Inspired by those in the community that have gone before me, I try to share what I learn by looking at what the services from Microsoft can offer, understanding challenges people have and bringing those two things together. Having learned from 13 years in Financial Services, I moved into the world of consulting, currently acting as Director, owning Copilot and Agents within the UK at Avanade.

I am lucky enough to have been awarded as a Microsoft MVP in Microsoft 365 for Copilot and Copilot Extensibility and co-host the award winning Copilot Connection podcast as well as blogging and sharing videos.

Inspired by those in the community that have gone before me, I try to share what I learn by looking at what the services from Microsoft can offer, understanding challenges people have and bringing those two things together. Having learned from 13 yea... Show more

David is an Associate Director with Protiviti Canada and a 10-time Microsoft 365 & Security MVP with 25 years of experience working within information technology. For 20 years, David has assisted organizations to collaborate efficiently and effectively within SharePoint and Microsoft 365. David assists companies to understand their compliance needs and how to protect their data. He has helped organizations build data protection programs to safeguard their most sensitive information while ensuring the business can collaborate and work with their content. Over the past 25 years, David has built a great deal of experience in a wide variety of areas in IT, ranging from Desktop\Server support to development in C++ and .NET technologies. He has added value to many clients in several sectors, including utilities, government, banking, and agriculture.

David is a knowledgeable and sought-after international speaker within IT circles and is consulted regularly by companies formulating their digital workplace strategies and compliance platforms.

David blogs at http://daviddrever.com

David is an Associate Director with Protiviti Canada and a 10-time Microsoft 365 & Security MVP with 25 years of experience working within information technology. For 20 years, David has assisted organizations to collaborate efficiently and effective... Show more

They call me Shortcut Shari...Why? I believe we should all work smarter, not harder and I love keyboards shortcuts. I've been using SharePoint since before it was even called SharePoint and I'm excited to share my knowledge and expertise who are as excited as technology as I am. I know stuff and I love to SHARE it!

My focus is the "People Side of Change". As a Microsoft 365 Solutions Architect and Consultant that grew up right along with SharePoint, my practical knowledge of the Microsoft Productivity stack coupled with my passion for empowerment via learning makes me an excellent resource as a consultant and evangelist for Microsoft 365. My philosophies for information architecture and SharePoint design are centered on solving business challenges with technology and ensuring usability and adoption for the organization.

As for my experience, I'm a Microsoft Certified Trainer, a Microsoft Certified Specialist Master, consultant, presenter, author and evangelist. When I'm not architecting SharePoint magic as a consultant, I'm in the classroom or creating online learning for LinkedIN Learning, ClipTraining.com and Pluralsight. Join me for my sessions, I promise they will not only be informative, but they will also be FUN!

They call me Shortcut Shari...Why? I believe we should all work smarter, not harder and I love keyboards shortcuts. I've been using SharePoint since before it was even called SharePoint and I'm excited to share my knowledge and expertise who are as ... Show more

David Alzamendi is the Founder and Principal Data Architect at Level Up Your Data, where he helps organisations modernise their data platforms, implement effective governance frameworks, and unlock the true value of their data.

A DAMA Master and Microsoft Data Platform MVP, David has been delivering data analytics solutions across both on-premises and cloud technologies since 2011. He is also a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert, Change Practitioner, and international conference speaker.

As an active leader in the data community, David has organized more than 50 data events, including conferences, bootcamps, and workshops, and has spoken at over 100 events worldwide. His work bridges technical depth with strategic vision, helping businesses design and execute modern data strategies, governance programs, and analytics solutions built on best practices and cutting-edge technology.

Driven by a passion for the transformative impact of data on business, society, and the environment, David combines creativity, technical excellence, and community leadership to deliver insights that inspire action and innovation.

My Company: https://levelupyourdata.com/
Blog: https://davidalzamendi.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalzamendi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/david_alzamendi

Brisbane DAMA Branch Committee member
Azure Data Services User Group Organiser
Brisbane Data, Power BI and AI Bootcamp Co-organiser

David Alzamendi is the Founder and Principal Data Architect at Level Up Your Data, where he helps organisations modernise their data platforms, implement effective governance frameworks, and unlock the true value of their data. A DAMA Master and M... Show more

Brian is a Microsoft Azure MVP, speaker, author, trainer, and .NET developer with deep expertise across cloud and application development. He holds MCSA: Web App Certification, MCSD: App Builder, and thirteen Azure and GitHub certifications, including Developer, Administrator, DevOps Engineer, Solutions Architect, Data Administrator, Security Engineer, AI Engineer, and Cosmos DB — along with multiple Fundamentals certifications. Since 2019, he has also been a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT).

Brian earned a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Along with 25 years of development experience, he brings over 15 years of experience teaching computer science, SQL databases, object-oriented programming (C#, VB.NET, Java), and Microsoft Office in online university settings and professional training environments.

As an educator and creator, Brian has developed numerous online training courses available across multiple platforms and has authored several books with APress, including Practical Entity Framework Core 10 (with two earlier editions) and Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure Certification Companion: Hands-on Preparation and Practice for Exam AZ-204.

Brian is a Microsoft Azure MVP, speaker, author, trainer, and .NET developer with deep expertise across cloud and application development. He holds MCSA: Web App Certification, MCSD: App Builder, and thirteen Azure and GitHub certifications, includin... Show more

Joanne Klein is an independent Microsoft 365 consultant, a 9-time Microsoft MVP in Microsoft Purview and SharePoint, and an Advanced Compliance specialist in the Microsoft suite of tools. Joanne works with her customers on planning and implementing information protection and data governance controls across their Microsoft 365 environment to address the unique challenges of today's modern workplace. She’s a firm believer that it’s not all about technology.

Joanne blogs about these areas with a focus on how to secure, protect, and govern information assets while minimizing end-user impact.

Joanne Klein is an independent Microsoft 365 consultant, a 9-time Microsoft MVP in Microsoft Purview and SharePoint, and an Advanced Compliance specialist in the Microsoft suite of tools. Joanne works with her customers on planning and implementing i... Show more

Rob was a SQL Server DBA with a passion for PowerShell, Azure, Automation, and SQL (PaaS geddit?). Now he just helps people make things. He is a Data Platform MVP and an Azure MVP, a PowerShell Conference Europe organiser, and maintainer of many open-source projects. He has spoken at and volunteered at many Data and PowerShell events all over the world. He is a proud supporter of the Data and PowerShell communities.

He relishes sharing and learning and can be found doing both via Social Medias and his blog. He spends most of his time looking at a screen and loves to solve problems. He knows that looking at a screen so much is bad for him because his wife tells him so. Thus, he is often out riding his bike as his eyes are not good enough to play cricket any more.

He has a fabulous beard

Rob was a SQL Server DBA with a passion for PowerShell, Azure, Automation, and SQL (PaaS geddit?). Now he just helps people make things. He is a Data Platform MVP and an Azure MVP, a PowerShell Conference Europe organiser, and maintainer of many open... Show more

Reitse began his computer days with GW Basic and quickly followed with Windows 3.11. After that, many computers followed, and, interrupted by human resource and psychology studies, he got into the IT work field around 2007. There, he encountered Oracle 9, which had a command line from 1980. At his current job, he met SQL Server. And loved it. Now he’s working with SQL 2008 to SQL 2019 on-premises and several Azure SQL Databases, supporting customers and tuning databases. New projects focus more on the Azure data platform as an architect, security advisor and data engineer. They include Fabric (Lakehouse and Realtime solutions), Data Factory and Synapse Analytics.

Reitse began his computer days with GW Basic and quickly followed with Windows 3.11. After that, many computers followed, and, interrupted by human resource and psychology studies, he got into the IT work field around 2007. There, he encountered Orac... Show more

Tiago Costa is a Senior AI & Cloud Architect and Advisor, focusing on AI & Microsoft Azure, a Public Speaker, Trainer, and Author. For the past +20 years has been architecting and developing solutions using Microsoft technologies. In recent years, Tiago has been helping companies migrate and build AI & cloud-native workloads on Microsoft Azure. Tiago has been working at the Senior Architect level, but he always likes to take on some hands-on tasks on the Azure Administration and Development side. You can also find him in the classroom or online teaching AI & Microsoft Azure. All this real-world experience enables him to deliver outstanding training in AI & Microsoft Azure.

Tiago has several Microsoft Certifications and awards:
- Microsoft Azure MVP (2016 – …)
- MCT – Microsoft Certified Trainer (2006 – …)
- MCT Community Lead (2013 – …)

He loves diving into new technologies and sharing his experience at conferences and training classes. What excites him about his work is helping others explore new frontiers in technology and becoming better professionals. His free time is spent with his family in the sunny surroundings of Lisbon, Portugal, and building cool geek projects.

Tiago Costa is a Senior AI & Cloud Architect and Advisor, focusing on AI & Microsoft Azure, a Public Speaker, Trainer, and Author. For the past +20 years has been architecting and developing solutions using Microsoft technologies. In recent years, Ti... Show more

Microsoft MVP | Sessionize Top 3% speaker 2022 & 2023

Jon specialises in Microsoft 365 with over 10 years of experience in consultancy and pre-sales; Jon is passionate about Microsoft products and especially enjoys the Microsoft Defender and Intune suites.

Jon particularly likes discussing Microsoft Security and Windows 365 and holds a Microsoft MVP in Intune and Windows 365.

Microsoft MVP | Sessionize Top 3% speaker 2022 & 2023 Jon specialises in Microsoft 365 with over 10 years of experience in consultancy and pre-sales; Jon is passionate about Microsoft products and especially enjoys the Microsoft Defender and Intun... Show more

Peter is a Cloud & Security Architect based in Denmark with extensive experience in the IT industry, specializing in Messaging, Collaboration, and Cloud security. Since 1996, he has been a consultant, focusing on technologies such as Microsoft 365, Exchange Server, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive for Business, Office 365, Purview Information Protection, and Microsoft Defender Security products.

Peter holds the prestigious Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM) certification in Exchange and has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP in Microsoft 365. He is a seasoned speaker, having presented at numerous high-profile events, including the European SharePoint Conference, European Collab Summit, Nordic Infrastructure Conference, Workplace Ninja Summit, Microsoft Campus Days, and various local User Group events.

In addition to his professional work, Peter leads the Danish WorkPlace Ninja User Group, which focuses on advancing knowledge in Microsoft Modern Workplace, Productivity, and Security.

Peter is a Cloud & Security Architect based in Denmark with extensive experience in the IT industry, specializing in Messaging, Collaboration, and Cloud security. Since 1996, he has been a consultant, focusing on technologies such as Microsoft 365, E... Show more

Since 1998 working with Navision, Dynamics NAV, and now with Business Central and Power Platform. I worked as an end-user, consultant, and developer in different companies and partners.

Dual Microsoft MVP in the Business Applications (Business Central) and Azure AI Services

International Speaker at Directions EMEA, Directions ASIA, Days of Knowledge (Nordic, Central, and Atlanta) and DynamicsMinds.

Organizing committee member "Business Central Day ES" (www.businescentralday.es) and Global Power Platform Bootcamp Zaragoza (https://www.meetup.com/power-platform-zaragoza/)

As an MCT I teach Microsoft courses about Business Central, Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate.

I have a blog where I write about these Microsoft technologies: https://blog.msdyn365bc.es.

Also, you can see me telling things about Business Central and Power Platform at different community events and on my YouTube Channel:
Aprende Business Central en Español (https://www.youtube.com/@rcorella)

If you want to know more about me, here you have my LinkedIn profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertocorella/

Since 1998 working with Navision, Dynamics NAV, and now with Business Central and Power Platform. I worked as an end-user, consultant, and developer in different companies and partners. Dual Microsoft MVP in the Business Applications (Business Ce... Show more

Mihail Mateev is an owner, Solution Architect, Senior Technical Evangelist at SoftProject, responsible for .Net, IoT and cloud solutions. Mihail currently works as a Senior Solution Architect at EPAM Systems. He also worked many years like a Technical evangelist in the Infragistics. Last years Mihail was focused on various areas related to technology Microsoft: Visual Studio , ASP.Net, Windows client apps, MS SQL Server and Microsoft Azure.

Mihail Mateev is an owner, Solution Architect, Senior Technical Evangelist at SoftProject, responsible for .Net, IoT and cloud solutions. Mihail currently works as a Senior Solution Architect at EPAM Systems. He also worked many years like a Techni... Show more

Tim Spann is the Senior Solution Engineer - Financial Services working with Snowflake, Cortex AI, Apache NiFi, Apache Iceberg, Python, Apache Polaris, Streamlit, Cloud Data, Vectors, Data, Generative AI, ML, Hugging Face, Apache Kafka, Apache Flink, Pytorch, big data, the IoT, machine learning, and deep learning. Tim has over a decade of experience with the IoT, big data, distributed computing, streaming technologies, and Java programming. Previously, he was a Principal Developer Advocate at Zilliz/Milvus, Principal Developer Advocate at Cloudera, Developer Advocate at StreamNative, Principal Field Engineer at Cloudera, a Senior Solutions Architect at AirisData and a senior field engineer at Pivotal. He holds a BS and MS in computer science.

https://medium.com/@tspann
https://www.youtube.com/@FLaNK-Stack

Tim Spann is the Senior Solution Engineer - Financial Services working with Snowflake, Cortex AI, Apache NiFi, Apache Iceberg, Python, Apache Polaris, Streamlit, Cloud Data, Vectors, Data, Generative AI, ML, Hugging Face, Apache Kafka, Apache Flink, ... Show more

Maxim Salnikov is a tech community enthusiast based in Oslo. With more than two decades of experience as a developer, he shares his expertise in the web platform, cloud computing, and AI by speaking at and delivering training for developer audiences worldwide.

By day, Maxim supports developer teams across Europe as a Senior Solution Engineer at Microsoft, focusing on AI-native developer tools and platforms. He is also an active builder of developer tooling, creating and maintaining AI agent assets that help engineers adopt AI-assisted development more effectively.

In the evenings, Maxim runs events for some of Norway’s largest web, AI, and cloud developer communities. He is passionate about exploring the possibilities of Generative AI, with a strong focus on developer productivity. To share insights and connect with practitioners globally, he founded and organized the Prompt Engineering Conference, the key global event dedicated entirely to prompting from the engineering discipline perspective.

Maxim Salnikov is a tech community enthusiast based in Oslo. With more than two decades of experience as a developer, he shares his expertise in the web platform, cloud computing, and AI by speaking at and delivering training for developer audiences ... Show more

Erwin de Kreuk is a passionate and highly experienced Technology Leader in the Data & AI domain. He currently serves as a Principal Consultant and Lead Data and AI at InSpark, winner of the Global Partner of the Year (POTY) Award for Identity and the Dutch Partner of the Year (POTY) Award for Data & AI.

Erwin is a frequent speaker at various national and international data community events and has been recognized as a Data Platform MVP.

With 16 years of experience in the world of data on the Microsoft Platform, Erwin has spent the last 8 years focusing on the Azure Platform. His day-to-day work involves addressing complex customer cases and technical issues. Additionally, he is a member of the Technology Board at InSpark, where he leads a team of highly experienced Data Experts specializing in the Microsoft Data Platform.

Erwin is dedicated to helping customers maximize the value of their complex analytics environments, with a strong emphasis on solutions in the Azure Cloud (Platform as a Service) and Microsoft Fabric. As a Technology Board member, he continuously explores the latest opportunities and shares his enthusiasm with colleagues, the community, and customers. He is also a key stakeholder for the InSpark Solution (Managed) Oxygen, a Modern Data Platform Estate as-a-service and the Nitrogen Control Center a native solution build on top of Microsoft Fabric for easy data integration and data Processing.

Erwin de Kreuk is a passionate and highly experienced Technology Leader in the Data & AI domain. He currently serves as a Principal Consultant and Lead Data and AI at InSpark, winner of the Global Partner of the Year (POTY) Award for Identity and the... Show more

Suzanne is a seasoned technology leader with a deep focus on developer productivity and innovation strategy. At Microsoft, she partners with customer CTOs and senior executives across EMEA to elevate the developer experience through AI, Azure, and GitHub. With a background spanning software engineering, platform architecture, and executive advisory roles.

Suzanne brings a pragmatic yet visionary approach to driving transformation at scale. Her mission is clear: empower developers, enable innovation, and align technology with strategic outcomes.

Suzanne is a seasoned technology leader with a deep focus on developer productivity and innovation strategy. At Microsoft, she partners with customer CTOs and senior executives across EMEA to elevate the developer experience through AI, Azure, and Gi... Show more

Ron Dagdag brings over 25 years of experience as a software artisan to his role as Research Engineering Manager at Thomson Reuters, where he leads teams to develop transformative AI solutions. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Ron is an active member of the tech community, recognized as a Microsoft MVP in AI, Mixed Reality, and IoT. Ron is an international speaker, sharing his knowledge at industry events, and remains an active maker and tinkerer with a passion for Augmented Intelligence.
🚀 Code > Create > Coach > Repeat.

Ron Dagdag brings over 25 years of experience as a software artisan to his role as Research Engineering Manager at Thomson Reuters, where he leads teams to develop transformative AI solutions. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Ron is ... Show more

As the founder of both (Havens Consulting & Analytic Endeavors) and a Microsoft MVP, Reid is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in technology, organizational management, and business analytics. With a Master's Degree in Organizational Development and a background in consulting for Fortune 10, 50, and 500 companies, Reid has the knowledge and expertise to help your organization succeed.

In addition to his corporate experience, Reid is also a highly sought-after instructor, teaching Business Intelligence, reporting, and data visualization at the University of Washington and other universities. His passion for education extends beyond the classroom, as he has co-authored the DP-500 Enterprise Azure Analyst certification exam for Microsoft and developed numerous training curriculums delivered to companies around the world.

As the founder of both (Havens Consulting & Analytic Endeavors) and a Microsoft MVP, Reid is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in technology, organizational management, and business analytics. With a Master's Degree in Organizationa... Show more

I'm Taiob Ali, a Microsoft Data Platform MVP with over 19 years of experience designing and implementing data solutions across finance, e-commerce, and healthcare. My expertise includes the Microsoft Data Platform, MongoDB, Azure AI, and Python for data-driven innovation.

As a dedicated community advocate, I've presented at over 100 events worldwide, including SQL Saturdays, Data Saturdays, and international conferences. I founded the Database Professionals Virtual Meetup Group, serve on the New England SQL Server User Group and SQL Saturday boards, and contribute regularly to Microsoft Learn, where my work is featured in the Contributor Stories.

I'm Taiob Ali, a Microsoft Data Platform MVP with over 19 years of experience designing and implementing data solutions across finance, e-commerce, and healthcare. My expertise includes the Microsoft Data Platform, MongoDB, Azure AI, and Python for d... Show more

Gethyn is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and consultant helping organisations modernise their data platforms with SQL Server, Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, and AI. He leads a UK consultancy that supports clients across Europe and North America with migrations, high-availability design, performance engineering, analytics strategy, and data governance. A Microsoft Certified Trainer with over 200 courses delivered, he speaks widely on data transformation, analytics, and the future of AI-powered business.

Gethyn is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and consultant helping organisations modernise their data platforms with SQL Server, Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, and AI. He leads a UK consultancy that supports clients across Europe and North America wi... Show more

Uwe Ricken has been working with IT systems since the early 1990s, with a deep focus on Microsoft SQL Server starting from his work on Membership Software for the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany - later rolled out across five European countries. His passion for SQL Server took off in 2007 when he joined Deutsche Bank AG as a database administrator, gaining hands-on experience in high-performance, enterprise-scale environments.

With over three decades of experience in database development and operations, Uwe earned the prestigious "Microsoft Certified Master – SQL Server 2008", the highest technical certification at the time. In 2013, he was honored with his first "Microsoft MVP Award" for his contributions to the SQL Server community across Germany and Europe.

Since 2010, Uwe has been sharing his expertise through his blog https://sqlmaster.de, offering deep dives into SQL Server internals, performance tuning, and real-world troubleshooting.

A regular speaker at international conferences and user groups, Uwe’s sessions focus on Database Internals, Indexing Strategies and Advanced SQL Development - always with a practical, performance-driven mindset.

Uwe Ricken has been working with IT systems since the early 1990s, with a deep focus on Microsoft SQL Server starting from his work on Membership Software for the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany - later rolled out across five European countri... Show more

Pragati Jain is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Microsoft Certified trainer (MCT) and a certified Microsoft Fabric Analytics Engineer (DP-600) based in London, UK.
As a Fabric Consultant, she specialises in end-to-end Microsoft Fabric implementations - designing Fabric architecture, migrating organisations from Power BI to Fabric and advising clients on Fabric strategy.
Her hands-on expertise spans Fabric Lakehouse, Fabric Data Engineering, Fabric Notebooks, Fabric Pipelines, Data Factory, Dataflow Gen2, Real-Time Analytics (KQL) and Semantic Models with Direct Lake - alongside Power BI, Tableau, PySpark and SQL.
A recognised Superuser in the Microsoft Fabric Community, she has delivered sessions at flagship events including the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference, PASS Data Summit, SQLBits, Power Platform Conference and Microsoft Reactor, earning the Sessionize Most Active Speaker badge four years running (2022–2025).
Beyond tech, she's a trained Indian classical singer, painter and hiking enthusiast.

Pragati Jain is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Microsoft Certified trainer (MCT) and a certified Microsoft Fabric Analytics Engineer (DP-600) based in London, UK. As a Fabric Consultant, she specialises in end-to-end Microsoft Fabric implementation... Show more

David serves as a Microsoft MVP & Principal Consultant at Quisitive, bringing a wealth of experience in Microsoft software development. Specializing in both front-end web applications and Power Platform solutions, David expertly utilizes the Power Platform, SharePoint Framework, CSS, JavaScript, and TypeScript to craft high-fidelity, interactive designs.

As an MS Certified professional & Microsoft MVP in Power Platform and Microsoft 365, and a Microsoft Certified Trainer, David is dedicated to enhancing user experience through intuitive interfaces and dynamic web animations. In this role, David leverages his comprehensive skill set to drive digital transformation and deliver innovative solutions for clients.

Additionally, David is a core team member of the Microsoft 365 and Power Platform Community (PnP team), actively contributing to the community and advocating for collaboration. This passion for community engagement is reflected in David’s belief in #SharingIsCaring, continually sharing knowledge and best practices with peers.

Specialties: SharePoint Branding & Development, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, TypeScript, PhotoShop

David serves as a Microsoft MVP & Principal Consultant at Quisitive, bringing a wealth of experience in Microsoft software development. Specializing in both front-end web applications and Power Platform solutions, David expertly utilizes the Power Pl... Show more

Richard Campbell wrote his first line of code in 1977. His career has spanned the computing industry, both on the hardware and software sides, development, and operations. He was a co-founder of Strangeloop Networks, acquired by Radware in 2013, and was on the board of directors of Telerik, which was acquired by Progress Software in 2014. Today, he is a consultant and advisor to several successful technology firms and hosts three podcasts: .NET Rocks! (www.dotnetrocks.com) for .NET developers, RunAs Radio (www.runasradio.com) for IT Professionals, and Windows Weekly (https://twit.tv/shows/windows-weekly).

Richard Campbell wrote his first line of code in 1977. His career has spanned the computing industry, both on the hardware and software sides, development, and operations. He was a co-founder of Strangeloop Networks, acquired by Radware in 2013, and ... Show more

Marco Minerva has been using .NET since its first introduction. Today he proudly lives in Taggia, Italy, works as a freelance consultant and is involved in designing and developing solutions for the Microsoft ecosystem. His greatest expertise is backend development as a software architect. He holds training courses. He is a speaker at technical events, writes books and articles about developing and regularly makes live streaming about coding on Twitch. He is a Microsoft MVP since 2013.

Marco Minerva has been using .NET since its first introduction. Today he proudly lives in Taggia, Italy, works as a freelance consultant and is involved in designing and developing solutions for the Microsoft ecosystem. His greatest expertise is back... Show more

Derek Smith works as the Chief Architect of Cloud and Infrastructure at Apex Systems. As part of the Service Delivery Organization, he engages with clients to provide insights into the technology landscape, guidance on digital transformations and strategy for cloud and infrastructure. Additionally, Derek also regularly serves within the Azure Community as a Mentor, Public Speaker, Content Creator, and Enthusiast for all things Microsoft Cloud.

Derek Smith works as the Chief Architect of Cloud and Infrastructure at Apex Systems. As part of the Service Delivery Organization, he engages with clients to provide insights into the technology landscape, guidance on digital transformations and str... Show more

Michael Johnson is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and co-lead of the Johannesburg Data Platform User Group. Professionally, he is the owner and principal consultant at Cobalt Analytics, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Michael regularly presents at many local and international user groups and conferences on topics including data engineering and analytics.

Michael Johnson is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and co-lead of the Johannesburg Data Platform User Group. Professionally, he is the owner and principal consultant at Cobalt Analytics, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Michael regularly presents a... Show more

Laila Bougria is a Solutions Architect and Engineer with over 15 years of experience in the Microsoft .NET space. She's a keynote speaker, a Microsoft MVP in Azure and Developer Technologies, and frequently shares her knowledge and insights at conferences worldwide. Currently, Laila is busy building NServiceBus at Particular Software and solving distributed riddles. When she's not immersed in complex problems or code, Laila enjoys indulging in her favorite pastime - knitting! She finds that tangling the yarn into beautiful patterns helps untangle her thoughts.

Laila Bougria is a Solutions Architect and Engineer with over 15 years of experience in the Microsoft .NET space. She's a keynote speaker, a Microsoft MVP in Azure and Developer Technologies, and frequently shares her knowledge and insights at confer... Show more

Annie Talvasto is an award-winning international technology speaker and leader. She has spoken at over 100+ tech events worldwide, including KubeCon + CloudNativeCon and Microsoft Build & Ignite. She has been recognized with the CNCF Ambassador, Azure & AI Platform MVP awards. She has co-organized the Kubernetes & CNCF Finland meetup since 2017. In the past, she has also served as a track chair for KubeCon + CloudNativeCon, Program Chair for Secure AI Summit (powered by Cloud Native) and hosted Cloud Native Live, a weekly livestream by CNCF, for over 3 years.

Annie Talvasto is an award-winning international technology speaker and leader. She has spoken at over 100+ tech events worldwide, including KubeCon + CloudNativeCon and Microsoft Build & Ignite. She has been recognized with the CNCF Ambassador, Azur... Show more