People learn best when they feel welcome: The Story of Microsoft Security User Group Norway
Re-emerging and Reconnecting: How It All Began This is the third story in the User Group blog series. In 2022, as communities around the world slowly returned to in-person gatherings, many in the tech ecosystem were asking the same question: How do we create spaces where people genuinely want to reconnect? In Norway, where most security events were still held online, a small group of cybersecurity enthusiasts felt the absence of real conversation and shared learning. They decided to change that. The idea was simple: build a space where people could meet, learn, and exchange real experiences — face-to-face. The first Microsoft Security User Group Norway meetup launched in Oslo with over 120 signups. Local speakers shared real-world insights, discussions continued long past the final session, and the energy was unmistakable. “From that first meetup, it was clear — people were ready to be together again.” Microsoft MVP, Craig Forshaw, recalled the moment when a community began to take shape. A Community Built on Inclusivity and Shared Learning Today, the Microsoft Security User Group Norway “Organizers of the Microsoft Security User Group (from left to right), Anders Kristiansen, Haflidi Fridthjofsson, Sanna Diana Tomren, Craig Forshaw & Cody Burkhard” continues to host regular meetups in both physical and virtual formats. All sessions are delivered in English to welcome local professionals, international practitioners, students, and those completely new to security. What makes the group stand out is the atmosphere. Each event blends deep technical content with open conversation, ensuring that everyone — regardless of background — feels comfortable contributing. “People learn best when they feel welcome. Our priority has always been to create a space where everyone feels they belong.” Co-organizer, Anders Kristiansen says. A typical meetup might include expert speakers, live demos, interactive quizzes with community swag, and conversations that spill into hallways, sidewalks, and late-evening coffee shops. But the structure is secondary. The human connection is what keeps the community thriving. Sessions That Evolve With the Security Landscape No two meetups look the same — and that’s intentional. The group explores a wide range of topics, including blue and red teaming, Microsoft Sentinel operations, identity security, cloud and infrastructure protection, DevSecOps, and real-world threat detection. The organizers also host informal post-Build and post-Ignite discussions — opportunities to gather, reflect, and ask: What does this mean for us in practice? The organizing team reflects a diversity of backgrounds and experiences: Craig Forshaw, Microsoft MVP Anders Kristiansen, Microsoft MVP Sanna Diana Tomren, Microsoft MVP Haflidi Fridthjofsson, MVP Alumni now at Microsoft Cody Burkhard, bringing new perspectives to the team “Our different experiences are part of the strength of the group. We learn from each other as much as the community learns with us.” Another co-organizer and Microsoft MVP, Sanna Diana Tomren mentioned. More Than Events: A Platform for Growth and Opportunity Over time, the user group has become far more than a schedule of meetups. It has created opportunities for members — and organizers — to grow in unexpected ways. “This community has given many of us the confidence to speak publicly, share our work more openly, and step into new professional roles.” One of meetup attendees mentioned. Several members have delivered their first talks through the group. Some have gone on to publish technical content, collaborate with peers across industries, and even transition into new roles, including at Microsoft. For the organizers, this journey has also shaped leadership, communication skills, and professional direction. “When the work feels joyful and the community feels like home, you know you’re building something meaningful,” said Haflidi Fridthjofsson, a former MVP now a Microsoft employee. Looking Ahead: Expanding Connections Near and Far The next chapter focuses on collaboration and reach — partnering with other user groups across Norway and globally, welcoming new members, and continuing to create spaces where all voices are valued. The vision remains the same: “We want to continue building a community where people feel welcome, supported, and inspired to keep learning.” Thinking of Starting Your Own User Group? A few reflections from the journey so far: Start with Purpose: Let your motivation guide your event style, format, and outreach strategy. Whether your vision is small coffee shop gatherings or large-scale meetups, clarity helps build momentum. Be Patient and Consistent: Communities grow steadily, not instantly. Focus on creating relevant, well-structured sessions. And don’t be afraid to invite co-organizers—they bring new energy and help sustain the journey. Keep It Fun: When people are smiling, asking questions, networking, and yes—when the pizza arrives on time—community comes alive. Enjoy the process as much as the outcome. We’d also like to give a special thanks to Microsoft Norway for their continued support through venue hosting and sponsorship Stay tuned for the next story in the User Group blog series, where we’ll spotlight another inspiring MVP-led community and the unique ways they’re empowering others through connection and collaboration. If you missed the other posts, check out the stories below: TechNexus: A Best Practice in Building Passion-Driven Tech User Groups Powering Up People: Growing Tech Communities Through UK Dynamics 365 & Power Platform Groups Resources Meetup site: Microsoft Security User Group | Meetup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/msug YouTube: Microsoft Security User Group - YouTube Call for speakers: Microsoft Security User Group 2025: Call for Speakers @ Sessionize.comPowering Up People: Growing Tech Communities Through UK Dynamics 365 & Power Platform Groups
This is the second story in the User Group blog series. In this blog we turn to the UK, home to one of the largest and most active Dynamics 365 and Power Platform communities, to explore how connection and collaboration power lasting growth. The UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups began in the early 2000s when MVP Neil Benson recognized a need for Dynamics CRM users to connect and share experiences. What started as a small gathering has evolved into a national network of 11 user groups with over 9,000 members, guided by an advisory board chaired by MVPs Andrew Bibby and co-chaired by Areti Iles, supported by 24 volunteers—14 of them MVPs. The group hosts more than 30 free events each year, ranging from local evening meetups in Reading, Birmingham, Manchester, and Newcastle to national all-day events featuring Microsoft roadmap updates, workshops, and panel sessions. Each event offers a space for learning, networking, and mentoring across all skill levels—from new professionals to seasoned consultants. Areti’s own journey as the founder of the Reading User Group in 2023 reflects the heart of this community. Wanting to connect locally, she reached out to the UK UG leadership and soon gathered a small team, including MVPs and local professionals, to launch their first event. It wasn’t without challenges—from finding venues to coping with the 50% no-show rate common in free events—but as Areti notes, “Running a user group is not a one-person undertaking. It needs a community to get going and keep going.” The success of the UK User Groups lies not just in the number of events but in the sense of belonging they create. Every detail—from venue accessibility and event timing to speaker collaboration and post-event follow-ups—reflects a shared commitment to inclusion and growth. Areti highlights several practical lessons: Build your team early. Collaboration sustains momentum when challenges arise. Engage and appreciate speakers. Promote their sessions, share their stories, and celebrate their efforts. Keep communication personal. Send reminders, thank attendees, and make everyone feel seen. Make it fun. Add icebreakers, music, or games—community thrives on joy as much as learning. As Areti reminds us, “This is supposed to be fun. If it starts feeling like a second unpaid job, ask for help!” That spirit of openness and collaboration is what makes the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups a true model for community success. The UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups prove that thriving tech communities are built through shared purpose and persistence. Whether you’re an experienced architect, an aspiring speaker, or a first-time attendee, your participation helps the community grow stronger. Join the movement, attend an event, or start your own user group. Visit www.d365ppug.com to get started. Stay tuned for the next story in the User Group blog series, where we’ll spotlight another inspiring MVP-led community and the unique ways they’re empowering others through connection and collaboration. If you missed the first post, check out TechNexus: A Best Practice in Building Passion-Driven Tech User Groups — a look at how a dynamic team in Asia created a model for collaboration and mentorship. Resources Website: d365ppug.com Events: Meetup – D365PPUG Speaker Form: Join as a SpeakerTechNexus: A Best Practice in Building Passion-Driven Tech User Group
This blog is part of a new Microsoft MVP-led Tech User Group Series highlighting the best practices of user groups worldwide. Across regions, user groups are inspiring people, building careers, and shaping the future of technology. Each story we share will spotlight leaders and communities who are proving that passion, collaboration, and inclusivity can change lives. To begin, we are proud to feature TechNexus Community from India—a movement that has reached over 10,000 people through 15 in-person tech events in just six months, and one that continues to set the bar for community-driven impact. The Story of TechNexus Technology is never just about tools; it’s about people who come together to share, learn, and grow. Over the last six months, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how a single idea—creating a space for authentic learning—turned into something far greater. The TechNexus Community, founded by Microsoft MVPs Vinodh Kumar and Mohammed Azarudeen, began with the vision of bringing people together. Today, it has become one of the most inspiring examples of what user groups can achieve: impact, belonging, and empowerment. TechNexus was founded by Microsoft MVPs Vinodh Kumar and Mohamed Azarudeen, united by a shared belief: knowledge should be shared freely, and impact should come before everything else. With backgrounds in Data & AI, they envisioned something more than meetups. They imagined a platform where professionals, students, and leaders could connect authentically, collaborate openly, and grow together. That vision quickly became reality. In only half a year, TechNexus has hosted 15 in-person events and delivered 64 technical sessions, powered by an incredible line-up of 64 speakers—including 32 MVPs, Microsoft employees, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and technologists. Each speaker brought their unique perspective, turning every session into more than just a talk. They became shared experiences that left participants inspired and empowered. Yet what sets TechNexus apart isn’t scale—it’s authenticity. The community runs on passion alone: no ticket sales, no agencies, no commercial agendas. Every event is organized and supported entirely by volunteers. That often means late nights, personal contributions, and countless hours of planning. But it also means something deeper: a sense of ownership and belonging that can’t be manufactured. This authenticity is why people trust TechNexus. It is why attendees return, why volunteers commit, and why the movement continues to grow stronger month after month. The Impact in Numbers—and Beyond In six months, TechNexus reached over 10,000 people. But the true measure of impact lies not in numbers, but in stories: 💬 “At first, I honestly wasn’t sure how a one-day event could change anything. I came in feeling like a loser with no job and no direction. But I met wonderful people here—techies who were open, supportive, and encouraging. Slowly, my confidence grew. Finally, I landed a good job after months of struggle. For me, that event wasn’t just a day—it was the turning point where I found hope, friends, and a future.” — Aravindh 💬 "From day one I felt included and encouraged to join discussions. Volunteering gave me a chance to give back, and what I love most is how people here share ideas and encourage each other. I’m glad to be part of TechNexus and look forward to contributing and growing with the community." — Lekhashree Y C 💬 "Having recently presented at a TechNexus conference, I was thoroughly impressed by their promptness and professionalism. This community bridges seasoned professionals and emerging talent beautifully. Their events are well-organized, inclusive, and vibrant—a model for others." — Prasanna V Nagarajan 💬 “Becoming a volunteer opened my eyes to the tech world. I’m an introvert, but this community is helping me speak up and grow into a better version of myself. For that, I’m truly thankful.” — Adithi These stories reflect the true success of TechNexus: transforming lives through learning, belonging, and collaboration. What Makes TechNexus a Best Practice Several elements make TechNexus stand out as a best practice for global user groups: Authenticity: Entirely community-driven with no commercial agenda. Inclusivity: Creating space for students, professionals, women, and volunteers alike. Collaboration: MVPs, Microsoft employees, and industry leaders working side by side. Impact-first mindset: Focus on transformation, not transactions. For Microsoft, communities like TechNexus represent the future of learning. They demonstrate that when people come together with passion, consistency, and a shared purpose, even the biggest challenges can be overcome. Call to Action The journey of TechNexus has only just begun. Over the next six months, the community plans to scale further—welcoming more voices, more collaborations, and more opportunities to grow together. For those inspired by this story, there are ways to get involved right now. Visual Studio Dev Days offers opportunities across the globe to join local user group events, explore the power of Visual Studio Code and GitHub Copilot, and connect with communities near you. It’s a great way to take the first step into authentic, in-person learning experiences. And if you’re based in India, you can follow the TechNexus Community and participate in the Skill-Up India program, designed to help students and professionals grow their skills in Azure and AI run by TechNexus. Because at TechNexus—and in every great community—the message is clear: together, we rise. Resources TechNexus Community LinkedIn TechNexus Community | Meetup Skill-Up India Program Visual Studio Dev Days Developer Communities | Microsoft Developer
