Rie Merritt has been working with SQL Server since 1999, when she started as a data analyst for a non-profit. She has worked in many industries over the years including pharmaceutical, e-commerce, legal, financial, education and both federal & state government. She is currently Principal PM Manager with Microsoft Azure Data, serving as the Influencers, Community & Events lead. She is liaison between the product group and Influencers, User Groups, MVPs & Super Users, and her team owns the FabCon workstream for Engineering. She is based out of Redmond, but works remotely from her home near Atlanta.

Since 2010, Rie has done extensive work with the SQL Community. She was an MVP in the Data Platform for three years, speaking frequently at conferences across the US and moderating webinars, WIT panels and career panels. She has also served co-leader of the Women in Technology Virtual Group and Executive Director of SQL Saturday Atlanta. Currently, Rie helps run the Atlanta Azure Data User Group heading up Microsoft’s efforts for the Azure Data Community.

Rie Merritt has been working with SQL Server since 1999, when she started as a data analyst for a non-profit. She has worked in many industries over the years including pharmaceutical, e-commerce, legal, financial, education and both federal & state ... Show more

Poornima is a .Net developer with over 10 years of experience in .Net. She is passionate about learning new technologies and keeping herself up-to-date with the latest developments in technology. Outside her work, Poornima enjoys music and is undergoing training in Indian Classical music. Based in Langley, UK she mothers a little girl and spends her spare time reading, cooking and watching movies.

Poornima is a .Net developer with over 10 years of experience in .Net. She is passionate about learning new technologies and keeping herself up-to-date with the latest developments in technology. Outside her work, Poornima enjoys music and is undergo... Show more

Co-Author of 'Coaching for Learning; the Art and Practice' and 'Create Your Dojo; Upskilling Your Organization for Digital Evolution,' Joel helps organizations evolve through learning. This combines a blend of XP, agile, lean, devops and product thinking practices all to embrace learning in the context of work.
With deep experience in architecture modernization, blending product discovery with delivery and architecture, and systems thinking, Joel helps organizations make it easier for their teams to do great work.

Co-Author of 'Coaching for Learning; the Art and Practice' and 'Create Your Dojo; Upskilling Your Organization for Digital Evolution,' Joel helps organizations evolve through learning. This combines a blend of XP, agile, lean, devops and product thi... Show more

Maxim Salnikov is a tech and cloud community enthusiast based in Oslo. With over two decades of experience as a web developer, he shares his extensive knowledge of the web platform, cloud computing, and AI by speaking at and providing training for developer events worldwide. By day, Maxim plays a crucial role in supporting the development of cloud and AI solutions within European companies, serving as the Senior Solution Engineer at Microsoft focusing on the AI-native developer tools & platforms. During evenings, he can be found running events for Norway's largest web and cloud development communities. Maxim is passionate about exploring and experimenting with Generative AI possibilities, including AI-assisted development. To share his insights and connect with like-minded professionals globally, he founded and organized the inaugural Prompt Engineering Conference, the first of its kind on a global scale.

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Invite me to speak at your event using this form: http://bit.ly/maxim-salnikov-speaker-request

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Some recordings of my talks:
https://bit.ly/maxim-salnikov-speaker-youtube
https://bit.ly/maxim-salnikov-speaker-vimeo

Photo:
https://1drv.ms/u/s!Avpv7Yyu9iPQgbQBC3apUEc5RQlXJg?e=7pxwjF

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

Devlin Basilan Duldulao is a Senior Consultant at Crayon Consulting based in Oslo, Norway, specializing in full-stack cloud engineering and modern web technologies. A recognized Microsoft MVP, Devlin is a prolific contributor to the global tech community as an international conference speaker, trainer, and open-source enthusiast. He is also an accomplished author, having written three books on full-stack enterprise development tools, including React, Spring Boot, and DotNet.

Devlin Basilan Duldulao is a Senior Consultant at Crayon Consulting based in Oslo, Norway, specializing in full-stack cloud engineering and modern web technologies. A recognized Microsoft MVP, Devlin is a prolific contributor to the global tech commu... Show more

I am Clément SERAFIN, architect and MVP on Microsoft 365.
Specialized in tenant 365 migrations during merge & acquisitions, I currently advise companies on several areas of Microsoft 365:
– Entra ID (Security, IAM)
– Teams (Call center, Teams Premium, Mesh)
– Exchange Online / Hybrid (Migration, Security)
– Copilot 365
– Defender for Office 365
– PowerShell advanced automation (Graph, Xaml Gui)

I am Clément SERAFIN, architect and MVP on Microsoft 365. Specialized in tenant 365 migrations during merge & acquisitions, I currently advise companies on several areas of Microsoft 365: – Entra ID (Security, IAM) – Teams (Call center, Teams Prem... Show more

I've been working as a .NET developer for over 16 years now in a variety of industries including government, retail and manufacturing. But I've been hacking around with computer code since I was old enough to read my Dad's copy of the ZX Spectrum BASIC coders manual.

I've been speaking about Functional C# at various user groups and conferences around the UK, USA, Europe and Australia and am particularly interested in seeing just how far we can push C# without breaking it.

In 2023 I released my first technical book: "Functional Programming with C#", published by O'Reilly Media.

When I'm not coding, or running after my two small children, I have been known to enjoy the classic series of Doctor Who, Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks, Cryptic Crosswords, and rather more coffee than is probably good for me.

I've been working as a .NET developer for over 16 years now in a variety of industries including government, retail and manufacturing. But I've been hacking around with computer code since I was old enough to read my Dad's copy of the ZX Spectrum BAS... Show more

I have a degree in computer science, a passion for modeling and data analysis with Power BI, 13 years of experience in BI and 9 years with Power BI, and my entire career working with data and business metrics.

I have a degree in computer science, a passion for modeling and data analysis with Power BI, 13 years of experience in BI and 9 years with Power BI, and my entire career working with data and business metrics. 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

Emiliano is a Uruguayan-Spanish software developer, Microsoft MVP in Developer Technologies, and passionate community advocate based in Tenerife. He’s also a proud dad, balancing family life with a deep commitment to tech and community.

As Team Lead at Intelequia Technologies, he drives the design of scalable cloud solutions using Microsoft technologies, blending strategic vision with hands-on execution. With years of experience tackling complex challenges, Emiliano brings strong expertise in cloud architecture and team leadership.

A frequent speaker and blogger, he shares practical insights to support and mentor the global developer community—giving back to the ecosystem that shaped his own journey.

Emiliano is a Uruguayan-Spanish software developer, Microsoft MVP in Developer Technologies, and passionate community advocate based in Tenerife. He’s also a proud dad, balancing family life with a deep commitment to tech and community. As Team Le... Show more

Peter Zaitsev is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Percona, Coroot and other tech companies. As one of the leading experts in Open Source strategy and database optimization, Peter has applied his technical knowledge and entrepreneurial drive to contribute as a board member and advisor to several open source startups. Additionally, Peter is the co-author of the book "High Performance MySQL: Optimization, Backup and Replication," one of the most popular books on MySQL performance.

Peter Zaitsev is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Percona, Coroot and other tech companies. As one of the leading experts in Open Source strategy and database optimization, Peter has applied his technical knowledge and entrepreneurial drive to contr... Show more

Dean Schuster has been envisioning and creating human-centered digital products since the advent of the commercial web. He is founder and owner of the user experience strategy firm truematter, leading the team to help national and international organizations change the way they do business online. He travels all over the world to speak and teach, mentoring professionals and challenging teams to a higher standard for digital experiences.

Dean is also an avid ultra-marathoner and trail racer, often found in out-of-the-way places, including Antarctica.

Dean Schuster has been envisioning and creating human-centered digital products since the advent of the commercial web. He is founder and owner of the user experience strategy firm truematter, leading the team to help national and international organ... Show more

Dave Stokes has worked for organizations ranging alphabetically from the American Heart Association to Xerox in areas ranging from anti-submarine warfare to webmaster. He lives in a small Texas town with the required hound dog and pickup truck. Dave is the Author of MySQL & JSON - A Practical Programming Guide, now in a second edition.

Dave Stokes has worked for organizations ranging alphabetically from the American Heart Association to Xerox in areas ranging from anti-submarine warfare to webmaster. He lives in a small Texas town with the required hound dog and pickup truck. Dave... Show more

John Morehouse is a Principal Consultant with Denny Cherry & Associates Consulting living in Chesapeake, Virginia. Honored to be a Microsoft Data Platform MVP & former VMWare vExpert, having over 2 decades of technical experience, John now focuses on solving crucial business problems with Microsoft SQL Server oriented solutions. John has a passion around speaking, teaching technical topics and giving back to his community whenever possible. He is a blogger, avid tweeter, and a frequent speaker at conferences and user groups whenever possible. If you want to find John, you can find him on Twitter (@sqlrus) or on his blog, http://sqlrus.com.

John Morehouse is a Principal Consultant with Denny Cherry & Associates Consulting living in Chesapeake, Virginia. Honored to be a Microsoft Data Platform MVP & former VMWare vExpert, having over 2 decades of technical experience, John now focuses on... Show more

Sandra Kiel's multifaceted career is a testament to her relentless pursuit of innovation and transformation. As an "innovation nerd" she brings a unique blend of insight and expertise to every endeavor. Sandra's dynamic skill set is rooted in over 15 years of experience in project and event management across various sectors, with a significant impact in IT projects.

Her approach is distinct; Sandra focuses on the human element in technology, prioritizing processes and people over mere technical excellence. As a Mixed Reality MVP recognized by Microsoft, she has proven her expertise in the cutting-edge realm of mixed reality, adding another feather to her cap of technical accomplishments.

Sandra co-founded Event Punks, an innovative agency that specializes in metaverse and gaming solutions, showcasing her forward-thinking vision and ability to stay ahead of digital trends. Her work in this space underlines her commitment to exploring new frontiers in technology and digital engagement.

A staunch advocate for community development, Sandra believes in empowering people through digitization, constantly questioning how we will live and work in the future. This people-first perspective in digitization drives her to mentor, coach, and consult, sharing her rich experience and knowledge.

Sandra Kiel is not just a participant in the digital revolution; she is a leading voice, shaping the conversation and paving the way for future innovations.

Sandra Kiel's multifaceted career is a testament to her relentless pursuit of innovation and transformation. As an "innovation nerd" she brings a unique blend of insight and expertise to every endeavor. Sandra's dynamic skill set is rooted in over 15... Show more

Marcel Meurer has a vast history in IT Consulting and the development of solutions and tools. Today, he is Vice President for Azure Solutions at LoginVSI and has a long history of doing and leading professional IT services.

His technical focus is on Microsoft Azure platform services, and he has been recognized as a Microsoft Azure MVP since 2016, having also been honored with the Azure Virtual Desktop MVP award.

Since 2021, Marcel has also run the company ITProCloud GmbH. The company focuses on delivering cloud-based solutions for all types of companies. The well-known solutions for managing Azure Virtual Desktop easily and automatically are Hydra for Azure Virtual Desktop or WVDAdmin. ITProCloud was acquired in 2025 by LoginVSI, which continues to create the right solution for the right purpose and make it available to customers.

Marcel's journey in the IT industry began in the early 1990s, a time when personal computers were just emerging (and before that, the Commodore 64 was the norm). His focus on assembler and hardware-related programming, particularly in the context of the IoT of the 1990s, showcases his early dedication and passion for the field.

In 1995, he began studying electrical engineering. During his studies, machine learning and neural networks were among his favorite topics. In addition to his studies, he worked for a small computer company in Aachen, where he developed operating systems and applications using automated methods on multiple computers.

Marcel Meurer graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Applied Sciences Aachen.

Marcel Meurer has a vast history in IT Consulting and the development of solutions and tools. Today, he is Vice President for Azure Solutions at LoginVSI and has a long history of doing and leading professional IT services. His technical focus is ... Show more

Matteo is a Cloud Solution Architect in the ABS Tech Strategy - AI Stack team in Microsoft. In his role, he works with global companies to build innovative projects for the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, based on the latest innovations in the AI & applications development space. He has a strong passion for knowledge sharing and he supports the developer community by writing articles, blog posts and books and by speaking at conferences all around the world. Before joining Microsoft, he was a Microsoft MVP in the Windows Development category and a Nokia Developer Champion for almost 5 years.

Matteo is a Cloud Solution Architect in the ABS Tech Strategy - AI Stack team in Microsoft. In his role, he works with global companies to build innovative projects for the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, based on the latest innovations in the AI & applicat... Show more

Heini is a math teacher turned Azure expert. With her background in mathematics and teaching, she has a great passion for problem solving, simplifying complex things and a unique approach to architectures.
She is a Co-founder at Bruvo and a Data Platform MVP, specializing in Azure infrastructure and the data platform. She has been working with customers large and small for the past several years to help them sort out their path to the cloud and make sense of their architecture - both hybrid and cloud. She has worked extensively with both Azure infrastructure and analytics solutions, and makes the most of this skillset in her projects, as well as while speaking. On her free time Heini spends time in the nature, either snowboarding or mountain biking, depending on the season.

Heini is a math teacher turned Azure expert. With her background in mathematics and teaching, she has a great passion for problem solving, simplifying complex things and a unique approach to architectures. She is a Co-founder at Bruvo and a Data Pla... Show more

I'm Michel Murabito, Mich to my friends! Born in 1986 in Turin with Sicilian roots, I now live in Milan. My journey in software began at 12, coding for fun. At 18, I started my first job as a software developer and have continuously sought new challenges to grow and learn. Today,

I'm a Tech Evangelist @Fractal Cloud and a Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) Ambassador, sharing my passion for cloud native technologies with a community of curious minds. I'm also an organizer of the Cloud Native Days Italy (formerly KCD Italy) and KCD San Francisco Bay Area, fostering collaboration and innovation within the cloud native ecosystem.

I'm Michel Murabito, Mich to my friends! Born in 1986 in Turin with Sicilian roots, I now live in Milan. My journey in software began at 12, coding for fun. At 18, I started my first job as a software developer and have continuously sought new challe... Show more

Jorgen is working as a principal consultant at Onevinn in Sweden. He has been working as a consultant since 1993 with a focus on Enterprise Client Management and System Management. Involved in many projects and also a Microsoft Certified Trainer, Microsoft Security MVP and Windows and Devices MVP, deliver training's mostly on Intune and Windows 11. Jörgen is also an appreciated speaker at event like Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft Techdays, Microsoft Management Summit(MMS), TechED, Techorama, TechMentor and Workplace Ninjas.

Jorgen is working as a principal consultant at Onevinn in Sweden. He has been working as a consultant since 1993 with a focus on Enterprise Client Management and System Management. Involved in many projects and also a Microsoft Certified Trainer, Mic... Show more

Marc is a Sr Developer Advocate at Diagrid and enjoys sharing knowledge on how to build distributed applications. He's one of the Dapr Community Managers, and he loves helping developers to achieve more every day.

You might have seen Marc at a developer meetup or conference, since he's a regular speaker and event-organizer in the area of Dapr, Azure cloud, and serverless technologies. From 2019 to 2025 Marc received the Microsoft Azure MVP award for his community contributions.

In his spare time, Marc likes to give attention to the creative part of his brain. He likes to create pixel art (check out VSCode Pets), code visuals & music, and create an occasional retro game.

Marc is a Sr Developer Advocate at Diagrid and enjoys sharing knowledge on how to build distributed applications. He's one of the Dapr Community Managers, and he loves helping developers to achieve more every day. You might have seen Marc at a dev... Show more

Mike Maadarani is a Microsoft Copilot & M365 MVP, a board member of the Microsoft Global Community Initiative, and a Cloud Solutions Architect who has been providing strategic solutions surrounding architecture, planning, migration and governance for medium to large-scale organization. With 30 years of IT industry experience, Mike spent the last few years managing and delivering collaboration solutions to a wide range of mid to large scale projects. He is an evangelist and visionary where he can and provide the business and technical leadership required for delivering successful global Microsoft 365 projects. This has giving him the opportunity to work with great talented colleagues and people who I have a lot of respect for their passion and dedication.

He is an active member in the Microsoft 365 community and have spoken in many Microsoft conferences, local events, and corporate functions.

Mike Maadarani is a Microsoft Copilot & M365 MVP, a board member of the Microsoft Global Community Initiative, and a Cloud Solutions Architect who has been providing strategic solutions surrounding architecture, planning, migration and governance for... Show more

Guy works for Redis as a Developer Advocate. Combining his decades of experience in writing software with a passion for learning—and for sharing what he has learned—Guy explores interesting topics and spreads the knowledge he has gained around developer communities worldwide.

Teaching and community have long been a focus for Guy. He ran a local JavaScript meetup in Ohio for more than a decade and has served on the selection committees of numerous conferences. He'll happily speak anywhere that will have him and has even has helped teach programming at a prison in Central Ohio.

In his personal life, Guy is a hard-boiled geek interested in role-playing games, science fiction, and technology. He also has a slightly less geeky interest in history and linguistics. He has an entire wall of role-playing games and science fiction books, speaks Spanish like a two-year old, and is a ham radio operator—callsign W8GUY.

Guy lives in Ohio with his wife. His three sons are adults now and are all moved out. He is immensely proud of the men they have become.

Guy works for Redis as a Developer Advocate. Combining his decades of experience in writing software with a passion for learning—and for sharing what he has learned—Guy explores interesting topics and spreads the knowledge he has gained around develo... Show more

Katerina, an MVP, MCT, and renowned public speaker, focuses on Power Platform & AI. With twenty years of experience and key certifications in PROSCI, PMI, Power Platform Solution Architect, she leads in app development, AI, and adaptive work models. Active in the Microsoft community, Katerina mentors new tech talent and supports innovation. Katerina takes part in the #SharingIsCaring initiative, guiding community contributions to the Microsoft Sample Solution Gallery.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerinachernevskaya/

Katerina, an MVP, MCT, and renowned public speaker, focuses on Power Platform & AI. With twenty years of experience and key certifications in PROSCI, PMI, Power Platform Solution Architect, she leads in app development, AI, and adaptive work models. ... Show more

Glenn is a software engineer and tech speaker who loves building modern web applications with React, TypeScript, and AI. He's passionate about design systems, exploring how AI can enhance interactive experiences, and teaching developers to build better products. Outside of tech, he's either traveling the world, diving underwater, cycling, or making music on his guitar.

Glenn is a software engineer and tech speaker who loves building modern web applications with React, TypeScript, and AI. He's passionate about design systems, exploring how AI can enhance interactive experiences, and teaching developers to build bett... Show more

Jens is Head of Product, CatMan at Redslim, driving the BI as a Service team as well as custom build & deliver projects.
The tech stack is wide, as Jens has a couple of decades in the industry, focusing on mainly Business Intelligence tools, but is also keen on Powershell, C#, Azure and Microsoft Fabric in general.
Jens is 9 years in a row Microsoft Data Platform MVP and a frequent speaker at both local and international events.

Jens is Head of Product, CatMan at Redslim, driving the BI as a Service team as well as custom build & deliver projects. The tech stack is wide, as Jens has a couple of decades in the industry, focusing on mainly Business Intelligence tools, but is ... Show more

As a Senior Solutions Architect at Pulumi with over 15 years of experience in the IT industry, including roles at the Schwarz Group and W&W Versicherungen, I bring extensive expertise with an end-user and enterprise focus. Currently working for a startup while collaborating with enterprise clients has further enriched my experience!

I began my career as a Java backend developer, transitioned to frontend development, and ultimately specialized in CI/CD and DevOps. Working with ANT and Cruise Control to switch to Jenkins and Microsoft Team Foundation Server added some traumas on top! But as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

I have now embraced the dynamic world of DevOps and Platform Engineering, leveraging cloud technologies and Kubernetes.

Recently, I have been exploring AI to find ways to make myself redundant in the future.

As a Senior Solutions Architect at Pulumi with over 15 years of experience in the IT industry, including roles at the Schwarz Group and W&W Versicherungen, I bring extensive expertise with an end-user and enterprise focus. Currently working for a sta... Show more

Sara has over 25 years’ experience, has been a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) for over 15 years and is also a MCT Community Lead and Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) for Microsoft 365.

Sara has been working with Microsoft 365 since the preview in April 2011 and holds over 50 Microsoft Certifications. Sara’s company still use the same Microsoft 365 Tenant opened back in 2011.

As a trainer Sara’s professional aim is to help make technology more accessible by increasing knowledge and decreasing fear. In her own words “I love helping others advance their own skills and use of technology, whilst challenging myself to advance my own skills and expertise.”

Sara delivers training across Microsoft 365 from beginner to admin level, specialising in productivity, data security, and compliance. She is a recognised expert in Microsoft 365 Copilot, having authored multiple courses and supported organisations with adoption strategies and governance planning.

Sara has over 25 years’ experience, has been a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) for over 15 years and is also a MCT Community Lead and Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) for Microsoft 365. Sara has been working with Microsoft 365 since th... Show more

Hi, I’m Michiel Hamers — a Principal Cloud Expert, Implementation Manager, Trainer, and former Microsoft MVP with over 25 years of experience in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Since 2000, I’ve been helping organizations successfully adopt and optimize Microsoft technologies, with a focus on Azure, cloud architecture, performance, and cost management. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and experienced consultant, I bridge strategy and execution, guiding both public and private sector teams through complex technical transformations.

I regularly speak at international conferences such as Developer Week, PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit, Global Azure, AzConf Chennai, Azure Fest, DevConf APG, FutureTech, and Dutch Cloud Meetup. I’m passionate about delivering hands-on workshops and tailored in-company trainings, helping teams sharpen their Azure, automation, and application lifecycle skills.

My mission is clear: help people and organizations get the most out of the cloud — with control, clarity, and confidence. Whether coaching colleagues, giving workshops, or advising on cloud-native modernization, I combine deep technical knowledge with a pragmatic, people-focused approach.

When I’m not working, I enjoy life with Sandra — cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. For me, technology is about empowering people, not just systems.

Let’s connect and build something great together.

Hi, I’m Michiel Hamers — a Principal Cloud Expert, Implementation Manager, Trainer, and former Microsoft MVP with over 25 years of experience in the Microsoft ecosystem. Since 2000, I’ve been helping organizations successfully adopt and optimize M... Show more

Nicola Paro is a Solution Architect in beanTech with over 10 years of experience in the industry, with a special focus on the Industrial IoT environment. He is passionate about software development, primarily using .NET, Blazor, and AI technologies.

Nicola Paro is a Solution Architect in beanTech with over 10 years of experience in the industry, with a special focus on the Industrial IoT environment. He is passionate about software development, primarily using .NET, Blazor, and AI technologies. Show more