand how people built careers through sharing what they knew.

“I had zero of the knowledge, but I had the curiosity. I went to the front of the room because I wanted to see how it was done.”

That curiosity turned into action. After encouragement from community leaders, Diego submitted sessions, spoke at events, and kept returning - not because he was chasing a title, but because he loved the energy of helping others and learning alongside them. He discovered that community work is not only what happens on stage. It is also the invisible work: moving chairs, carrying pizza boxes, welcoming newcomers, and creating spaces where people feel they belong. Over time, mentors encouraged him to keep going, build meaningful contributions, and trust that impact matters more than perfection.

MVP Diego Domingos da Silva delivering a session, “SharePoint at 25: Lessons from the Scars” at M365 Philly

Behind the scenes, Diego was also navigating profound personal loss. In that season, the M365 community became far more than a place to talk about technology. It gave him a sense of safety, connection, and stability when he needed it most. That experience shaped the way he shows up today: candid, welcoming, and committed to making space for other people’s stories as well as their technical growth.

“Community wasn’t just my escape. Community was my lifeline. It was my safe space.”

MVP Diego Domingos da Silva and the Microsoft sign in Redmond, Washington at MVP Summit

What impact really looks like

One of Diego’s biggest lessons is that community impact is rarely about knowing everything. It is about listening well, staying humble, and helping people connect to the knowledge they need. That mindset has shaped how he contributes today as a Microsoft MVP in the M365 category, with a focus on SharePoint and M365 Copilot. On his Microsoft MVP profile, Diego describes his work as “flipping the script in M365 with SharePoint, Copilot, and the power of community,” a phrase that reflects both his technical focus and his people-first approach.

He also believes belonging grows when people bring their full selves into the room. That is part of what motivates his work to foster visibility and connection for underrepresented groups in tech spaces. Whether he is mentoring, speaking, blogging, or simply starting conversations that help people feel less intimidated, Diego keeps coming back to the same idea: meaningful community is built one generous interaction at a time.

“I do not know everything, but I know everyone who knows something—and I can help you get the information you need.”

Alongside his work in mentorship and storytelling, Diego is also actively creating new spaces for connection. Inspired by an LGBTQIA+ meetup at the Microsoft 365 Community Conference - organized with very little notice but still drawing a meaningful group - he recognized a deeper need within the ecosystem.

That moment sparked the creation of Pride in M365, a community for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies across Microsoft 365, Power Platform, AI, and the broader Microsoft ecosystem. The group focuses on building connection, visibility, mentorship, and support through shared experiences and community conversations - with a clear message that everyone is welcome.

For Diego, the goal is simple but powerful: carry the energy of those in-person moments forward so that connection doesn’t start from scratch at every event. By creating a consistent space between conferences, Pride in M365 helps people show up already knowing they belong - and already recognizing a few familiar faces.

“If we can keep those conversations going between events, then by the time we show up at the next conference, we already know each other. That’s the goal - to make the community easier to find, easier to join, and a little more welcoming for everyone.”

MVP Diego Domingos da Silva at the LGBTQIA+ meetup at the Microsoft 365 Community Conference.

Keep showing up

If you are thinking about becoming a Microsoft MVP, Diego’s advice is refreshingly practical: pick something you genuinely enjoy, stay curious, and keep showing up. Expertise grows over time, but authenticity, empathy, and consistency are what help build trust. To learn more about Diego’s work, visit his Microsoft MVP profile and LinkedIn page, and explore the Microsoft MVP Program to see how community contributions can open doors - not just professionally, but personally too. Connect with the Microsoft 365 & Power Platform Community and Microsoft 365 Community Hub.

“Every day will be happier than the day before.”

(Left to right) MVPs Jeremy Sinclair,Diego Domingos da Silva,Sucheta Gawade, andAgnieszka Maria Mietz-Blijleven on a Mentoring Ring panel at MVP Summit

Want to Learn More About the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn or #mvpbuzz.

Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the MVP program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes - with time for questions, examples, and real conversations. 

MVP Mentoring Rings: Where Community Becomes a Catalyst

BetsyWeber — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:01:04 GMT

What if mentoring did not start with matching one expert to one learner, but with bringing a small circle of community leaders together to learn out loud? That is the idea behind MVP Mentoring Rings: small, community-led groups where Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) share experience, ask honest questions, and help one another grow. Unlike traditional one-to-one mentoring, Mentoring Rings are built around collective learning. The result is a model that feels both practical and deeply human - especially in a global community where connection across regions, languages, and experiences matters.

Across the MVP community, Mentoring Rings have created space for something powerful: technologists showing up not just to teach, but to listen, encourage, and lead alongside one another. In a fast-moving industry, that kind of peer support can make all the difference.

More than mentoring: a circle of shared momentum

MVP Mentoring Rings were created to address a real need: even in a vibrant technical community, people can still feel isolated. The ring model offers a different path forward. Each group is intentionally small, guided by MVP Mentor Leads, and designed for recurring conversations rather than one-off advice. MVPs learn from one another through shared experiences, practical problem-solving, and accountability that grows over time.

Why did MVPs participate? For many, it was about finding community as much as guidance. Some joined to better understand how to contribute in ways that felt authentic. Others wanted a space to navigate visibility, leadership, or the challenge of translating deep technical expertise into content, talks, demos, and impact for others. MVP Mentor Leads participated for another reason too: to give back in a way that scales generosity and multiplies belonging.

When MVPs show up, others rise

The most inspiring part of Mentoring Rings is how MVPs showed up for each other. They did not arrive as polished experts with all the answers. They came ready to be open, practical, and encouraging. MVP Christine Flora, who led a Women in the MVP Program Ring, described the experience this way: “Leading a Women in the MVP Program Ring reinforced how important representation, examples of someone like yourself, and showing up as your authentic self is for confidence and connection - especially when battling imposter syndrome.”

That theme surfaced again and again: confidence grows when people feel seen. In Christine’s ring, one meaningful shift was helping participants move beyond the idea that they had to contribute exactly like someone else. As she shared, a major win was watching members realize “there are many, many ways to contribute and give to the community that fit their styles and personality types.” That is a powerful message for aspiring contributors and current MVPs alike: community leadership is not about copying a formula. It is about discovering your own voice and using it to help others.

Confidence grows in spaces built for trust

For MVP Sucheta Gawade, the value of the ring was rooted in psychological safety and clarity. She reflected that leading a ring reinforced the importance of “a psychologically safe, technical peer space” where MVPs from different domains could turn uncertainty into action. In her experience, mentoring became more than encouragement; it became a structured way to help people transform expertise into community-ready contributions such as talks, blogs, demos, and frameworks. That same sense of safety came through in MVP Agnieszka Mietz-Blijleven’s experience as a mentee. What surprised her most was how quickly trust and openness formed, even among people who had never met before. In that environment, she said, “real experience mattered more than titles” and honest reflection began to feel natural.

Sucheta also saw quiet hesitation turn into confident engagement. One of her proudest wins as a Mentoring Ring Lead was helping her group move from “I am not sure what counts as technical contributions” to a clear, trackable plan for how they could participate. That kind of progress matters because it changes how people see themselves - not just as community members, but as future speakers, writers, mentors, and leaders. Agnieszka described a similar shift from the mentee side. The ring helped her recognize that she could support others not only through empathy, but through the strength of her own experience and skills. As she put it, the experience moved her mindset from wondering whether she was doing enough to recognizing that she already brought value - and could build on it with intention.

Belonging sounds different in every language

One of the strongest lessons from Mentoring Rings is that accessibility is not only about time zones or format. It is also about language, representation, and whether people feel safe enough to participate fully. MVP Ivana Tilca, who led a New to the MVP Program ring and a Women in Tech ring in Spanish, saw how quickly those layers intersected. She shared that one of the most powerful themes in her conversations was the hesitation some women felt about asking questions or speaking up because they were often among the few women in the room - and in some cases were also navigating events and meetings in a language that was not their own. That experience, she said, changed how she thinks about community events: inclusivity cannot be an afterthought; it has to be meaningfully designed in from the start.

Ivana also reflected on what changed when conversations happened in Spanish. Having grown up bilingual, she said she had not always seen language as a barrier. But through the ring, she realized how much harder technical instructions, outreach, and even simple follow-up could feel for others. As she put it, “Not everyone speaks or understands English,” and for some MVPs, the language gap made “sending a simple inquiry or email feel nearly impossible” - especially when reaching out to Microsoft employees already felt intimidating. That perspective sits alongside what MVP Walter E Calcagno Lucares described in the Spanish-language ring: “Not having to translate my thoughts in real time allowed me to express myself with greater clarity and depth, which led to more strategic and meaningful conversations.” Together, their experiences make the case clearly: language-inclusive mentoring does more than remove friction. It creates trust, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging.

From the ring to the stage: Mentoring Rings at MVP Summit

The momentum behind Mentoring Rings was also visible at MVP Summit in the session MVP Mentoring Rings: Learn, Grow, Connect. The session brought the spirit of the rings to a wider audience by centering real stories from mentors and mentees - what worked, what surprised them, and how mentoring helped both sides grow. It reinforced an important truth: mentoring in the MVP community is not one-directional. It is a shared experience that builds confidence, connection, and practical wisdom for everyone involved. Agnieszka Mietz-Blijleven captured that spirit by describing a meaningful moment from her ring: realizing how much wisdom can come from “a simple, honest conversation shared at exactly the right time.” For her, mentoring also brought perspective - showing how differently people can respond to the same situation and how often the hardest work is learning to stop criticizing yourself.

MVP Mentoring Ring Panel at MVP Summit featuring Jeremy Sinclair, Diego Domingos da Silva, Agnieszka Mietz-Blijleven, Sucheta Gawade (left to right)

Designed to leave attendees with practical tips they could use right away, the session explored how to be a thoughtful mentor, how to get more from the mentee experience, and how to build meaningful, supportive relationships in the community. MVP Diego Domingos da Silva helped bring that message to life by reframing mentoring as something far more human than a formal exchange of answers. As he shared, he joined as a mentee expecting guidance but instead found “something closer to a support group of like-minded people in the community, sharing real experiences without the pressure of a work setting.” His reflection captures what made the MVP Summit panel resonate: mentoring was not presented as hierarchy, but as honest connection.

Diego also spoke to the kind of growth that happens in these spaces. Rather than coming only from a perfectly mapped plan, he described growth as something that often takes shape through shared stories - hearing how others handled uncertainty, setbacks, and opportunity, and realizing you are not the only one figuring it out as you go. That perspective reinforced one of the panel’s strongest themes: mentoring creates momentum not because it removes uncertainty, but because it helps people move through it together.

MVP Jeremy Sinclair added another important dimension to the panel: the idea that mentoring becomes most powerful when it is reciprocal. For him, the experience was not only about guiding others, but also about paying close attention to the ways mentees were already learning, contributing, and growing in their day-to-day work. His reflection underscored one of the session’s most resonant takeaways - that the best mentoring spaces create room for everyone to teach and everyone to learn.

Agnieszka also connected mentoring to a very practical kind of growth: confidence in public speaking. She reflected that mentoring strengthened her on-stage presence by helping her stay steady in front of a live audience, navigate real-time reactions, and move through troubleshooting moments with diligence and calm. That kind of growth shows how mentoring does not stay inside the ring - it carries into talks, demos, and the visible moments where community leaders share what they know.

The invitation: learn, lead, and lift someone else up

MVP Mentoring Rings show what is possible when community leadership is shared. They help technologists grow their confidence, expand their networks, and see new possibilities for how they can contribute. They remind current MVPs that mentorship is not a side activity - it is part of how strong communities sustain themselves. As Agnieszka Mietz-Blijleven reflected, the rings create “continuity, confidence, and a culture of giving back.” And for aspiring MVPs, they offer a glimpse of what this community is really about: generosity, curiosity, and the willingness to help others thrive.

If you are inspired by these stories, take the next step. Learn from the MVPs who are investing in others through Mentoring Rings. Look for ways to actively support and uplift people in your own tech community. Reflect on how you can be an ally - especially for those who may need representation, encouragement, or a clearer runway to be seen. And if you have been wondering whether you are ready to contribute more, start now. Share what you know, help someone take their next step, and keep building the kind of community that future MVPs will be proud to join.

Want to learn more about the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn.

FabCon and SQLCon: MVP voices on community, connection, and showing up

BetsyWeber — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:21:16 GMT

FabCon and SQLCon bring together technical learning, product insight, and something just as important: community. Microsoft MVPs describe what stayed with them most - from hallway conversations and first-time introductions to practical sessions and friendships that keep growing long after the event ends. Their reflections show why these events matter: they create space to learn in public, share generously, and help more people find their place in the Fabric and SQL community.

Community that starts between sessions

Again and again, MVPs described FabCon and SQLCon as more than a place to attend sessions. MVP Jason Romans captured that perfectly: “Those unplanned conversations ended up being just as valuable as anything I learned on a stage.” For him, community showed up in the in-between moments - a shuttle ride, a coffee line, a badge that made it easier to start talking. That same feeling of connection came through in his reflection on finally meeting the Saturday Morning Learning (SML) crew in person after gathering virtually every week to talk Fabric, Power BI, and life. As Jason put it, “The community grows stronger every time someone decides their perspective is worth sharing,” a reminder that contribution often starts with simply showing up and sharing what you know.

“The community grows stronger every time someone decides their perspective is worth sharing.”
- MVP Jason Romans

MVP Heidi Hastings helping with a workshop at FabCon.

Connections that last beyond the event

That generosity was a recurring theme. MVP Treb Gatte remembered a hallway conversation at a prior FabCon that turned into an impromptu troubleshooting session for a Caribbean team’s real-time election dashboard in Power BI- and learned a year later that it had been the breakthrough they needed. “The connections you make here outlast the event,” he said. His advice for newer community members was equally practical: “Stay curious, stay humble, and let other people teach you.” MVP Heidi Hasting said that one of the most meaningful parts of FabCon and SQLCon is “the feeling that you're not alone in this,” especially when you can connect with data professionals from around the world and turn those introductions into lifelong friendships. She also pointed to the live energy of major announcements and the surprise of seeing how many people are still discovering Microsoft Fabric for the first time. MVP Ginger Grant added another dimension to that experience, describing FabCon and SQLCon as her favorite conference because she gets to “engage with so many different people and learn a lot,” including reconnecting with friends from Australia and New Zealand and meeting new people from Finland, the Netherlands and around the world. She also shared how meaningful it was to be recognized in person by someone who only knew her from an online event. MVP Denny Cherry brought it down to basics with the kind of advice only a longtime community member can give: do not eat dinner alone in your hotel room, meet people, get to know them, and take advantage of being surrounded by thousands of peers from all over the world in one place.

“In under a week you can go from feeling like you're working in isolation to realising you're part of a global community of people who care about the same things you do.”
- MVP Heidi Hasting

MVP Alex Rostan and MVP Gaston Cruz bring Power Platform and SQL Server 2025 together in a session focused on building secure, scalable next-generation apps.

Learning in public and sharing what works

The speaker experience was just as central to the story. MVP Gaston Cruz said he and MVP Alex Rostan designed their session to help people connect business applications, data, and AI without adding complexity - sharing patterns attendees could apply right away with Microsoft Fabric, Power Platform, and real-time data experiences. For Gaston, that practical value is what makes these events worth the trip: direct access to product teams, real customer stories, deep technical conversations, and packed rooms full of people genuinely excited to learn and build the future of data and AI together. MVP Paul Stork focused on helping people extend Power BI through the Power Platform, especially for teams trying to act on insights without needing third-party tools. He also described one of his contributions beyond the session itself as talking with attendees and helping them choose sessions that matched their interests. MVP Greg Nash called FabCon “the biggest and best conference on Fabric and SQL in the world” and highlighted Rui Romano’s session on modern Power BI development using AI and GitHub Copilot as a standout moment that made him even more excited about AI-powered DevOps and DataOps patterns. MVP Pragati Jain added that growth often starts with simple, consistent participation - answering questions in forums or community channels, giving proper credit, volunteering for community initiatives, and making space for introverted or first-time attendees through small, welcoming circles.

“The connections you make here outlast the event.”
- MVP Treb Gatte

MVP Pragati Jain and Arun Ulag. President, Azure Data, Microsoft

Why more people should join in

Together, these reflections point to what makes FabCon and SQLCon distinctive. Yes, the events offer deep technical content, hands-on learning, and direct access to product teams across Microsoft Fabric and SQL. But the lasting impact comes from what MVPs model so well: learn publicly, share what you know, ask better questions, and invite someone new into the conversation. Whether that looks like submitting your first session, answering a question in a community channel, helping another attendee choose where to spend an hour, or simply starting a conversation in the Community Lounge, the momentum of this community is built one generous interaction at a time. More than anything, these MVP stories show that you do not need to know everything to belong here. You just need curiosity, a willingness to connect, and the confidence to believe your perspective can help someone else.

“FabCon and SQLCon are worth the time and energy for me because they offer long-term friendships and a community that is hard to find anywhere else.”
- MVP Denny Cherry

MVP Greg Nash brings the community into the future of proactive operations with his session on Fabric IQ–powered agents.

Why your voice belongs here

If these MVP stories sparked an idea for you, follow it. Join a local Fabric or Data Platform user group, engage in the Fabric and Data Platformcommunity online, volunteer, answer a question, or submit a session even if it feels a little early. If you attend FabCon and SQLCon in the future, take Denny Cherry’s advice and talk to people who are not from your home area. Spend time in the Community Lounge or Ask the Experts area, as Pragati Jain suggested. And if you have ever wondered whether you could speak at an event like this, Greg Nash offers the right mindset: "just go and try it." His first presentation on real-time data at the Microsoft Fabric & Power BI Melbourne meetup did not go the way he hoped and "failed miserably,”, but it still inspired others to pick up Power BI. That is the point: your perspective is valuable, community audiences are incredibly forgiving, and FabCon and SQLCon may be exactly the place to find your voice.

Want to learn more about the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn.

Strategies to Share & Scale What You Learn at Flagship Microsoft Events to Bring Back Real ROI

kimsanchez — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:09:02 GMT

By Guest Blogger: Sucheta Gawade

Activation is the ROI

Attending Microsoft Ignite or Build is a real investment - ticket, travel, time away from work and family, and mental bandwidth. The payoff doesn’t come from only attending sessions and networking - it comes from what you activate after you leave the conference. That’s the core message I’d like to share: attending the conference isn’t the ROI - activation is.

This guide is authored to help maximize your Ignite experience, turn what you learn into outcomes for yourself and your organization, and package those outcomes so your leadership clearly sees the value. The same mindset applies to Build, even if the content mix differs.

What ROI means

The ROI of attending a flagship tech conference is not purely financial - it shows up across multiple dimensions: knowledge, capability, network, strategy, and culture.

Here’s a way to think about it:

Knowledge ROI: Best practices, announcements, roadmaps, and “what’s next” across Microsoft platforms.
Capability ROI: Hands-on labs/workshops that build real operating skills.
Network ROI: Direct conversations with Microsoft leaders, engineers, PMs, MVPs, and peers - people you can follow up with later.
Strategic ROI: Understanding Microsoft’s direction so you can map it to your organization’s priorities.
Cultural ROI: Inspiration and momentum that can spark new collaboration and innovation back home.

If you leave the conference with only notes, you’ve gained knowledge. If you leave with an action plan and owners, you’ve created ROI.

A practical model: Before → During → After

1. Before the conference: set intent, not just a schedule

Start by defining a few outcomes you want to bring home - not simply “the sessions I want to attend.” Align with your leadership on what success looks like. For instance: “Build a roadmap for AI readiness at the organization.” Then build your schedule and sessions around those outcomes.

2. During the conference: capture “what changed / so what / what next”

For each session, lab, booth discussion, expert meet-up brainstorming, or meeting, capture these bullets to make your notes actionable.

What changed: the one new capability/idea
So what: why it matters for your environment
What next: the pilot you can execute next

3. After the conference:

convert learning into pilots and proof of concept.

Explore all of the conference experiences - not just breakout sessions and booths

A major ROI gap I see: attendees often focus on only a few formats – such as Keynotes, breakout sessions, and expo hall / sponsor booths – and miss additional value offered across the convention center.

Ignite, for instance, is intentionally designed with many learning and engagement formats. Here’s how to leverage the key offerings/experiences strategically:

Breakouts vs Theaters vs Labs: know what each is for

Breakouts: deep technical roadmaps, context, and best practices.
Theater sessions: shorter, demo-focused sessions - great for discovering features you can try quickly, then following up with experts.
Hands-on labs/workshops: where capability is built through guided, practical exercises.

“Meet the Experts” or Expert Meetup Area

When attendees at Ignite shared pain points at my roundtable discussion, my consistent recommendation was: bring specific problems to the Expert Meetup area and leave with next steps and named owners. That’s often a faster path to clarity than trying to piece together answers from sessions alone.

Community Connection Pods and Technical Roundtables

These are ideal for “how do others do this?” At these sessions, you can explore implementation best practices, operational patterns, and real-world tradeoffs. These sessions help you shape approaches and decisions, rather than just learning features. They’re also a great way to connect with Microsoft community peers, spark collaboration, and discover ongoing learning opportunities beyond the conference.

Skilling and post-event learning

Beyond workshops and labs for skilling, you may be able to sit for a certification exam offered at the venue as part of the conference package. Ignite also supports structured continuation after the event via role-based skilling plans and centralized learning hubs.

Package event ROI for your audiences – your leadership, your peers, and yourself

If your org expects you to bring value back, share value tailored per the audience.

A strong executive brief could include things like: why a capability matters now – Microsoft’s direction plus your organization’s priorities; top 5 insights tied to your environment, etc.

The recap for your team could be a briefing on: what changed, the announcements, a demo, enrolling the team into learning plans, and so on.

Final takeaway

The most valuable thing you can do is leave the conference with more than notes - leave with a plan. Turn the conference experience into measurable outcomes - ROI becomes real when learning turns into practical experiments with metrics.

Conferences give you roadmaps, hands-on learning, expert access, and community connections. Your job is to “activate” that into measurable wins for yourself and your organization – to obtain the “ROI.”

Connect with Sucheta on LinkedIn

Planning for Microsoft Build?

Even if you can’t attend Build in person, you can still watch the sessions online and walk away with real ROI, capture the announcements and technical learnings, then translate them into a short action plan, pilots, and measurable outcomes for your team.

Want to learn more about the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn.

Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the MVP program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes — with time for questions, examples, and real conversations.

How Sharon Weaver and Christian Buckley Help Future MVPs Find Their Path

BetsyWeber — Thu, 14 May 2026 20:53:44 GMT

For many technologists, the Microsoft MVP Award feels inspiring - but also a little mysterious. That is exactly why MVPs Sharon Weaver and Christian Buckley host a monthly AMA (Ask Me Anything) call for aspiring MVPs. Their goal is simple: create a welcoming space where people can ask honest questions, better understand what meaningful community contribution looks like, and feel less alone on the journey. What started as a way to answer the same questions more efficiently has grown into a supportive cohort that helps future MVPs build confidence and momentum.

MVP Sharon Weaver and MVP Christian Buckley

From Curiosity to Community

Sharon knows firsthand how often people ask, “How do I become an MVP?” After hearing that question again and again, she realized aspiring MVPs did not just need information - they needed community. “I kept getting lots of people asking me, and I was giving the same answers out over and over and over,” Sharon said. So she and Christian decided to create one place where people could learn together, ask questions openly, and hear practical advice from people who understood the process.

Sharon believes that people do not need to become someone else to be recognized as an MVP. “You don’t need to be anything other than who you are. You just need to understand that what you do has value, how to show that value, and then be really good at that and make that visible.” That message resonates because it replaces pressure with purpose. Instead of chasing a checklist or trying to become an influencer overnight, attendees are encouraged to focus on contributions they genuinely enjoy and can sustain over time.

“You don’t need to be anything other than who you are. You just need to understand that what you do has value.” - MVP Sharon Weaver

The monthly AMA also helps make a big goal feel more attainable. Sharon shared, “Having other people who are not there yet to support you through that journey makes as big a difference as having people who have already been awarded.” Over the past two years, that support has mattered: Sharon said the cohort has helped around 15 people who attended the calls go on to receive the MVP Award. For Sharon, the joy is not in doing the work for anyone else; it is in opening the door, answering questions, and helping others see that their efforts already have value.

“One piece of advice from the AMA calls that stayed with me was to make sure your contributions are things you enjoy doing and would do regardless of the MVP title.” - MVP Rachel Sullivan

MVP Sharon Weaver and MVP Rachel Sullivan at the new MVP breakfast at MVP Summit

Turning Insight Into Impact

One of the biggest myths Sharon hears is that aspiring MVPs need a huge platform to be considered. “Everybody thinks you need to be a speaker or an influencer,” she said. “Pick the things you do, do them well, and be visible.” That advice has helped attendees reframe the process around authentic contribution instead of comparison. MVP Rachel Sullivan reflected, “One piece of advice from the AMA calls that stayed with me was to make sure your contributions are things you enjoy doing and would do regardless of the MVP title.” MVP Karinne Bessette shared a similar takeaway: “The AMA calls made the MVP process feel more approachable because it gave real perspectives from other MVPs and people on the MVP path, which helped fight imposter syndrome.”

The monthly calls also help people understand that visibility matters. Sharon encourages attendees to connect with product groups, communicate their impact clearly, and advocate for their work in ways that feel genuine. The path is rarely instant - Sharon estimates many people spend two to three years on the journey - but the combination of clarity, encouragement, and community makes a real difference. Just as importantly, the calls remind people that not receiving the award the first time is not the end of the story. It is simply part of a longer journey of growth, contribution, and persistence.

“The AMA calls made the MVP process feel more approachable because it gave real perspectives from other MVPs and people on the MVP path, which helped fight the imposter syndrome.” - MVP Karinne Bessette

Why This Matters

The value of these AMA calls goes far beyond helping one person earn an award. They remind people that they are not alone, that their voice matters, and that there is space for them in this community exactly as they are. For someone who feels uncertain, overwhelmed, or unsure whether what they do is enough, that kind of encouragement can be transformative. It can spark confidence, create connection, and turn self-doubt into action. When people feel seen, supported, and inspired to keep going, the impact reaches far beyond a single moment - it deepens the sense of belonging that makes this community so special.

“If these chats help people realize one thing, I hope it’s that there is no specific checklist of tasks to complete to become an MVP. It can be a very different path for each MVP, because there are countless ways to give back to the community. You don’t need to follow someone else’s formula—you need to find a contribution path that’s authentic and sustainable for you." – MVP Christian Buckley

Keep the Momentum Going

If you are curious about becoming a Microsoft MVP, consider joining Sharon and Christian’s monthly AMA calls and taking the next step alongside others who are asking the same questions. And if you are already an MVP, think about how you might create a similar space in your own region or community. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is make the path feel more visible for someone else. Learn more from Sharon’s blog post, Navigating the Microsoft MVP Nomination Process: Tips and Insights, and meet these community leaders: Sharon Weaver, Christian Buckley, Rachel Sullivan, and Karinne Bessette.

Want to Learn More About the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn or #mvpbuzz.

Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor  where we walk through what the MVP program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes - with time for questions, examples, and real conversations. 

Still Contributing, Still Supporting the Community — But Still Questioning the MVP Decision

WaelBaazouzi — Mon, 11 May 2026 16:58:20 GMT

I still don’t understand the reason behind my rejection from the Microsoft MVP Program.

For years, I have been actively contributing to the tech community in Tunisia through free events, international conferences, training sessions, mentoring, and knowledge sharing around Microsoft technologies, Data, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, and AI.

I proudly represent my country in many community initiatives and continue supporting professionals and students with passion and dedication.

What makes this decision difficult to understand is the lack of clear feedback or explanation regarding the refusal. Transparency is important, especially in a global program that values community impact and leadership.

I will continue contributing to the community with the same energy and commitment, because community work is bigger than any title.

My MVP Story: Four Years In, Two Years with Security Copilot, and a Lot of Learning

kimsanchez — Tue, 05 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

By Guest Blogger Mona Ghadiri

I’ve learned that the MVP journey is unique for everyone. Well, my journey is more like a set of tabs you swear you’ll close later. Sentinel launches in 2019, on April 1, 2024, Security Copilot launches. Here we are, April 2026! Time files.

I would know. I’m on technically my 4th career. I started as an editorial assistant and researcher, moved to being a plastics injection molding process engineer, and then became a product manager and now I’m a Vice President at Capgemini.

Somewhere between shipping deadlines, community calls, and one too many conference coffees, I found my favorite kind of work: helping people feel more confident with security.

This April, I’m celebrating four years as a Microsoft MVP (Security) and two years of Security Copilot. I’m also celebrating a milestone I’m still processing: being the only woman in the world with the Security Copilot designation in Security Copilot’s second year. I’m grateful, a little proud, and also very aware that my browser history is still mostly “how do I connect with more women in cybersecurity.” This MVP story is a bit of an online ad: Looking for friendship, empowerment and more representation.

Two Years of Security Copilot (and the Real Lesson It Taught Me)

When Security Copilot was still new, and was called Copilot for Security, and everyone was trying to decide whether “AI for security” meant magic or mayhem, I leaned into curiosity. I tested, asked questions, broke things (responsibly), and kept coming back to the same point: the best security outcomes happen when we pair strong fundamentals with smart automation.

That’s why the “two-year” moment feels bigger than a product anniversary. It marks two years of listening to what defenders actually need, learning in public, and translating fast-moving capabilities into practical guidance. The Security Copilot designation milestone isn’t a finish line for me at all. It’s a reminder that I’m trusted to keep showing up, staying grounded, and sharing what works (and what definitely did not work the first time), leaning in with the Microsoft PG teams and other MVPs and doing what we do best: co-creating.

Community Impact: From Stages to Study Groups

Over the last few years, I’ve had the privilege of presenting and participating at every major Microsoft conference, from the AI Tour to Build to Ignite, and they are some of the moments I am most proud of. I try to treat every session the same way: make it useful, make it real, and leave people with something they can apply on Monday morning (even if they’re low on sleep!)

Behind the scenes, I also love the work that doesn’t come with a spotlight, like helping organize community conferences, building speaker lineups, reviewing abstracts, and connecting people who should absolutely know each other. Security moves fast, and community is how we keep up without burning out.

Mentoring is the part I take most personally. I’ve created a special space to mentor women and Farsi speakers through communities like MS Farsi and Azure Zero to Hero because sometimes the biggest barrier isn’t the technology, it’s feeling like you don’t belong in the room yet. (Spoiler: you do.) Watching someone go from “I’m not sure I can” to “I just shipped it” will never get old.

What I’m Focusing on Next: AI Security + Securing the SDLC (and the Basics)

Right now, my energy is going into AI security and securing the software development lifecycle because if AI is becoming part of everything we build, it has to become part of everything we protect. That means thinking about identity, data boundaries, prompt and plugin safety, model risk, and also the very unglamorous work of improving detection, response, and governance.

And here’s the part I keep reminding myself (often): the future is exciting, but the basics still pay the rent. Before we ask AI to save the day, we should probably make sure the doors are locked: least privilege, clean identity hygiene, sensible logging, patching, and threat modeling that happens before the “launch” button gets clicked. I’m aiming to help teams do both: adopt what’s new and do a better job with what’s always mattered.

Looking Ahead - Together

To everyone who’s attended a session, asked a hard question, volunteered at an event, or sent a message that started with “Quick question…” (and ended 47 minutes later): thank you. You’ve shaped my MVP journey more than any title ever could. If you’re building in security, curious about Security Copilot, or trying to level up your secure SDLC practices, I’d love to connect and if you’re a woman or a Farsi speaker looking for a supportive place to grow, you have a spot with us.

Connect with Mona on LinkedIn

Want to Learn More About the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn or #mvpbuzz.

Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the MVP program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes — with time for questions, examples, and real conversations.

Building Futures Through Community: Creating Pathways into Tech

TinaStenderup — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:19:42 GMT

For the team behind Experts Live Denmark - organized by the Microsoft MVP & RD community in Denmark - this belief has shaped how they think about community: not just as a place to share knowledge, but as a space to open doors into the industry. That thinking is what led to the collaboration with ReDI School of Digital Integration Denmark.

ReDI supports women with migrant and refugee backgrounds through digital education, mentorship, and career guidance. But as the organizers of Experts Live Denmark recognized early on, skills alone are not enough. The missing piece is often access to real environments - to people, conversations, and experiences that make the industry tangible. This is where the collaboration comes in.

From Learning to Real-World Experience

Rather than treating volunteers as event support, the approach has been to create an experience that reflects how the tech community actually works. As MVP Morten Knudsen says: “Our collaboration is not just about inviting volunteers to an event. It is about empowerment, mentorship, visibility, and long-term career support.”

Geetanjali Hinda at the Experts Live Denmark 2026 appreciation Dinner

For volunteers like Geetanjali Hinda and Poorva Tumbde, that difference was immediately visible.

Geetanjali describes it as a turning point: “It felt like a direct bridge between learning and the professional tech community.” What stood out most was not just the scale of the event - but how it felt to be part of it: “There was no clear divide between volunteers, learners, and experienced professionals. Everyone was approachable and willing to engage.”

That openness is intentional. From the organizer perspective, creating an environment where people feel able to engage—not just observe - is what turns an event into an entry point. And for Geetanjali, it changed the experience entirely: “I didn’t feel like I was just supporting the event. I felt like I was contributing to it.”

Confidence Comes From Participation

For many entering a new country and job market, confidence can be one of the biggest barriers. Geetanjali speaks candidly about that reality: “Being a job-seeking expat, you tend to lose your confidence.” Working in a fast-paced, real-world setting helped shift that: “It reminded me of my communication and coordination skills… especially when dealing with last-minute changes.” More importantly, it changed how she approached her role: “I became more comfortable taking initiative and stepping in where needed without waiting for direction.” And something unexpected emerged: “Even without a formal role, I found myself thinking proactively and focusing on solutions.” This shift - from waiting to contributing - is exactly what the experience is designed to enable.

Seeing the Industry Up Close

Poorva Tumbde

For Poorva, the journey began through ReDI School itself: “It has been a meaningful bridge… helping us connect with and better understand Danish work culture.” Through that connection, she stepped into Experts Live Denmark and experienced the industry firsthand. What stayed with her most was the energy of the community: “The event brought together more than 1,400 attendees from diverse cultural backgrounds… What stood out to me was the passion shared by everyone involved.” But beyond the atmosphere, the experience helped expand her perspective: “I gained a better understanding of emerging technologies, the increasing role of AI… and how innovation is shaping the future of the tech industry.” Exposure to real conversations, real challenges, and real expertise helped turn abstract interest into something more concrete.

Learning by Doing

A key part of the experience is hands-on involvement. Poorva highlights the practical side: “I gained hands-on exposure to publishing a WordPress website, automating email communications using Microsoft Forms, and understanding the intricacies of event logistics.”

At the same time, Geetanjali’s experience reflects another dimension—learning how to operate in dynamic environments. Together, these experiences provide something difficult to replicate elsewhere:

Applying skills in real scenarios
Understanding how collaboration works in practice
Navigating uncertainty and adapting in real time
Building confidence through contribution

From the organizer perspective, this is the goal. Not just to expose participants to the industry - but to help them practice being part of it.

More Than Technical Skills

Both experiences point to a broader realization. For Poorva, it came through exposure to sessions and experts. For Geetanjali, it came through participation and interaction. As she puts it: “Being part of the tech industry is not just about technical skills, but also about collaboration and mindset.” This is a critical shift. Because entering the industry is not only about what you know - it’s about how you engage, contribute, and connect.

Geetanjali welcoming people at Experts Live Denmark 2026

Why This Collaboration Matters

From the perspective of Experts Live Denmark, the collaboration with ReDI School is about creating continuity in the journey into tech.

ReDI provides the foundation:

Skills
Learning
Initial network

The community provides the next step:

Real-world exposure
Practical experience
Professional confidence

By connecting the two, the gap between learning and working becomes smaller - and more navigable.

Looking Ahead

For both Poorva and Geetanjali, the experience did not end with the event. It shaped how they see their next steps. Geetanjali reflects this clearly: “Going forward, I want to combine my technical development with active participation in professional communities… showing up with a mindset of contribution, accountability, and curiosity.”

That mindset - more than any single skill - is what enables long-term growth. And it is exactly what collaborations like this aim to support. Because building a strong tech community is not only about sharing knowledge. It is about bringing more people into it - and helping them find their place within it.

Experts Live is a global network of community-driven conferences that brings together Microsoft executives, MVPs and community members sharing practical, real-world knowledge through sessions, conversations, and networking.

Experts Live Denmark is happening again on February 9-10, 2027.

From Late Nights to Global Impact: Ariane Djeupang’s Microsoft MVP Journey

BetsyWeber — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:42:20 GMT

MVP Ariane Djeupang (right - in striped shirt) at DjangoCon Africa

Some journeys begin with a plan. Others begin with a brave choice—and the determination to keep showing up. For Ariane Djeupang, becoming a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) wasn’t a trophy hunt. It was the next chapter in a much longer story: years of mentoring, organizing, writing, and building community - often with limited resources, but unlimited heart.

MVP Ariane Djeupang

Meet Ariane: a builder of communities

Ariane is a project manager and machine learning engineer based in Cameroon - and a leader across multiple open-source communities. “I’m currently chairing PyCon Africa,” she shared, describing a conference that rotates host countries across the continent. In addition, she volunteers and organizes across the Python and Django ecosystem, mentoring beginners, coaching Django Girls workshops, and helping events run smoothly behind the scenes.

“I also mentor people - newcomers and beginners in tech - and those who would like to start their Python or Django journey.”

Choosing her own path into tech

Growing up, Ariane felt the familiar pressure many young people experience: someone else had already decided what her future “should” be. “My dad wanted me to become a doctor,” she said. But after high school, she made a bold pivot: “I instantly chose to register in computer science.”

From there, her world expanded beyond textbooks. A senior student introduced her to a local developer community, and Ariane started asking big questions: “What is a community? … What is that impact?” Soon she was volunteering at events - and then helping build new ones. She and peers co-founded Python Cameroon, fueled by a love for the language and its welcoming learning curve. “I used to describe the syntax as elegant,” she laughed, remembering how she encouraged friends to start learning Python.

MVP Ariane Djeupang presenting at DjangoCon Africa

The moment she became a Microsoft MVP

Ariane didn’t set out to chase an award—she didn’t even know the program existed until a friend from the Django community pointed it out. “That was my first time … someone talking about that,” she said. After she was nominated and completed the application, she was welcomed into the Microsoft MVP community - one of only four MVPs in Cameroon, and the first (and currently only) woman MVP in the country.

“It’s like a validation of years of dedication for me - because late nights and written tutorials… organizing meetups and events, mentoring aspiring technologists… all these were done with limited resources.”

For Ariane, the recognition wasn’t just personal - it was also a statement about what meaningful contribution looks like. “Impact is not just measured by … demography, by geography or privilege,” she said. “It’s measured by consistency.”

Professionally, being an MVP opened doors she “never imagined even possible” - including “direct access to Microsoft product teams” and early previews of technology (she mentioned getting access to previews in GitHub Copilot). But she quickly returned to what matters most to her: the people around her. “Perhaps, most importantly, it’s a responsibility,” Ariane said. In a country where digital transformation is still emerging and opportunity can be unevenly distributed, she sees her MVP platform as a way to show others what’s possible - especially for those whose voices are too often overlooked.

Ariane’s advice: inclusion is built (and rebuilt) every day

When asked what helps communities become more welcoming - especially in global spaces - Ariane didn’t hesitate. She believes experienced community leaders have “a unique responsibility … to set the tone for inclusion.” Here are a few practices she shared that any of us can start using right now.

Lead with empathy. “Remember what it felt like to be new,” she said - and also what it felt like “to be uncertain, to be overlooked.” Her takeaway: be patient, approachable, and generous with your time.
Lower the barriers to entry. Ariane called out onboarding as a common inclusion failure point: “The onboarding processes are not really … easy for newcomers.” Her fix: beginner-friendly resources and “safe spaces for questions,” recognizing that not everyone starts with the same access or confidence.
Actively amplify diverse voices. “Seek out and highlight contributions from women … from people with disabilities … and those from rural or marginalized backgrounds,” she urged, emphasizing that representation matters “at every level.”
Mentor and sponsor - then advocate. Mentorship is more than advice: “Connect them with opportunities and also advocate for their inclusion in events, projects and also in leadership roles.”
Foster collaboration across communities. She encouraged cross-community partnerships, hybrid events, and knowledge exchange—because “the more we break down silos, the richer our communities become.”

“Inclusivity is not just a one-time effort, it’s a continuous practice. By modeling openness, humility, and curiosity… we can create environments where everyone feels they belong, can contribute - contribute meaningfully.”

“No rush”: a message to new leaders (and future MVPs)

Ariane also offered a refreshingly grounded reminder about growth: it doesn’t have to be frantic to be real. She remembers the early days of MVP onboarding clearly. “There is a lot to know. There is a lot to read,” she said. Her advice: “Don’t rush… no rush. You will learn gradually.”

Most importantly, she encouraged new MVPs (and anyone stepping into leadership) to keep doing what earned trust in the first place: “Just continue to work as you used to work.” Yes, new doors open - talk opportunities, volunteering, collaborations - but sustainability matters. “At the end of the day, you are not like a robo,” she said. “You shouldn’t overstress yourself … trying to prove ‘I’m an MVP’ by doing everything at once. “I’m giving 15 talks in one month… I’ve written 100 articles in one month… that’s not sustainable.”

Inclusion is also logistics: access, travel, and the power of naming

In Ariane’s world, “inclusion” isn’t just what happens on stage - it’s whether people can even get into the room. She spoke candidly about the realities many African technologists face when attending global events: flights that can be “almost 2000” dollars, plus accommodation, ground transportation, and visa fees. Those constraints don’t reflect a lack of talent - they reflect a lack of access.

And sometimes, inclusion starts with language. Ariane helped change the name of a conference benefit from “financial aid” to “opportunity grant.” Why? “The main reason we changed it was because of inclusivity reasons,” she explained. Some people avoid applying because they don’t want to be seen as “broken”—when the reality is simply: “I cannot afford maybe a ticket or the flight to attend the conference.” Names matter. They can either add stigma - or open a door.

Call to action: be the person who makes the room bigger

Ariane’s story is a celebration - but it’s also an invitation. In every region, in every user group, in every online forum, we can choose to be the kind of community member who makes someone feel seen. We can lead with empathy. We can simplify onboarding. We can amplify voices that are too often ignored. And we can sponsor - not just with money, but with introductions, speaking invites, leadership opportunities, and public credit.

If you want to learn from Ariane’s advice and support underrepresented voices in your tech community, start here:

Make your next welcome explicit. Message a newcomer, invite questions, and share a “getting started” path.
Share the mic. Recommend a first-time speaker, co-present, or offer a practice run and feedback.
Turn mentorship into sponsorship. Introduce someone to organizers, nominate them for opportunities, and advocate for them in rooms they’re not in yet.
Design for access. Offer hybrid options when possible, publish clear event logistics, and be thoughtful about cost and travel barriers.
Build partnerships locally. Break down silos by collaborating with neighboring communities, universities, and local meetups to create pathways in your region.

Learn more

Congratulations again to Ariane - an MVP whose work reminds us that community leadership isn’t about a spotlight. It’s about building ladders, widening doors, and making sure more people get to step into their future. Learn more and connect with Ariane Djeupang through her MVP Profile and on LinkedIn.

Want to Learn More About the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn or #mvpbuzz.

Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the MVP program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes - with time for questions, examples, and real conversations. 

High Expert Summit 2026 - United by Community, Cloud, and AI

CristinaGonzalezHerrero — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:07:02 GMT

Community-driven events continue to be one of the strongest pillars of the Microsoft ecosystem—and the High Expert Summit, organized by MVPs and the High Expert community, is a powerful example of that impact in action.

Hotmart’s headquarters in Belo Horizonte offered a wonderful venue for the conference due to its modern auditorium and event infrastructure. The summit delivered two intense days of immersion, combining technical depth, strategic discussions, and meaningful connections. With more than 150 in-person participants, attendees were highly engaged and focused on advanced Azure and AI topics—making it one of the most impactful community Azure events in Brazil.

Belo Horizonte: Strategic Location, Real Impact

From both participant and speaker perspectives, the choice of Belo Horizonte played a defining role in the event’s success. Although São Paulo often concentrates major technology events, Belo Horizonte—home to approximately 2.5 million people—has a strong industrial, technological, and innovation footprint.

The region hosts major organizations such as ArcelorMittal, a global leader in steel and mining, and Localiza, one of Latin America’s largest mobility companies, founded in Belo Horizonte and operating across multiple countries, amongst many others. Belo Horizonte also counts with a solid startup network structure (SanPedro Valley - 1st startup community created in Brazil, BH-TEC technology park or the Seed -Startups and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development, governmental startup acceleration program) that pushes local entrepreneurs to create new technology-based goods and services. Professionals from these companies were actively present throughout the event, reinforcing how regional hubs outside the traditional tech “center” are deeply invested in cloud and AI transformation.

For many attendees, this was the first event in months—or even years—of this scale and quality in the region. The summit clearly addressed a local demand, delivering an experience that had a visible and lasting regional impact.

A Community-Led Event, Built by MVPs and New Voices

From the very first moments—reception, venue, logistics, and overall organization—the conference demonstrated exceptional care and professionalism. The High Expert team, led by Guilherme Maia, delivered an experience widely praised by attendees for its structure, attention to detail, and high standards.

A defining aspect of the event was the strong MVP presence, combined with intentional space for new and first‑time speakers. Most sessions were delivered by Microsoft MVPs, alongside Microsoft professionals and specialists working directly in the market—creating a balance between recognized expertise and fresh perspectives.

One particularly meaningful moment was the first public presentation by Matheus Faria Nogueira, who shared a real-world use case focused on security posture management in a web application architecture on Azure. His session demonstrated how security can be embedded into architecture decisions from the start—highlighting both technical rigor and the importance of encouraging new community voices.

Deep Technical Content with a Strong Security Focus

Over two days, participants explored strategic and technical content covering Azure architecture, DevOps, Artificial Intelligence, innovation, career development, market trends, and the real challenges organizations face today.

Security emerged as a key theme throughout the agenda. Among the highlights was the participation of Paulo Silva as a new speaker, presenting practical scenarios combining Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Microsoft Sentinel. His session showcased how organizations can achieve better visibility, detection, and response across hybrid and cloud environments using Microsoft’s security stack.

Across sessions, a consistent message resonated with attendees: the value of hands‑on, experience‑driven content. Speakers went beyond slides, focusing on implementation details, lessons learned, and actionable guidance—an approach many participants highlighted as one of the event’s strongest differentiators.

Networking, Connections, and Industry Impact

Beyond technical sessions, the summit created space for high‑quality networking and collaboration. Conversations between architects, developers, MVPs, Microsoft professionals, and industry leaders fostered valuable exchanges among those actively shaping the future of Cloud and AI.

These interactions led to concrete follow‑ups after the event, including discussions around applying Azure AI and object recognition technologies in industrial environments—demonstrating how community events often become catalysts for real innovation.

Gratitude to the Community Behind the Event

The success of the High Expert Summit was the result of collective effort. Special recognition goes to the event team, who worked behind the scenes to deliver what many described as one of their most challenging—and rewarding—projects to date.

The event was elevated by outstanding speakers, including Johnson de Souza Cruz, Claudenir Andrade, Francisco Ferreira, Henrique Eduardo Souza, Elton Bordim, Osanam Giordane da Costa Junior, Gilson Banin, Rodrigo Fonseca, Daniel Ribeiro, Ieso Dias, Roberta Santos, Professor Rodrigo Moreira, and others—each contributing deep expertise, practical insight, and pride in representing the Microsoft MVP community.

Support from the sponsors BHS, Advanced Informatica Ltda., and DCIT Tecnologia also played a key role in making the experience possible.

Above all, sincere thanks go to every participant who invested their time, energy, and curiosity, turning the summit into a truly memorable community moment.

Looking Ahead

The event may have concluded, but the movement continues. The conversations, connections, and learning sparked in Belo Horizonte are already shaping what comes next.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback and strong regional engagement, expectations are set high for future editions, including the next High Expert Summit anticipated in 2027.

Once again, the Microsoft MVP community demonstrated its power to learn, connect, and build the future—together.

Want to Learn More About the MVP Program?

To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn or #mvpbuzz.

Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the MVP program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes — with time for questions, examples, and real conversations. 

The Network That Outlived Him: How MVP Min-gyu Ju's Community Keeps His Legacy Alive

SoyoungLee — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:56:59 GMT

By guest blogger YoungWook Kim

In the Microsoft MVP community, technology is more than just a tool; it is a bridge that connects people. The late Min-gyu Ju—founder of Recursive Soft and a preeminent expert in the IoT field—was a master at building these bridges with both strength and warmth. He looked beyond cold hardware and lines of code to find the human heart within. Although he has passed, his spirit remains vibrant through the colleagues who have gathered to hold an annual memorial seminar in his honor for the fourth consecutive year. This is a tribute to his technical legacy and the true meaning of being a "devoted expert."

Highlights from the 4th Memorial Seminar: Around 50 community members including fellow MVPs came together to voluntarily raise funds in honor of MVP Min-Gyu Ju, culminating in a meaningful scholarship presentation to his son.

Min-gyu’s Story

Min-Gyu Ju had a vision of making the world a warmer place through technology

Min-gyu Ju was a pioneer who navigated the IoT ecosystem with technical brilliance. However, the community remembers him for much more than his engineering feats. He was a selfless leader who dedicated his life to revitalizing the IT ecosystem in regional areas. To ensure that geographical distance did not lead to technical alienation, he frequently invited MVPs from across Korea, organizing high-quality technical sessions and networking opportunities.

Through these efforts, he redefined the title "MVP" for many. To his community, an MVP became someone who isn't just a skilled professional, but a devoted expert who gives back without hesitation. He loved bringing people together to talk shop and build networks. With a rare combination of top-tier technical skill and profound empathy, he was always a steady, humorous, and comforting presence for his colleagues facing difficult challenges. His passion was so infectious that it didn't fade when he left us; instead, it sparked a tradition. For four years now, we have continued to hold a memorial seminar to share knowledge and connect, exactly the way he loved to do.

Impact and Insights

This year’s memorial seminar was particularly moving. Min-gyu’s eldest son recently completed his military service and is returning to his studies. Following in his father’s footsteps, he is pursuing a degree in Computer Science. To support his journey, fellow MVPs, longtime friends, and even those who only recently learned of Min-gyu’s story came together to provide a high-performance laptop and a scholarship.

As we presented these gifts, we shared a message that resonated deeply with everyone present: “Your father left behind much more than you might think.” It was a reminder that while technology evolves and eventually becomes obsolete, the trust, reputation, and human connections a person builds are a permanent legacy. This experience reaffirmed that an MVP’s true value is measured by the positive change they ignite in the lives of others. The network Min-gyu built continues to solve problems and inspire innovation today.

Every year, the Korea Azure Tech Group hosts a memorial tech seminar in Busan—the hometown of MVP Min-Gyu Ju —to honor his legacy. This year marks the 4th anniversary of the event.

Closing

Plans are already underway for next year’s memorial seminar. We aim to invite even more incredible speakers and prepare an even richer program to honor the values of technology and networking that Min-gyu held dear. Losing a precious colleague is a profound sorrow, but the fact that our time with him continues to bear fruit is a testament to the amazing MVP colleagues who walk this path with me. I encourage you to lean into your community—because when we share our knowledge and support one another, our impact lives on forever.

Author Bio

YoungWook Kim

CEO of Hello AI | Microsoft Regional Director & AI MVP,

A longtime colleague who shared Min-gyu Ju’s vision of making the world a warmer place through technology.

MVP Enthusiast

Vinod_Sir — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:37:02 GMT

working professional more than 25 years of work exprience i do create videos on excel tutorial but never be earned pretigious award of MVP i dont know only if i post expertise on learn.microsoft.com then only my experience count as i am the expert ? my dream is dream to become MVP one just small desire have nice day all dont want to spam but just this is my feeling thanks