From Ignite Momentum to Build Readiness: How Communities Turn Announcements into Action
Introduction At Microsoft Ignite, the company delivers bold announcements about the future of AI, cloud, and developer platforms. But once the livestreams end and the keynotes fade, a familiar question emerges: How do these ideas reach people where they actually build and learn? The answer came from the community. Through MVP-led initiatives, community leaders across the globe transformed Ignite announcements into local, hands-on learning experiences. What followed wasn’t just a series of recap events — it was a global story of connection, localization, and shared momentum. Story The idea was simple, but powerful: take Ignite beyond the virtual stage and into local communities. Across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, MVPs and community organizers stepped up. Each group started from a different place — different languages, different audiences, different challenges — but they all shared the same goal: make Ignite meaningful locally. In Seoul, developers gathered to explore the present and futureof Copilot, disc ussing practical use cases they could bring to work the very next day. In Manila, a large-scale Ignite Local Edition event mirrored the feel of a first-party conference, proving that global experiences can thrive through community leadership. In Europe, smaller meetups created space for deep technical conversations around Azure, AI, and Microsoft 365 innovations. In student-focused communities, Ignite became a gateway — inspiring early-career developers to learn, experiment, and imagine what they could build next. These weren’t passive events. They were full of discussion, hands-on exploration, and peer-to-peer learning. Ignite announcements became starting points — not endpoints. Across Latin America, community-led Ignite sessions created new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. As one attendee from Peru shared: “Thank you for bringing us the latest technological innovations through these kinds of events.” For MVP leaders like Jesús Gonzales, the motivation was clear: “I like sharing technological knowledge and reaching more people so we can make a real difference in their lives.” In the Philippines, one attendee reflected on the deeper impact of these sessions within their communities: “Learning gives you wings to fly.” Another MVP Doher Brizzle Pable from Philippines described the experience as: “Tired — but TIEd: transformed, inspired, and empowered — since everything we do is for our community.” These shared experiences are now shaping how local leaders prepare their communities for the next wave of announcements at Microsoft Build. Impact and Insights Through a series of Ignite-related community events, a few patterns became clear. First, local context matters. Communities don’t want just announcements — they want interpretation, relevance, and examples that reflect their reality. MVPs played a crucial role as trusted translators between global vision and local practice. Second, lightweight enablement unlocks scale. Practical support such as venue access, coordination guidance, and content alignment helped reduce barriers without adding complexity. Finally, community leaders are force multipliers. When given trust and flexibility, they don’t just repeat content — they elevate it. They create safe spaces to ask questions, experiment, and learn together. The result was not just participation, but momentum: deeper engagement with Microsoft Learn, stronger local ecosystems, and renewed energy across global technical communities. Call to Action As Microsoft Build approaches, the success of Ignite Community Events offers a clear blueprint. When global announcements meet passionate local leaders, something powerful happens. Learning becomes accessible. Innovation becomes shared. And community becomes the catalyst. If you’re a community organizer, MVP, or aspiring leader, keep an eye out for upcoming Build Community Event opportunities. The next chapter is already taking shape — and once again, it will be written together by the community. Resources 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 Global Student Innovation: Sprint to Imagine Cup 2026
Introduction Microsoft MVPs played a pivotal role in igniting student creativity through Sprint to Imagine Cup 2026 engagements. These community-driven sessions brought Agentic AI, Azure AI, and Copilot Studio directly to universities and developer communities across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. In many regions with limited access to advanced AI technologies, MVPs bridged the gap through mentorship, hands-on learning, and inspiring demonstrations. What began as local sprints evolved into a global movement democratizing innovation and empowering thousands of students to build their first AI-powered solutions. Story This year’s Sprint to Imagine Cup journey reached diverse countries and communities—including India, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, South Africa, Denmark, Spain, Peru, and participants from around the world joining virtually. Every location brought forward inspiring stories of resilience, curiosity, and transformation. In India, MVP Augustine Correa led a 1,000 km tour from Mumbai to Mangaluru. Remote colleges without air conditioning, long travel distances, and high heat did not stop students from attending. Live coding errors became teachable moments as Augustine used AI Agents to collaborate with students, debug code, and accelerate project velocity. Many students left with working prototypes and their first GitHub pull requests. During the Mumbai session at the Microsoft office, student Ajinkya Furange reflected: “Thrilled to share that I successfully took on the first big challenge of my AI journey… This hands‑on workshop boosted my confidence to build impactful AI-driven solutions.” Another participant, Mitansh Jadhav, added: “One of the most eye‑opening concepts was seeing the AI Agent’s decision-making loop in action… We were challenged to solve five labs using Copilot, perfectly simulating real-world problem solving.” In Bangalore and Chennai, MVP Mohamed Azarudeen hosted two Sprint sessions with 250 and 120 participants. Students refined ideas, clarified Imagine Cup pathways, and built early-stage AI projects. Students frequently shared how the sprint turned “I have an idea” into “I know how to move forward.” Across Pakistan and Nepal, MVPs delivered AI workshops on Azure AI, Foundry, Copilot Studio, and Responsible AI—often serving as students’ first exposure to advanced AI technologies. MVP Gulnaz Mushtaq in Pakistan hosted ten Sprint events across major university hubs including Peshawar, Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Nepal’s innovation culture continued as MVP Pradeep Kandel led the Kathmandu Ideathon, engaging 150–200 students from 70 universities. The event strengthened idea development, mentorship pairing, and preparation for Imagine Cup 2026. Also, MVPs Heo Soek, Inhee Lee and Jaeseok Lee in Korea led a successful Sprint at Microsoft Office Seoul allowing students to explore AI startup concepts. A student participant from Korea shared: “In this fast-changing AI era, I was unsure about my direction… but this event helped me understand what kind of talent I should become and find clarity.” Another female student team from a regional Korean university said: “We will prepare for Imagine Cup together—thank you for giving us this opportunity.” A Korean attendee added: “Even though the workshop lasted more than six hours, it was never boring—well‑timed hands‑on labs and activities kept it both fun and meaningful.” In Europe, MVP Thomas Martinsen (Denmark) and MVP Roberto Corella (Spain) expanded the movement with sessions on Copilot extensibility and AI for Business Central. Latin American MVPs Jorge Castaneda, Meerali Naseet and Juan Rafael delivered cybersecurity and Spanish-language AI workshops supporting students across Peru and Costa Rica. Impact Insights Global impact from Sprint to Imagine Cup 2026 has been broad and profound. A total of 70 worldwide events reached an estimated 4,200–5,000 students globally. More than 3,300–4,000 learners engaged directly with Microsoft AI tools such as Azure AI Services, Copilot Studio, and Foundry Agents. Across all regions, 65% of participants attended in-person while 35% joined through online or hybrid formats, including Spanish-language virtual events in Latin America. Social media amplified momentum as students shared prototypes, learnings, and excitement on LinkedIn and X using hashtags such as #SprintToImagineCup, #ImagineCup, #MumTechUp, and #HMNOV25. Many students shared sentiments similar to: “The meeting was very informative and inspiring. I learned a lot about the competition and technologies involved, and I’m excited to begin this journey.” and “Thank you so much… your explanation made everything easier to understand. Looking forward to attending more sessions!” Call to Action / Closing The global Sprint to Imagine Cup movement demonstrates that innovation thrives when community leaders uplift new creators. MVPs are equipping students with the skills, confidence, and AI fluency needed to build solutions for the future. As the Imagine Cup 2026 season continues, now is the perfect time for MVPs and community leaders to host sessions, mentor teams, and amplify student stories—helping shape the next generation of AI innovators. Resources Microsoft Learn – Azure AI: https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/ai Microsoft Copilot Studio: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot-studio GitHub Agentic AI Samples: https://github.com/microsoft Imagine Cup Official Site: https://imaginecup.microsoft.comIs the Microsoft MVP Program for You? A Love Letter to Community Builders
Most Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals remember the moment they realized they were already doing the work. Writing that blog post late at night because someone, somewhere, might find it helpful. Answering questions in a forum long after an event ended. Organizing a meetup with no guarantee anyone would show up. Long before the title, the badge, or the email arrived, the impact was already there. If you’ve ever wondered whether the Microsoft MVP Program might be for you, you are in the right place. The MVP Program Isn’t About Being the Loudest Voice One of the biggest misconceptions about the MVP Program is that it’s reserved for the most visible experts or the people with the biggest platforms. In reality, the MVP Program celebrates impact—and impact looks different everywhere. It can be sharing deep technical knowledge through blogs, videos, or open-source projects. Mentoring others as they grow in confidence and skill. Building safe, inclusive spaces where people feel welcome to learn. Translating complex ideas so more people can access them. Showing up consistently for your community. MVPs aren’t defined by a single moment. They’re recognized for sustained contribution, technical leadership, and generosity over time. A Global Community, Shaped by Local Voices The MVP community spans the globe, across countries, cultures, languages, and career paths. That diversity isn’t incidental; it’s essential. Every community has unique challenges and opportunities. MVPs bring local context to global conversations, ensuring that innovation isn’t centralized, but shared. Whether you’re organizing events in your city, supporting online communities in your native language, or helping others navigate their first steps in tech, your perspective matters. The program grows stronger when more voices, experiences, and stories are part of it. Growth Goes Both Ways Becoming an MVP isn’t just about recognition; it’s also about acceleration. MVPs deepen their technical curiosity, strengthen their leadership skills, and build lasting connections across regions and disciplines. They learn from peers who challenge and inspire them, and they give back by sharing insights and amplifying others. It’s a cycle of learning and contribution, powered by curiosity and care. Your Story Matters, even If It Doesn’t Feel “Big” Yet Many MVPs will tell you they hesitated before applying or accepting a nomination. “I’m still learning.” “I don’t post enough.” “Others are doing more.” But the MVP Program isn’t about perfection. It’s about intentional impact. If you’re consistently helping others learn, grow, and build — your story belongs here. And sharing that story might inspire someone else to take their first step too. Thinking About Applying? If this resonates with you, consider taking the next step: Reflect on how you’ve contributed to the community Gather examples of your impact, big or small Ask peers or community members for feedback Explore the MVP nomination process and guidelines And remember: applying isn’t a finish line. It’s part of a longer journey of learning, sharing, and growing together. Want to Learn More? Join Us Live! If you’re curious about the Microsoft MVP Program and want to explore it in a low‑pressure, welcoming space, we host quarterly live sessions through Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the 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 next "MVP Program Essentials: What You Need to Know" session takes place on March 17! Join us here. Ready to Take the Leap? The Microsoft MVP Program exists because of people who believe that knowledge grows when it’s shared — and that communities thrive when we lift each other up. So here’s the question: What’s your MVP story — and are you ready to write the next chapter? Learn more about the MVP Program and how to apply Review the FAQs Follow the MVP community on X and LinkedIn Share your journey and encourage others to do the same We can’t wait to see what you’ll build, and who you’ll help along the way.My MVP Story: Finding My Way Into Data and Community - Deborah Jones’ Journey
In the world of data, some people learn tools - and some turn them into superpowers. Microsoft MVP Deborah Jones is firmly in the second category. She’s self-taught across Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and SharePoint, and she puts those skills to work in a high-stakes setting: a nuclear power plant in Canada. She also co-leads two user groups. Deborah’s story starts with a simple question: “What else can I do with data?” Microsoft AI Tour From curiosity to capability For Deborah, becoming a Microsoft MVP wasn’t about chasing a title - it followed naturally from curiosity, persistence, and a habit of helping others learn. “I honestly had never heard of the MVP program at all,” she said. “People kept saying, ‘You should be nominated,’ and I was like, ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’” After years in project management and construction, she shifted into the nuclear industry as a reporting analyst and encountered Power BI almost by accident. A consultant told her, “I think this is going to blow up. You definitely need to learn this [Power BI]” - and she listened. Formal courses didn’t fully click at first, but hands-on practice (and real problems to solve) did. Community turned learning into momentum The turning point was community. During the pandemic, Deborah found and joined the Power BI Women user group - a judgment-free space where people shared what they knew. Over time, she went from showing up as a learner to helping lead the user group as a co-lead. “I was so surprised. I had never seen a community where people didn’t gatekeep information,” she said. “People were just sharing - asking questions, answering questions.” At first, Deborah was the one asking. Over time, she became the one answering - sharing the real, non-linear experience of learning while working full time and raising a family. That authenticity resonated, especially with students and early-career professionals, and mentorship became a cornerstone of her community work. Samuel Gomez, Jack Lee, Betsy Weber (Microsoft), Deborah Jones, Harjit Dhaliwal, Christopher Gill at the Microsoft AI Tour Leading with impact (and a clear mission) As a Black woman in tech, Deborah is passionate about empowering others - mentoring new data professionals and helping people get unstuck when a report (or a career path) feels out of reach. Her mission is straightforward: make data accessible, useful, and empowering. Like many MVPs, Deborah’s journey wasn’t a straight line. She first learned about the MVP program through the Power BI community, agreed to be nominated, and didn’t get accepted the first time. Instead of letting that moment stall her, she took guidance from fellow MVP Belinda Allen, who encouraged her to speak up about her work and impact: “You have to talk about yourself… and I got it.” The MVP award itself didn’t fully click for her until she attended the MVP Summit. Before that, she said it could feel like “your face is on this little website” plus some perks. At Summit, the bigger purpose came into focus through the people: “Some of the people I met were just phenomenal,” she said - and suddenly, it all made sense. In that moment, she realized the point wasn’t the badge - it was the community behind it, and that’s exactly why she keeps showing up and giving back. Going in without expectations was part of the gift: it was a “good dry run” that let her experience the community without feeling like she had anything to prove. That experience also reinforced how she thinks about recognition: it’s an added bonus, not the goal. As Deborah put it, “If I don’t get renewed… I did it twice. Just celebrate that.” - because either way, she’s going to keep doing the work she loves and giving back. Practical, approachable solutions Deborah is known for building practical tools that make everyday work easier - often small, incremental improvements that add up. “I’m not after the big flashy solution,” she laughed. “I like the little incremental stuff that just makes your day easier.” Accessibility is central to her approach. She documents in plain language so others can understand and maintain what she builds, and she encourages learners to start with a dataset they genuinely enjoy - because curiosity sticks when it’s fun. Deborah’s advice: start small, find your people, keep going Deborah doesn’t offer a rigid roadmap. Her guidance comes down to a few habits that helped her build momentum - through curiosity, community, and small wins. Start with what’s meaningful - and solve one small problem. “There’s no point in trying to dive into something big… there’s always a business problem you can solve, as little as you think it is.” She also recommends learning with data you actually enjoy: “Bring something that you’re interested in… something you’re passionate about.” Find a community that shares openly (then participate). “I’ve never seen something where people didn’t gatekeep information so much… people were just talking, asking questions.” Those spaces helped her learn in public and eventually lead. Make your work easy to follow - and keep going when it’s hard. “It shouldn’t be a mystery how I got from point A to point B.” And when momentum dips: “You’re going to have moments where you feel like giving up, but then it’s like - okay, what are you going to do next?” Why MVP fits Today, Deborah is a Microsoft MVP because she consistently shows up for others - sharing what she’s learning, building in public, and making technology feel more approachable. Her mission? To turn data into a superpower for all. Learn more about Deborah and her community contributions on her MVP profile, connect with her on LinkedIn and consider joining the Power BI Women’s user group.From ESPN to the Spreadsheet Arena: How Excel MVPs Powered the Microsoft Excel World Championship
If you’ve ever watched someone do serious data work in Excel - building a model that feels like magic or using a perfectly crafted LAMBDA to do in one line what used to take a page of helper columns - you already understand the spirit of Excel esports. The Microsoft Excel World Championship (MEWC) turns that spirit into a live competition: timed “cases,” real-time leaderboards, and a crowd that cheers for spreadsheet moves the way sports fans cheer for a buzzer-beater. At the 2025 MEWC Finals (held December 1–3, 2025 at the HyperX Arena in Las Vegas), Microsoft MVPs showed up everywhere - on the broadcast desk, behind the scenes writing cases, and throughout the community sharing training tips and “inside tricks.” And in the biggest MVP moment of all, Excel MVP Diarmuid Early took home the world championship title. “The Excel World Championship is a high-stakes, fast-paced competition where top Excel users from around the world solve complex, timed challenges using advanced formulas and strategies.” – MVP Oz du Soleil Meet the Champion: MVP Diarmuid Early Winning the Microsoft Excel World Championship isn’t about memorizing a few formulas - it’s about staying calm under pressure, translating messy scenarios into clean models, and finding the fastest path from question to answer. In 2025, that combination belonged to Diarmuid Early, who battled through a field of elite competitors and emerged as the Microsoft Excel World Champion. One of the most MVP things about this win is what happened after the confetti: Diarmuid has been sharing how he thinks about cases and how he trains. If you want to learn by watching a world-class workflow end-to-end, start with his Road to Las Vegas 2025 video playlist, then check out his behind-the-scenes breakdown video, I won the Excel World Championship by folding Origami in a spreadsheet. It’s part engineering, part creativity - and 100% Excel. Diarmuid’s story also illustrates the bigger point: Excel esports is community-powered. The same people who teach, write, and answer questions every day are the ones shaping the competition - whether they’re designing challenges, explaining strategies on-air, or helping new players level up. Here’s a look at how MVPs helped make MEWC 2025 happen. (left) and MVP Oz du Soleil (right) in the commentary booth, breaking down the action at the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Championship (MECC) 2025. Photo credit: Giles Male On the mic: MVPs bringing Excel esports to the world “I was leaning over the commentators balcony looking out at hundreds of Excel fanatics who had travelled to Vegas to watch other people battle it out on spreadsheets… I just remember looking at Oz, and Oz looking at me, and he said '... we get to do this for a living?? I love my life'.” - MVP Giles Male For many viewers, the first “wait… Excel has a world championship?” moment happens because MEWC is genuinely fun to watch - especially with experts translating the action in real time. MVPs have been front and center on the broadcast, providing commentary that balanced entertainment with the kind of technical clarity only seasoned Excel educators can deliver. Oz du Soleil (Excel on Fire) is a long-time Excel educator known for making advanced concepts approachable - and for bringing serious storyteller energy. As an Excel esports commentator, Oz helps viewers understand not just what competitors are doing, but why their approach works (and when it doesn’t). Giles Male (Full Stack Modeller) brings deep modeling credibility to the desk - and, as he’s shared, sometimes gets the call with almost no notice. That combination of expertise and adaptability is exactly what makes live Excel commentary work. Jon Acampora (Excel Campus) is a familiar voice to many in the community, and his teaching-first mindset shows up perfectly in esports commentary: quick explanations, smart shortcuts, and a constant focus on helping viewers learn while they watch. Tim Heng (Sum Product) adds both technical sharpness and audience-friendly pacing - calling out the “tiny” decisions that separate good solutions from great ones (keyboard efficiency, formula structure, and when to stop polishing and submit). (left) and MVP Tim Heng (right) adding their commentary at the Microsoft Excel World Championship 2025. Photo credit: MVP Celia Alves What makes MEWC different: cases, clocks, and commentary prep “We get the cases a few days early so we can solve them ourselves - and then we map out how to explain the key moves, because the competition moves incredibly fast.” - MVP Oz du Soleil MEWC challenges competitors with timed Excel “cases” - scenario-based problem sets where accuracy, speed, and strategy all matter. The Finals are streamed on YouTube (and have also appeared on ESPN’s The Ocho), which means the broadcast must serve two audiences at once: hardcore Excel nerds who want to see the formula choices, and curious newcomers who just want to understand why the leaderboard is moving so fast. That’s where MVP commentary shines. As MVPs like Oz and Giles have shared, the commentary team typically receives cases in advance, works through solutions, and plans how to explain the key decision points - because once the clock starts, competitors can be done before you’ve even finished reading the question. “I was asked to step in 48 hours before the finals commenced. Which meant I had to try to learn all 9 battle cases in two days… this was all very intense, nerve-wracking, but just an amazing experience and opportunity overall.” - MVP Giles Male Behind the scenes: MVPs designing the puzzles (and sharing the playbook) Great esports needs great “maps.” In MEWC, that means cases that are tricky, fair, and fun - designed to reward strong spreadsheet fundamentals and creative approaches. Several MVPs contribute to the ecosystem that makes those cases possible, including MVPs David Brown, David Fortin Giles Male, Klinsmann Langhanz, Renier Wessels, and Tim Heng who create Excel challenge cases for the competition and for practice. And then there’s the part you can’t put on a scoreboard: the ongoing sharing culture. Around every battle, MVPs and community experts swap approaches, publish walkthroughs, break down solutions on YouTube, and teach the mental models that help competitors get faster. That might look like a new keyboard shortcut habit, a reusable “personal LAMBDA collection,” or a clever way to structure a model so you can answer six questions without rebuilding your logic six times. Why it matters (beyond bragging rights) Excel is one of the most widely used technology platforms on the planet - and yet many people still underestimate what it can do (or what great Excel users can do with it). MEWC puts advanced spreadsheet skills on a public stage and makes them legible: you can see the tradeoffs, the patterns, the creativity, and the discipline. When MVPs are involved at multiple levels - broadcasting, designing, teaching, competing - it sends a clear signal: this is a real craft, and the community around it is generous with knowledge. “Excel [is] the one tool that almost everyone has had to use at some stage in their career… 95% of the conversations I have with people who don’t know about it start with ‘No way… that exists??’ And then you start watching, and it’s just fascinating to see what a top Excel esport player can actually do.” - MVP Giles Male MVP Giles Male Watch it, learn from it, then try it Want to watch before you try it yourself? You’ve got two great options: a quick recap, or the full multi-hour deep dive. Highlights: Microsoft Excel World Championship 2025 Finals Highlights (12:43) Full competition: Microsoft Excel World Championship 2025 – Finals (4:00:54) And, if you’re thinking “My Excel skills aren’t enough,” that’s actually the perfect place to start - because you improve by doing cases, reviewing solutions, and iterating. You can jump in through Excel Esports Online, and explore practice material with sample cases (free) and case studies (fee). Many competitors (including MVPs) also share solution walkthroughs - often complete with explanations and reusable formulas. The pipeline is real: MECC and the next generation of Excel athletes One of the most exciting parts of the Excel esports story is how quickly it’s building a next-gen talent pipeline. Alongside MEWC is the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge (MECC), a global competition for college students created by Excel MVP David Brown. It’s an on-ramp for students who want to test their skills, meet the community, and learn in public. If you haven’t read it yet, here’s a great starting point: From the Classroom to Las Vegas: MVP David Brown and the Excel Esports Revolution. Together, MECC and MEWC show how Excel learning can be both rigorous and genuinely fun - whether you’re a student, a seasoned analyst, or someone who loves discovering a cleaner way to write the same logic. Join the Excel community (and learn from the MVPs) Whether you watched MEWC on ESPN, caught a highlights clip on YouTube, or you’re quietly building a practice workbook at 1 a.m., the best part of Excel esports is that it’s welcoming. You don’t need to be “ready.” You just need to be curious - then practice, learn, and repeat. “To future competitors: just start. Don’t wait… You get better by competing. So just get stuck in, and learn from the early experiences which we all have to work through!” - MVP Giles Male If you want to sharpen your skills, trade ideas with other spreadsheet nerds, and learn directly from the people who teach the world’s best Excel techniques, join the Excel community and connect with our Excel MVPs. Start by exploring the championship home base at the Microsoft Excel World Championship website, try a few cases, and then share what you learned - because the fastest way to level up is to learn together.Engineering Without Borders: MVPs and Experts at CognitionX Egypt
CognitionX is a premier seasonal events series happening worldwide and a global community for people who care about depth and accountability in engineering. It brings together AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and software engineering because production systems do not respect silos. Backed by Microsoft MVPs, researchers, and industry experts, CognitionX focuses on knowledge sharing across borders, drawing experts from 35+ countries for practical, technical editions with real-world impact. CognitionX Events are founded and organized by Hazem Ali, a Microsoft AI MVP, Principal AI & ML Engineer / Architect, and Founder & CEO of Skytells. His work sits at the intersection of deep learning and the disciplines that decide whether AI survives production: software architecture, cloud systems, and security. CognitionX Cairo is one edition in the CognitionX Events series. It was hosted at Microsoft Egypt on December 23, 2025. Public announcements around the Cairo edition highlighted a cross-border lineup of 15 featured speakers from 11 countries, including multiple Microsoft MVPs. The topics reflected what modern delivery actually demands: AI alongside cloud and cybersecurity, with sessions aimed at builders who operate real systems. CognitionX Cairo attendees showed up at 9:00 AM even though Microsoft’s office is far from downtown Cairo, which means they didn’t come for convenience. They came because the content was worth the trip and worth the time. That kind of turnout tells you the event hit a real need: serious, engineering-first knowledge that people don’t easily find elsewhere. The event also carried a clear founder signal: a deep commitment to engineering discipline and real production thinking. Hazem shared, “At the next CognitionX AI Conference, we’ll be announcing a new technology designed to let your system evolve and improve itself.” The point was not the headline. The point was the mindset behind it: observe production, connect decisions to evidence, and treat governance and safety as first-class engineering work. Cairo also brought in recognized contributors from the broader Microsoft and security communities. Jamel Abed, a Microsoft MVP and international speaker, participated and later described the room being full early and staying engaged throughout the day. The edition also included experts like Hammad Atta and Ahmed Hussien cybersecurity and AI security specialist known for work in AI governance and agentic AI security frameworks. Impact and Insights Across CognitionX Events, CognitionX Cairo stood out because it respected the audience. The official recap describes engineers challenging assumptions, sketching diagrams, and debating trade-offs instead of consuming motivational slides. That culture is the product: ideas get pressure-tested, patterns get examined, and people leave with clearer mental models they can apply at work. The impact also traveled beyond the technical circle. The CognitionX recap notes notable TV coverage, which helped carry engineering conversations to a wider audience and reinforced a simple message: meaningful AI progress requires depth, discipline, and informed leadership. When decision makers see real discussions about scaling, security, governance, and failure modes, it changes what gets funded and how systems are evaluated. Hazem Ali delivering a deep enterprise AI session at CognitionX Cairo, walking the audience through production-grade architecture decisions across AI, cloud, and security. CognitionX is not a one-off. It is a series that already spans multiple hubs, including editions hosted at Microsoft locations such as Dubai (July 28, 2025) and Cairo (December 23, 2025). For anyone who wants serious learning, the next step is straightforward. Follow CognitionX Events, join the CognitionX community, and attend an edition when it reaches your region. Come with real questions from real systems. Expect clear explanations, not simplifications. Expect AI discussed in context: cloud constraints, software engineering trade-offs, and cybersecurity realities. Join our Community at : https://www.cognitionx.org/en/community That is what CognitionX is optimizing for, and that focus is why the series keeps earning trust from engineers and attention from leaders. Author Bio / Co-Authors Hazem Aliis a Microsoft AI MVP, Principal AI & ML Engineer / Architect, and Founder & CEO of Skytells, and the organizer behind CognitionX Events. Jamel ABED is a Microsoft MVP and Product Evangelist with a passion for developer advocacy. He brings extensive experience in building and nurturing technical communities, helping developers worldwide leverage cutting-edge technologies. Resources https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7410622433864589312/Starting a User Group: What You Need to Know
I first got involved with the Microsoft Community in 2021 when I was fortunate to be a speaker at the very first South Coast Summit. I got ‘the bug,’ as some people say. I knew I wanted to help others in the community more. I wanted to share what I could to contribute to it and help it grow. I had moved to Reading the same year and wanted to meet and network with others involved in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform space where I lived. However, I found there was no user group at the time local to me so I reached out to the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups and asked to set up a local user group in Reading with the Group’s help. Finding Your Team Since starting the Reading user group in 2023, we have hosted 4 events a year. We had to change venue 3 times and faced several challenges (did you know vegan pizza comes uncut?). We learned a lot about hosting user group events in the process. I say ‘we’ as running a user group is not a one-person undertaking. It needs a community to get going and keep going. As soon as word got out I was looking to start a Reading User Group, those in the community that knew people local to me (even if they didn’t know me personally) did what they could to help me find some willing supporters. This is one of many examples why this community and the people in it are so wonderful and I am still very grateful for this. I was lucky enough to meet Fraser Dear and Tim Leung who were as excited about starting the Reading User Group as I was and we became the organisers of the Reading User Group. Since then the team has expanded to include Ban Hasan! With the support of the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups we managed to secure a room at the Microsoft offices at Thames Valley Park. Local MVPs Chris Huntingford and Carl Cookson offered to be our first speakers and get the word out to promote our event – what a first speaker line up! Not Everyone will Turn Up As user groups are community events and often free to attendees (and the ones within the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups always are as we have annual sponsors), our Reading user group events were also completely free. We had over 50 people sign up for our first event and I was looking forward to meeting them all! I got to meet about 20 of them. As I found out, with free events there is often a 40-50% drop out as people lose nothing by not showing up. I can’t tell you why people don’t update their RSVP status (don't get me started). All I can tell you is that they don’t. Be prepared for this. Don’t be disheartened if you have a low number of sign-ups and/or a low number of attendees for your first event. It takes time for the word to get out, no user group is a success overnight. What You Need to Know Here I share what you need to know and consider in the areas of: Venue Date and Time Speakers Attendees Promotion Communications On the Day If you remember one thing, make it this: This is supposed to be fun. Running a user group is not supposed to be a second unpaid job you have. If it starts feeling like that, ask for help! Venue When looking for a venue, consider: Capacity – how big do you need your venue to be? Will you have an attendee limit? Sponsor offices – if you have a sponsor(s), do they have a space that can be used free of charge? Business Parks – Is there a local business park that can attract more attendees from the businesses hosted there? Suitability – Does the venue have everything required for a user group (e.g. projector, chairs, tables for food) Availability – does the venue have availability for the date(s) you are expecting to host the user group? (see tips for date/time below) Cost – if the venue is not free of charge, is the cost within your cost limits? Insurance – does the venue need the UG to have it’s own insurance? Transport – Is the venue easy to get to using a variety of transport options? It will limit attendee numbers if not. Parking – Does the venue have parking options/free parking nearby? Accessibility – Is the venue easy to access for those with a disability? Easy to find – Is the venue and room where the UG will be taking place easy to find? If not can you put signs/banners up? Date and Time When choosing the date and time of your user group, consider: Local User Groups – do any of the other local user groups have an event close to that date or on that date? This will reduce attendees and available speakers. Holidays – does the date fall on any important holiday dates that will make attendance lower – e.g. half term/school holidays for parents? Religious Festivals – does the date fall during or close to a religious festival? Consider all faiths here. UG Team – can everyone in your organizing team make the date and be there to support? Timing – is the time of the event going to be convenient for attendees? E.g. Starting at 18:00 so people can get there after work or not finish too late for those that need to get back. Duration – is the duration of the event enough to cover what is planned but not too long of a commitment for attendees? We usually have evening events last between 2-3 hours max. Speakers When looking for and engaging with speakers, consider: Finding Speakers The Community Network – The people you know in the community are part of a vast network of people and MVPs within the community that can be potential speakers – ask for help! Sessionize also has a speaker directory you can utilise. Speaker Form – Make sure you set up a form that potential speakers can fill in to express their interest and promote it to your attendees through a QR code – they could be future speakers! Session Details – Make sure you have a clear title and session description from potential speakers before selecting a session to verify the session is appropriate for the event. Discourage sessions that are to be product sales pitches unless they are an event sponsor. Before the Event Expenses – If you are not covering any speaker expenses make sure your speakers are clear on this before committing. Slide Deck Template – if you have a slide deck template, encourage speakers to use it and at least have the sponsor slide in their presentations (if you have sponsors). Event Details – Make sure speakers are clear on the exact location and timing of the event, particularly if the event is in person. Accessibility - Make sure speakers have checked their slide deck for accessibility and have considered attendee requirements (e.g. having live captions for hearing-impaired attendees). Speakers Sync Call – consider having a planning call with your speakers before the event to answer any questions they have and offer any support they need. Promotion - Ask your speakers to post on their socials about the event. If they feel up to it maybe also to post a short video introducing themselves and their session. Extra points if they include a link to the speaker form and event registration to spread the word! After the Event Appreciation – Speakers spend a lot of time preparing their session, consider giving them a gift (e.g. box of chocolates) at the end as a token of appreciation for their efforts and for their involvement in the event. Photos – Take photos of the speakers as they are presenting and share them with them afterwards. Ask them to post on their socials about the experience and promote the next event (and to include a link to the speaker form!). Attendees Help attendees enjoy the experience! Name Tags – As the organizers, consider wearing the same polos and name tags so you are easy to identify. Also offer attendees name tags (sticky labels always an easy option) to make networking easier. Access/Dietary Requirements – It is worth using the functionality within MeetUp (or other platform of your choice) to ask attendees when registering whether they have any access or dietary requirements. This will allow you to consider these in advance and cater for what is needed. Ice Breaker –Consider having something to act as an ice breaker/help people network while people arrive (e.g. a round of Genius Square anyone?). Swag – Official UG/Microsoft swag for your event (e.g. stickers!) can help promote the UG. This will also give your attendees something to take away with them. Pizza Cutter – Only relevant if you are ordering pizza and someone has an allergy/dietary requirement. Consider having a pizza cutter specifically for this (e.g. gluten free/vegan pizzas) as they often come uncut. Feedback – Consider creating a short feedback form and having a slide at the end with the feedback form QR code. This will help you understand how the event went and what you can do better next time. Promotion Spreading the word is vital. Meetup – If you are using a platform like meetup for your event registrations, make sure you create and announce the event. Microsoft Community – Set up your User Group within the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform community sites to drive awareness and list your events on there (with a link to meetup in the description if you are using that). Socials – Consider setting up a Linkedin page for your user group and add your event on Linkedin as well. As people within the community to share/comment/repost to share the word! You can also set up a Whatsapp Community (or just a chat) to allow instant comms to those interested. Communications Before the event 1 to 2 Weeks Before –The date/time, venue, speakers may have changed since the event was announced so it’s worth sending a message with key information to those already registered for the event one or two weeks before it and asking them to update their RSVP if they can no longer attend. Day Before – Final reminder for the event, asking them again to update their RSVP if they can no longer attend and providing any last-minute information, guidance, contact details for ‘on the day’. After the event Thank You Message – Message sent to all attendees that RSVPed (regardless of whether they attended or not) to thank those that managed to attend for joining and to encourage those that didn’t to join next time! Give a link to the speakers’ LinkedIn profiles and promote the next event for them to sign up. On the Day The big day is here – all the excitement! But don’t forget…. Banners – If you have them, place them strategically so they help people find you. Music – Consider bringing a Bluetooth speaker. Having music on as people come in creates a nice atmosphere! We have even had people from the community play a few songs live. You will be surprised at people's hidden skills. ‘Stuff’ – Refreshments/Ice breakers/Swag, make sure it’s all out there. Slides Reel – Consider having a timed slide show that provides key info to attendees as they wait for the event to start (e.g. today’s agenda/timings, sponsor slide, next event registration QR code, info on the UG team, speaker form QR code). Speakers – Make sure they have everything they need/happy with the set up, big them up if its their first time presenting! Spread the Love – Consider having a closing slide at the end promoting other local UG events or community events your members might be interested in. Have Fun – Take the time to enjoy it all, and if something doesn’t go to plan, there’s always next time. Just keep going! So remember... As you can see, there is a ton of things to consider when looking to put a user group event together. This is why it is a team effort and why you shouldn’t try to do this alone. It is a lot of work. I promise you it’s worth it. You will see the difference it makes to the attendees, to the speakers and to you. Good luck and keep me posted how you get on! I am cheering you on! Author Bio Areti Iles - With over 15 years in the technology sector, I am Head of Professional Services at Telefonica Tech's UK AI Business Solutions division. Over my career as a Dynamics 365 & Power Platform solution architect, I have delivered a wide range of complex projects for FTSE 250/500 companies across several sectors. Outside my job role I am part of Microsoft’s Global UGs Committee representing Europe and Advisory Board member for the UK D365 and Power Platform UGs. I also lead both the Reading D365 and Power Platform UG and London All Day UG and I am on the organizing committee for the Scottish Summit. I host the Power Delivery podcast with two other Microsoft MVPs providing project delivery guidance and am a mentor as part of the Women in Power Platform group. I am also an annual participant of the United Nations UK delegation for the Commission on the Status of Women and speak internationally on AI tools, legislation and their adoption. Resources Reading UG on Dynamics 365 Community Reading UG on Power Platform Community Meetup Events PageRefactoring a Career Through Consistency: TodayCode’s Joeun Park’s MVP Story
Joeun Park’s MVP story is not defined by a single breakthrough, but by decades of steady, intentional progress. With more than 20 years of experience as a developer, she began coding long before developer communities and content platforms became mainstream. Over time, she navigated shifting technologies, industries, and life stages, continuously reshaping her role. After many years as a backend engineer, a major life transition prompted her to expand into data science, content creation, education, and community leadership—ultimately leading to her work as the founder of TodayCode and as a Microsoft MVP. Park’s journey into software development began early. She wrote her first programs in elementary school using GW-BASIC, exploring computers out of pure curiosity rather than career ambition. In middle and high school, she became deeply involved in PC communication communities, where people built things together, shared knowledge, and learned collaboratively. Many of the connections she formed during that time remain active today, with peers still working as developers. She studied Information and Communications Engineering at university and later pursued a master’s degree in Information and Computer Education, originally intending to become a teacher. However, abrupt policy changes drastically reduced hiring for computer teachers nationwide. Faced with a closing door, Park pivoted back to industry—a decision that came with significant challenges. At a time when discriminatory interview questions were commonplace, she reportedly submitted nearly 3,000 applications before securing her first role at an IT company in Korea. From there, her career gained momentum. Over the next decade, she worked as a backend developer across diverse domains, including gaming and advertising. Each transition brought new business contexts and new technical stacks—ASP, PHP, Django, Ruby on Rails—often outside what was considered “mainstream.” Park viewed these shifts not as disadvantages, but as training. She believed that once the core principles of software engineering were understood, adapting to new languages and frameworks was possible. Working in smaller teams, she often took on overlapping roles as a backend engineer, data analyst, and data engineer—experience that would later support her transition into data science. Python Korea User Group for over ten years. These long-term community roles strengthened her belief that sustainable growth happens faster when people learn together. Community involvement was another central pillar of her growth. Park has been active in the Python Korea User Group for over ten years, consistently contributing through knowledge sharing and community engagement. She has also participated in PyCon Korea both as a speaker and as an organizer, helping shape the conference from behind the scenes as well as from the stage. These long-term community roles strengthened her belief that sustainable growth happens faster—and more meaningfully—when people learn together. A major turning point came after two years of parental leave. Upon attempting to return to work, Park faced pressure to resign. While formal processes allowed her to return on paper, there was no longer a team or role prepared for her. Eventually, she chose to leave the company. Rather than viewing this period as a pause, she treated it as preparation. She committed to a personal rule: do something every day. Her “one commit a day” practice—sometimes no more than a single line of text or a comment—became a way to maintain continuity, confidence, and momentum. In 2017, she launched a YouTube channel called TodayCode, meaning “share what you learned today” and “write code today.” What started as a personal learning log quickly evolved into a platform. Her early content focused on hands-on, practical topics such as Kaggle, public data analysis, and applied data workflows—addressing a gap she saw in overly theoretical materials. As the audience grew, so did invitations to teach, consult, and collaborate. TodayCode became a company, and Park’s professional identity expanded to include data scientist, creator, educator, mentor, and community organizer. Her sustained contributions were eventually recognized with her selection as a Microsoft MVP. Park’s impact lies in demonstrating that small, consistent actions can fundamentally reshape a career—especially when setbacks occur. Her daily commit habit is not about visibility or metrics; it is about continuity. Even on days when progress feels minimal, continuing to act builds confidence and keeps learning active. Over time, those small actions compound into real skills, tangible outcomes, and new opportunities. She defines a successful developer as someone who helps others grow. Through YouTube, teaching, mentoring, and long-term community involvement, she has worked to create environments where beginners and non-traditional learners can progress sustainably. Her decade-long engagement with the Python Korea User Group and her contributions to PyCon Korea exemplify this philosophy in practice: knowledge grows when shared, and communities accelerate individual growth. By openly sharing her experiences around parental leave and career disruption, she has also contributed to broader conversations about fairness and sustainability in tech. Her work as an MVP reflects not just technical expertise, but long-term community building. Joeun Park’s story is a reminder that careers can be refactored—sometimes by choice, sometimes by circumstance—but rarely without consistency. If you are questioning your direction or navigating change, start smaller than you think you need to. Make one commit. Write one note. Share one thing you learned. Those actions add up. And if possible, step into a community. Learning and growing together often changes not just the speed of progress, but its meaning. Resources Todaycode YouTube https://www.youtube.com/todaycode Microsoft MVP Profile https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-us/MVP/profile/6e97d5d1-396f-ed11-81ab-000d3a5600fa Book (Co-author): Korean Text Analysis with Python github https://github.com/corazzon https://www.linkedin.com/in/todaycode/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 Speaker
