From the Classroom to Las Vegas: MVP David Brown and the Excel Esports Revolution
What if crunching numbers could land you on a championship stage in Las Vegas? Welcome to the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge (MECC) - where spreadsheets meet esports, and students battle for the championship in Las Vegas! Meet the Visionary: MVP David Brown When the ModelOff competition closed, David Brown, Microsoft MVP and professor, saw a gap for his students. “ModelOff closed and left a void for my students – I had been using it for years as extra credit and enhancement for honors students,” David shares. So, he rallied the Excel community and built MECC to make Excel fun, competitive, and accessible for everyone David’s advice for anyone starting out? “Change expectations – it’s tough to get students involved when they are so busy. And starting at an easier level – simpler, short challenges – getting more people involved that way. Also, letting myself know how much work it was going to be. Although, I am not sure I would have done it if I knew that, and I am glad I did do it.” own (left) with the 2024 MECC individual champion, Benjamin Weber (center) MECC by the Numbers 8,000+ students from 800 schools across 110+ countries participated in MECC 2024 - talk about a global spreadsheet showdown! The Las Vegas Finals welcomed 100+ students from 13 countries for the in-person championship. In 2022, MECC featured 2,730 students from 93 countries and 596 universities/colleges. For 2025, the total prize fund for MECC is $34,050 USD! Finals events include individual and team battles - recently, 64 individuals and 21 teams competed in semi-finals, with 12 individuals and 4 teams advancing to the grand finals. MECC events are streamed live, with tens of thousands watching online and millions of views after the event What Makes MECC Special? Epic team battles are a game-changer. “The team competition is a game changer. It’s so much more than just splitting up a case and solving separate parts. The best teams work together to build a solution together, help each other better understand the problem, and mitigate risks that come up in individual modeling. I think the team competition is the future of Excel Esports,” says David. And the puzzles? “Anything with recursive formulas - maps, capacity estimations (more financial modeling), how important Lambdas. There’s also a famous ‘Lana Banana’ case that may at first seem impossible to solve, until you realize there’s a backwards recursion method to solve it, which is so elegant and beautiful. That was a really great case (but at the pro level),” David recalls. Real-World Impact MECC isn’t just fun - it’s a launchpad for careers. “Yes, multiple students who have secured internships and jobs through our sponsors and many more who use MECC as talking point in interviews,” David notes. Professors are integrating MECC into coursework, and badges earned in competition help students stand out in interviews. MVPs Powering the Community David Brown and other MVPs (plus non-MVPs!) jump in to coach, judge, and energize the Excel community. Their support makes MECC special and helps students reach new heights. As David says:“There is an amazing Excel community – MVPs (and non-MVPs) so willing to help and get involved.” Coaching & Mentoring: MVPs like David Brown, Diarmuid Early and Jon Acampora coach student teams, share strategies, and help competitors level up their skills. Their mentorship and expert advice are invaluable for preparation and competition. Judging & Event Leadership: MVPs serve as judges at MECC finals, using their deep Excel expertise to evaluate solutions and provide feedback. Their involvement elevates the finals and reinforces the MVP program’s role in shaping the future of Excel education and esports. For example, Oz du Soleil and Giles Male’s presence as commentators elevates the finals by increasing visibility for Excel as a career skill and reinforcing the MVP’s role in shaping the future of Excel education and esports. Community Engagement: MVPs energize the Excel community by organizing panels, Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions, and onboarding initiatives, creating a vibrant, supportive learning environment. Advocacy & Visibility: MVPs bring attention to MECC and Excel esports, inspiring new participants and building awareness of the power of Excel in modern careers. Shaping the Future: MVPs are at the forefront of new trends, integrating AI and Copilot into competitions, and their feedback helps shape the direction of MECC for future generations. Excel Esports: What’s Next? AI and Copilot are entering the mix. “Right now, just can use AI to ask general questions, kind of like advanced googling. It’ll be interesting to see how this develops,” David predicts. “I think it would be really neat for competitors to have to be knowledgeable enough about the AI and what it does well to know what parts of problems to give it and what parts to handle themselves.” David predicts dedicated AI-assisted and AI-free brackets, where knowing how to leverage AI becomes a skill in itself. Want to Feel Like an Excel Pro? Even if you never step on the MECC stage, David’s top tip is to master keyboard shortcuts in Excel! “Keyboarding – navigating the grid with the keyboard (and your desktop – Alt-Tab is a huge tool that still shocks students) and use shortcuts – you’ll speed up your workflow and you’ll start to feel like an Excel Esports athlete while you work – who doesn’t want to feel like a pro?” Ready to Join the Fun? Visit the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge website for details, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. Check out highlights and tutorials on the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge YouTube Channel for jaw-dropping moments and expert walkthroughs. Follow the MECC Championships on their Livestream: December 02, 2026 - MECC Semi-Finals on YouTube December 03, 2026 - MECC Finals on YouTube While only students can compete in MECC, professors and Excel enthusiasts can get involved as coaches, judges, or mentors to support the event and its participants. Ready to get involved? Start your MECC journey - Students can sign up today to complete assignments for certificates, practice extra challenges, and compete online, while educators can join as College Ambassadors to help innovate student learning.Microsoft MVPs Shine at GitHub Universe 2025
Rob Bos at GitHub Universe 2025 MVPs: Leading, Inspiring, and Innovating at GitHub Universe The GitHub Universe 2025 conference brought together developers, innovators, and community leaders from around the world to explore the future of software development. Microsoft MVPs truly stood out—not only as experts in their fields, but as passionate mentors, trailblazers, and advocates for the power of open source and AI-driven development. From leading high-impact sessions and launching game-changing resources to inspiring the next generation of tech leaders, MVPs played a pivotal role in shaping the conversations and experiences that defined the event. Their energy, expertise, and commitment to sharing knowledge made GitHub Universe 2025 an unforgettable celebration of what’s possible when community comes together to drive the future of software development. Jesse Houwing (left) was featured on a panel of Microsoft MVPs and GitHub Stars Inspiring the Next Generation: MVPs & GitHub Campus Experts Before the main event, MVPs joined the GitHub Campus Experts - university students passionate about community building and open source - for a special pre-day at the GitHub office. MVPs engaged with GitHub Campus Experts - university students passionate about community building and open source - during a special pre-day event at the GitHub office. This gathering was designed to inspire young leaders, recognize their contributions, and encourage them to continue making an impact. MVPs shared stories of their own journeys, emphasizing that community involvement is not just a career milestone but a lifelong commitment to learning, sharing, and growing together. MVP Jesse Houwing shared: “The preday was a way to inspire these young folks. Many people who enter the workforce are scooped up in the torrents of work. This day was part of giving them thanks for their services in the past years and a way to inspire them to continue community building and open-source contributions.” Jesse also emphasized the value of MVPs engaging with student communities: “MVPs and Stars have all contributed to community in one way or form. Public speaking, blogging, open source, community organizing. Many of us have been doing this all throughout our professional careers and were awarded at some point. The award isn't the start, it's a token of appreciation along the way. The Campus Experts are at the start of their career. And our possible future stars and MVPs.” Reflecting on the experience, Houwing added: “I spent a couple of hours on the day one with them, and kept seeing them during the conference days. And later connected over LinkedIn. Many have shared their story and how they were inspired. At the same time, they inspired me. Inspired me to keep sharing, to connect to the younger generations and to learn from their enthusiasm.” Rob Bos (left) andRandy Pagels (right) leading a session, “From prompts to productivity: Lessons learned with GitHub Copilot and agentic AI”. Lessons Learned: From Prompts to Productivity MVPs Randy Pagels and Rob Bos led a dynamic session, “From prompts to productivity: Lessons learned with GitHub Copilot and agentic AI.” The energy in the room was electric, with attendees eager to learn tips for maximizing Copilot’s capabilities. The session emphasized the importance of collaboration - sharing tips and tricks, building internal communities, and supporting each other’s growth. Rob Bos shared about the energy in the room during his session, “It was amazing, lots of people leaning in to learn some of our tips on how we get the most out of Copilot. We got quite some questions afterwards as well, showing the interest on the topic!” When asked how the audience might apply what they learned in their day-to-day development work, Bos added, “I think the message about collaborating on the way you use Copilot and sharing tips and tricks really resonated with the audience. A lot of folks were agreeing and felt supported with our focus on that. They will take that back home and start an internal community of sharing their knowledge.” Randy Pagels, Senior Developer Advocate at GitHub April Yoho (who wrote the foreword in The GitHub Copilot Handbook) and MVP Rob Bos Launching “The GitHub Copilot Handbook” At GitHub Universe 2025, Microsoft MVPs Randy Pagels and Rob Bos unveiled their new book The GitHub Copilot Handbook - a comprehensive guide designed to help developers harness the full potential of AI-assisted coding. This book goes beyond basic code completion, offering practical strategies to apply GitHub Copilot across the entire software development lifecycle. From writing smarter prompts and automating tests to streamlining code reviews and integrating Copilot into IDEs, the handbook equips teams with actionable insights to boost productivity. It also addresses onboarding strategies, building a knowledge-sharing culture, and fostering collaboration through Copilot’s chat and agentic AI features. Why does this matter? As AI becomes central to modern development, this resource empowers developers and organizations to adopt Copilot effectively, reduce friction, and unlock innovation at scale. By launching the book at GitHub Universe—a hub for cutting-edge developer tools - MVPs signal a clear message: AI-driven development isn’t the future; it’s here, and it’s transforming how we build software today. When asked about launching the book at the event, Rob Bos said: “We timed the release with GitHub Universe as that is THE GitHub event of the year. We visit San Francisco every year to be at this event and meet up with the community and our friends at GitHub, and both learn and share more knowledge on the platform. Of course, we shared the new book with the people that have supported us in writing it: April Yoho and Martin Woodward!” Rob also shared what inspired the book and its broader impact: “Over the years we have learned so much from the thousands of engineers we trained on GitHub Copilot and seen a lot of the common pitfalls as well, that we had to share this knowledge for everyone to learn from. What better way to make one cohesive overview that takes engineers from just getting started to an experienced user? And we did not stop there, we also included the basics of Generative AI, as well as how to learn together within a local community of people sharing their lessons learned.” If there’s one key takeaway from the book, Bos continued “You can use GitHub Copilot for more than just coding! We show use cases for everyone in your team that is not an engineer, and share how they can also leverage the tools, just like you, for requirements engineering, writing better user stories, test cases, and much more!” Asked why building a knowledge-sharing culture around Copilot matters for organizations, Bos explained, “The best way to learn Copilot is from sharing, as we all use it in different ways. To prevent being stuck in the way you always have worked, getting some inspiration from other people is key. As trainers, we have learned the most from other trainers and Copilot users in how they think and work with this tool.” Microsoft MVPs continue to set the standard for technical excellence and community leadership. MVPs didn’t just show up – they took the lead, inspired, and elevated the entire GitHub Universe conference experience. Their contributions at GitHub Universe 2025 exemplify the spirit of innovation, mentorship, and collaboration that defines our program and makes our community so special. Thank you to all MVPs for driving excellence, inspiring the next generation of tech leaders and driving the future of software development! Want to learn more about MVP impact? Visit the Microsoft MVP Program Blog and join the conversation!Microsoft MVP Summit
Hello greetings to all members. I have to discuss something very important as you know it's be very good feelings when we became MVP and you guys also know that one of the most important & favorite part that we can attend mvp summit physically & visit Microsoft campus hq at Redmond/ Bellevue it's like our dream come true coz visit Microsoft Redmond campus is everyone wish who love Microsoft. But 2020 to 2022 due to covid it's all become virtual which is heartbreaking coz almost all mvp want to attend mvp summit in real.. It's my request that Microsoft should resume it's MVP summit from next year so we can visit Microsoft campus in Redmond & Bellevue in real & now almost everything become normal, all physical activities resumed so Microsoft also resume the MVP summit & invite those mvp who are vaccinated.. I am very excited for 2023 mvp summit coz I am sure it will be all physical not virtual.Power Platform Community Conference: MVPs, Community, Insights & Inspiration
At the Power Platform Community Conference (PPCC), Microsoft senior leaders, product engineers, and Microsoft MVPs from around the world came together to teach, demo, and answer hundreds of real‑world questions - showcasing how vibrant and hands‑on this community truly is. More than 35 MVPs took the stage across keynotes, breakouts, and the Community Theater - demonstrating the vibrancy, generosity, and hands-on spirit of this community. Why PPCC matters to our community Events like PPCC are where learning becomes momentum. MVPs don’t just present slides - they share production‑tested practices, spark new connections, and lift others up. This year’s conversations ranged from governance on a budget to app performance tuning and the accelerating role of AI‑powered copilots. The result? Attendees left with practical checklists, patterns to adopt on Monday, and a bigger network to call on when they’re stuck. MVP voices from the week MVP Lindsay Shelton presenting a session: From Zero to Governance: One Organization's Journey to Implementing Power Platform Governance At PPCC25, MVP Lindsay Shelton shared what draws her to this conference year after year—and how it continues to shape her work and community impact. “Some of it comes from this being the first big conference I ever attended, back in Orlando the first year, and the amazing time I had and the way it just expanded my horizons about what was possible so vastly. That was actually the message of one of the sessions I delivered this year - a case study about what happened when I came back from the first PP Conf and realized that I wanted to do all of the Power Platform things, but realized that by default, there was no governance in place, so how did I implement basic governance on a budget all by myself.” “Another reason is that I love sharing knowledge forward, and every person who takes the time to say thank you after a workshop or session or ask a question makes all the hard work worth it. Lastly, it's such an amazing group who put on the conference, and they are always a pleasure to work with, so it's my pleasure to submit to speak each year, hope for the best, and get to see so many friends, make new friends, and make new connections!” MVP Keith Atherton presenting his session Full Power! Power App Optimisation The future of Power Platform was a hot topic at PPCC25, and the main keynote didn’t disappoint. MVP Keith Atherton reflected on a pivotal moment when Charles Lamanna, President of Business & Industry Copilot at Microsoft, challenged the audience with a bold statement about the evolution of low-code. Keith shares how this announcement—and Microsoft’s investment in generative AI—signals a new era for makers and developers alike: “During the main keynote, Charles Lamanna, President, Business & Industry Copilot at Microsoft made a bold statement that "low-code (as we know it) is dead." While some may have found this shocking - especially when people are expecting a low-code themed conference - it showed how Microsoft is following current trends and investing in generative AI. The Power Platform utilises generative AI to build solutions in a variety of ways as well as provide the hugely popular Copilot Studio product which has the ability to create custom agents. Using features such as Plan Designer, Power Apps Generative Pages and Copilot Studio can accelerate development of solutions like never before, so the future looks bright!” When it comes to optimizing Power Apps, few are as passionate as Keith. We asked Keith what inspired him to return to PPCC as a speaker and what he hoped attendees would take away from his sessions. Here’s how he described his experience and the message behind Full Power! Power App Optimisation, “I was proud to return to PPCC25 as a speaker, this time with two main sessions as well as two sessions at the Community Theater! My main solo session, Full Power! Power App Optimisation, was about how user experience (UX) can make or break adoption of a solution, and a large part of that experience can be the performance of our apps. In my session, I demonstrated various ways to optimise Power Apps to get optimal performance to improve that experience. Hopefully, everyone left my session with knowledge on how to make our apps perform as fast as possible, happier customers, and less support tickets!” Nick Doelman presenting “Creating an App? Start with the Plan Designer, Build with Copilot!” MVP Nick Doelman shared what resonated with him about Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps inspiring keynote on success, failure and mental health. “Microsoft Vice President Sangya Singh’s interview with Michael Phelps really resonated—his discipline, visualization, and adaptability translate directly into how we build. And yes, Plan Designer’s evolution is exciting. Big picture: AI is removing walls between makers and pro devs. Fusion teams can now work tighter and ship faster.” MVP Diego Domingos da Silva and MVP Cat Schneider share about their journey to the MVP Award. Connections were the heartbeat of PPCC - here’s how MVP Cat Schneider experienced it, “One of my favorite things about this conference is the sense of coming home and seeing family. Many of the people that I see at PPCC every year are those that are near and dear to my heart. I might not get but this one week every year to see some of my most favorite people on this planet, and my heart winds up overflowing in love for this community. And every year I leave with more friendships than I started with, whether it's new connections with Microsoft Product Teams, new community friends that I've adopted and introduced around to people they never dreamed of meeting, or finally connecting with other MVPs and community superstars that I've been aware of but just never had an opportunity to meet in person before. This conference is an absolute blessing and joy to attend, and I highly recommend it for anyone working in the Power Platform!” Curious what motivates MVPs to take the stage and share their expertise? Cat shared what inspired her to speak at PPCC, and what key messages she hoped to deliver to the community. Here’s what she said, “Community, first and foremost, and the power that comes from the ease of getting started with the Power Platform, are both the inspiration and key messages from my sessions. I had two community-based sessions and one technical session, but all of them were driven by fully embracing the community and those around you. One session was about being neurodiverse in this space, and letting AI help to unburden the mental workload that comes from having a neurodiverse brain. We talked about the AI tools and resources that have helped us and how they can be used by others. Another session was purely about finding your voice in this community and pushing boundaries to make space for yourself and others. That the journey is different for everyone; it's all about taking a few scary but small steps forward and embracing the uncomfortableness of it all. And the last session was an audience-led session on how easy it is to get started using the Plan Designer tool, that happened to focus on my wardrobe/costume choices for this conference. MVP Julie Yack and I took suggestions from the audience on what to prompt Plan Designer with, and continued to show the ease of use for building upon the plan with help from the associated agents. By the time we finished, we had a plan with users, data tables, apps, flows, and reports ready to start building out, all surrounding my costume closet.” MVP Dian Taylor and MVP David Warner running the Copilot Studio workshop: Recipes for Success: How to Prepare, Cook, and Serve Custom Agents For MVP Dian Taylor, one keynote crystallized the week’s energy - and the shift it signaled for makers. Here’s how Dian describes its impact, “For me personally, the most impactful session at the 2025 Power Platform Conference in Las Vegas was the keynote by Charles Lamanna. It seemed to hit differently this year. His message was clear: intelligence is now abundant, and low code as we know it is gone! I feel like we are stepping into a new era where curiosity fuels creativity, and our ideas have no limits. The lines between business apps are blurring, and the way people get work done is evolving fast. As makers, we’re no longer just building apps, we’re creating full systems that think, connect, and adapt. The speed of innovation right now is unreal, and this keynote perfectly captured that energy. It wasn’t just inspiring, I also believe it was a wake-up call to start thinking differently!” Looking ahead, AI and Copilot are reshaping how we build on the Power Platform - here’s how Dian sees it, “AI and Copilot is already reshaping how we build on the Power Platform today. The focus when building solutions is shifting from “How do I build this?” to “What do I want this to do?” This is a very different way of doing things as ideas can now flow straight from natural language into working solutions. I see Copilot becoming the maker’s right hand (wo)man, handling the repetitive stuff while we focus on logic, design, and experience. I think it's important to understand that this is not about replacing makers; it’s about amplifying them. I believe in the near future we'll start to see fewer boundaries between apps, data, and automation; everything will feel more connected, more intelligent, and more adaptive. Copilot and AI will help us to build systems that learn and evolve, not just apps that execute. Power Platform will become less about tools and more about co-creation with AI.” MVP Christine Flora and a giant Surface Pro, Copilot+ PC MVP Christine Flora connected with other professionals, community members and MVPs in the Community Lounge. She shared, “Working in the community lounge in the Ask-a-Pro area is always such a joy and so inspiring. I love hearing about all the different and diverse ways people and companies are using these tools to solve real world problems. It always energizes me. And if I can help them even a little bit to push that to the next level or get past a road blocker, even better.” Christine shared her thoughts on how she thinks AI and Copilot will influence Power Platform development going forward, “Over the last three years, I’ve really seen the genesis of how AI can not only help non-traditional business makers get into creating very robust solutions for their departments and organizations but how those tools have really evolved from the creating a simple app from literally a drawing on a napkin to full blown enterprise-ready apps.” Christine had great advice for those who were on the fence about attending the Power Platform Community Conference next year. “Try your best to get there next year! Also I would say try to get involved in your local Power Platform user group.” Keep the Momentum Going: Join the Power Platform Community and Grow Your Network If you couldn’t make it to this year’s Power Platform Community Conference, here’s the one thing you should know: the energy, learning, and connections don’t stop when the conference ends. MVP Christine Flora’s advice rings true - try your best to get there next year, but don’t wait to get involved! The Power Platform Community is always open, welcoming new members and helping everyone grow. By joining your local Power Platform user group, you’ll find answers to real-world challenges, discover practical tips you can use right away, and connect with a network of makers, MVPs, and passionate professionals who genuinely want to help each other succeed. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to push boundaries, there’s a place for you - and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your circle expands. So take that first step: visit the Power Platform Community, jump into the forums, check out upcoming events, and introduce yourself. You never know who you’ll meet or what inspiration you’ll find. The community is waiting to welcome you.Understanding the Microsoft MVP Program: Seeking Clear Guidance
Hello everyone, I’d like to start a discussion about the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Program. My main concern is understanding the process of becoming an MVP and the specific requirements involved. I know the program recognizes exceptional community leaders and experts who share their knowledge and support others, but the actual path to nomination and selection seems a bit unclear. Could anyone share clear guidance on the eligibility criteria, the nomination process, the types of contributions that are most valued, and practical tips to strengthen an application? Your insights and experiences would be highly valuable, not just to me but also to others in the community who may be interested in pursuing this recognition. Thank you so much for your attention and participation.PrivyDoc: Building a Zero-Data-Leak AI with Foundry Local & Microsoft's Agent Framework
Tired of choosing between powerful AI insights and sacrificing your data's privacy? PrivyDoc offers a groundbreaking solution. In this article, Microsoft MVP in AI, Shivam Goyal, introduces his innovative project that brings robust AI document analysis directly to your local machine, ensuring zero data ever leaves your device. Discover how PrivyDoc leverages two cutting-edge Microsoft technologies: Foundry Local: The secret sauce for 100% on-device AI processing, allowing advanced models to run securely without cloud dependency. Microsoft Agent Framework: The intelligent orchestrator that builds a sophisticated multi-agent pipeline, handling everything from text extraction and entity recognition to summarization and sentiment analysis. Learn about PrivyDoc's intuitive web UI, its multi-format support, and crucial features that make it perfect for sensitive industries like legal, healthcare, and finance. Say goodbye to privacy concerns and hello to AI-powered document intelligence without compromise.People learn best when they feel welcome: The Story of Microsoft Security User Group Norway
Re-emerging and Reconnecting: How It All Began This is the third story in the User Group blog series. In 2022, as communities around the world slowly returned to in-person gatherings, many in the tech ecosystem were asking the same question: How do we create spaces where people genuinely want to reconnect? In Norway, where most security events were still held online, a small group of cybersecurity enthusiasts felt the absence of real conversation and shared learning. They decided to change that. The idea was simple: build a space where people could meet, learn, and exchange real experiences — face-to-face. The first Microsoft Security User Group Norway meetup launched in Oslo with over 120 signups. Local speakers shared real-world insights, discussions continued long past the final session, and the energy was unmistakable. “From that first meetup, it was clear — people were ready to be together again.” Microsoft MVP, Craig Forshaw, recalled the moment when a community began to take shape. A Community Built on Inclusivity and Shared Learning Today, the Microsoft Security User Group Norway “Organizers of the Microsoft Security User Group (from left to right), Anders Kristiansen, Haflidi Fridthjofsson, Sanna Diana Tomren, Craig Forshaw & Cody Burkhard” continues to host regular meetups in both physical and virtual formats. All sessions are delivered in English to welcome local professionals, international practitioners, students, and those completely new to security. What makes the group stand out is the atmosphere. Each event blends deep technical content with open conversation, ensuring that everyone — regardless of background — feels comfortable contributing. “People learn best when they feel welcome. Our priority has always been to create a space where everyone feels they belong.” Co-organizer, Anders Kristiansen says. A typical meetup might include expert speakers, live demos, interactive quizzes with community swag, and conversations that spill into hallways, sidewalks, and late-evening coffee shops. But the structure is secondary. The human connection is what keeps the community thriving. Sessions That Evolve With the Security Landscape No two meetups look the same — and that’s intentional. The group explores a wide range of topics, including blue and red teaming, Microsoft Sentinel operations, identity security, cloud and infrastructure protection, DevSecOps, and real-world threat detection. The organizers also host informal post-Build and post-Ignite discussions — opportunities to gather, reflect, and ask: What does this mean for us in practice? The organizing team reflects a diversity of backgrounds and experiences: Craig Forshaw, Microsoft MVP Anders Kristiansen, Microsoft MVP Sanna Diana Tomren, Microsoft MVP Haflidi Fridthjofsson, MVP Alumni now at Microsoft Cody Burkhard, bringing new perspectives to the team “Our different experiences are part of the strength of the group. We learn from each other as much as the community learns with us.” Another co-organizer and Microsoft MVP, Sanna Diana Tomren mentioned. More Than Events: A Platform for Growth and Opportunity Over time, the user group has become far more than a schedule of meetups. It has created opportunities for members — and organizers — to grow in unexpected ways. “This community has given many of us the confidence to speak publicly, share our work more openly, and step into new professional roles.” One of meetup attendees mentioned. Several members have delivered their first talks through the group. Some have gone on to publish technical content, collaborate with peers across industries, and even transition into new roles, including at Microsoft. For the organizers, this journey has also shaped leadership, communication skills, and professional direction. “When the work feels joyful and the community feels like home, you know you’re building something meaningful,” said Haflidi Fridthjofsson, a former MVP now a Microsoft employee. Looking Ahead: Expanding Connections Near and Far The next chapter focuses on collaboration and reach — partnering with other user groups across Norway and globally, welcoming new members, and continuing to create spaces where all voices are valued. The vision remains the same: “We want to continue building a community where people feel welcome, supported, and inspired to keep learning.” Thinking of Starting Your Own User Group? A few reflections from the journey so far: Start with Purpose: Let your motivation guide your event style, format, and outreach strategy. Whether your vision is small coffee shop gatherings or large-scale meetups, clarity helps build momentum. Be Patient and Consistent: Communities grow steadily, not instantly. Focus on creating relevant, well-structured sessions. And don’t be afraid to invite co-organizers—they bring new energy and help sustain the journey. Keep It Fun: When people are smiling, asking questions, networking, and yes—when the pizza arrives on time—community comes alive. Enjoy the process as much as the outcome. We’d also like to give a special thanks to Microsoft Norway for their continued support through venue hosting and sponsorship Stay tuned for the next story in the User Group blog series, where we’ll spotlight another inspiring MVP-led community and the unique ways they’re empowering others through connection and collaboration. If you missed the other posts, check out the stories below: TechNexus: A Best Practice in Building Passion-Driven Tech User Groups Powering Up People: Growing Tech Communities Through UK Dynamics 365 & Power Platform Groups Resources Meetup site: Microsoft Security User Group | Meetup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/msug YouTube: Microsoft Security User Group - YouTube Call for speakers: Microsoft Security User Group 2025: Call for Speakers @ Sessionize.comPowering Up People: Growing Tech Communities Through UK Dynamics 365 & Power Platform Groups
This is the second story in the User Group blog series. In this blog we turn to the UK, home to one of the largest and most active Dynamics 365 and Power Platform communities, to explore how connection and collaboration power lasting growth. The UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups began in the early 2000s when MVP Neil Benson recognized a need for Dynamics CRM users to connect and share experiences. What started as a small gathering has evolved into a national network of 11 user groups with over 9,000 members, guided by an advisory board chaired by MVPs Andrew Bibby and co-chaired by Areti Iles, supported by 24 volunteers—14 of them MVPs. The group hosts more than 30 free events each year, ranging from local evening meetups in Reading, Birmingham, Manchester, and Newcastle to national all-day events featuring Microsoft roadmap updates, workshops, and panel sessions. Each event offers a space for learning, networking, and mentoring across all skill levels—from new professionals to seasoned consultants. Areti’s own journey as the founder of the Reading User Group in 2023 reflects the heart of this community. Wanting to connect locally, she reached out to the UK UG leadership and soon gathered a small team, including MVPs and local professionals, to launch their first event. It wasn’t without challenges—from finding venues to coping with the 50% no-show rate common in free events—but as Areti notes, “Running a user group is not a one-person undertaking. It needs a community to get going and keep going.” The success of the UK User Groups lies not just in the number of events but in the sense of belonging they create. Every detail—from venue accessibility and event timing to speaker collaboration and post-event follow-ups—reflects a shared commitment to inclusion and growth. Areti highlights several practical lessons: Build your team early. Collaboration sustains momentum when challenges arise. Engage and appreciate speakers. Promote their sessions, share their stories, and celebrate their efforts. Keep communication personal. Send reminders, thank attendees, and make everyone feel seen. Make it fun. Add icebreakers, music, or games—community thrives on joy as much as learning. As Areti reminds us, “This is supposed to be fun. If it starts feeling like a second unpaid job, ask for help!” That spirit of openness and collaboration is what makes the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups a true model for community success. The UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups prove that thriving tech communities are built through shared purpose and persistence. Whether you’re an experienced architect, an aspiring speaker, or a first-time attendee, your participation helps the community grow stronger. Join the movement, attend an event, or start your own user group. Visit www.d365ppug.com to get started. Stay tuned for the next story in the User Group blog series, where we’ll spotlight another inspiring MVP-led community and the unique ways they’re empowering others through connection and collaboration. If you missed the first post, check out TechNexus: A Best Practice in Building Passion-Driven Tech User Groups — a look at how a dynamic team in Asia created a model for collaboration and mentorship. Resources Website: d365ppug.com Events: Meetup – D365PPUG Speaker Form: Join as a SpeakerVS Code Dev Days: How Global MVPs and Communities Brought AI-Powered Coding to Life
The VS Code Dev Days series was a global celebration of AI, community, and learning. Designed to reintroduce developers to Visual Studio Code and GitHub Copilot, this pilot program brought together Microsoft MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals), Microsoft employees, GitHub Campus Ambassadors, and Student Ambassadors. Over two months, 92 events across 36 countries transformed Microsoft offices, universities, and community spaces into innovation hubs. What made this truly special was the collaboration — MVPs and local leaders working hand in hand with Microsoft teams to empower thousands of developers eager to explore the next era of coding. From Toronto to Buenos Aires, Islamabad to Bengaluru, VS Code Dev Days showcased the vibrant spirit of the global developer community. Each region added its own unique energy and creativity. In Toronto, Canada, there were two VS Code Dev Days events by MVP Jack Lee who is leading North Toronto Cloud & DevOps User Group and another MVP Ehsan Eskandari who is leading the Metro Toronto Azure Community and celebrated the power of community-led innovation, “Hosting at Microsoft Canada HQ was incredible. Working closely with the Microsoft team made everything smooth — from logistics to content. The interest in VS Code and Copilot was stronger than ever” said Ehsan Eskandari. & DevOps User Group & DevOps User Group In Bengaluru, India, MVP Mohammed Azarudeen and the TechNexus community hosted over 300 developers at Microsoft’s Bellandur office. “It was a hit! The energy was unlimited,” Azarudeen shared. “Having Microsoft’s venue, content support, and FTE partners like Prasanna Nagarajan made the event seamless. Developers were thrilled about Copilot workflows and MCP integration — so many ‘aha!’ moments” continued Azarudeen. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, MVP Pablo Piovano described the day at the University of Buenos Aires as “a space for knowledge, collaboration, and networking that strengthens and empowers the local tech ecosystem.” ru, India In Islamabad, Pakistan, MVP Hamza Khattak led the city’s biggest developer event of the year. “We had 300+ registrations and 111 attendees — all passionate about AI and Copilot,” he reflected. “Microsoft’s support with content, logistics, and visibility made it feel like a true partnership. Seeing students and professionals code together was inspiring” Khattak continued. In Makati, Philippines, MVP Ziggy Zulueta also led inspiring event with more than 100 attendees. Zulueta said, “We not only demonstrated the basic features of the two platforms, Visual Studio Code and GitHub Copilot, but we also had a hackathon for the participants to test out advanced features of autonomous AI development. The energy and attendance inspire me to hold more events.” Across dozens of cities, organizers echoed the same sentiment — MVPs and Microsoft came together to create great events. Impact and Insights Thousands of developers attended in-person and virtual events with feedback indicating that the majority of participants plan to continue using VS Code with GitHub Copilot, citing its intuitive interface, AI-powered productivity, and integration capabilities. MVPs and local organizers highlighted how Microsoft’s regional support — from providing venues and SWAG to content mentorship — elevated the experience. “Access to Microsoft offices gave our communities credibility and excitement,” said MVP Ehsan Eskandari from Toronto. “Having direct connections with local FTEs created lasting bridges between Microsoft and grassroots communities.” These events also reinforced how global developers are at different stages in adopting AI-assisted coding. Some were using Copilot daily; others were encountering it for the first time. Yet all left inspired and equipped to use AI in their workflows. Ultimately, VS Code Dev Days proved what happens when Microsoft and its MVPs co-create experiences — a ripple effect of learning, curiosity, and empowerment. Call to Action VS Code Dev Days wasn’t just an event series — it was an endeavor of collaboration. Together, Microsoft teams, MVPs, and local user groups helped thousands of developers take their first steps into AI-assisted development. Now, the journey continues with the Microsoft AI Tour — a global event where developers and organizations can explore Microsoft’s latest AI tools, Copilot innovations, and real-world applications. Join us to connect with experts, experience hands-on learning, and see how AI can transform your coding journey. The future of development starts here. Resources Learn more about the MVP Program follow us on MVP Program Website and LinkedIn
