Event Recap - TechCon Chicago 2026
TechCon 365 Chicago is part of the TechCon series of regional Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Azure data conferences — one of the most widely attended community-run Microsoft conference series in North America. For FY26, the Chicago edition was focused on Microsoft 365, Collaboration, Microsoft 365 Copilot and Power Platform. Dates: June 15–19, 2026 Venue: McCormick Place South, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 Reach: 650+ attendees | 43 US states | 14 countries Event website: Home - Microsoft TechCon365 Chicago - A Microsoft 365 Conference & Copilot Conference In a Nutshell TechCon 365 Chicago 2026 delivered: A full-stage, 90-minute keynote anchored by Microsoft leaders, using a baseball playbook metaphor to frame the AI + Microsoft 365 transformation story 20+ Microsoft-led and 100+ Community-led sessions spanning Copilot adoption, AI in SharePoint, Power Platform, governance, and community engagement A dedicated Microsoft Community Zone (Expo Hall) for face-to-face engagement, demos, and community resource sign-ups Multiple Ask the Experts slots giving attendees direct access to product experts The Women in Tech and Allies Discussion, building on the MGCI community inclusion agenda Microsoft / Team Involvement Microsoft was a principal sponsor of TechCon 365 Chicago 2026, with the SCALE Microsoft Community Team leading the Microsoft engagement from planning through execution. Microsoft Production Team Heather Cook, Principal PM, SCALE Team — Production Lead & Keynote/Session Speaker Bryan Wofford, Principal PM, SCALE Team — Production PM & Session Speaker, MVP Lead Jonathan Jones – Program Manager, SCALE Team - Booth & Community Emily Hove — Event Logistics, SCALE Team Event Producers (TechCon side) David Wilhelm Sharon Toler Ashley Wilhelm Liz Sundet Key Content & Highlights Keynote “Stepping Up to the Plate: Winning Strategies to Empower Your Team” | Wed, June 17 | 8:30–9:40 AM | Stage S105bcd The 90-minute keynote used a baseball lens to map the Microsoft 365 + AI + Power Platform transformation journey, organizing the message into four “bases”: First Base: AI in Action – From Promise to Real Work (Copilot as leadoff hitter) Second Base: The Foundation Matters – Governance, Security, and Readiness Third Base: Adoption Is the Hard Part – coaching, culture, and confidence Home Plate: Building the Platform – Extensibility and What's Next with Power Platform The keynote brought together Microsoft and community voices on the same stage, reinforcing the message that AI transformation is a team sport. Speakers included Heather Cook, Bryan Wofford, Charles Lakes II, Liam Clearly, Julie Turner, Shannon Lindsay, and Mark Kashman. We may have had a seventh inning stretch to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame". Named Microsoft Sessions 20+ Microsoft-led sessions were delivered across the five days, spanning beginner to advanced levels. Microsoft Led Breakout Sessions (Times are in Central Time (CT)) Building Enterprise AI Agents: From Low‑Code Copilot Studio to GitHub Copilot Integration with Minhaj Sahibzada (Wednesday 11:30 AM to 12:40 PM) Backstage event production with Microsoft 365 Copilot with Heather Cook and Bryan Wofford (Wednesday 11:30 AM to 12:40 PM) Secure and Govern AI and Agents with Microsoft & Agent 365 with Craig Jahnke and Sophie Ke (Wednesday 11:30 AM to 12:40 PM) Driving productivity with Power BI and M365 with Lada Hill and Lauren Faber (Wednesday 1:40 PM to 2:50 PM) Engage Everywhere: Communities, Events, and Storylines in Teams, Powered by AI with Steve Nguyen (Wednesday 1:40pm - 2:50 pm) How to Get What You Want: The Art of Prompt Engineering for Copilot with Michelle Gilbert (Wednesday 1:40pm - 2:50 pm) Avoiding the “Go-Live Hangover”: Battle-Tested Best Practices for Contact Center Implementations with Vinoth Balasubramanian (Wednesday 3:30 PM to 4:40 PM) Setup M365 for Education: Copilot. Teams & More with Max Fritz (Wednesday 3:30 PM to 4:40 PM) Beyond Compliance: How Accessibility Improves Productivity in Microsoft 365 with Max Fritz (Thursday 9:00 AM to 10:10 AM) From Hocus Pocus to Focus: Contextualize Your Power BI Data with Stephanie Bruno and Shannon Lindsay (Thursday 9:00 AM to 10:10 AM) Introduction to Vibing with the M365 Tools Frontier Agents and Power Platform with Ralph Rivas and Craig Jahnke (Thursday 9:00 AM to 10:10 AM) Work Smarter with OneDrive: AI-Enhanced Productivity Across Microsoft 365 with Vishal Lodha (Thursday 9:00 AM to 10:10 AM) The Next Generation of Community Storytelling: Powered by AI with Jonathan Jones (Thursday 9:00 AM to 10:10 AM) AI Ready - An Evolutive Approach with Juan Carlos Chipi (Thursday 10:40 AM to 11:50 PM) Accessibility by Design: Building Inclusive Experiences with Microsoft 365 and Copilot with Darryl Rowe and Laurie Allen (Thursday 10:40 AM to 11:50 PM) Engage, Learn, Lead: Maximizing Impact with the Microsoft Tech Community with Josh Leporati (Thursday 12:50 PM to 2:00 PM) The Rise of AI Agents: Designing the Platforms That Power Enterprise AI with Marco Salas Robles and Kevin Leal (Thursday 12:50 PM to 2:00 PM) Voice Bots That Work: Designing AI Conversations Customers Don’t Hang Up On with Vinoth Balasubramanian (Thursday 2:10 PM to 3:20 PM) From Data Chaos to Copilot Confidence: Building a Secure Foundation with Purview & SAM with Bryan Wofford (Thursday 4:00 PM to 5:10 PM) Extending Copilot with Connectors: Powering Intelligent Agents with Your Data with AJ Goldie (Thursday 4:00 PM to 5:10 PM) Why Power BI Copilot Works (and When It Doesn’t) with Sanjay Raut and Dan English (Thursday 4:00 PM to 5:10 PM) Your Copilot Adoption Playbook: Getting Started with Microsoft Adoption Resources with Gina Hoffman and Bryan Wofford (MCAG) (Friday 9:00 AM to10:10 AM) What’s New in the Microsoft 365 Copilot App: Your AI Command Center for Work with Michael Goad (Friday 9:00 AM to 10:10 AM) AI in SharePoint in Action with Bryan Wofford (Friday 10:20 AM to 11:30 AM) Building Smarter Agents: What’s New in Agent Builder and What’s Coming Next with AJ Goldie (Friday 12:30 PM to 1:40 PM) For all community sessions and the overall agenda from this show: https://aka.ms/TechCon365/2026/Sessions Thank you to all the Microsoft speakers who gave terrific sessions and staffed our Microsoft Community Lounge: AJ Goldie, Allison Michels, April Delsing, Bryan Wofford, Carrie White, Craig Jahnke, Dan English, Darryl Rowe, Gina Hoffman, Jonathan Jones, Juan Carlos Chipi, Lada Hill, Lauren Faber, Marco Salas Robles, Max Fritz, Michael Goad, Michelle Gilbert, Minhaj Sahibzada, Nisaini Rexach, Sanjay Raut, Sophie Ke, Steve Nguyen, Vinoth Balasubramanian, Vishal Lodha. Thank you to all community speakers for bringing your awesomeness to this show, so many repeat speakers bringing their A game and welcome to all of the first timers!! You Rock! Ask the Experts Microsoft experts participated in open drop-in Ask the Experts sessions in the Expo Hall / South Concourse Lobby, giving attendees direct access for one-on-one Q&A and guidance. Microsoft Community Zone (Expo Hall) The Microsoft Community Zone served as the hub for community engagement throughout the event — featuring branded resources, QR code sign-up stations for MGCI and Microsoft Tech Community, and staffed meet-and-greet hours with Microsoft speakers and experts. Microsoft MVPs at TechCon A big thank you to all the Microsoft MVPs who spoke and staffed the event: Andrew Hess, Anna Bordioug, Antonio Maio, Asif Rehmani, Brian Alderman, Cathy Dew, Charles Lakes II, Chris McNulty, Christian Buckley, David Drever, Derek Cash-Peterson, Don Kirkham, Drew Madelung, Galen Keene, Geetha Sivasailam, Gokan Ozcifci, Heidi Jordan, Jared Matfess, John Kerski, John White, Joy Apple, Julie Turner, Karinne Bessette, Lindsay Shelton, Luc Labelle, Marc D Anderson, Mark Kashman, Mark Rackley, Mike Maadarani, Norm Young, Paul Papanek Stork, Prashant G Bhoyar, Ralph Rivas, Ryan Schouten, Samir Makwana, Sarah Haase, Scott Shearer, Shari Oswald, Stephanie Bruno, Susan Hanley, Tiffany Songvilay, Treb Gatte, Vlad Catrinescu, Wes Preston, and William Huneycutt. Women in Tech and Allies Discussion Heather Cook led a collaborative discussion alongside Nisaini Rexach, April Delsing, Carrie White all from Microsoft and Kelly Fernandez, Executive Director of TedXChicago bringing together women in tech and allies to share perspectives, experiences, and inspiration. The session is part of Microsoft's ongoing Women in M365 community initiative. Sponsors A big thank you to all the sponsors What Attendees Valued Most When asked what they valued most, attendees consistently cited five themes: Networking — the #1 answer: meeting peers with shared challenges and forming lasting connections Workshops & hands-on demos — live, participatory sessions cited as highlights by both new and returning attendees Direct access to MVPs & experts — one-on-one conversations with speakers and subject matter experts Copilot & AI sessions — practical, applicable Copilot and AI implementation content Overall session quality — well-paced sessions with actionable takeaways and strong speaker insight Wrap-Up Summary TechCon 365 Chicago 2026 was a clear success and a strong validation of Microsoft's investment in community-run, practitioner-focused technical events. A Big THANK YOU to the TechCon producers David Wilhelm, Sharon Toler, Ashley Wilhelm, Liz Sundet and the entire team for an outstanding event.Event Recap - Microsoft at the Digital Workplace Conference Australia 2026
The Digital Workplace Conference 2026 (DWC AU) proved to be an unforgettable two days at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins from 28–29 May 2026. Australia's premier in-person event for Microsoft 365 professionals brought together power users, business leaders, IT pros, and adoption and change managers from across the region under this year's theme — One Change. Big Impact. With deep focus on Microsoft 365, AI and Copilot, SharePoint, governance, and real-world adoption, attendees were treated to a packed programme of community-led learning, customer stories, and the kind of practical, take-home guidance that makes DWC such a standout on the Australian tech calendar. DWC in a nutshell 30+ speakers from 5 countries 247+ years of combined digital workplace experience represented on stage 3 parallel tracks across 2 days — Productivity, AI & Copilot, and Customer Journeys Microsoft as a sponsor, with our team on the keynote stage and on the floor Post-event attendee survey across roles, industries, states, and countries captured (full breakdown in the Attendee Insights section below) Give a read to the DW Results recap as well: Digital Workplace Conference Australia: What We Learned About AI, Governance, and Why People Still Matter - DW Results Opening Keynote From AI Hype to Everyday Impact Thursday 28 May, 9:00 AM, Grand Ballroom (90 minutes) Panelists: Heather Cook (Microsoft), Debbie Ireland (DWR), and Brett Gilbertson (ASI Solutions). The opening keynote set the tone for the two days — cutting through AI hype and grounding the conversation in what is actually working inside Australian organisations today. The panel landed honest stories about where Copilot is delivering value, where adoption is getting stuck, and how the right single change — well chosen and well executed — really can have an outsized impact. The energy carried straight into the first round of breakouts and shaped the customer conversations that followed across both days. Breakout Sessions Overview DWC 2026 ran three parallel tracks across two days, anchored on the official conference themes: Productivity Sessions in this track focused on getting more ROI from the Microsoft 365 tools customers already own — practical patterns to work smarter, not harder, and the unlocks people did not know they had. AI and Copilot This was the dominant theme — sessions ran the full lifecycle from governance and security through implementation to adoption, with a strong focus on moving teams from novice to nimble with Copilot prompts, agents, and Copilot Studio. Customer Journeys Real-world case studies from organisations who have shipped — the trials, the tribulations, and the lessons. Customer Journeys remains the track attendees consistently rate as the most valuable. Featured sessions and speakers Build Your Own M365 Copilot Reporting Dashboard — Loryan Strant (Avanade, Microsoft MVP) Adoption & Change Management for AI: The People Side — Troy Waller (ASI Solutions) From SharePoint Foundations to AI Agents: The Blackmores Journey — Sujith Sukumaran and Liza Tinker (Blackmores) Data Security Considerations for M365 Copilot and Agents — Andrew O'Young (Microsoft MVP) Not Just Slop: How AI Agents Run Our Managed Services Helpdesk — Mark Rhodes (Rapid Circle) Novice to Nimble: Mastering Microsoft 365 Copilot Prompts — Kirsty McGrath (OnPoint Solutions) (Microsoft MVP) Side by Side with Copilot Cowork: Reimagining Collaboration with AI — Lisa Crosbie (Akkodis, Microsoft MVP) The Copilot Mirror: Why AI Isn't the Problem, Your Governance is — Alpesh Nakar (EDUC4TE) and James Milne (FrontRow Technologies) Making AI, SharePoint and Intranets work well together — Natalie Ryan (Step Two) Keepin' it real: Lessons from the trenches — Debbie Ireland (DWR) (Microsoft RD) and Shannon Donovan (DWR) Gone but not forgotten: Lifecycle and retention — Jenn Jones (Datacom) Reaching Every Employee: Strategic Decisions Behind High Impact Employee Platforms— Benoit Rabreaud (LumApps ANZ) and Carolyn Coon Unshackled: Forge Your AI Personalised AI-Powered Digital Workplace — Emily Hughes (Circle T) The PowerPoint hacks every M365 user should know — Sharon Connolly (Microsoft MVP) Deliver more, govern better: Practical M365 governance — Peter Varitimidis, Connor Martin (Orchestry), and Louie Newlove (Rapid Circle) From Copilot Pilots to Business Impact: Turning AI Hype into Measurable Workplace Value — Daniel Brown (Archon Gnosis) (Microsoft MVP) You Have No Idea What Copilot Can Do Now — Daniel Anderson (Microsoft MVP) The Future of Intranets: AI Meets SharePoint — Steve Knutson, Stratos Technology Partners (Microsoft RD & MVP) Who Am I Now? Evolving Roles in the Modern Digital Workplace — Megan Strant, Kirsty McGrath, Bec Gallen, Jacob Laurence and Mathew Gilbertson Microsoft on the agenda Beyond the opening keynote, our Microsoft team carried sessions across both days. The Microsoft-led sessions at DWC 2026: From AI Hype to Everyday Impact (Opening Keynote panel) — Heather Cook, with Debbie Ireland (DWR) and Brett Gilbertson (ASI Solutions) — Thursday 28 May, Grand Ballroom Cultivating Trust and Leadership Excellence: Strategies for Respect and Empathy in the Workplace — Heather Cook — Friday 29 May, 9:00 AM, Sydney Room Why do my services keep breaking? — Elaine van Bergen, Principal Site Reliability Engineer, Azure Reliability — Friday 29 May, 9:00 AM, Brisbane Room Agent 365 — the why, what and how? — Jian Sun, Principal Program Manager — Friday 29 May, 12:45 PM, Brisbane Room Microsoft MVPs and Regional Directors Microsoft MVPs and Regional Directors were a huge part of the DWC programme this year — across SharePoint, Microsoft 365 Apps, Business Applications, AI Platform, and Copilot. The MVPs and RD on stage and in the community spaces at DWC 2026: Andrew O'Young Daniel Anderson Daniel Brown Debbie Ireland Kirsty McGrath Lisa Crosbie Liza Tinker Loryan Strant Matthew Gilbertson Brett Gilbertson Megan Strant Sharon Connolly Steve Knutson Their contributions, alongside customers, partner consultants, and DWR community leaders, reinforced exactly what makes DWC valuable — the community in this room shines, and they came ready to share what works and their experiences. Community Highlights DWC has always been a community-first event, and 2026 was no different. A few moments that stood out: The opening keynote panel — a packed Grand Ballroom and a lively Q&A that ran right up to the morning tea bell Thursday Networking Drinks in the Exhibition Area — two hours of unstructured time where the best conversations of the conference happened Customer-led case study sessions that drew standing-room-only crowds Recognition for Debbie Ireland and the DWR team for 35+ events across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia since 2009 Exhibition Area and the Microsoft booth The Exhibition Area was the centre of gravity for both days — morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and Thursday's networking drinks all happened in the same space, which meant the Microsoft booth had a steady stream of attendees and a constant flow of conversations across both days. Microsoft on-site: Ana Maria Suarez — Cloud Solution Architect Ashish Trivedi – Sr Program Manager, FastTrack Eddie Chua — Sr Program Manager Elaine van Bergen — Principal Site Reliability Engineer, Azure Reliability Garrett White — Biz Apps STU Heather Cook — Principal PM, M365 Customer Advocacy Group Jian Sun — Principal Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation Paul Mineo – Sr Solution Engineer Conversations at the Microsoft booth ran throughout the two days alongside sponsor and partner check-ins — see the attendee insights and themes sections below for what came out of those conversations. Who Was in the Room — Attendee Insights DWR shared post-event demographics from their attendee survey (approximately 64 responses). The room was a genuine cross-section of the Australian and New Zealand digital workplace community: Geography: Attendees came from across Australian states and territories — Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and beyond — plus international guests from New Zealand and further afield Roles: Business Analysts, Change Managers, Developers, Information Architects, IT Management, Knowledge Managers, and Site Administrators and Power Users Industries: Banking and Finance, Government, Education, Health, Professional Services, Technology, Energy, NFP, Defence, Manufacturing, Retail, Transport, and more What attendees told us — four themes from DWR's post-event feedback The pace of AI is real — but no one has it fully figured out. People spoke openly about how hard it is to stay on top of how fast things are moving. There was genuine relief in hearing that even experts are working through it in real time. Foundations matter more than ever. One of the strongest signals: AI isn't the starting point. Good data, clear ownership, and solid governance still underpin everything — without that, even the most advanced tools struggle to deliver value. The biggest challenge is helping people change how they work. Even in a conference heavily focused on AI, the strongest recurring message wasn't about tools — it was about people. Supporting teams through change is still the hardest and most important part. Learning happens faster when we do it together. Again and again, attendees called out the value of being in the room — the informal conversations between sessions, shared experiences, and honest exchanges that are impossible to replicate online. Customer Conversations at the Microsoft Booth Customer conversations at the Microsoft booth throughout DWC 2026 were highly productive. These weren't formal meetings — they were the organic, drop-by conversations that happen when you're in the room — and they clustered around adoption, governance, and what's next for AI in the Australian enterprise. Top themes surfaced Microsoft 365 Copilot — adoption, ROI measurement, governance, agent extensibility, and moving teams from "I tried it once" to embedded daily use Copilot Studio and Agents — where to start, who should build, how to govern citizen-built agents, and how to keep them healthy in production SharePoint as the knowledge platform — search accuracy, information architecture, archive and retention, and getting the foundations right so Copilot actually returns useful answers Data security and Purview for AI — label rollout, sensitivity handling, and what "governance done right" looks like before scaling Copilot organisation-wide Adoption and change management — the people side keeps being named as the gap that determines whether AI investment pays off Intranet modernisation and employee experience — practical stories from customers building production-grade intranets quickly, with AI features layered on top Australian customers consistently asked for sharper guidance on moving Copilot beyond basic tasks toward creative, workflow-specific use cases — and reinforced that internal champions, structured adoption stages, and embedded security and compliance are critical to success. Public sector and federal government attendees raised human-centred digital practice and Australian-specific compliance considerations as recurring themes. Thank You A huge thank you to every attendee, speaker, sponsor, and volunteer who helped bring DWC 2026 to life. Your passion, curiosity, and commitment made this year's event genuinely exceptional. DW Results and Debbie Ireland Special thanks to event founder and producer Debbie Ireland and the entire team at Digital Workplace Results. DWR has delivered 35+ events across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia since 2009 — and the welcoming home you create for this industry each year is a big part of why Microsoft is proud to sponsor and show up the way we do. Microsoft MVPs, customers, and community speakers Thank you to the MVPs, Regional Director, customers, partners, and community speakers who carried the bulk of this year's programme. The full DWC 2026 speaker roster: Alpesh Nakar, Andrew O'Young, Andrew Pope, Annabel Hay, Benoit Rabreaud, Brett Gilbertson, Cairo Walker, Carolyn Coon, Connor Martin, Daniel Anderson, Daniel Brown, David Mitchell, Debbie Ireland, Elaine van Bergen, Emily Hughes, James Milne, Jan Krist, Jemma Hirst, Jenn Jones, Kirsty McGrath, Jian Sun, Lisa Crosbie, Liza Tinker, Loryan Strant, Louie Newlove, Mark Rhodes, Mathew Gilbertson, Megan Strant, Mel Finnigan, Mia Tait, Natalie Ryan, Peter Varitimidis, Shannon Donovan, Sharon Connolly, Shelley Van Hoos, Steve Knutson, Sujith Sukumaran, Sutter Schumacher, and Troy Waller. The community in this region keeps showing up with sharp, practical content — thank you for the time, the prep, and the generosity of sharing what you've learned. Sponsors Microsoft is proud to be part of the DWC 2026 sponsor community. Thank you to: Platinum: ASI Solutions Gold: Rapid Circle, Orchestry, Ideagen Silver: Athentra, LumApps, EDUC4TE, Audio Visual Distributors / Barco ClickShare, Microsoft, Datacom, Circle T, DW Results Bronze: Step Two, Technomancy Whether it was your first DWC or you've been with us since the early years, your presence helped create an inspiring and unforgettable experience. What's Next? The journey continues. Watch the dwcau.com.au and DWR channels for the 2027 dates and venue announcement — and in the meantime, keep the momentum going on the customer follow-ups and adoption commitments that came out of this week's conversations. Until then, let's keep the energy alive. Continue exploring, innovating, and collaborating with this community. The Australian M365 ecosystem is one of the strongest and most generous in the world, and DWC 2026 was a reminder of exactly why. #DWCAU | One Change. Big ImpactEvent Recap - European Collab Summit 2026 - Cologne Germany
From May 5 to 7, 2026, the global Microsoft community came together in Cologne, Germany for the European Collaboration Summit 2026, a gathering of innovators, builders, and leaders shaping the future of work. With over 275 sessions spanning the European Collaboration, AI & Cloud, and BizApps Summits, Microsoft’s presence was both expansive and impactful, bringing together product leaders, engineers, and community voices to explore what’s next across Microsoft 365, Copilot, and AI-powered collaboration. ECS By the Numbers 2,800+ attendees 275+ sessions across three co-located conferences 248 speakers from 29 countries across 5 continents 58 Microsoft speakers, 11 Microsoft Regional Directors, and 106 Microsoft MVPs 51 Microsoft-led breakout sessions 3 Microsoft keynotes A Strong Microsoft Presence Across Every Track Microsoft played a central role at this year’s summit with: 3 keynote sessions 50+ Microsoft sessions across all conference tracks These sessions were delivered by product leaders, our community team, and engineering teams, providing both strategic direction and hands-on guidance for organizations navigating AI transformation. From collaboration to cloud to business applications, Microsoft content was woven throughout the event, ensuring attendees could connect insights across the entire modern work ecosystem. Key Themes: AI, Copilot, and the Era of Intelligent Work Across Microsoft’s sessions and keynotes, several core themes stood out. Copilot and AI Agents Take Center Stage From deep dives into Copilot extensibility to real-world scenarios with AI agents, sessions highlighted how organizations can move from experimentation to scale. Attendees explored how Copilot orchestrates information, integrates across Microsoft 365, and enables entirely new ways of working. Microsoft 365 as the Platform for Modern Work Sessions across Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive reinforced how the Microsoft 365 ecosystem continues to evolve into a unified platform, connecting communication, content, and workflows with AI built in. From Productivity to Transformation Keynotes from Microsoft leaders focused on how AI is fundamentally reshaping collaboration, content, and knowledge at scale, grounded in real customer scenarios and practical adoption strategies. Microsoft Keynotes: The Evolution of Agents at Microsoft and Everywhere - Marco Casalaina, Vice President of Products, Microsoft Azure AI Marco set the stage for how Microsoft is pushing the boundaries of AI — from foundation models to production-ready AI at scale — and how organizations can harness Azure AI to drive real business outcomes. The Age of the Agent: AI That Works for You - Julie Koesmarno, Principal Group Product Manager, Microsoft Julie explored how the age of the agent is here today — how AI is moving from a tool we use to a teammate we collaborate with — with live demos by Scott Durow. The Future of AI is Already Here - Adam Harmetz, Vice President of PM, Collaborative Apps & Platforms Adam closed out the Microsoft keynote series, walking attendees through the latest in Microsoft 365 Copilot, SharePoint, OneDrive, and the broader collaboration platform — with demos by Dan Holme, Erica Toelle, and Vesa Juvonen. Breakout Sessions: Practical, Technical, and Actionable CollabSummit sessions focused on preparing organizations to fully capitalize on Microsoft 365 Copilot — from technical readiness and adoption frameworks to ROI measurement, governance, and agent extensibility. Sessions dove deep into SharePoint as the knowledge platform for Copilot and agents, OneDrive innovations, Teams as an AI-driven work hub, and the latest Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities. AI & Cloud Summit sessions gave professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses a chance to explore opportunities with Azure, Copilot, OpenAI, and Microsoft Foundry — with a clear focus on the impact of cloud adoption and Responsible AI. BizApps Summit sessions spotlighted the Microsoft Power Platform, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Dynamics 365, and citizen development — helping attendees understand how low-code/no-code business applications and unified data are accelerating enterprise transformation. Highlights included: Copilot orchestration and extensibility AI-powered collaboration experiences in Teams SharePoint agents and content management innovation Enterprise AI development and automation scenarios These sessions provided both strategic guidance and hands-on techniques, helping attendees turn emerging AI capabilities into real business impact. Microsoft MVPs and Regional Directors 106 MVPs and 11 Regional Directors led sessions, lightning talks, and Innovation Hub experiences — sharing expertise on Copilot Studio, Microsoft 365 Copilot, SharePoint, Power Platform, Azure AI, and more. Their contributions enriched the community experience and reinforced the spirit of shared learning that defines ECS. Expo City: Where Innovation Came to Life At the heart of the event, Expo City brought Microsoft technologies to life through live demos, partner solutions, and hands-on experiences across Copilot, Teams, SharePoint, and Power Platform. At the Microsoft booth, attendees experienced: A central collaboration hub for 1:1 developer conversations and architecture deep dives The Microsoft Foundry Information Tower, showcasing the Agent Factory and production-ready AI at scale The Microsoft Lounge for deeper conversations on building with Microsoft AI A digital engagement screen with live demos and platform walkthroughs A Community-Driven Experience Beyond the sessions, what truly defined the European Collaboration Summit was its community. With thousands of attendees, from IT leaders and developers to MVPs and students, the event fostered meaningful conversations, knowledge-sharing, and lasting connections. From the opening keynote to the closing ceremony, ECS 2026 thrived on the energy of its community. The atmosphere was alive with enthusiasm, collaboration, and genuine camaraderie. Evening gatherings and the attendee party at Wartesaal am Dom — a vibrant mix of fun and networking with great music and local flavors. Community Panel — “So You Want to Run a CollabDays?” presented by Rodrigo Pinto, Thomas Goelles, Paul Hunt, and Thomas Vochten, giving the community a playbook for running successful local events. Women in Tech and Allies Panel — hosted by Heather Cook with Karuana Gatimu, Laura Dark, and community members Isidora Katanic and Michelle Okwudiafor. AI Competition Finals on the FutureMakers Stage — startup finalists pitched AI-focused products live, with the winning team taking home a bronze package for ECS 2027. Citroën Ami Giveaway — one lucky attendee drove away with an actual brand-new Citroën Ami, making the closing ceremony a packed, can’t-miss Thank You A huge thank you to every attendee, speaker, sponsor, and volunteer who helped bring ECS 2026 to life. Your passion, curiosity, and commitment made this year’s event truly exceptional — and a special thanks to Adis Jugo, Mustafa Toroman, Waldek Mastykarz, Garry Trinder, Brett Lonsdale, Margit Jugo, and the outstanding teams of volunteers and sponsors who continue to make this vision a reality. Looking Ahead The European Collaboration Summit 2026 once again proved why it remains a cornerstone event for the Microsoft ecosystem. The journey continues as the team looks towards ECS 2027 in Düsseldorf, Germany — May 18–20, 2027, already shaping another year of world-class sessions, community moments, and opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. As organizations continue to navigate the shift toward AI-powered work, the insights shared across Microsoft’s sessions — from Copilot to Teams to SharePoint — offered a clear takeaway: the future of collaboration is intelligent, connected, and community-driven. Until then — keep exploring, innovating, and collaborating. The future is bright, and together we’re redefining the way the world works. #CollabSummit | #ECS2026 | Come Curious. Leave Inspired.MGCI | Newsletter May 2026
Hi MGCI Members! Things are moving fast across the MGCI community, and the energy is hard to miss. From behind-the-scenes looks at what makes Community Days DC successful to global events bringing thousands together, there’s a lot happening (and a lot to be proud of). Add in new Regional Leaders on the way, upcoming sessions, and a packed event calendar, and it’s clear this community keeps leveling up. Let’s dive into what’s been happening around the world and what’s coming up next. 🌎 MGCI Regional Leader Update We’re in the final stage of selecting our 2026 MGCI Regional Leaders. New leaders will be announced early next month, followed by onboarding shortly after. Regional Leaders play a critical role in bringing Community Days and events to life around the world, and the dedication shown by this community continues to make a meaningful impact. We’re excited to welcome new leaders into this role. ✅ Recently Wrapped: MGCI Monthly General Session and Event Organizer Training (May) Microsoft Global Community Initiative General Session – May 2026 Topic: Community Spotlight: Inside M365 Community Days DC 2026 Guest Speaker: Pat McGown We went behind the scenes with Heather Cook and Pat McGown to unpack what it really takes to bring a community-driven event to life - the wins, the lessons, and the ideas you can take back to your own events. Watch the Recording: https://aka.ms/MGCI-MayGeneralSession Event Training: Event & Committee Planning - May 2026 Hosts: Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver Guest Speaker: Mark Rackley Topic: Event & Committee Planning Focused on building strong planning teams, distributing responsibilities effectively, and maintaining momentum from idea to event day - helping organizers create smoother, more inclusive events. Watch the Recording: https://aka.ms/MGCI-MayEventTraining Join the conversation & access all sessions: Live and on demand: https://aka.ms/community/learning MGCI updates & reminders: https://aka.ms/MGCISignUP Learn more about MGCI: https://aka.ms/MGCI 🌍 Recent Community Event Highlight: ECS 2026 Board Members and Regional Leaders from MGCI, as well as Microsoft peers, attended the European Collaboration Summit in Cologne, Germany. With 3,000 attendees, ECS is the largest conference in Europe focused on Modern Work, Microsoft 365, and Copilot. During the conference, Heather Cook and Karuana Gatimu shared their #CommunityLuv in multiple sessions and get-togethers. A standout moment included the Women in Tech Panel at ECS with Heather Cook, Karuana Gatimu, Laura Dark, Michelle Okwudiafor and Isidora Katanic. 🗣️ Upcoming MGCI Monthly General Sessions MGCI General Sessions take place every 3rd Tuesday of the month, with both AM and PM sessions to support our global community. In June, join Heather Cook, Principal PM, Microsoft Customer Advocacy Group, Microsoft and Stacy Burris, Event Strategy Consultant, JSB Events for a fresh take on sponsorships that go far beyond logo placement. Discover how sponsors can create meaningful connections and how event organizers can design experiences that feel authentic, engaging, and worth every dollar. Walk away with practical, community-first ideas to boost visibility, drive real results, and make sponsorships more impactful before, during, and after the event. 📅 June 16 | ⏰ 8:10 AM PT | 👉 https://aka.ms/MGCIMtgAM 📅 June 16 | ⏰ 5:10 PM PT | 👉 https://aka.ms/MGCIMtgPM 👩🏫 Upcoming Event Organizer Trainings Join the monthly Event Organizer Trainings to learn how to run successful community events, from sponsorships and speakers to logistics, registration, and post-event follow-up. Sessions are led by the community, with practical insights, tips, and best practices. Date Topic Jun 25 How to Find and Select Speakers Jul 30 FOOD! Meals, Snacks, and Beverages If you have ideas, feedback, or would like to join us as a Guest Speaker to share your event tips & tricks, complete the form here:👉 https://aka.ms/MGCI-EventOrganizerFeedback 🔴Mondays at Microsoft Join Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook every other Monday morning to stay informed in-the-know on Microsoft’s biggest topics, including the latest in AI and what’s happening in the Microsoft community. Visit aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoft to watch and subscribe! 💙 #CommunityLuv Spotlight This month we're highlighting this #CommunityLuv LinkedIn Post by Dominick Raimato (Data Platform MVP & MCT). Over the past two weeks, regardless of the technology or announcements, one thing has rung true - #CommunityLuv is alive and well! Over the past two weeks I have reconnected with old friends, met new friends, and finally met some friends who I have only known virtually up until now! If you know me, I am not one to be the first to say "Hey! Let's get a picture together!" I am trying to be better about it but alas I am human. Maybe I can get an agent to help me 😂 Regardless, the names are too many to tag on LinkedIn with a single post, so here are some of the photos I thought to grab or borrowed from others! #FabCon #SQLCon #MVPsummit #MicrosoftFabric #PowerBI #RealTimeIntelligence #mvpbuzz 🏆Microsoft 365 Champions Program To help you drive adoption and increase your teamwork skills, the M365 Champions Program provides a call each month for the M365 community. Calls are held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 8:05 AM and 5:05 PM Pacific. Check out all the resources, recordings and how to sign up for the Microsoft 365 Champions Program. You must register to receive the link to join, which will be sent to you in email with your webinar registration confirmation. The registration links for both sessions are below: 8:05 AM PT: aka.ms/M365ChampionCallAM 5:05 PM PT: aka.ms/M365ChampionCallPM 🌍Upcoming Community Events Around the World Events coming up in June: Community Days | AgentCamp Oslo 2026 | June 2 | Oslo, Norway Community Days | Microsoft Build 2026 Watch Party + Unconference | June 2 | Arlington, VA, United States Community Days | Workplace Intelligence Days - 1ère édition | June 4 | Lyon, France Community Days | CollabDays Madrid 2026 | June 4 | Madrid, Spain Community Days | Memphis Microsoft Community Days | June 5 | Memphis, Tennessee, United States Community Days | Community Summit Roadshow Charlotte | June 9 | Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Community Days | Dia de la estrategia: agentes y su aplicación en la empresa | June 9 | Mexico City, Mexico Community Days | Power BI Days DC | June 11-12 | Arlington, Virginia, United States Community Days | CollabDays Poland 2026 | June 11-12 | Warsaw, Poland Community Days | CollabDays Netherlands 2026 | June 13 | Utrecht, The Netherlands Community Days | POSETTE: An Event for Postgres 2026 | June 16-18 | Virtual - PDT Community Days | AI Community Days (AICD) Montréal 2026 | June 17-18 | Montreal, Canada Community Days | Africa Power Platform | June 20-21 | Cotonou, Benin Community Days | AI Community Days (AICD) Québec 2026 | June 22-23 | Quebec, Canada Community Days | MWCP 2026 | June 23-24 | Île-de-France, France Community Days | Community Summit Roadshow Pittsburgh | June 23 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Community Days | Community Summit Roadshow Cleveland | June 25 | Twinsburgh, Ohio, United States Community Days | AI Community Conference - New York | June 26 | New York, New York, United States Community Days | Global Fabric Community Tunisia | June 27 | Tunis, Tunisia Community Days | CollabDays Hamburg 2026 | June 27 | Hamburg, Germany Check out https://aka.ms/CommunityDays.Org for events happening in communities around the world. You can filter on region, scout open Call for Speakers, find events that are looking for sponsorships, and discover community-driven events and conferences. Closing From city to city and continent to continent, the MGCI community continues to raise the bar. New ideas, stronger events, and deeper connections are happening every day and it’s all driven by this incredible network of organizers and leaders. Keep building. Keep sharing. Keep showing what #CommunityLuv looks like in action. See you out there. 🧡 Sincerely, Your Board Officers 🕯️Special: Rest in Peace Nicki Borell, Microsoft MVP Germany The Global Community shares our deep condolences to Nicki's family, friends, loved ones, colleagues, and everyone in our community who knew Nicki. Nicki was a very active speaker at well-known community events such as ESPC, ECS and many others. We are thankful and grateful for all his contributions in our community. Rest in Peace dear Nicki🙏💙Event Guide - Microsoft at TechCon Chicago 2026
Join us in Chicago for TechCon 365! A premier Microsoft 365 and Power Platform training event featuring expert-led keynotes and sessions across Copilot, AI, Teams, Power Platform, Azure, SharePoint, Purview, and more. Whether you’re new to the platform or a seasoned admin, developer, or power user, you’ll find practical learning tailored to your role and goals. Shoutout to incredible event producers, Sharon Toler and David Wilhelm. Thank you for the partnership, your passion for supporting technical skilling and the community. Microsoft is happy to be a sponsor of this fantastic event. Thank you to the additional sponsors who participate. We’re grateful for everyone in this community who brings their energy and expertise, making this conference a can’t-miss highlight on the tech calendar each year. 101 on TechCon 365 in Chicago What: Microsoft 365 & Power Platform Conference Where: Chicago, IL - McCormick Place South When: June 15 to 19, 2026 Presenters: 130+ sessions, 25 workshops, 2 optional days of workshops to deepen your learning throughout the week. Cost: Register by May 29, 2026, and SAVE $200 of a 5-Day Pass! Price: $850 to $2,995 (there’s something for every budget, check ticket options!) Register today! Registration Savings: Use code MSCMTY to take $200 USD off your registration X & LinkedIn: @TechCon365 | TechCon365 Be Part of What’s Next Get ready for what’s next and learn what you can put into action today. With Microsoft MVPs, MCMs, Microsoft Program Managers, Microsoft Engineers, MCTs, and Microsoft Regional Directors all in one place for the week. Choose from over 150 sessions led by the experts who built the tools and solutions you use every day. TechCon 365 is an event designed to fit your experience level and area of interest. Make It Memorable From inspiring community spaces to special events (yes, including exclusive swag), this is more than a conference, it’s a full experience. Take advantage of Chicago flair and dedicated Community Meetups throughout the week to connect, recharge, and share perspectives with peers who are as passionate as you are. Register today | Note: Use the MSCMTY discount code to save $200 USD off registration. Building Connections Building connections at TechCon 365 Chicago is at the heart of the experience, bringing together a dynamic community of professionals passionate about Microsoft 365 and the future of work. Whether you’re engaging in conversations on the Expo floor or connecting during sessions and meetups, every interaction is an opportunity to learn from peers, exchange ideas, and expand your network. From first-time attendees to seasoned experts, TechCon 365 creates a welcoming environment where meaningful relationships are formed, collaborations take shape, and the community grows stronger together . Key Microsoft Sessions and Activities Keynote: Stepping Up to the Plate: Winning Strategies to Empower Your Team A keynote panel with host Heather Cook and panelists, Bryan Wofford, Charles Lakes II, Liam Cleary, Julie Turner, Shannon Lindsay, Mark Kashman (Wednesday 8:30 AM to 9:40 AM Central Time) In this keynote, you will learn that AI isn’t a solo sport. It’s a team game. It takes communication, trust, shared signals, and a commitment to help the entire lineup succeed. So, whether you’re stepping up to the plate, coaching from the dugout, or helping call the game from the front office, remember: the real power comes when we play as one team. Women in Tech Panel Host: Heather Cook. Panelists: Nisaini Rexach, Carrie White and April Delsing (Wednesday, 1:40 PM CT) All individuals, regardless of gender, are invited to join us to celebrate, talk about our progress, and focus on how we can continue to make the Microsoft ecosystem the best in the world for welcoming, mentoring and supporting women. Additionally, we aim to promote allyship and foster inclusiveness within our industry. Microsoft Led Breakout Sessions (Times are in Central Time (CT)) Building Enterprise AI Agents: From Low‑Code Copilot Studio to GitHub Copilot Integration with Minhaj Sahibzada (Wednesday 11:30 AM to 12:40 PM) Backstage event production with Microsoft 365 Copilot with Heather Cook and Bryan Wofford (Wednesday 11:30 AM to 12:40 PM) Secure and Govern AI and Agents with Microsoft & Agent 365 with Craig Jahnke and Sophie Ke (Wednesday 11:30 AM to 12:40 PM) Driving productivity with Power BI and M365 with Lada Hill and Lauren Faber (Wednesday 1:40 PM to 2:50 PM) Engage Everywhere: Communities, Events, and Storylines in Teams, Powered by AI with Steve Nguyen (Wednesday 1:40pm - 2:50 pm) How to Get What You Want: The Art of Prompt Engineering for Copilot with Michelle Gilbert (Wednesday 1:40pm - 2:50 pm) Avoiding the “Go-Live Hangover”: Battle-Tested Best Practices for Contact Center Implementations with Vinoth Balasubramanian (Wednesday 3:30 PM to 4:40 PM) Setup M365 for Education: Copilot. Teams & More with Max Fritz (Wednesday 3:30 PM to 4:40 PM) Beyond Compliance: How Accessibility Improves Productivity in Microsoft 365 with Max Fritz (Thursday 9:00 AM to 10:10 AM) From Hocus Pocus to Focus: Contextualize Your Power BI Data with Stephanie Bruno and Shannon Lindsay (Thursday 9:00 AM to 10:10 AM) Introduction to Vibing with the M365 Tools Frontier Agents and Power Platform with Ralph Rivas and Craig Jahnke (Thursday 9:00 AM to 10:10 AM) Work Smarter with OneDrive: AI-Enhanced Productivity Across Microsoft 365 with Vishal Lodha (Thursday 9:00 AM to 10:10 AM) The Next Generation of Community Storytelling: Powered by AI with Jonathan Jones (Thursday 9:00 AM to 10:10 AM) AI Ready - An Evolutive Approach with Juan Carlos Chipi (Thursday 10:40 AM to 11:50 PM) Accessibility by Design: Building Inclusive Experiences with Microsoft 365 and Copilot with Darryl Rowe and Laurie Allen (Thursday 10:40 AM to 11:50 PM) Engage, Learn, Lead: Maximizing Impact with the Microsoft Tech Community with Josh Leporati (Thursday 12:50 PM to 2:00 PM) The Rise of AI Agents: Designing the Platforms That Power Enterprise AI with Marco Salas Robles and Kevin Leal (Thursday 12:50 PM to 2:00 PM) Voice Bots That Work: Designing AI Conversations Customers Don’t Hang Up On with Vinoth Balasubramanian (Thursday 2:10 PM to 3:20 PM) From Data Chaos to Copilot Confidence: Building a Secure Foundation with Purview & SAM with Bryan Wofford (Thursday 4:00 PM to 5:10 PM) Extending Copilot with Connectors: Powering Intelligent Agents with Your Data with AJ Goldie (Thursday 4:00 PM to 5:10 PM) Why Power BI Copilot Works (and When It Doesn’t) with Sanjay Raut and Dan English (Thursday 4:00 PM to 5:10 PM) Your Copilot Adoption Playbook: Getting Started with Microsoft Adoption Resources with Gina Hoffman and Bryan Wofford (MCAG) (Friday 9:00 AM to10:10 AM) What’s New in the Microsoft 365 Copilot App: Your AI Command Center for Work with Michael Goad (Friday 9:00 AM to 10:10 AM) AI in SharePoint in Action with Bryan Wofford (Friday 10:20 AM to 11:30 AM) Building Smarter Agents: What’s New in Agent Builder and What’s Coming Next with AJ Goldie (Friday 12:30 PM to 1:40 PM) There are over 100 sessions being given by our wonderful community of consultants, business owners, Microsoft MVPs, user group leaders and MGCI Board Members and Regional Directors. Session days and times are subject to change, please see the TechCon Chicago website for the full agenda. Community Activities TechCon 365 Chicago offers a dynamic lineup of activities designed to bring the community together and create memorable, hands-on experiences. The Expo Hall serves as the central hub of energy, where attendees can explore solutions, connect with partners, and discover the latest innovations across Microsoft 365. Interactive spaces like Ask the Experts provide direct access to Microsoft specialists and MVPs for real-time guidance and insights. Networking lunches create a relaxed setting to build meaningful connections. Together, these experiences make TechCon 365 a vibrant, connection-driven environment from start to finish. Microsoft Community Booth The Microsoft Community Booth at TechCon 365 Chicago is a space to connect directly with Microsoft product teams and Microsoft MVPs. Pick up some laptop stickers and giveaway. Learn about community programs and enter to win daily prizes. You’ll find the Microsoft Community Booth in the TechCon 365 Expo Hall We’ll host a meetup and photo for members and those curious about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative (MGCI) on Wednesday June 17 th during lunch, get a place and look for the signs, will be close to the Microsoft Community Booth. Join us in the Microsoft Community Booth for a Microsoft MVP photo on Wednesday, June 17 at 1:30pm at the end of lunch. A Few Tips for attendees Review the agenda and map out your must-see sessions Visit the Expo Floor to meet Microsoft teams and partners Join meetups for fresh connections Share your learnings and follow up after the event to keep the networking alive Stay hydrated and dress for comfort Follow TechCon 365 on LinkedIn and X, and use #TechCon365 for updates and community stories. Stay connected on Microsoft channels Microsoft Community LinkedIn Page: https://aka.ms/MSCommunityLinkedin Microsoft Tech Community: https://aka.ms/JoinMTC MSFT Adoption Twitter: https://aka.ms/MSFTAdoptionTwitter Microsoft Adoption Hub: https://aka.ms/AdoptionHub Microsoft Community Learning YouTube: https://aka.ms/community/learning One-Stop Shop for Community Events: https://www.communitydays.org Mondays at Microsoft News Show: https://aka.ms/MondaysatMicrosoft Secure Your Spot! Truly, I hope you’ll join us. Register today and use code MSCMTY for $200 USD off. This is your moment to learn, connect, and be inspired. Mark your calendar for June 15 to 19, 2026 and come make Chicago part of your tech story. We can’t wait to see you there! WOOTWOOT! Chicago is a busy city in the Summer, and there is lots going on that week. The Cubbies are at home, there are tons of musicals, and the Obama Library is opening. 2026 June: Calendar of Chicago's Events | EventGuide Visit Chicago Events from Tuesday, June 16th - Wednesday, June 17th | Choose Chicago Cheers, Heather CookEvent 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 #MelbourneBuilding Community-First Events: Lessons from M365 Community Days DC
I’ve helped organize a number of community events over the years, but this one stood out. Not because everything went perfectly—it didn’t—but because of how consistently the community showed up, stepped in, and made the experience better than anything we could have planned. That’s when it really clicked: the goal isn’t just to run a great event. It’s to build something people feel ownership in. 300 attendees · 50 speakers · 44 sessions · 20 MVPs · 15 MCTs · 14 sponsors Fresh off M365 Community Days DC, I had the opportunity to present two MGCI general sessions sharing what it really takes to design and run a community-first event. We covered what worked, what didn’t, and what we’d change next time. But more importantly, we talked about how to move beyond just running events—and start building communities that actually last. From Planning to Reality… Twice This year didn’t go according to plan. We originally scheduled earlier in the year, but severe winter weather forced us to postpone. That meant reworking logistics, speakers, sponsors, and communications—and effectively planning the entire event twice. It reinforced a core reality: flexibility isn’t optional. Despite the reset, we still brought together ~300 attendees across two days. If anything, the delay strengthened engagement and commitment from the community. Expanding to a Two-Day Model One of the biggest changes this year was introducing a two-day format: Day 1: Paid, hands-on workshops Day 2: Traditional Community Days sessions The goal was to create more depth. Instead of only 60-minute sessions, we introduced half-day workshops across topics like M365 administration, Power Platform, AI/Copilot, and security. 145 workshop registrations across six sessions Multiple sessions sold out Additional revenue to offset costs and support a charitable partner But the biggest takeaway wasn’t revenue. Attendees want less PowerPoint and more hands-on learning. That’s especially true in fast-moving areas like AI. Rethinking the Event Format We made a deliberate decision to skip a keynote entirely. Instead, we: Sent attendees directly into sessions Kicked things off with a short Teams broadcast Used live polling to capture real-time audience interests This gave speakers immediate insight into what attendees cared about—and the ability to adapt on the fly. The result was simple: engagement started earlier and stayed higher. The Venue Shapes the Experience We hosted at a Microsoft Innovation Hub in the DC metro area, and it made a noticeable difference. This wasn’t just a venue—it added to the experience: Immersive technology demos Guided tours A more modern, interactive environment The right venue doesn’t just support your event—it enhances it. A Community-Driven Speaker Model The speaker lineup reflected the breadth of the community: MVPs, MCTs, and Microsoft employees First-time speakers alongside experienced presenters Attendees ranging from students to seasoned professionals We had eight first-time speakers, which is something we actively prioritize. Community events shouldn’t just showcase experts—they should help create them. When Things Break, the Community Steps Up Not everything went smoothly. In one instance, a speaker didn’t show up for a full session. Instead of canceling, members of the community stepped in and delivered the session collaboratively. It turned into one of the most engaging sessions of the event. It reinforced something important: community isn’t just who attends—it’s who steps up. Designing for Connection, Not Just Content Sessions are only part of the value. The real impact happens in the hallway track—the conversations between sessions, the introductions, the relationships. We designed intentionally for that: A custom selfie station app with a live photo wall Live polling in the kickoff An Ask the Experts lounge for 1:1 conversations Networking activities like bingo and sponsor engagement Social experiences including rooftop lunches and speaker events These aren’t extras. They’re essential. They turn an event into something people remember. Designing for Every Type of Attendee Not everyone engages the same way, especially at their first event. We focused on lowering the barrier to participation, offering multiple ways to engage, and helping people move from passive to active involvement. This matters for first-time attendees, career changers, and those who don’t naturally jump into a room and speak up. Small design decisions can make a big difference in whether someone just attends—or feels like they belong. Real Moments Matter More Than Perfect Plans Some of the most impactful parts of the event weren’t planned: An attendee who found a new career through the community—and now runs events herself A first-time speaker who transitioned from musician to developer A session that turned into an improvised, community-led experience These moments stand out more than any agenda. Community events are catalysts—they create momentum beyond the event itself. Powered by Volunteers and the Community Behind the scenes, the event was powered by about 20 volunteers, community organizers and leaders, and sponsors and returning partners. We also leaned heavily on community-built tools for scheduling, polling, and engagement. This didn’t just reduce costs—it reinforced ownership. People weren’t just attending. They were part of building the experience. Final Thoughts M365 Community Days DC reinforced something simple: the best events aren’t just well-executed—they’re community-powered. And a big part of that lives in the hallway track. The conversations between sessions, the introductions, the moments of encouragement, and the relationships people build are just as important as the content on stage. That’s part of what makes experiences like this matter to MGCI. When we design for connection, not just sessions, and create space for people to participate, we create more than a successful event—we create momentum that lasts. If you’re building events in your own region, I hope these lessons help. And if your community has found other ways to create connection, encourage participation, or turn attendees into contributors, I’d love to see those ideas continue to spread across MGCI.Microsoft Global Community Initiative Newsletter (April)
Hi MGCI Members! As April moves forward, we hope you’re feeling inspired by the communities you’re part of and the ones growing all around you. From celebrating Women in Tech across the ecosystem to building excitement for the Microsoft 365 Community Conference in Orlando, shared energy and collaboration are fueling MGCI’s global momentum. Let’s take a look at what’s coming up next 🚀 💗 SharePoint Turned 25 Last month a digital event and many in person events around the world celebrated the 25th birthday of SharePoint, to view the digital event check out the link here - https://aka.ms/SPat25 Learn about the SharePoint Hackathon that so many of you participated in and get ready to view the upcoming "More than Code" short film. The cover photo is from an on-campus event with the SharePoint product team. 🌎 MGCI Regional Leader Update Applications for our 2026 MGCI Regional Leaders are under review. Stay tuned - this next wave of leadership is going to help shape how Community Days grows around the world. 🗣️ MGCI Monthly General Sessions Our March MGCI General Session showcased the power of Women in Tech & Allies communities across the Microsoft ecosystem 💜 featuring seven standout organizations creating real pathways for growth, mentorship, and leadership. What showed up wasn’t just representation. It was momentum 🚀 Across these communities, we’re seeing: ✅ Confidence being built 🔓 Access being created 🤝 Collective action taking shape From mentorship‑driven programs to global networking and leadership pathways, these groups are turning connection into opportunity, proving that community isn’t just support. It’s a launchpad for participation and advancement✨ If you want to explore how this momentum is turning into real‑world access and opportunity: 📖 Read the blog: https://aka.ms/MGCI-WomeninTechandAlliesBlog-March2026 🎥 Watch the session recording: https://aka.ms/MGCI-WomenInTechandAlliesRecording Ready to move from reflection to action? Discover Women in Tech speakers on Sessionize and help build inclusive, well‑rounded events: 🎤 https://aka.ms/MSWomenInTechSessionize 📅 General Sessions: On Deck Don't miss out on our monthly general sessions hosted in two different time slots (AM and PM). We share the latest news and updates on what's happening behind the scenes at MGCI, as well as what's coming next. Community Members from all around the world get the opportunity to share insights on their upcoming events, current topics, community news, and interactive talks with other members. Mark your calendars now and join us every 3rd Tuesday of the month! Apr 21 Microsoft Student Ambassadors - Guest Speaker: Tracey Salem, Senior Learning Manager, Global Skilling, Microsoft May 19 Community Spotlight: M365 Community Days DC Jun 16 Community Spotlight (to be announced) Jul 21 Community Spotlight (to be announced) 📅 April 21 | ⏰ 8:10 AM PT | 👉 https://aka.ms/MGCIMtgAM 📅 April 21 | ⏰ 5:10 AM PT | 👉 https://aka.ms/MGCIMtgPM Join Tracey Salem for an engaging look at the Microsoft Student Ambassadors program and the vibrant global community of students who are learning, building, and leading with Microsoft cloud and AI technologies. This session spotlights how Student Ambassadors bring fresh perspectives, energy, and new ways of engaging communities - both on campus and beyond. Attendees will come away inspired by what today’s students are doing, and better connected to a broader ecosystem of learners, leaders, and community builders shaping the future together. 👩🏫 2026 Event Trainings Join our monthly Event Production Training & Office Hours with our Board Members Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver and learn from different leaders, with different perspectives how to run your next event. These are interactive sessions, giving you great insights into organizing community events around the globe. Check out all upcoming and past calls and events Apr 23 Run of Show – Day of Event Lessons Learned May 28 Event & Committee Planning Jun 25 How to Find and Select Speakers Jul 30 FOOD! Meals, Snacks, and Beverages Aug 27 No Meeting – Summer Break Sep 24 Event Branding – Graphics & Image Tips Oct 29 Filling Seats! How to Market Your Event Nov 26 No Meeting – Holiday Break Dec 24 No Meeting – Holiday Break In case you have any ideas, feedback, or would like to join us as a Guest Speaker to share your event tips & tricks, complete the form here👉 https://aka.ms/MGCI-EventOrganizerFeedback 🌎 Community Days: check out upcoming events The community never sleeps! And this impressive list of events proves exactly that our community is active more than ever before. New events keep getting included on https://aka.ms/CommunityDays.Org and you can get your upcoming events listed too! Use this community initiative for all your event needs, like scouting active Call for Speakers, or submitting your own event to get spotted by potential sponsors. 💖 #CommunityLuv: in the spotlights Himanshu Goil (Empowering Local Governments and Businesses to Scale through AI Agents, Automation, and Digital Transformation | TechForGov | IGNA™ | Ignatiuz) traveled from USA to Dubai for the event https://aka.ms/AIMaitri Where AI Meets Community. This beautiful shot was taken during his trip - read the full post here on LinkedIn: https://aka.ms/AIMaitriLIPost #CommunityLuv 🌴🎉 MGCI Is Bringing the Community to Orlando at the Microsoft 365 Community Conference The Microsoft 365 Community Conference is where community comes together in person. This year inside the Microsoft Innovation Hub, organizers, speakers, MVPs, and community leaders will turn hallway conversations into global collaborations through: 🤝 Informal community meetups 🗣️ Product roundtables with Microsoft teams and community voices ⚡ Lightning talks from community experts 🧭 Guided demo stations 💻 Hands-on experiences with Copilot+ PCs 🎙️ Live podcast recordings 🎂 A SharePoint 25th birthday celebration 🧱 Build-your-own LEGO figurine stations 💄 Red Lip experiential moments inside the Hub (because sometimes showing up boldly is the point) MGCI will be onsite all week connecting grassroots organizers from around the world: 📍 MGCI Community Meetup Tuesday @ 4:15 PM 📍 MGCI Roundtable Wednesday @ 4:15 PM ⚡ MGCI Lightning Talk on the Power of Community Expect roundtable conversations that go beyond slides - bringing together Microsoft teams and real‑world community perspectives to share ideas, challenges, and what’s actually working across the ecosystem. And don’t miss: 💬 The Women in Tech & Allies Lunch Discussion - April 22! With an executive panel and special guests from across our community, one of the most anticipated gatherings at M365 Conf - designed to spark connection, share experiences, and champion what’s next for women in tech. 📸 MVP Photo Opportunity 🎬 More Than Code - SharePoint 25 Documentary Premiere Because sometimes the most important thing you take home from a conference… is the people you met along the way. 🎟️ Helping More Communities Join Us in Orlando To support nonprofits and small businesses in our ecosystem, we’re offering a grant program for free or discounted tickets to the Microsoft 365 Community Conference in Orlando (April 21–23). This program is designed for: 🤝 Nonprofits 🏢 Small businesses 💜 Members of Women in Tech & Allies community organizations ✈️ Travel and workshop expenses are not included and supply is limited. Know an organization that could benefit from building skills in: 🤖 Copilot 💬 Microsoft Teams ☁️ OneDrive 🧩 SharePoint Encourage them to apply: Learn more and apply 👉 https://aka.ms/M365CommunityGrant 🌉 Microsoft Build: now shipping! Find out what Microsoft is building next in Satya Nadella's keynote during Microsoft Build. Hosted in-person and online on June 2-3, 2026 in San Francisco, USA. Connect with the developers community, join interactive meetups and workshops to debug problems with engineers who’ve already solved them. Plus, get direct access to Microsoft and GitHub technical leaders for strategic guidance. 👩💻AI Agent Con: chapters around the world Is Microsoft Build not around the corner for you, or simply impossible to attend due to other reasons? Thankfully, the Global AI Community tours with local events around the world, organized by the community for the community. Check out the list featuring local chapters across the globe. 💫 What Happens Next MGCI isn’t powered by programming. It’s powered by participation. The connections made in Orlando and around the globe. The lessons shared through training. The roundtable conversations. First-time speakers stepping forward. That’s how this ecosystem grows. Community doesn’t scale through announcements. It scales through action. Across MGCI and https://aka.ms/CommunityDays.Org, we’re seeing organizers connect across regions, share what’s working, and build events that reflect the communities they serve — supported by the tools, training, and resources that make grassroots impact possible. When you bring someone new into the room, you expand what’s possible. When you share what you learned, you strengthen someone else’s event. When you collaborate across communities, you turn local effort into global impact. And that’s how momentum becomes movement. Sincerely, Your Board Officers Microsoft Global Community InitiativeCelebrating Three Years of CommunityDays.org
Happy Anniversary Communitydays.org CommunityDays.org—A Brief History In Autumn 2021, the tech community faced a moment of uncertainty. The beloved SPSEvents.org, a community run non-profit and a cornerstone for SharePoint Saturdays and Microsoft community events, announced its closure. For many, this felt like the end of an era. But for Thomas Daly, a longtime Microsoft MVP and community organizer, it was a call to action. Recognizing the void left behind, the SharePoint Community began talking - event organizers trading ideas in virtual spaces about how to reconnect with audiences. Many were struggling to reach people, setting up their own websites and relying almost entirely on word of mouth to spread the word about events. Those conversations weren’t just reflections—they became a spark for something new. At the time all in-person events and user groups had gone virtual or were on hiatus as the Covid-19 Pandemic had forced everyone to embrace digital events for the unforeseeable future. Here is a throwback to the SPSEvents.org site that many remember and love. Recognizing the vital role that community-driven events played in technical learning and networking, Thomas Daly talked with Jason Rivera and Manpreet Singh other Microsoft MVPs & leaders in the Tri-State Microsoft community - came together and stepped up to create a new home for these gatherings. Their vision was clear: empower organizers and attendees worldwide to connect, learn, and grow through free, inclusive technical events. Tom shared his idea with me and Karuana Gatimu: to have the site led and administered by the community. We jumped at the chance to collaborate with the team and support his effort. We proposed that Microsoft contribute by providing the site’s infrastructure and launching a new initiative: the Microsoft Global Community Initiative, to support local, volunteer event producers. The Launch of CommunityDays.org By October 13, 2022, CommunityDays.org was officially launched by Tom Daly, sponsored by SoHo Dragon and Microsoft. The launch was announced by Jeff Teper at Microsoft Ignite and accompanied by a blog post from Karuana Gatimu. The first events followed swiftly, setting the tone for a platform that would champion inclusivity, accessibility, and community-driven events in the Microsoft ecosystem. Collab Days Belgium (October 15, 2022) M365 Friday Cincinnati (October 21, 2022) CollabDays New England (October 22, 2022) AMS Kuala Lumpur, (October 28, 2022) AMS Sao Paolo (October 28-29, 2022) AMS Singapore (October 29, 2022) Global AI Developer Community Days, Mumbai, India (October 29, 2022) Global AI Developers Days – Tri-State (October 29, 2022) Community Days Mexico City (November 3, 2022) Rooted in the groundbreaking spirit of SharePoint Saturday Events, Community Days expanded beyond SharePoint to embrace the full Microsoft ecosystem—Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Azure, and more. From small workshops to global conferences, the platform has become a trusted hub for discovering and hosting events that democratize access to technical education. Over the past three years there have 394 events listed on communitydays.org and the momentum grows weekly for organizers listing events on the site. The Role of MGCI (Microsoft Global Community Initiative) CommunityDays.org is community led through the work of Tom and a small team who manages the site and via the support of the board and regional leaders of the Microsoft Global Community Initiative (MGCI). MGCI provides resources like event amplification, production training, networking opportunities, and best practices—ensuring community leaders have what they need to succeed. Importantly, MGCI is community-led, with Microsoft offering tools and guidance while the strategy remains in the hands of passionate volunteers. https://aka.ms/MGCI Partnerships & Connections CommunityDays.org partners with Sessionize and Run.events, leveraging their APIs to automatically pull event information directly into the platform. This seamless integration ensures that event listings are always up to date and makes it easier for organizers to manage their events efficiently. Additionally, SoHo Dragon has been a valued sponsor since the inception of CommunityDays.org, providing crucial support that has helped the platform grow and thrive alongside the Microsoft community. Event organizers can list their events for free, use the call for sponsorship area to manage dealing with sponsors, there are listings of monthly and weekly technical learning community calls, and there is a Speakerboard that shares speaker stats from free community events. Tom leads the administration of the site and shares updates on new features and functionality of the site on the monthly MCGI General Session Meetings. A big thank you to all who have helped with testing and Q&A. Apologies if we missed you, shout out and we’ll add you in. 😊 Augustine Correa Bryan Hart Carl Karawani Daniel Glenn David Leveille David Patrick Emily Mancini Haniel Croitoru Jamel Abed Jamie Willis-Rose Jason Rivera Jonathan Weaver Manpreet Singh Mark Rahn Martin Rövekamp Michal Ziemba Mike Maadarani Oluwaseyi Oluwawumiju Pat McGown Rachel Irabor Rob Windsor Russ Onizuka Ryan Schouten Samir Makwana Shari Oswald Sharon Weaver Thomas Daly Wes Preston With Gratitude This success story belongs to you—the organizers, speakers, volunteers, and attendees who make these events possible. Your dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering connections has created a global network of learning and collaboration. Special thanks to: Founders and early champions: Thomas Daly, Jason Rivera, and Manpreet Singh, Community organizers worldwide who give countless hours to host free-to-attend events. MGCI Advisory Board - (Board Members and Regional Leaders) for operational support, and volunteering time for quality testing and amplification of the events. Thank you to Shortcut Shari (Shari Oswald) who create the 3 rd Anniversary sticker It was super fun to celebrate this milestone during the Experts Live US event in New York City with all the attendees and organizer and Community.days.org founder Tom Daly. (photo of Experts Lives speakers, volunteers, and sponsors) Looking Ahead As we celebrate three years, we look forward to continuing this journey together—expanding opportunities, embracing new technologies, and strengthening the bonds that make our community extraordinary. Here’s to many more years of learning, sharing, and growing—together! Visit CommunityDays.org and Microsoft Global Community Initiative to get involved.Women’s History Millennia in Action: Community, Courage, and Collective Power 💜✨
Our recent MGCI General Session was one of those moments that reminds you exactly why community matters. What began as a panel quickly became something bigger - a shared experience filled with stories, hard‑earned wisdom, laughter, and the kind of encouragement that stays with you. The energy was high, the chat was buzzing, and the sense of connection was unmistakable. This wasn’t just a conversation about women in tech. It was about visibility, access, allyship, and building something better - together. ❤️Stories That Connected (and Advice That Truly Landed) Throughout the session, our panelists spoke candidly about their journeys - the wins, the doubts, the pivots, and the moments that shaped them. A consistent theme emerged: growth doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready. Sravani Seethi captured this perfectly when she reminded the community that confidence isn’t something you magically wake up with one day. It’s built through action. Confidence, she shared, comes after you take the leap, after you say yes to the opportunity that stretches you. That message resonated deeply, especially with early‑career technologists and new speakers listening in. Christine Bongard built on that idea by encouraging attendees to be visible and intentional about their goals. Rather than waiting to be discovered, she emphasized the importance of advocating for yourself; making your work known and clearly communicating where you want to go. It was a powerful reminder that self‑advocacy isn’t about ego; it’s about clarity. One of the most grounding moments came from Olajumoke Toriola, who spoke directly to the experience many women have had of walking into rooms where they feel outnumbered or unsure. Being a woman, she reminded us, is simply a definition of gender. It does not define strength, capability, or impact. You are at the table because you belong there. Community Energy You Could Feel 💬💥 If the panel was the heartbeat of the session, the chat was the pulse. Community members joined from around the world, sharing encouragement, LinkedIn profiles, mentorship opportunities, calls for speakers, and thoughtful reflections. The conversation unfolded in real time, reinforcing what the panelists were saying and adding even more perspective. Attendees reminded one another that you don’t need to have all the answers to add value, that imposter syndrome often means you care deeply about your work, and that sometimes the most impactful thing you can do is simply show up. That spirit of intentional community building was echoed by Sharon Weaver, who captured the purpose behind moments like this, “Our community isn’t here just for women, it’s here to elevate women. To give them opportunities to speak, present, connect, and be visible.” Then came a moment that seemed to stop everyone in their tracks: “My daughter is listening along.” That single comment captured the heart of the entire session. This work matters, not just for today’s careers, but for the next generation watching, learning, and imagining what’s possible. 🤝Allyship, Practiced Not Preached Another strong thread throughout the discussion was allyship - what it looks like beyond buzzwords. Chaitra Vedullapalli spoke about shifting the focus from chasing opportunities to building systems and value so strong that opportunities naturally follow. Allyship, in this context, is about creating infrastructure, access, and pathways, not just offering encouragement. That idea showed up again and again in the chat, where attendees talked about amplifying voices, recommending people for opportunities when they aren’t in the room, and building communities that collaborate instead of compete. Melissa Ballesteros reinforced that collective success matters more than individual wins. Rather than navigating growth alone, she encouraged people to look outward and intentionally build community around shared goals,“If you’re not finding what you’re looking for, look outside. Find your tribe. Real success only happens when you bring your community with you.” As one attendee summed it up simply: everyone needs an ally. The Advice We’re Still Carrying With Us ✨ As the session unfolded, certain ideas stayed with people long after the call ended. Sharon Smith shared how a single conversation or connection can completely change someone’s trajectory, a reminder of the quiet but powerful impact mentorship can have. Rachel Sullivan brought the conversation back to growth and resilience, reminding everyone that mistakes aren’t something to fear. They’re how we learn. If you never take the action, she noted, you never get the chance to grow. And throughout it all, Femke Cornelissen reinforced something the community clearly values: you don’t have to do this alone. Growth happens faster and more meaningfully when we ask for help, learn from each other, and lift others as we move forward. For Nihinlola Adeyemi of TechStylers, it’s a belief that guides both her leadership and her work, “Being a woman is just a definition of gender. It doesn’t define your ability to make impact. You’re at the table because you belong there.” This moment resonated deeply, especially for those early in their careers or stepping into new spaces and a reminder that confidence and impact aren’t granted, they’re built. 🌱 More Than a Month - A Movement We said it together, and it’s worth repeating: This isn’t just Women’s History Month. It’s Women’s History Millennia. The work shared in this session: mentorship programs, speaker pipelines, learning communities, and economic access initiatives doesn’t fit neatly into a single month. It’s ongoing, evolving, and powered by people who care deeply about making tech more inclusive, more human, and more connected. Until Next Time 💜 To our panelists: thank you for your honesty, generosity, and leadership. To our community: thank you for showing up, engaging, and lifting one another up. To the next generation listening in: we see you and we’re building this future with you in mind. We can’t wait to do this again. Because community like this deserves to keep growing. 🚀✨ 🎥Watch the conversation here: https://aka.ms/MGCI-WomenInTechandAlliesRecording Connect with these wonderful organizations Women in Cloud Women in M365 Women in Power Rockstar Women in AI and Security TechStylers The Mentoring Hub The WIT Network
