Experts Live promotes the exchange of ideas through worldwide, in-person events
Striving to bring the world together, Experts Live goes beyond technology in 2025: it creates a space where tech experts can share knowledge freely and build meaningful relationships. From humble beginnings to global impact In 2009, Maarten Goet (founder, MVP, and RD) and Raymond Comvalius (MVP, and MCT) came up with the idea of bringing Microsoft professionals together during an event called ‘MVP Live.’ Together with a few others, Maarten put words into action and organized the first event. Soon, he coined a different name to include non-MVPs, too. And thus, ‘Experts Live’ was born. During the first event, 60 attendees and three speakers gathered in the Netherlands to share their knowledge and passion. Over the years, the event has grown significantly, expanding beyond borders. The flagship event in the Netherlands now attracts over 2,000 attendees annually. Meanwhile, editions of Experts Live have been held in over 20 countries. Learn, Connect, Share: The power of exchanging ideas in-person At the heart of it all are local organizers: Dedicated Microsoft community experts and volunteers who bring Experts Live to life in their own regions. The volunteers’ commitment and enthusiasm play a major role in breathing life into Experts Live’s mission: The desire to connect people across cultures and foster diversity. & AI product manager, Microsoft) presenting, and selfie'ing with attendees, during the Experts Live Netherlands 2024 opening keynote. Experts Live is built on three pillars: learn, connect, and share. These values have created a not-for-profit, community-driven event that brings together passionate professionals from different countries. And what sets Experts Live apart is its commitment to live interaction. “In-person exchanges result in unparalleled energy and connections,” says Maarten. “That’s why we don’t organize online events. We believe true connections happen best face to face.” Incidentally, attendees are active participants rather than passive listeners. They consider each session as an opportunity for asking questions, engaging in discussions, and expanding their networks. It’s this vibrant knowledge exchange that makes Experts Live feel less like a conference and more like a global gathering of like-minded spirits with sessions covering the wide range of Microsoft technologies, including AI, Azure, Microsoft 365, Windows, and Security. Perspectives From All Corners of the World From Europe to Asia and from Africa to the Americas: each region brings unique insights and experiences to Experts Live. Every event features sessions led by Microsoft MVPs, industry leaders, and experts from all corners of the world. “Experts Live is more than just an event,” says Dona Sarkar, Experts Live’s 2023 keynote speaker in the Netherlands and Denmark, “it’s a community that brings people together so they can share ideas and solve challenges. I’ve found it inspiring to see how Experts Live fosters the dialogue about AI and accessibility, making technology more inclusive.” Chief Troublemaker - Copilot and AI Extensibility, Microsoft) presented the keynote, here laughing about the amazing opening, during the Experts Live Netherlands 2024. To bring you a true global perspective, here’s our plan across the globe India, Hyderabad—February 15: expertslive.co.in Denmark, Copenhagen—March 5: expertslive.dk Germany, Leipzig—April 11: expertslive.de Netherlands, Utrecht—June 3: expertslive.nl Austria—June 18: expertslive.at Switzerland—to be announced, 2025 Kenya—to be announced, 2025 Belgium—to be announced, 2025 Italy—to be announced, 2025 Australia—to be announced, 2025 United Kingdom—to be announced, 2025 United States—to be announced, 2025 Greece—to be announced, 2025 UAE—to be announced, 2025 Ready to Join a Growing Global Movement? Experts Live has grown significantly over the past decade and a half, but its journey is far from over. In fact, the goal is to expand into more countries and meet the needs of an ever-growing community. Maarten explains, “Every session, speaker, and attendee brings us one step closer to building a truly global network of Microsoft experts. We’re excited to see how this event will evolve while staying true to its core mission: to help people learn, connect, and share.” Experts Live is a global, not-for-profit movement built on clear values and organized reach: 20 actively participating countries. 65+ events organized across the globe in the past 15 years. Organized by MVPs, RDs, and Microsoft community heroes. 20,000+ Microsoft users have attended events worldwide. The most common roles of attendees include: Architect (10%) IT professionals (40%) CEO (15%) Developer (20%) IT manager (10%) Here’s how you can join in 1. Attend an event Visit www.expertslive.org to find events near you and start your journey of learning, connecting, and sharing. Come for technology, stay for the community. 2. Become a sponsor Showcase your brand’s commitment to the tech community and connect with Microsoft professionals directly. You’ll gain exposure among an international audience of engaged experts, including leaders and decision-makers. 3. Organize your own Experts Live event Bring Experts Live to your country, to your community, and make an impact. This is a unique opportunity to create a valuable platform for Microsoft experts and enthusiasts in your region. We’ll provide guidance in setting up a successful event – helping you select speakers, craft a program, coordinate logistics, and perform marketing activities. To sum everything up… We hope to see you at an Experts Live event near you or perhaps halfway across the globe. Whether you attend as a participant, presenter, sponsor, or organizer, you’re joining a movement that celebrates innovation, connection, and collaboration. Together, we’re shaping the future of technology by sharing knowledge and building a truly global community. So, mark your calendar, pack your curiosity, and let’s create unforgettable experiences. Let’s learn together, connect across borders, and share ideas that inspire change. Because at its heart, Experts Live is about more than technology—it’s about the people who bring it to life. See you there! Cheers and thanks, Femke
