2026 FabCon + SQLCon Europe Fabric in the Wild: Photo Scavenger Hunt
📸 Fabric in the Wild: Photo Scavenger Hunt at FabCon + SQLCon Europe Heading to FabCon + SQLCon Europe in Barcelona? Get ready to explore, connect, and have some fun with the Fabric community! We're excited to launch the Fabric in the Wild: Photo Scavenger Hunt, an exclusive experience for Microsoft partners attending the event. Whether you're networking at Partner Day, taking in the keynotes, meeting fellow partners, or discovering Barcelona, you'll have the opportunity to capture your adventure and win some exclusive Fabric swag. 🏆 Win Fabric Kicks Complete the challenge by sharing photos from any five scavenger hunt moments and you'll be entered for a chance to win 1 of 3 pairs of Fabric Kicks. 📷 How It Works ✅ Complete any 5 photo challenges from the hunt ✅ Share all 5 photos in a single LinkedIn post or carousel ✅ Include: #FabConEurope #MicrosoftPartner #FabricInTheWildSweepstakes ✅ Tag @Stephanie Chimeziri That's it. You're in! The scavenger hunt is all about celebrating the people, experiences, and energy that make the Microsoft Fabric partner community special. From Partner Day and keynotes to new connections and iconic Barcelona landmarks, we can't wait to see Fabric in the wild through your lens. Drop your photos, showcase your creativity, and share your FabCon story with the community! 🌍 See you in Barcelona. For more information about FabCon + SQLCon Europe, visit aka.ms/fabconeu #MicrosoftFabric #FabConEurope #SQLConEurope #MicrosoftPartner #FabricCommunity #DataAnalytics #FabricInTheWildSweepstakes #PartnerDay #MicrosoftPartners
GLSU Excel add-in fails to load after Office update from Version 2607 to 2608
Our Excel add-in, Process Runner GLSU , fails to load after Microsoft Office updates from Version 2607 to Version 2608. This started August 17, 2026 and is actively growing in scope. Error messages: Excel: Cannot run the macro 'onLoad' VBA: System Error &H80004005 (-2147467259). Unspecified error VBA: Compile error in hidden module: ThisWorkbook Has anyone encountered similar issue with their own custom add-on. If yes, any pointers to fix it. We are seeking help on priority. Thanks, Vrushali Pawale, Sr. Manager, Insightsoftware.
Office Scripts does not refresh Power BI Query live connections in Excel Online
Hello everyone, I've got the following problem and am nearly going insane because it's causing so much problems 🥲 Summary The Office Scripts method workbook.refreshAllDataConnections() no longer refreshes a live connection to a Power BI Semantic Model in Excel Online. Environment Excel Online Office Scripts Power Automate ("Recurrence" + "Run Office Script") Live connection to a Power BI Semantic Model (Analyze in Excel) Expected behavior Calling workbook.refreshAllDataConnections(); should trigger the same refresh as manually selecting Data → Refresh All in Excel Online. Actual behavior The script completes successfully without any error, but the workbook does not requery the Power BI Semantic Model. Additional observations The same workbook worked correctly for approximately two years. The issue started around mid-July 2026. Manual Data → Refresh All in Excel Online refreshes successfully. Refreshing in Excel Desktop also works correctly. The problem occurs both: when running the Office Script manually from the Automate tab in Excel Online when running the same Office Script from Power Automate ("Run Office Script") This suggests the issue is specific to the Office Scripts implementation of refreshAllDataConnections() rather than the workbook, authentication, or the Power BI connection itself. Steps to reproduce Create an Excel workbook with a live connection to a Power BI Semantic Model. Confirm that manual Data → Refresh All refreshes the data successfully. Create an Office Script containing only: function main(workbook: ExcelScript.Workbook) { // Refresh all data connections workbook.refreshAllDataConnections(); } Run the script. Result The script finishes successfully but no refresh is performed. Expected result The workbook should requery the Power BI Semantic Model exactly as when using the manual Refresh All button in Excel Online.Turning Nonprofit Data Into Action: A Technical Guide to Power BI
Nonprofits generate data constantly — but it’s often scattered across Excel files, CRMs, survey tools, and program systems. Power BI provides a unified analytics layer that connects, cleans, models, and visualizes this data in a secure, scalable environment. It is part of Microsoft’s broader analytics stack designed to turn raw data into actionable insight. This guide dives deeper into the technical foundations required to build nonprofit‑ready analytics solutions. Power BI Architecture for Nonprofits Power BI consists of three core components: 1. Power BI Desktop Power BI Desktop is the primary authoring tool used to create data models and interactive reports. These reports are then published to the Power BI Service for sharing and collaboration. Used for: Data modeling (building semantic models) DAX calculations (measures and calculated columns) Visual design (interactive reports) Data transformation using Power Query 👉 Power BI Desktop overview 2. Power BI Service (Cloud) The Power BI Service is the cloud-based platform for collaboration, distribution, and consumption of analytics, enabling teams and stakeholders to securely access and interact with data insights Used for: Publishing reports from Power BI Desktop Sharing dashboards and reports Scheduled data refresh Row-Level Security (RLS) Workspaces, apps, and governance 👉 Get Started Creating in the Power BI Service - Power BI | Microsoft Learn 3. Power BI Gateway (Optional) The gateway ensures secure data transfer between on‑premises systems and Power BI cloud services. Used when connecting to on‑premises data sources (SQL Server, local Excel files, etc.). Acts as a secure bridge between cloud services and on‑premises data Enables scheduled data refresh and live (DirectQuery) connections Keeps sensitive data within your local network while enabling cloud-based analytics 👉 On-premises data gateway - Power BI | Microsoft Learn Core Data Preparation: Power Query Power Query is the data preparation and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) engine behind Power BI. Capabilities: Connects to multiple data sources Cleans and reshapes data Creates repeatable transformation pipelines Supports hundreds of data transformations 👉 Power Query overview Power Query standardizes data and automates preparation workflows, reducing manual effort. Advanced Nonprofit Use Cases 1. Multi‑Program Outcome Dashboards Nonprofits often manage multiple programs with different metrics. Power BI enables unified reporting through: Star schema modeling Fact tables (attendance, outcomes, surveys) Dimension tables (participants, programs, locations) 👉 Star schema guidance: Understand star schema and the importance for Power BI - Power BI | Microsoft Learn 2. Donor Analytics With Predictive Insights DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) is a formula language used to create dynamic calculations and measures inside Power BI data models. Using DAX, AI visuals, and advanced analytics features, nonprofits can: Identify donor churn Analyze giving trends and likelihood Segment donors by behavior Calculate and track lifetime value 👉 DAX reference 3. Volunteer Workforce Analytics Track and optimize: Volunteer hours by skill Retention trends Training completion and effectiveness Event staffing gaps and workforce allocation 👉 Power BI HR analytics sample (workforce trends & attrition): Human Resources sample – Power BI 4. Grant Reporting Automation Power BI enables nonprofits to automate and standardize grant reporting processes, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy. Capabilities: Automatically refresh data using scheduled refresh in the Power BI Service Standardize reporting through reusable dashboards and report templates Automated export and distribution 👉 Configure scheduled refresh – Power BI 👉 Export and automate report delivery with Power Automate How to Build a Nonprofit Impact Dashboard (Advanced) Step 1: Build a Data Model Import data (Excel, SharePoint, SQL) Create core tables: FactOutcomes DimParticipant DimProgram DimDate Define one‑to‑many relationships between dimension and fact tables This follows a star schema approach, which improves performance, scalability, and reporting clarity. 👉 Power BI data modeling guidance Step 2: Create DAX Measures Example measures: Total Participants = COUNT(DimParticipant[ParticipantID]) Total Outcomes = SUM(FactOutcomes[OutcomeValue]) Outcome Rate = DIVIDE( [Total Outcomes], [Total Participants], 0 ) Active Participants = CALCULATE( DISTINCTCOUNT(DimParticipant[ParticipantID]), FactOutcomes[Status] = "Active" ) 👉 DAX reference Step 3: Build Visuals Use report visuals to present key metrics and patterns, then pin selected visuals to dashboards in the Power BI Service for executive-level monitoring. Cards → KPIs (total participants, outcomes) Line charts → trends over time Maps → geographic impact Matrix tables → structured reporting for funders 👉 Intro to dashboards for Power BI designers - Power BI | Microsoft Learn and Overview of Power BI reports - Power BI | Microsoft Learn Step 4: Publish and Automate Publish to Power BI Service Configure scheduled refresh Apply Row-Level Security Share dashboards with leadership, funders, and board members 👉 Configure scheduled refresh - Power BI | Microsoft Learn and Tutorial: Get Started Creating in the Power BI Service - Power BI | Microsoft Learn Final Thought Power BI gives nonprofits a modern, enterprise-grade analytics platform without requiring a full data engineering team. By combining: Structured data modeling Automated data preparation Strong governance practices nonprofits can transform fragmented data into clear, actionable insight that drives mission impact.🎉 Save the Date: FY26 Fabric Partner Community Year‑End Celebration
As we prepare to wrap up FY26, we’re closing the year the same way we built it — together. This year‑end celebration will be held as part of the final Fabric Engineering Connection calls of FY26, giving us space to pause, look back on what we built together, and celebrate the partners who make this community what it is. 🌎Americas & EMEA Wednesday, June 24 | 8:00–9:00 AM PT 🌍APAC Thursday, June 25 | 1:00–2:00 AM UTC / Wednesday, June 24 | 5:00–6:00 PM PT) ✨ What to expect: A look back at the moments that defined FY26 along with partner updates to take you into FY27 Fun & games — including a Mad Libs–style community story built live by partners A community toast and a few surprises along the way 👉 Important: This call is open to members of the Fabric Partner Community on Microsoft Teams. If you’re not already a member, you can join here: https://aka.ms/JoinFabricPartnerCommunity This isn’t just a year‑end recap. It’s a thank‑you to the partners who showed up, shared openly, asked great questions, and helped each other grow real Microsoft Fabric practices. Mark your calendars. We can't wait to celebrate with you! 🥳 🥂On the Next Fabric Engineering Connection
Coming up on the next Fabric Engineering Connection calls, we’re focusing on one of the most important areas for partners right now: data protection, networking, and security in Microsoft Fabric. 🔐 What to expect 🎤 Recent Data Protection Value and Announcements (Americas & EMEA) presented by Yael Biss Covering the latest data protection capabilities in Fabric—designed to help partners meet security, compliance, and governance requirements while enabling customers to scale with confidence. 🎤 Updates + AMA with Networking and Data Security Team (Americas/EMEA & APAC) presented by Sarabjit D., Sumiran Tandon, Advaitha Karthikeyan, PMP®, and Bodhisatva Gautam This is a great opportunity to engage directly with the engineering team working on key scenarios including: ✅ Private Links ✅ Managed Private Endpoints (MPEs) ✅ Outbound Access Protection ✅ Customer Managed Keys (CMK) If you're advising customers on secure Fabric deployments, networking isolation, or enterprise‑grade governance, this session is definitely one to join. 🔒 Note: Fabric Engineering Connection calls are hosted exclusively in the Fabric Partner Community. Microsoft partners can join here the Community by submitting the form at https://aka.ms/JoinFabricPartnerCommunity. Looking forward to the discussion next week!
Complex formulae with data model
Over the years, I have developed a significant excel data sheet which has gotten slower and slower with time. I have discovered the idea of excel's data model this week and have learnt how to import the data I need from its source CSV to the data model and I now have a power pivot which looks like what I originally had in excel. What I would like to do next, is to replicate some of the formulae I had in excel to calculate if something should be counted or not. I would not want the red one to be counted as this row would have been counted in the previous month. In excel I was using the following formula- =IF(COUNTIF(B5:M4,">0"),SUM(Patient!B5:M5*0),Patient!N5) is there a way of achieving this with the data model or would I have to hardcode this into another sheet? I was trying to avoid doing this to minimise the number of formulae... Many thanks for your help...This Week on the Fabric Engineering Connection
After a two‑week pause for FABCON & SQLCON - The Microsoft Fabric & SQL Community Conferences, we’re excited to welcome partners back for our first Fabric Engineering Connection call since the conference. Welcome back—and what a great way to restart the conversation! 🙌 This week’s sessions bring partners closer to the people building Microsoft Fabric, with timely insights and takeaways straight from FabCon. 🎙 What’s on the agenda: Fabric AI‑Powered Automation for Pro‑Developers (Americas & EMEA) presented by Evelina Alroy-Brin and Hasan Abo-Shally Recap of Data Warehouse announcements from FabCon presented by Rakesh Krishnan and Tino Tereshko 🇺🇦 🌍 Session times: Americas & EMEA: Wednesday, March 25 | 8–9 AM PT APAC: Thursday, March 26 | 1–2 AM UTC / Wednesday, March 25 | 5–6 PM PT These calls are a great opportunity to reconnect after FabCon, hear directly from engineering, and dig deeper into what’s new—and what’s next—for Microsoft Fabric. 👉 Participation is open to members of the Fabric Partner Community. Join here: https://aka.ms/JoinFabricPartnerCommunity
