Developer / DBA / Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) focusing on Microsoft's Data Platform, AI, Azure, IoT and Security.
Developing information and multimedia systems, DBA, project and IT management, for over 26 years.
Speaker with over 320+ sessions delivered since 2015 at international conferences and community events (mostly in-person before pandemic times) on multiple technologies, Internet Governance and Human Rights, as well as volunteer and moderator.
Organiser and founder at technical communities: IT Pro Portugal, PowerShell Portugal, Data Community Portugal, and multiple other online communities such as IPv6 Portugal, DNSSEC Portugal, etc.
Organiser of technical events: Global AI Bootcamp Lisboa, Global Power Platform Bootcamp Lisboa, Ctrl-Alt-Shell, Ctrl-Alt-Xmas, Global Diversity CFP Day Lisboa, Power BI Roadshow Lisboa, Programar Saturday, Community Evenings, etc.
Go to https://Andy.PT and you'll know the same as the NSA...

Developer / DBA / Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) focusing on Microsoft's Data Platform, AI, Azure, IoT and Security. Developing information and multimedia systems, DBA, project and IT management, for over 26 years. Speaker with over 320+ session... Show more

Hi there, I’m Chris!

I'm a seasoned tech leader, keynote speaker, and technology consultant with expertise across the full tech stack, from enterprise architecture and data platforms to advanced AI (including Agentic AI and Responsible AI / Trustworthy AI). I’ve led large-scale, high-value enterprise projects and initiatives across industries (with a strong focus on government), helping organizations harness emerging technology responsibly to solve real-world challenges - I try to remove the fluff and cut to solving the real problem.

My style is bold, straight-talking, and deeply authentic. I'm a natural connector who brings people together to spark collaboration and creativity. A lifelong tinkerer and excessively curious, I thrive on exploring new ideas and building communities around innovation. I encourage teams to think differently, color outside the lines, and always remember to stay human in a tech-driven world.

As an international keynote speaker, I've energized audiences with talks on AI, Ethics in Tech, data strategy, and true concepts around digital transformation, infusing humor and real-talk into every session. Whether I'm advising C-suite leaders on AI strategy or coaching teams on the latest tech, my goal is to inspire innovation, enable people to do awesome things and drive positive change. If you're on the verge of the next big breakthrough and need a dynamic speaker or consultant, let's connect. I'm all about helping to #BuildAwesomeThings and making sure we all #StayExtraHuman along the way.

Hi there, I’m Chris! I'm a seasoned tech leader, keynote speaker, and technology consultant with expertise across the full tech stack, from enterprise architecture and data platforms to advanced AI (including Agentic AI and Responsible AI / Trustw... Show more

Erin is currently the Enterprise Architect at Trean Corporation in Wayzata, MN, USA. From 2023-25, Erin was a Data Platform MVP for her involvement in the SQL Server/Fabric community. She has been working with SQL Server for over 20 years, both as a developer and a database administrator. Over the past several years, PowerShell and Azure DevOps have become areas of focus.

Erin is currently the Enterprise Architect at Trean Corporation in Wayzata, MN, USA. From 2023-25, Erin was a Data Platform MVP for her involvement in the SQL Server/Fabric community. She has been working with SQL Server for over 20 years, both as a ... Show more

I'm a dual Microsoft MVP in the categories: Azure and Security. With more than eighteen years of experience in large-scale global IT environments, I specialize in Modern Endpoint Management, Enterprise Mobility and Security, and Microsoft Azure. I currently manage an endpoint engineering team in a Healthcare organization in the U.S.
I’m a global speaker, I hold 20+ technical certifications. Beyond engineering leadership, I’m a mentor and advocate for diversity and inclusion in technology; I won a Global Award for Leadership in 2025 from the WomenTech Network. I thrive by empowering fellow professionals through community-driven learning, purposeful guidance, and accessible technical education.

I'm a dual Microsoft MVP in the categories: Azure and Security. With more than eighteen years of experience in large-scale global IT environments, I specialize in Modern Endpoint Management, Enterprise Mobility and Security, and Microsoft Azure. I cu... Show more

Dieter is a Microsoft MVP for Azure and an experienced IT architect, certified since 2012. He focuses on designing clear, scalable enterprise architectures, with a strong emphasis on domain-driven thinking and practical cloud governance.
As a TOGAF-certified architect, he helps large distributed organisations simplify complex landscapes, align business domains, and build integration strategies that actually work across countries and teams.
He speaks at events about cloud architecture, enterprise integration, and the real lessons learned from modernising systems, adopting AI, and running global platforms without unnecessary complexity.

Dieter is a Microsoft MVP for Azure and an experienced IT architect, certified since 2012. He focuses on designing clear, scalable enterprise architectures, with a strong emphasis on domain-driven thinking and practical cloud governance. As a TOGAF-... Show more

I'm a Microsoft MVP in Business Applications who thinks the Power Platform community spent a decade treating "code" like a swear word. Now AI is generating JavaScript, React, and Python faster than most can review it. The real skill isn't generating code - it's deciding what NOT to build.

My journey in IT started in high school with ASP.NET and Android apps. I got serious about Microsoft technologies through the Student Partners program and joined the Czech Microsoft team in 2016, supporting startups through BizSpark. That's where I discovered Dynamics XRM and got hooked on the platform's potential - and its pain points.

Fellow MVP Jan Hajek and I started NETWORG to build Microsoft business applications the way professional developers expect: Dataverse plugins in C#, PCF components, custom connectors, automated testing with Playwright, and Azure DevOps pipelines that deploy code, infrastructure, and configuration as one unit. We adopted CI/CD and DevOps practices early because we kept hitting the ceiling of what point-and-click tooling could deliver.

I'm skeptical about AI hype. LLMs are excellent tools for working with unstructured information - but treating them like magic hurts adoption more than it helps. I focus on what actually works in production: architecture patterns documentation doesn't cover, real failures and workarounds, and why your AI-generated code still needs someone who understands what it's doing.

My sessions cover pro-developer experiences: Git monorepos, CI/CD pipelines, security internals, governance at scale, and AI-assisted full-stack development. If you've built a Power Platform app that grew beyond Excel automation into something mission-critical - and realized the tooling doesn't match the complexity anymore - these sessions are for you.

I organize the CZ/SK Power Platform User Group meetup at the Czech Microsoft office. Join us at https://ppug.community.

I'm a Microsoft MVP in Business Applications who thinks the Power Platform community spent a decade treating "code" like a swear word. Now AI is generating JavaScript, React, and Python faster than most can review it. The real skill isn't generating ... Show more

I build and teach how to build awesome fullstack applications. I work as a DevRel Engineer at PowerSync, I'm a core team member of Solid.js, and I make content on YouTube and Twitch. I talk about web development, architecture, reactive programming, home brewing coffee, and heavy metal music.

I build and teach how to build awesome fullstack applications. I work as a DevRel Engineer at PowerSync, I'm a core team member of Solid.js, and I make content on YouTube and Twitch. I talk about web development, architecture, reactive programming, h... Show more

Pamela Paterson, MS, CBAP, PMP, is a speaker, best-selling author of 12 books, and senior tech consultant specializing in business systems analysis and project management. With a strong background in systems engineering and experience working with over 100 organizations, Pamela has delivered workshops, webinars, and presentations worldwide and authored 10 books, including two international best-sellers. Pamela has also taught project management for over ten years in Toronto, Canada. In 2023, 2024, and 2025 she stands out as one of the most active speakers on Sessionize. For more details, visit her LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelapaterson/, or contact her at pamelatheba@gmail.com.

Pamela Paterson, MS, CBAP, PMP, is a speaker, best-selling author of 12 books, and senior tech consultant specializing in business systems analysis and project management. With a strong background in systems engineering and experience working with ov... Show more

I am the Application Modernization Practice Lead at Protiviti, with over 22 years of experience helping organizations enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and optimize CRM systems. My extensive background in delivering programs and architecture has allowed me to work successfully with multiple clients.

In 2022, I was promoted to Associate Director after serving as a Senior Manager, marking two promotions within the last six years.

I effectively engage with all organizational levels to drive success. Early in my career, I contributed to the growth of an emerging company's IT department, leading a team of developers and designing innovative solutions. This unique professional experience continues to inform my work today.

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
* Led the development of industry-focused solutions as the program manager.
* Hired, developed, and mentored eight technical engineering resources, successfully placing them on various projects.
* As an engagement manager, contributed to securing large enterprise sales deals and agreement renewals, resulting in multi-million-dollar contracts with several prominent industry accounts.

SPECIALITIES:
Engagement Manager, Solution Delivery, Program Management, Architect in Dynamics 365 CE, Azure Cloud, DevOps, Power Platform, and Domain Expertise.

I am the Application Modernization Practice Lead at Protiviti, with over 22 years of experience helping organizations enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and optimize CRM systems. My extensive background in delivering programs and architecture ... Show more

Michael is Java Champion and Senior Consultant at INNOQ, a software-development and consulting company based in Germany. With over 15 years of professional experience, his expertise ranges from application development with Java and Spring Boot to designing distributed systems and contributing to open-source projects. Lately his interests revolve around observability, containerization and code maintenance. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and meetups and author of popular articles, including a period op-ed for a German magazine.

Michael is Java Champion and Senior Consultant at INNOQ, a software-development and consulting company based in Germany. With over 15 years of professional experience, his expertise ranges from application development with Java and Spring Boot to des... Show more

Waste is a bug.

Matt “Kelly” Williams is the founder of Making Software Greener and CEO of the Sustainable IT Manifesto Foundation. He helps engineers see how architecture, DevOps, and AI shape performance, cost, and sustainability—and why they’re really the same problem.

With over three decades in IT, Kelly has worked across DevOps, cloud computing, and software architecture. He serves on the advisory board of the Green Computing Foundation and speaks internationally about sustainable software, developer agency, and the hidden inefficiencies that shape modern systems.

He has always wanted to be a Renaissance person; perhaps one day he will be. In the meantime, he explores sustainable computing, photography, tabletop game design, weaving, cooking, and wandering the mountains near Loveland, Colorado.

Systems remember every decision we make.

Waste is a bug. Matt “Kelly” Williams is the founder of Making Software Greener and CEO of the Sustainable IT Manifesto Foundation. He helps engineers see how architecture, DevOps, and AI shape performance, cost, and sustainability—and why they’re... Show more

Years of experience in software engineering and the team's leading roles combined with his passion for Java made Pasha know all the hidden details in this IT niche. As a Developer Advocate for @Bellsoft, he educates the public on the latest software tools built by BellSoft and helps to create and test instruments for developers. He writes in Kotlin, speaks at conferences, composes a new articles, or maintains his pet projects.

Years of experience in software engineering and the team's leading roles combined with his passion for Java made Pasha know all the hidden details in this IT niche. As a Developer Advocate for @Bellsoft, he educates the public on the latest software ... Show more

Sumaiya Nalukwago is an experienced IT Professional currently working with Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Tech Community Lead with over six years of proven success in leveraging technology to drive economic development and nurture innovation across Uganda and beyond.

A recognized voice in the continental tech landscape, Sumaiya has been a dedicated volunteer for PyCon Uganda since its inception and has spoken at major international conferences in Asia, Italy, Germany, Kenya, Rwanda among others. This experience underscores her deep commitment to the open-source movement and her ability to engage diverse global audiences.

As a Community Manager for Google Developer Groups Cloud Mbarara and an Ambassador for Google Women Techmakers (with Technovation), Sumaiya actively skills and mentors thousands of youth and women entrepreneurs in digital literacy, business development, and tech-solution design. She specializes in translating complex technological concepts into accessible, actionable skills, enabling grassroots enterprises to thrive in the digital economy and confidently bridge the digital skills gap.
Sumaiya has also been internationally recognized for her work in tech by the US embassy in Uganda, Women Tech Global Network , Pulse Influencer Awards - Tech category among other platforms,

Sumaiya Nalukwago is an experienced IT Professional currently working with Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Tech Community Lead with over six years of proven success in leveraging technology to drive economic development and nurture... Show more

Peter has an extensive background in architecting, deploying, managing and training on Microsoft technologies, dating back to Windows NT4 Server in 1996, all the way to the latest and modern Azure and AI solutions available today. With a passion for Cloud Architecture and DevOps, Peter always has a story to share on how to optimize your Enterprise-ready cloud workloads, from skilling the world largest Microsoft customers through compelling workshops over the last 15 years. After 6,5 years at Microsoft as Microsoft Technical Trainer, he recently transitioned into the role of Senior Content Developer for Dev/AI/DevOps, focusing on DevOps/GitHub content on https://aka.ms/Learn and Instructor Led Training (ILT) material, used by global Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs).

You can follow peter on LinkedIn (/in/pdtit) and read his (mostly) technical blog adventures on http://www.007ffflearning.com

Peter has an extensive background in architecting, deploying, managing and training on Microsoft technologies, dating back to Windows NT4 Server in 1996, all the way to the latest and modern Azure and AI solutions available today. With a passion for ... Show more

Espen is a developer and architect with over 25 years of experience. He has worked on everything from embedded systems, electronics and games to large-scale cloud applications. He is as full-stack as they come. Espen started coding at age six on a C64 and has been cranking out software ever since.

He served as the principal architect, tech lead and lead security
engineer on the compensation scheme for Covid-19 suffering
businesses released by the Norwegian government.

Espen was the Senior VP of Technology Exploration for DNB in San Francisco and is currently doing technology and security research in DNB NewTechLab.

Espen is a developer and architect with over 25 years of experience. He has worked on everything from embedded systems, electronics and games to large-scale cloud applications. He is as full-stack as they come. Espen started coding at age six on a C6... Show more

Chris DeMars is a Senior Developer Advocate with over 20 years of technical experience. He speaks all over the world on web accessibility, feature flags, A/B testing, and CSS. For his community contributions, he holds awards as a Progress Champion and former Microsoft MVP, Google Developer Expert, Cloudinary Media Developer Expert, and Auth0 Ambassador. When he is not working on making the web great and accessible you can find him fishing, on the paintball field, rating Detroit Style pizza, and looking for UFO's.

Chris DeMars is a Senior Developer Advocate with over 20 years of technical experience. He speaks all over the world on web accessibility, feature flags, A/B testing, and CSS. For his community contributions, he holds awards as a Progress Champion an... Show more

Data Scientist, Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Certified *6, Microsoft Certified Trainer, Blogger, Author, Global Speaker

Data Scientist, Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Certified *6, Microsoft Certified Trainer, Blogger, Author, Global Speaker Show more

I am a Data Solution Architect with a strong background in Microsoft technologies, specializing in data architecture, data engineering, and DevOps. Over the years, I have worked extensively with various Microsoft ERP systems, and in recent years, I have primarily focused on Dynamics 365 FSCM & CE. I am passionate about designing scalable and efficient data architectures, integrating enterprise data platforms, and optimizing data workflows. My experience spans across on-premises and cloud-based solutions,
with a deep focus on Microsoft Fabric, Azure, and modern data platforms. I love sharing my knowledge through speaking engagements and helping organizations unlock the full potential of their data.

I am a Data Solution Architect with a strong background in Microsoft technologies, specializing in data architecture, data engineering, and DevOps. Over the years, I have worked extensively with various Microsoft ERP systems, and in recent years, I h... Show more

Hafedh is a professional coach, agile coach, and trainer with over 12 years of experience in guiding individuals and organizations toward resilience, adaptability, and improved performance. With a strong foundation in neuroscience, agility, and human sciences, Hafedh integrates these disciplines to offer a comprehensive approach to personal and organizational development. His work focuses on helping teams and leaders navigate change and foster growth in dynamic environments. Throughout his career, Hafedh has been committed to empowering his clients with practical, science-based strategies for achieving long-term success.

Hafedh is a professional coach, agile coach, and trainer with over 12 years of experience in guiding individuals and organizations toward resilience, adaptability, and improved performance. With a strong foundation in neuroscience, agility, and human... Show more

Cloud Adoption Engineer | Blogger "DevOps Experiences" 🚀 | Speaker | User Group Leader | Microsoft MVP | HashiCorp Ambassador

Cloud Adoption Engineer | Blogger "DevOps Experiences" 🚀 | Speaker | User Group Leader | Microsoft MVP | HashiCorp Ambassador Show more

I am an Azure Data Platform professional working predominantly with Azure Synapse Analytics (SQL Pools), Data Factory, SQL Server and Power BI. I hold an MSc in Business Intelligence and Data Mining. I am a current Microsoft Data Platform MVP.

I am an Azure Data Platform professional working predominantly with Azure Synapse Analytics (SQL Pools), Data Factory, SQL Server and Power BI. I hold an MSc in Business Intelligence and Data Mining. I am a current Microsoft Data Platform MVP. Show more

Miguel Llorca is a seasoned technologist and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the IT industry.

Since 2014, he has been honored with the Microsoft MVP award, for his contributions to technical communities. He is also a member of the Microsoft Regional Director program, recognized for his extensive technical and business acumen and leadership within the community.

Additionally, Miguel is a Microsoft Certified Trainer, an instructor and author for LinkedIn Learning, and a regular speaker at industry events and conferences, earning the distinction of LinkedIn Top Voice in 2024 and 2025.

Miguel Llorca is a seasoned technologist and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the IT industry. Since 2014, he has been honored with the Microsoft MVP award, for his contributions to technical communities. He is also a member of th... Show more

Nicola Paro is a Solution Architect 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 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

John is a Principal Consultant at ControlPlane, where he helps some of the world’s most security-conscious organizations build and assure mission-critical platforms. He is a maintainer of the Witness and Archivista sub-projects under in-toto and serves as a co-chair of the CNCF’s TAG Security. John is also actively involved in several initiatives within the OpenSSF. Prior to joining ControlPlane, he was the Director of Open Source at TestifySec and held engineering leadership roles at VMware.

John is a Principal Consultant at ControlPlane, where he helps some of the world’s most security-conscious organizations build and assure mission-critical platforms. He is a maintainer of the Witness and Archivista sub-projects under in-toto and serv... Show more

Benni is a Principal Program Manager in the Fabric Customer Advisory Team (Fabric CAT) at Microsoft. Aspiring to be top notch in his field, through continuous personal development, on both technical and soft skills. He strives for maximum results in his tasks using team play, communication, thinking outside of the box, and (endless) motivation. Benni is always ready to tackle the unknown, or pick up fresh ideas to broaden his range. Building on past experiences, he continuously tries to find new, more efficient ways of obtaining results, and improving the process along the way.

Loving (almost) every day of it, he’s fascinated by the value of data, sometimes flabbergasted by the lack of awareness, and intrigued by the endless possibilities whilst discovering new ways of looking at data. He thrives on unfolding new insights for customers whilst using an open and transparent communication.

On a daily basis he turns (large amounts of) coffee into insights for customers, and references witty British comedy, lame dad jokes, and obscure facts way too often. Overly enthusiastic about anything data related, he’s trying hard to keep up with all things new and shiny.

When not working, blogging or reading, you’ll likely find him out and about being his weird self. Rumour has it that he’s also involved with a ragtag band of data enthusiasts, enjoying themselves whilst organising cool community things.
They go by the name of .. dataMinds!

Benni is a Principal Program Manager in the Fabric Customer Advisory Team (Fabric CAT) at Microsoft. Aspiring to be top notch in his field, through continuous personal development, on both technical and soft skills. He strives for maximum results in ... Show more

Michael is a member of the GraphQL Technical Steering Committee, a Microsoft MVP, and Co-Founder and CEO of ChilliCream. He is the creator of Hot Chocolate, a widely used GraphQL server and client platform for .NET, and one of the authors of the Composite Schema specification. Michael works closely with companies to design scalable GraphQL architectures and is actively shaping the future of GraphQL through open source and standards work.

Michael is a member of the GraphQL Technical Steering Committee, a Microsoft MVP, and Co-Founder and CEO of ChilliCream. He is the creator of Hot Chocolate, a widely used GraphQL server and client platform for .NET, and one of the authors of the Comp... Show more

Samir Makwana empowers enterprises and government agencies to harness the full power of Microsoft Cloud—and especially its cutting-edge AI stack—to build secure, value-driven businesses. With 17 years as a software developer, pre-sales engineer, and solution architect, he’s architected end-to-end IT transformations that blend security, automation, and collaboration.

A true AI evangelist, Samir designs PoCs and production systems leveraging Azure AI services (Cognitive Services, Azure OpenAI, Semantic Kernel), Copilot Studio, and Power Platform AI—applying deep prompt engineering, vector search/RAG patterns, and grounding techniques to deliver next-gen user experiences. He’s integrated generative AI agents into Office 365 and custom apps, automated workflows with Power Automate and Logic Apps, and secured data with Zero Trust and Microsoft Purview.

As Founder & Principal Architect of Cloudtrify Inc., Samir crafts both short- and long-term cloud-native and AI solutions that drive ROI, user adoption, and maintainability—always with responsible AI and compliance top-of-mind.

Samir Makwana empowers enterprises and government agencies to harness the full power of Microsoft Cloud—and especially its cutting-edge AI stack—to build secure, value-driven businesses. With 17 years as a software developer, pre-sales engineer, and ... Show more

Ivar Grimstad is the Jakarta EE Developer Advocate at Eclipse Foundation. He is a Norwegian Java Champion and JUG Leader based in Sweden.

Besides advocating the Jakarta EE technologies, Ivar is contributing to the Jakarta EE specifications as well as being the PMC Lead for Eclipse Enterprise for Java (EE4J). He is also one of the specification leads for Jakarta MVC and represents Eclipse Foundation on the JCP Executive Committee.

Ivar is also involved in a wide range of other open-source projects and communities. He is a frequent speaker at International developer conferences.

Ivar Grimstad is the Jakarta EE Developer Advocate at Eclipse Foundation. He is a Norwegian Java Champion and JUG Leader based in Sweden. Besides advocating the Jakarta EE technologies, Ivar is contributing to the Jakarta EE specifications as well... Show more

Rowdy Rabouw is a Google Developer Expert in Web Technologies with over 25 years of experience in HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Currently, he works as a Front-End-Focused Senior DevOps Engineer on Vue, Node, and NestJS projects, with a focus on usability and accessibility. Rowdy loves his electronic drum kit and dabbles in creating music on his laptop.

Rowdy Rabouw is a Google Developer Expert in Web Technologies with over 25 years of experience in HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Currently, he works as a Front-End-Focused Senior DevOps Engineer on Vue, Node, and NestJS projects, with a focus on usability... Show more

With a clear focus on open-source solutions, Cody is deeply committed to shaping technology for the greater good. Since embarking on the international speaking circuit in 2022, Cody has championed the benefits of full-stack and decentralized applications, underscoring the significance of open-source technologies. Through his work, presentations, and teaching at the university, he constantly seeks ways to use technology as a tool for fostering social interactions and driving positive societal change.

With a clear focus on open-source solutions, Cody is deeply committed to shaping technology for the greater good. Since embarking on the international speaking circuit in 2022, Cody has championed the benefits of full-stack and decentralized applicat... Show more