Event Guide - Digital Workplace Conference 2026 - Melbourne, Australia
Join us in Melbourne for the Digital Workplace Conference 2026 — Australia's premier in-person event for Microsoft 365 professionals, business leaders, power users, and technical roles. Across two packed days at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, you'll connect with industry leaders, customers, and peers shaping the future of digital work, with deep dives into Microsoft 365, AI, Copilot, SharePoint, governance, and real-world adoption. Huge shoutout to event founder and producer Debbie Irelandand the team at Digital Workplace Results (DWR). DWR has delivered 35+ events across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia since 2009 — thank you for the partnership, your passion for community, and the welcoming home you create for this industry every year. Microsoft is proud to sponsor this event and join the incredible community of sponsors supporting it. We're grateful for everyone in this community who brings their energy and expertise to make DWC a must-attend highlight on the Australian tech calendar. DWC 2026 at a glance What Digital Workplace Conference 2026 — Australia's premier Microsoft 365 conference Where Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Melbourne, Australia When Thursday 28 and Friday 29 May 2026 Theme One Change. Big Impact Format In-person, 2-day conference with 3 parallel tracks and an exhibition area Speakers 30+ speakers from 5 countries — Microsoft, MVPs, customers, and partners Audience M365 power users, business leaders, IT pros, adoption and change managers Theme: One Change. Big Impact — the idea that the right single change, well chosen and well executed, can transform how an organisation works. Register: https://www.dwcau.com.au/ Follow along: #DWCAU | Digital Workplace Conference Be part of what's next Get ready for what's next and learn what you can put into action today. With Microsoft program managers, Microsoft MVPs, customers, and partners all in one place for two days, you'll choose from sessions and case studies led by the experts who build and implement these tools every day. DWC is sized so that you can actually meet the speakers, ask hard questions, and leave with practical answers. By the numbers: 30+ speakers 247+ combined years of digital workplace experience 5 countries represented • 3 parallel tracks • 2 days • 1 community Three themes shaping the agenda Productivity Using the tools you already have to deliver more ROI. Discover what you didn't know was possible, and learn to work smarter, not harder. AI and Copilot Everything from governance to implementation to adoption. Move from novice to expert and understand the tools, the agents, and the reasons why. Customer Journeys We learn best by hearing how others did it — the trials, the tribulations, and the lessons you can take back to your own projects. Keynote: From AI Hype to Everyday Impact Conference Opening and Welcome: Debbie Ireland reveals how AI is quietly reshaping our behaviour, our workplaces, and even our children. From rising dependency to hidden cognitive shifts, this talk challenges audiences to rethink what it means to stay human in an AI‑saturated world. Heather Cook shares a Humans‑First approach to adopting and using AI, building habits that drive confidence, productivity, and meaningful impact at work. Learn how individuals and teams can turn Microsoft 365 Copilot into a practical, trusted part of their daily workflow. Brett Gilbertson presents a critical look at how AI is reshaping education—and where it falls short. This is a call to prioritize digital skills training focused on human relationships and future needs. For a list of all sessions and the agenda: Agenda Building connections Building connections at DWC is the heart of the experience. Whether you're swapping notes in the Exhibition Area, comparing prompt strategies between sessions, or sharing a drink at the Thursday networking event, every interaction is a chance to learn from peers, exchange ideas, and expand your network. From first-time attendees to seasoned MVPs, DWC is a welcoming environment where meaningful relationships and lasting collaborations begin. #CommunityEvents #CommunityLuv #DWCAU #MelbourneWhere Microsoft’s community comes alive: the Inspire Stage at ESPC25
At ESPC25 (December 1–4 in Dublin) the Inspire Stage returns as a cornerstone of the conference experience—offering a space where personal development, professional growth, and community connection converge. This isn’t just another track; it’s a celebration of the Microsoft community’s spirit, values, and shared journey. A look back: Inspire Stage at ESPC23 and ESPC24 The Inspire Stage first made waves at ESPC23 in Amsterdam, where it hosted the Inspire Awards. This event spotlighted people who made a lasting impact on the Microsoft 365 community. Held right in the EXPO, the high-energy awards ceremony brought together finalists, speakers, and attendees to celebrate excellence, innovation, and impact. At ESPC24 in Stockholm, the Inspire Stage was a hub for 30-minute lightning talks focused on professional development and wellness. Sessions ranged from career coaching and leadership insights to mental health strategies and inclusive practices. The stage also hosted Ask the Experts, where attendees could get real-time advice from the experts themselves. What’s new in 2025: Inspire Stage at ESPC25 Dublin This year, the Inspire Stage at ESPC25 is all set for another great conference. Located in the Expo at the Convention Centre Dublin, it’s designed to help attendees fuel their potential, expand their mindset, and ignite their well-being. What to expect: Development: Talks like “How To Work Like a Brainiac With M365 Copilot – a No-Brainer” and “Managing Your Brand for Career Management” offer practical strategies to elevate your career and adapt to the evolving tech landscape. Wellness: Sessions such as “How To Thrive in Your Tech Career: Managing Burnout and Boredom” and “The Importance of Tech Mentorship and Tech Communities” provide insights into managing burnout, staying balanced, and finding your community. Ask the Experts: This is your chance to connect with seasoned professionals about personal and professional development, work-life balance, and more! Who you’ll hear from: Jonah Andersson Christian Buckley Heather Cook Karuana Gatimu Melissa Hale Adam Harmetz Caroline Kallin Karoliina Kettukari & Sari Soinoja Sean Lally Dona Sarkar Marjia Siddik Sharon Smith Why it matters: the Microsoft community in action The Inspire Stage is more than a schedule of talks—it’s a reflection of the Microsoft community’s strength and generosity. It’s where MVPs, first-time attendees, and industry leaders come together to listen, learn, support one another, and grow collectively. It’s where hallway conversations turn into career breakthroughs, and where you realize you’re part of something bigger. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. But it’s the community—your community—that brings that mission to life. ESPC25 is your opportunity to connect, grow, and be inspired by the people who make this ecosystem thrive. Learn more about ESPC25 and register today Use the community discount code for: ESPC25COMM (€200 off) See you in Dublin! Heather Cook
