Team up against imposter syndrome

Ever had the feeling that you're falling short, or that you're not cut out for your job and it's only a matter of time before everyone finds out? Well, here's a bit of comfort: you're in good company.

Imposter syndrome has been getting more attention as it can really mess with your personal development. But we can’t ignore how much it affects teamwork and the places we work. The real problem starts when we are too afraid to admit we don't know.

In this session, let's get real about Imposter syndrome. We will discuss what it is and how you can recognize it. Then, we'll explore some tactics to deal with it. Since we've all felt inadequate, now's the moment to learn tricks for convincing our brains that we've got this. Finally, let's consider how we can help others. With the right team spirit, we'll shrink those feelings of not fitting in so everyone can thrive.

GitHub Actions to deploy to Azure: Take it to the next level

A basic deployment to Azure from GitHub Actions can be set up in 10 minutes. And we will do that, to get the basics down. But let's take it a step further. How can you make sure a workflow runs as efficient and flexible as possible? What options do you have to make a connection? Can different Bicep templates interact with each other? How do you work with stages? How do you make the workflow act differently based on branch or pull request label? Can you implement manual approvals?

In this session we will start with the basic workflow and walk through these great options that GitHub has to offer to get your workflow to work for you.

Secure access to your Azure environment: Let's count the ways

Azure's web-based access is incredibly convenient, allowing you to enter the portal from any device, anywhere. But this convenience isn't exclusive to you; it's also a potential gateway for those with malicious intent, trying to exploit your resources, data and budget. The consequences from a security breach can be huge.

In an era where digital protection is needed more than ever, navigating the security tools can be overwhelming. Some tools might slow down your processes. Is the added security worth the potential decrease in speed? Is it necessary?

This session is your guide through the security options available to cloud engineers. We'll explore MFA, PIM, JIT, VPN, PAW, and other three-letter abbreviations that stand between you and your Azure environment intruders. Discover modern tools that not only secure your Azure space but could also be used for on-premises access through Azure.

By the end of our journey, you'll have a blueprint for creating the most secure environment. You'll leave equipped to make informed decisions about which security measures are right for your setup. Let's secure your Azure landscape together.

Make your company love PowerShell as much as you do

PowerShell is awesome. We all need PowerShell. Automate everything! Nothing can go wrong right?

Let's talk about the darker site of PowerShell. At what point are we automating too much, or are solutions to good? Is it possible for code quality to be too high? It might be when perfect code translates to "impossible to maintain". A perfect way to make sure your company gets to hate PowerShell quickly and efficiently.

Once we’ve had a laugh (and maybe a slight existential crisis), we’ll flip the script and dig into the real business value of PowerShell automation: where it shines, how to measure its impact, and how to make sure it’s saving time rather than creating more work. By the end, you’ll walk away smarter, sharper, and even more in love with PowerShell—this time, responsibly.

The Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework: What the Docs don’t tell you

The Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework for Azure promises a flexible environment where developers have the freedom to innovate while keeping data and resources secure. Sounds great right? It is, but real life implementations can often come with some challenges. Including the first world problem of too much documentation.

In this session, we'll look at the Cloud Adoption Framework and how you can use it effectively. I will take your through each step of the Framework and the challenges that came with them in the real world implementations. Spoiler alert: It’s often not the technology that’s the problem! By the end of this talk you will have actionable knowledge to shape your own Azure journey to its fullest potential

Coding in the Cloud: A guide to GitHub Codespaces

With GitHub Codespaces, you can enjoy coding effortlessly, straight from your browser! Use whatever device to write your code. No installation, no fuss. Codespaces are avaliable for everyone with a GitHub account for free. A great opportunity to get a better development experience, whether you are a developer or an operations expert.

In this session, I'll walk you through the ins and outs of Codespaces and show you how to create one from your GitHub repo. We'll cover a range of use cases, settings, and how to work with Visual Studio Code to get the most out of your Codespace. By the end of this session, you'll be all set to dive in and start using Codespaces with ease!

Start using GIT for PowerShell

So you have been working with PowerShell. You hear a lot of people around you talking about GIT and you want to get into the game. But there are so many possibilities, you have no clue where to start. You're not a dev, you just write small scripts every now and then. Then this session is for you.

Don't hesitate to bring your laptop in this workshop to getting started with GIT. We cover the absolute basics in a very practical way. In the end you will be able to use GIT for your own PowerShell scripts, as backup and version control.

No cartoons in Azure: Creating a solid naming- and tagging strategy

Working with Azure brings a very familiar challenge: the naming convention. Who remembers inheriting servers named after cartoons, vegetables, scientists or random jokes? It's always funny until it starts scaling. With Azure, you reach this point very fast and it pays to get it right directly.
In this talk, we will look at the choices to make, the technical and strategical challenges and some tips & tricks from the field. Last but not least, let's see how we can integrate that naming- and tagging convention in our Infrastructure as Code to help get the most consistent environment. You will thank yourself later!

Bicep: From zero to hero

If you're working with infrastructure as code and Azure, you've likely heard about Bicep. Still waiting for the right moment to dive in? Well, your opportunity has arrived!

Join me as we start a journey through Visual Studio Code to discover Bicep. We'll start with the basics and gradually unveil the full spectrum of features Bicep offers, from conditions and loops to modules, registries, and testing opportunities. This session is packed with demos and real-life examples. By the end, you'll be just as thrilled as I am to get started with Bicep!

Deploying to Azure: Azure DevOps Pipelines vs GitHub Actions

When using Infrastructure as Code, it’s crucial to maintain the highest possible quality and security of your code. Automated tests and deployments help us achieve a consistent and stable Azure environment.

But which tool should you use? Both Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions are professional tools to achieve this goal, but how do they compare? In this session, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two tools. How much time does it take to learn them, how much management do they require, and how do they integrate with Azure? Together, we’ll discover which of the two best fits your situation.

Bicep: Build your first Azure template in minutes

If you're working with infrastructure as code and Azure, you've likely heard about Bicep. Still waiting for the right moment to dive in? Well, your opportunity has arrived!

In this session, I'll show you how Visual Studio Code can be of great help. Even with no experience at all, you will have templates ready to deploy in no time. We will start with the basics and then look through the awesome features that Bicep offers, from conditions and loops to modules.

By the end, you'll be just as thrilled as I am to get started with Bicep!

30 min session

How to deploy Ideas in a non-technical organization

Ever wondered why your technical solution sometimes hits a wall in your company? You've got the knowledge, you've thought this through. Why do you have to fight layers of management to improve the technical environment? As a technical engineer that found herself in the management team, I've seen both sides.

In this talk, I'll share my thoughts on getting your voice heard. We'll dive into practical tips and real-world experiences to help you translate your technical goals to business needs, budgets, and yes, even politics. Let's turn mutual frustration into mutual success by learning to speak each other's language.

Generative AI tools for the Azure Engineer

Generative AI is all around us. You can get them in all colors, shapes and sizes to find out which works best for you specific use case.
What if you are an Azure engineer? How can these AI tools simplify your daily tasks?
In this session, we’ll explore the best tools to improve your workflow. Discover which ones live up to the hype and can truly make your job easier.
Join me to learn about Copilot for Azure, GitHub Copilot, Copilot in the Browser, ChatGPT and their relevant friends. We discuss use cases, risks, costs, benefits and tips on how to make the most of AI in your everyday work.

Implementing Azure Policies: Before the Portal

As your Azure environment grows, you'll need to find ways to keep everything organized. Especially with structures like the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework, it's important to set boundaries to manage the endless possibilities that Azure has to offer. So you create policies to help maintain control, security, and compliance in your environment.

But where do you begin? The options seem endless. Should you use all of them?
In this talk, we'll look at the starting point. Guess what; it isn't the Azure portal. We'll see how to determine the policies you need and how to simplify your Azure experience rather than complicate it.
We'll also address common challenges and mistakes in Azure policy as seen from the field. At the end, you will have a clearer understanding that will help you make the best choices and make Azure policy work for you.

Kickstart your secure Azure environment with Microsoft Defender for Cloud

In today's world, securing your cloud environment is more important than ever. We all need to find our way, but did you already explore what Microsoft Defender for Cloud has to offer? You get a suite of tools designed to protect your resources, detect threats, and respond to incidents swiftly. So many options, where do you start?

Join me in this session as I guide you along the different options of Microsoft Defender for Cloud. We'll start with an overview of its key features and capabilities, including threat detection, vulnerability management, and security posture assessment. Then, we'll explore practical scenarios and real-world examples to demonstrate how Defender for Cloud can help you create workflows to enhance security without compromising efficiency.

This session will provide insights and strategies to help you safeguard your Azure environment. Let's unlock the power of Microsoft Defender for Cloud together and ensure your cloud infrastructure stands strong against evolving threats.

From Idea to Commit: Coding with GitHub Copilot Workspace

The only difficult part of working on code issues, is getting started. With GitHub Copilot Workspace, this part will become the easiest. In this session, we'll see how this new AI-powered environment helps you go from a GitHub issue to a complete solution without ever opening your IDE.

In a live demo, Copilot Workspace will work by being your rubber ducky, taking you through testing and creating your code. This session will give you a first-hand look at how Copilot Workspace can reshape your development flow—and maybe even how you think about code.