Niels Tanis has got a background in .NET development, pentesting and security consultancy. He is Microsoft MVP and has been involved in breaking, defending and building secure applications.
Right now he is a software security engineer at Tidalis and before that he was a security researcher at Veracode where he focussed on static analysis of a variant of languages.
He is married, father of two and lives in a small village just outside Amersfoort, The Netherlands.

Niels Tanis has got a background in .NET development, pentesting and security consultancy. He is Microsoft MVP and has been involved in breaking, defending and building secure applications. Right now he is a software security engineer at Tidalis an... Show more

Dennie has experience in accessibility with Microsoft technologies. In daily life Dennie is president and developer at DDSoft, a nonprofit that connects IT to People who are less tech-savvy. Dennie works for more than 10 years in the intersection of the IT industry and the social industry and creates technical solutions and systems to help people with disabilities to participate in their daily life. Thanks to his autism he's the right man at the right spot to contribute as a volunteer in function of people with disabilities.

Dennie has experience in accessibility with Microsoft technologies. In daily life Dennie is president and developer at DDSoft, a nonprofit that connects IT to People who are less tech-savvy. Dennie works for more than 10 years in the intersection of ... Show more

Cassandra Faris is passionate about the human side of tech. She is a Community Delivery Manager at Stack Overflow who focuses on supporting technologists through training, open source, marketing, and mentoring. As a speaker, she teaches people to be more inclusive, advance their careers, and care for their mental health. She's President of Stir Scholarship for women pursuing tech degrees. When she's not busy with the tech community, she's a gamer, corgi mom, and soccer fan who travels as much as possible.

Cassandra Faris is passionate about the human side of tech. She is a Community Delivery Manager at Stack Overflow who focuses on supporting technologists through training, open source, marketing, and mentoring. As a speaker, she teaches people to be ... Show more

Galen Keene is a highly accomplished architect, technical project manager, trainer, and engineer with 20+ years of experience transforming businesses through modern collaboration and AI. Since 2007, he has specialized in Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, the Power Platform, and generative AI across collaborative applications—including Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, ChatGPT, and others—designing secure, governed solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.

A Microsoft MVP (Microsoft 365/Teams), Galen is an international speaker, president of the San Diego Microsoft 365 Productivity Group, and president of the San Diego chapter of IAMCP. He builds communities that accelerate knowledge-sharing and adoption, connecting practitioners, leaders, and partners.

Galen delivers specialized training and enablement on Copilot and broader GenAI: strategy and readiness (governance, data access, information protection), solution design (prompts, plugins/connectors, agents), and adoption at scale (champions, train-the-trainer, metrics). He helps organizations integrate Copilot and GenAI into daily workflows to boost efficiency, spark innovation, and upskill teams and leaders.

He architects and leads digital, cultural, and process transformations—bringing expertise in business strategy, solution architecture, and technical program management. His global work spans highly regulated environments, including designing information architectures for sensitive defense data under strict international controls.

As an Architect, Trainer, and Business Transformation Leader, Galen unifies people, communications, and data with pragmatic methods aligned to strategic goals—meeting organizations where they are and guiding them to where they need to be in an AI-accelerated world.

Galen Keene is a highly accomplished architect, technical project manager, trainer, and engineer with 20+ years of experience transforming businesses through modern collaboration and AI. Since 2007, he has specialized in Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Mi... Show more

Chirag is an Independent Consultant & Trainer at Patel Consulting, based in London UK, focusing on enabling secure & compliant collaboration and productivity solutions in organisations using Generative AI, Microsoft 365 and Purview technologies.

With over 25 years of experience in technology professional services and training delivery, Chirag’s career spans from database development & administration, implementing collaboration & information management solutions to cloud deployments & migrations. Key roles include, Product Owner, Solution Architect & Engineer specialising hands-on delivery of technical solutions with demonstrated results in designing & implementing secure, reliable, scalable and fault tolerant mission critical enterprise solutions. Chirag’s contributions extends to various channels and partners on practical consultancy, classroom training, and personalised training with clients in many sectors, he establishes himself as leader and problem solver on projects for broad adoption of tech and is also a regular speaker at community events.

Chirag holds MSc in Business Systems Analysis & Design and is a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), TOGAF Certified Architect, BCS Chartered IT Professional and a recipient of Microsoft MVP award every year since 2020. He is also an Approved Chartered Membership Assessor at BCS (British Computer Society).

Chirag is an Independent Consultant & Trainer at Patel Consulting, based in London UK, focusing on enabling secure & compliant collaboration and productivity solutions in organisations using Generative AI, Microsoft 365 and Purview technologies. W... 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, Data Platform, Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Foundry.

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

Microsoft MVP (M365 and AI Platform), MCT

A results oriented consultant with experience in Microsoft Technologies especially with Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Microsoft Azure. Experienced in design, implementation, configuration, and maintenance of several large-scale projects.

Author of books:
➟ Mastering SharePoint Framework (BPB Publications), Amazon bestseller
➟ Understanding Hybrid Environments in SharePoint 2019 (Apress)
➟ Up and Running on Microsoft Viva Connections (Apress)

Organizer of Pune Tech Community (https://www.meetup.com/pune-tech-community/)

Microsoft MVP (M365 and AI Platform), MCT A results oriented consultant with experience in Microsoft Technologies especially with Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Microsoft Azure. Experienced in design, implementation, configuration, and mainten... Show more

Koen Verbeeck is a data professional working at AE. He helps organizations to get insight in their data and to improve their analytics solutions. Koen has over a decade and a half of experience in developing data warehouses, models and reports using the Microsoft data platform. Koen was a Microsoft Data Platform MVP for 8 consecutive years, and 1 year Microsoft Fabric MVP. He has a blog at http://www.sqlkover.com, writes articles for MSSQLTips.com and is a frequent speaker at Microsoft Data Platform events.

Koen Verbeeck is a data professional working at AE. He helps organizations to get insight in their data and to improve their analytics solutions. Koen has over a decade and a half of experience in developing data warehouses, models and reports using ... Show more

Liji Thomas is a seasoned technologist with over 15 years of experience in creating transformative digital experiences. As Engineering Director at H&R Block, she drives innovation by leveraging generative AI to enhance customer experiences and deliver business value. Her expertise spans AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and conversational AI.

Liji is passionate about harnessing AI's transformative potential to revolutionize business and human interaction with technology. A thought leader in the field, she actively shares her insights through speaking engagements, publications, and community involvement. Committed to diversity and inclusion, she mentors aspiring technologists and advocates for the next generation of AI leaders.

Liji Thomas is a seasoned technologist with over 15 years of experience in creating transformative digital experiences. As Engineering Director at H&R Block, she drives innovation by leveraging generative AI to enhance customer experiences and delive... Show more

Help people adopt AI in a way that feels human with "lived intelligence", common sense, empathy. Nurture moving teams from fear of AI to curiosity, creativity, and confident collaboration.

Lead Microsoft Copilot adoption through a people‑first launch, communications, and Champion networks, surfacing real success stories and demonstrating clear value and ROI.

Coach individuals and small businesses to use free, open‑source AI responsibly and creatively.

Founder of MVP Viva Explorers, creator of Viva Origami, and architect of a Microsoft‑endorsed Viva Wayfinder onboarding experience. Co‑author of the adoption chapter in "Microsoft Teams Administration Cookbook", and a regular Microsoft event speaker and blogger.

MVP for 11 years. MCT for 1 year; AB-731 Certification. 15 years at GSK Communications. Proudly “the commsiest person in tech and the techiest person in comms.”

Help people adopt AI in a way that feels human with "lived intelligence", common sense, empathy. Nurture moving teams from fear of AI to curiosity, creativity, and confident collaboration. Lead Microsoft Copilot adoption through a people‑first la... Show more

Jimmy is the creator and maintainer of the popular OSS libraries AutoMapper and MediatR, and the originator of Vertical Slice Architecture. Jimmy is an independent software consultant based in Austin, TX. Jimmy has received the "Microsoft Most Valuable Professional" (MVP) award every year since 2009.

Jimmy is the creator and maintainer of the popular OSS libraries AutoMapper and MediatR, and the originator of Vertical Slice Architecture. Jimmy is an independent software consultant based in Austin, TX. Jimmy has received the "Microsoft Most Valuab... Show more

With over a decade in the Android world, I’ve lived the fast-paced startup life in California before returning to France. Today, I’m leading and managing the Android team at Aircall, where we're building the best phone system for modern businesses.

Beyond Android, I’m passionate about backend development with Kotlin and exploring the possibilities of AR/VR. In 2021, I was honored to become an Android GDE—continuing my mission to share knowledge and grow alongside the amazing Android community.

Outside of work, you’ll find me traveling the globe or on the hunt for the perfect IPA.

With over a decade in the Android world, I’ve lived the fast-paced startup life in California before returning to France. Today, I’m leading and managing the Android team at Aircall, where we're building the best phone system for modern businesses. ... Show more

Alexander is the Lead Data Transformation Architect at Advania in Sweden, where he spends his days helping clients of all shapes and sizes to take better care of - and make more sense of - their data.
He has spent the last 29 years poking around with data, databases, and related infrastructure services such as storage, networking, and virtualization, occasionally emerging from the technical darkness to attend a Star Wars convention somewhere in the world.
He is a long-time Data Platform MVP, frequent international speaker, podcaster, Pluralsight author, blogger, and a Microsoft Certified Trainer, focusing on the Microsoft data platform stack.

Alexander is the Lead Data Transformation Architect at Advania in Sweden, where he spends his days helping clients of all shapes and sizes to take better care of - and make more sense of - their data. He has spent the last 29 years poking around wit... Show more

Dylan Beattie is an independent consultant who has been building data-driven web applications since the 1990s. He’s managed teams, taught workshops, and worked on everything from tiny standalone websites to complex distributed systems. He’s a Microsoft MVP, and he regularly speaks at conferences and user groups all over the world.

Dylan is the creator of the Rockstar programming language, and the founder, vocalist and lead guitarist with The Linebreakers, the world's greatest nerd comedy classic rock disco alt punk covers band.

Dylan Beattie is an independent consultant who has been building data-driven web applications since the 1990s. He’s managed teams, taught workshops, and worked on everything from tiny standalone websites to complex distributed systems. He’s a Microso... Show more

Barbara Forbes is an Azure Architect & consultant at Zure in the Netherlands, a Microsoft Azure MVP, Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and a GitHub Star. She works at the intersection of technology, strategy, education, and development. Her focus is on the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework, Generative AI, Infrastructure as Code, PowerShell, and GitHub.
Barbara loves explaining things in an accessible manner; in person, as a teacher for LinkedIn Learning and as a frequent speaker at conferences and user groups. She is actively involved in the tech community, including being part of the organization of European events

Barbara Forbes is an Azure Architect & consultant at Zure in the Netherlands, a Microsoft Azure MVP, Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and a GitHub Star. She works at the intersection of technology, strategy, education, and development. Her focus is... Show more

Kanwal Khipple is the CEO and Founder of 2toLead, a trailblazing consulting firm dedicated to innovative digital workplace transformations. Over the past decade, he has established himself as a trusted authority in creating engaging, award-winning employee experiences that seamlessly blend design, technology, and human-centric thinking. Recognized by the Nielsen Norman Group for designing two Top 10 Intranets, Kanwal continues to influence how modern organizations enhance collaboration, learning, and performance.

As AI reshapes how employees interact with information and one another, Kanwal focuses on leveraging cutting-edge tools—like personalization engines, intelligent chatbots, and workplace analytics—to drive meaningful, future-ready workplaces. A long-standing Microsoft 365 community contributor and Microsoft and Business Applications MVP since 2009, he frequently speaks on the value of embracing emerging technologies to amplify rather than replace human connection. His mission is to ensure that as we evolve our workplaces with AI, we do so ethically, responsibly, and with enduring human value at the core.

Kanwal Khipple is the CEO and Founder of 2toLead, a trailblazing consulting firm dedicated to innovative digital workplace transformations. Over the past decade, he has established himself as a trusted authority in creating engaging, award-winning em... Show more

Layla is a Microsoft MVP, Progress Champion, 3 times GitHub Star, and former director on the board at the .NET Foundation.
She is the co-founder of November North, a micro-game studio, developing and producing a first-person stealth game titled "The Third Tourist" - go and wishlist it on Steam!

Layla lives in the UK with her husband Jim and dogs, Cookie and Summer.

Layla is a Microsoft MVP, Progress Champion, 3 times GitHub Star, and former director on the board at the .NET Foundation. She is the co-founder of November North, a micro-game studio, developing and producing a first-person stealth game titled "The... Show more

Sander is a SQL Server DBA with over 20 years of experience in IT. He has worked with SQL Server since version 2000 and is a Microsoft MVP.
He is a huge PowerShell enthusiast and will try to automate processes as much as possible.

Sander is a SQL Server DBA with over 20 years of experience in IT. He has worked with SQL Server since version 2000 and is a Microsoft MVP. He is a huge PowerShell enthusiast and will try to automate processes as much as possible. Show more

Microsoft Business Applications & M365 MVP and a loud 😜 advocate for Accessibility, Neurodiversity, Mental Health and Inclusion.

Passionate about technology and delivering amazing and innovative solutions, but also ensuring that all users can use and enjoy - no matter the disability, neurodiversity, or technical expertise.

Very open and vocal about my many years (too many!) of working in the industry, and not hiding my own challenges and battles with Mental Health, Neurodiversity, and Disability.

Outside of tech you will find a proud Nerd & Geek who loves Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Technology and more. A family man and a massive petrol head and sports fan (F1, MotoGP, WEC, Rugby, Cricket... to name just a few) - oh, and a massive collector of Funko Pops and Lego!

Microsoft Business Applications & M365 MVP and a loud 😜 advocate for Accessibility, Neurodiversity, Mental Health and Inclusion. Passionate about technology and delivering amazing and innovative solutions, but also ensuring that all users can use... Show more

Dwayne has been working as a Developer Relations professional since 2015 and has been involved in tech communities since 2005. He loves sharing his knowledge, and he has done so by giving talks at over a hundred events worldwide. Dwayne currently lives in Chicago. Outside of tech, he loves karaoke, live music, and performing improv.

Dwayne has been working as a Developer Relations professional since 2015 and has been involved in tech communities since 2005. He loves sharing his knowledge, and he has done so by giving talks at over a hundred events worldwide. Dwayne currently liv... Show more

Eldert is always enthusiastic about embarking on new journeys with the Cloud, and Azure in particular. He is very passionate about growing his dreams and teams, and goes above and beyond to help those with the same spark. Eldert comes from a background as a cloud solution architect and Technology Lead, was an Azure MVP for 5 consecutive years, and is now working as a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft for Azure Service Bus.

Always having a smile on his face, Eldert can be found delivering noteworthy sessions at in-person conferences, meetups, and online platforms. He values sharing and spreading knowledge while building genuine connections regardless of background and expertise. His goal is to bring people closer and work together to influence the outcome and optimize the future of Cloud technologies.

Eldert is always enthusiastic about embarking on new journeys with the Cloud, and Azure in particular. He is very passionate about growing his dreams and teams, and goes above and beyond to help those with the same spark. Eldert comes from a backgrou... Show more

Erland Sommarskog is an independent consultant based in Stockholm. He has worked with SQL Server since 1991. He was first awarded SQL Server MVP in 2001, and he has been re-awarded every year since. His focus is on systems development with the SQL Server Database Engine and his passion is to help people to write better SQL Server applications.

Erland Sommarskog is an independent consultant based in Stockholm. He has worked with SQL Server since 1991. He was first awarded SQL Server MVP in 2001, and he has been re-awarded every year since. His focus is on systems development with the SQL Se... Show more

Wolfgang Strasser, an experienced data consultant at ACP CUBIDO in Austria, specializes in leveraging the Microsoft Data Platform to drive analytics and data strategy transformations. With extensive experience in SQL Server, Azure Data Services, Power BI, and Microsoft Fabric, Wolfgang has established himself as a key resource for businesses aiming to optimize their data processes.

As a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Wolfgang has a proven track record of excellence in data architecture, analytics, and data governance. He first was awarded in 2015 and since then rewarded every year.

Wolfgang's commitment to the data community is evident through his active participation in national and international conferences, workshops, and online platforms, where he shares insights, best practices, and technical knowledge. He is one of the organizers of Data Community Austria Day (Data Saturday Vienna).

Wolfgang Strasser, an experienced data consultant at ACP CUBIDO in Austria, specializes in leveraging the Microsoft Data Platform to drive analytics and data strategy transformations. With extensive experience in SQL Server, Azure Data Services, Powe... Show more

I am a Chief Level Microsoft 365 Architect and recognized Microsoft MVP for Teams and Microsoft 365 Copilot, bringing 12+ years of leadership in architecting, securing, and deploying complex Microsoft 365 solutions for Federal, State, and Local Government agencies and large Enterprise Customers. My core mandate is solving technically intricate Microsoft requirements involving compliance and cross-platform integration.

My expertise spans the entire solution lifecycle, from rigorous presales TCO analysis and high-assurance security design to global deployment and measurable user adoption. I specialize in environments requiring stringent security and compliance postures (e.g., GCC, GCC High, DoD requirements).

Core Technical & Domain Leadership:
• Advanced UC Architecture: Expertise in solving complex PSTN requirements globally, utilizing Operator Connect, Direct Routing (SBC/SIP trunk configuration, media bypass), and migration strategies from legacy voice platforms. I specialize in integrating Zoom and Cisco Experience (CUCM, Webex) environments with Teams via CVI and interop gateways.
• AI and Custom Development: Leading the technical implementation of Generative AI productivity tools. This includes leveraging Copilot Studio for low-code/no-code custom bot creation, sophisticated data connection configuration, and architecting the secure deployment of Copilot Chat across restricted tenants.
• Compliance & Telecom Expertise: Deep-dive technical knowledge of global telecom regulations, including E.164 normalization, emergency calling (E911/NextGen 911), and Lawful Intercept requirements. This expertise ensures technical compliance and de-risks deployment across diverse regulatory jurisdictions for both government and enterprise clients.
• M365 Security & Governance: Architecting security and compliance baselines using Purview, Entra ID (conditional access, MFA), and Defender to meet specific governmental and highly regulated industry standards while maintaining user productivity.

I serve as a high-impact technical leader, driving innovation, securing mission-critical communications, and translating complex architectural diagrams into successful, compliant business outcomes for the world's most demanding organizations.

I am a Chief Level Microsoft 365 Architect and recognized Microsoft MVP for Teams and Microsoft 365 Copilot, bringing 12+ years of leadership in architecting, securing, and deploying complex Microsoft 365 solutions for Federal, State, and Local Gover... Show more

Rik helps organisations use Cloud better as CEO and co-founder of Zure UK. Whether that is a new adoption where governance and management are key, or an application modernisation project where technology choice and team knowledge are important factors in success.
Through his public speaking and community involvement, Rik is a recipient of the Microsoft MVP Programme award for his work with Azure. He is also proud to be a member of the Microsoft Regional Director Programme. As an event organiser, speaker and lapsed blogger, Rik is keen to share his knowledge with the community, and encourage and support others as they do the same.
His grey hair is an indication of how long he has worked in IT, and in that time he's done most things you'd expect of an IT Pro: From crawling under floors pulling cables, to managing large scale automated OS rollouts, to architecting solutions for on-premises and cloud. Now he spends more time working with his customers' management, sharing that breadth of experience and learning.

Rik helps organisations use Cloud better as CEO and co-founder of Zure UK. Whether that is a new adoption where governance and management are key, or an application modernisation project where technology choice and team knowledge are important factor... Show more

Renuka Kelkar is a trailblazing figure in the tech industry, known for her multifaceted roles as Co-Founder of ARNA Genext Solutions, Google Developer Expert for Flutter and Dart, and Founder of the TechPowerGirls Community. With a passion for fostering diversity and inclusion, she serves as an organizer for GDG London and a WomenTechmaker ambassador. Renuka's impactful contributions were recognized with the prestigious Diversity and Inclusion Award from Google in 2023. Her dynamic speaking prowess has earned her the prestigious title of Most Active Speaker for the past two years consecutively on Sessionize, cementing her reputation as a driving force in the tech community.

Renuka Kelkar is a trailblazing figure in the tech industry, known for her multifaceted roles as Co-Founder of ARNA Genext Solutions, Google Developer Expert for Flutter and Dart, and Founder of the TechPowerGirls Community. With a passion for fost... Show more

Data Platform professional based in the Netherlands. Microsoft Certified Trainer and dual-category MVP for Data Platform and Developer Technologies.

Many years experience with Microsoft Data Platforms. Along the way gained various Microsoft Certifications.

Held various roles over the years. Over that tome gained real-life experience with various Microsoft Data Platform offerings and ALM solutions such as Azure Devops and GitHub.

Involved with Microsoft technical community in various ways. Including blogs, videos, events and sharing various repositories in GitHub.

Data Platform professional based in the Netherlands. Microsoft Certified Trainer and dual-category MVP for Data Platform and Developer Technologies. Many years experience with Microsoft Data Platforms. Along the way gained various Microsoft Certif... Show more

Juan Carlos is a Telecommunications Engineer with more than 23 years of experience in diverse Microsoft products and technologies with a strong background in the SharePoint platform; although he currently works as Microsoft 365 SME & Delivery Manager skilled in Microsoft 365, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Teams, the Power Platform and SharePoint platforms. Juan Carlos is a Microsoft 365 & Microsoft 365 Copilot MVP that received his first MVP award in 2008. He is also co-editor and co-director of the free Spanish digital magazine about Microsoft Products and Technologies: CompartiMOSS (www.compartimoss.com). To date, Juan Carlos has co-authored 21 books and several articles about Microsoft 365 &SharePoint platforms in Spanish and English.

Juan Carlos is a Telecommunications Engineer with more than 23 years of experience in diverse Microsoft products and technologies with a strong background in the SharePoint platform; although he currently works as Microsoft 365 SME & Delivery Manage... Show more

Thomas is presently serving as a Master Software Engineer. He leads a team of testers, ops engineers, and production support analysts in the adoption of DevOps practices. Previously, he led the enterprise automation support of 73 applications at Huntington National Bank that encompassed testing, metrics & reporting, and data management. Thomas has a background in Physics & Biophysics, with over a decade spent in research science studying fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy before joining IT.

Thomas is presently serving as a Master Software Engineer. He leads a team of testers, ops engineers, and production support analysts in the adoption of DevOps practices. Previously, he led the enterprise automation support of 73 applications at Hunt... 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