Anna is a veteran software and data engineer as well as a Microsoft Data Platform and AI MVP, boasting over 18 years of experience. She has undertaken various projects, including real-time analytics with Scala and Kafka, constructing Data Lakes with Spark, and applying engineering to Data Science. Anna currently serves as a RSA (Resident Solution Architect) and consultant, contributing to the development of Databricks and Transatlantix's data engineering and AI practice. With a genuine passion for data, she endeavors to bridge the gap between Software Development and Data Science. Anna's other areas of interest include DevOps (DataOps, MLOps, LLMOps), Agile methodologies, and organizing or participating in local Code Clubs.

Anna is a veteran software and data engineer as well as a Microsoft Data Platform and AI MVP, boasting over 18 years of experience. She has undertaken various projects, including real-time analytics with Scala and Kafka, constructing Data Lakes with ... Show more

Kellyn Pot’Vin-Gorman is a Database and AI Advocate and Engineer with Redgate, with a long history in multi-platform technology. An Oracle ACE Director alumnus, she has been awarded over the years for her technical contributions and community volunteerism through many organizations, including a recognition as Woman in Tech of the Year for the state of Colorado. She is one of only six women part of the Oak Table, a network for the Oracle scientist. She has extensive experience in environment optimization, cloud migration, automation and architect of robust environments. Specializing in multi-terabyte management of OLAP/DSS systems. A consistent advocate for logical tuning of code and design before hardware solutions. She's recently become known for her expertise in DevOps, AWR, (Automatic Workload Repository) and virtualization of database environments with complex cloud management in Azure and Google Cloud. She's recently been contracted with a number of AI projects, using both relational data and AI services in both data security and architecture. The technical knowledge required to support these features offers great educational opportunities to learn by attending her technical presentations, engaging with her on social media presence as DBAKevlar or reading her blog, dbakevlar.com.

Kellyn Pot’Vin-Gorman is a Database and AI Advocate and Engineer with Redgate, with a long history in multi-platform technology. An Oracle ACE Director alumnus, she has been awarded over the years for her technical contributions and community volunte... Show more

Microsoft MVP -Azure AI Foundry || I'm working as a Developer. National Award Winner || Data Science ||AI&ML Enthusiast || Innovator || change the world || 10X Microsoft Certified|| New Technologies Enthusiastic|| Global Speaker || Azure Expert

Microsoft MVP -Azure AI Foundry || I'm working as a Developer. National Award Winner || Data Science ||AI&ML Enthusiast || Innovator || change the world || 10X Microsoft Certified|| New Technologies Enthusiastic|| Global Speaker || Azure Expert Show more

Michael is a Microsoft Azure MVP with over 20 years experience in both On-premises , Hybrid and Cloud environments with a particular focus on giving customers trusted advice in their Cloud Migration strategy.

Michael has spoken at both user groups and in-person conferences covering topics across the entire Azure platform from Azure Core Compute to Azure PaaS services. He has published LinkedIn Learning courses on the AZ-801 exam objectives, and regularly blogs at michaeldurkan.com. He contributes regularly to the Microsoft Q&A platform as an Azure Community Champion.

He works for Accenture as their Lead Azure Architect, where he designs and leads the delivery of complex Azure solutions for enterprise customers in Ireland and the UK .

Michael is a Microsoft Azure MVP with over 20 years experience in both On-premises , Hybrid and Cloud environments with a particular focus on giving customers trusted advice in their Cloud Migration strategy. Michael has spoken at both user grou... Show more

I’m a Chief Developer Advisor at Microsoft, working with CxOs and engineering leaders in EMEA to shape strategy, modernize developer experience, and navigate the shift toward human–agent collaboration. My work sits at the intersection of engineering depth and executive clarity — helping organizations make confident decisions about platforms, AI adoption, and the future of how software gets built.

I’m an engineer first and always. Thirty years in the craft means I still think in systems, constraints, and trade‑offs, and that technical grounding is what makes me effective in the rooms I’m invited into. Whether I’m advising on architecture, developer experience, or organizational design, I bridge hands‑on engineering reality with strategic direction so teams can deliver better, faster, and with more joy.

I’m a Chief Developer Advisor at Microsoft, working with CxOs and engineering leaders in EMEA to shape strategy, modernize developer experience, and navigate the shift toward human–agent collaboration. My work sits at the intersection of engineering ... Show more

Marin Niehues is an independent consultant at the intersection of organizational design and delivery, helping companies build and operate structures that actually deliver. Across 20+ client projects with organizations from VC-backed scaleups to DAX40 companies, Marin works either embedded in line functions as a Delivery Lead or Business Analyst or strategically on organizational design, governance and process architecture.

In the past three years, Marin has spoken at conferences in more than twenty countries across six continents, including repeated invitations from Google and Microsoft.

Marin Niehues is an independent consultant at the intersection of organizational design and delivery, helping companies build and operate structures that actually deliver. Across 20+ client projects with organizations from VC-backed scaleups to DAX40... Show more

Josh has been interested in computers since he was five years old. He has worked professionally as a developer, engineer, director, and architect for over 20 years. He considers himself a lifelong learner. He ​loves mentoring and working with others. His passion is seeing others progress through their careers.

Josh has led large product development initiatives for multiple financial services organizations. This has included migrating from desktop applications to the web and from on-premise to the cloud.

Josh has been interested in computers since he was five years old. He has worked professionally as a developer, engineer, director, and architect for over 20 years. He considers himself a lifelong learner. He ​loves mentoring and working with othe... Show more

Freelance Microsoft Fabric and Power BI consultant with 12+ years of experience, Microsoft MVP alumni, trainer and speaker. I help organizations deliver data projects by combining technical expertise, agile methods and AI. Convinced that AI is transforming our profession, I integrate Claude Code into my daily Fabric workflows — what I call AI-Augmented Delivery. Delivering fast, well… and with a smile.

Freelance Microsoft Fabric and Power BI consultant with 12+ years of experience, Microsoft MVP alumni, trainer and speaker. I help organizations deliver data projects by combining technical expertise, agile methods and AI. Convinced that AI is transf... Show more

Bob Ward is a Principal Architect for the Microsoft Azure Data team, which owns the development for Microsoft SQL ground to cloud to fabric. Bob has worked for Microsoft for 32+ years on every version of SQL Server shipped from OS/2 1.1 to SQL Server 2025 including Azure SQL and SQL database in Fabric. Bob is a well-known speaker on SQL Server, Azure SQL, AI, and Microsoft Fabric often presenting talks on new releases, internals, and specialized topics at events such as SQLBits, Microsoft Build, Microsoft Ignite, PASS Summit, FabCon, SQLCon, and VS Live. You can also learn Azure SQL from him on the popular series https://aka.ms/azuresql4beginners. You can follow him at @bobwardms or linkedin.com/in/bobwardms. Bob is the author of the books Pro SQL Server on Linux, SQL Server 2019 Revealed, Azure SQL Revealed, SQL Server 2022 Revealed, Azure SQL Revealed 2nd Edition, and SQL Server 2025 Unveiled available from Apress Media.

Bob Ward is a Principal Architect for the Microsoft Azure Data team, which owns the development for Microsoft SQL ground to cloud to fabric. Bob has worked for Microsoft for 32+ years on every version of SQL Server shipped from OS/2 1.1 to SQL Server... Show more

💫🙆🏻‍♀️ Founder @ Stratadom
🎨📊 Data visualization and AI training
🧑‍🏫🤖 IA/ML Instructor @ LinkedIn Learning
🏅💻 Microsoft MVP Data Platform & AI Platform

I trust the power of data and persuasive communication.

Data visualization services: www.uxforpowerbi.com
More info: www.stratadom.com

💫🙆🏻‍♀️ Founder @ Stratadom 🎨📊 Data visualization and AI training 🧑‍🏫🤖 IA/ML Instructor @ LinkedIn Learning 🏅💻 Microsoft MVP Data Platform & AI Platform I trust the power of data and persuasive communication. Data visualization ser... Show more

Saeid Dahl, Microsoft Azure MVP, is honored to be a Community Leader for the Microsoft Zero to Hero and MSFarsi Community, fostering a vibrant network of over 7000 members. With more than 17 years of dedicated experience in the IT industry, Saeid holds the roles of Senior Solution Architect and Technical Leader at Upheads, where his focus lies in Microsoft solutions, particularly Azure.

Recognized for his proficiency in PowerShell, Saeid specializes in automation, integration, and maximizing Azure's capabilities. With a genuine passion for knowledge-sharing, he engages audiences as a public speaker and is committed to mentoring individuals, aiming to inspire through shared insights.

Saeid's expertise encompasses Azure design, offering a deep understanding of Azure Cloud adoption, solution architecture, and navigating Hybrid Cloud environments. His strategic guidance assists organizations on their cloud journey, leveraging his comprehensive knowledge of Azure.

As an active participant in the Azure community, Saeid Dahl humbly embodies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the empowerment of others through his continuous learning and dedication.

Saeid Dahl, Microsoft Azure MVP, is honored to be a Community Leader for the Microsoft Zero to Hero and MSFarsi Community, fostering a vibrant network of over 7000 members. With more than 17 years of dedicated experience in the IT industry, Saeid hol... Show more

When I was young I wanted to be an architect. As it turns out, I'm a different type of architect. I am a Microsoft 365 Solutions Architect.

When I was young I wanted to be an architect. As it turns out, I'm a different type of architect. I am a Microsoft 365 Solutions Architect. Show more

Jan Ketil is an Microsoft MVP since 2016 and are working as a COO and Principal Cloud Architect at CloudWay in Norway. He has been working in the industry for Microsoft Partners and Microsoft for more than 25 years. He loves to speak about anything around Endpoint Management, Identity, Security and Automation. He is also the lead for both community conferences Workplace Ninjas Norway and Nordic Virtual Summit. Jan Ketil has presented at large industry conferences like Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft Inspire, MMS, TechMentor HQ, Experts Live Europe, WPNinja and NIC Conference in Oslo. He is also a regular speaker at various User Group events across Europe.

Jan Ketil is an Microsoft MVP since 2016 and are working as a COO and Principal Cloud Architect at CloudWay in Norway. He has been working in the industry for Microsoft Partners and Microsoft for more than 25 years. He loves to speak about anything a... Show more

Budha is the Director of Product Ecosystem at Tyk, where he leads product education, ecosystem expansion, and adoption of open standards. He is the co-creator of the API platform maturity model, course instructor, conference speaker, and host of Tyk's annual LEAP conferences.

As the elected board chair of the OpenAPI Initiative, he is responsible for increasing membership, defining the value proposition, and driving the adoption of OAS, Arazzo, and Overlays.

Part product strategist, part developer advocate, and part storyteller, he’s on a mission to remove friction from API ecosystems by breaking down tech complexities preferably with a great metaphor and a well-placed pun.

Budha is the Director of Product Ecosystem at Tyk, where he leads product education, ecosystem expansion, and adoption of open standards. He is the co-creator of the API platform maturity model, course instructor, conference speaker, and host of Tyk'... Show more

Thomas "Tom" Martens is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Solution Architect at Munich Re. With over 25 years of experience delivering Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing, and Analytics solutions, Tom specializes in helping organizations tackle analytical challenges using Microsoft Fabric and Power BI. Alongside his full-time role, he offers freelance consulting for data platform and analytics projects. Tom is a regular speaker at international conferences and user group meetings, and co-author of the book Pro DAX with Power BI.

Thomas "Tom" Martens is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Solution Architect at Munich Re. With over 25 years of experience delivering Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing, and Analytics solutions, Tom specializes in helping organizations tackle a... Show more

Aicha Laafia, a Java software engineer with a love for coding, an interest in sustainability, and a commitment to empowering women in tech.

I am a Women Techmakers and Girls Code ambassador, an IAmRemarkable facilitator, a member of the Moroccan Association of Computing Science and part of Jetbrains Community Contributor program.

I focus on creating software with minimal environmental impact while mentoring and supporting women in technology.

When I’m not coding, I enjoy exploring delicious food, phone photography, and watching Formula 1.

Aicha Laafia, a Java software engineer with a love for coding, an interest in sustainability, and a commitment to empowering women in tech. I am a Women Techmakers and Girls Code ambassador, an IAmRemarkable facilitator, a member of the Moroccan A... Show more

Currently a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Jared has been a data engineering consultant for over a decade, implementing Microsoft products. For more than three decades, he has been honing his skills in theater and other performing arts. As a speaker, Jared marries these two disciplines together, creating dynamic presentations that add entertainment to education. This symbiotic relationship can improve presentation engagement, support attendees in knowledge retention, and foster a culture of passion for the data industry.

As a speaker, Jared has spoken at events such as:
-FabCon Vegas and Atlanta
-DataCon Seattle (Microsoft Data Conference)
-PASS Summit
-SQL Saturdays, Multiple
-Microsoft Fabric Global Online Conference
-Future Data Driven Summit
-GroupBy Conference
-and more!

He also runs the YouTube channel DataBard, focused on making Data fun and teaching techniques along the way.

Technically-speaking, Jared has multiple Microsoft certifications in both on-prem and cloud technologies. He has extensive knowledge in:
-Microsoft Fabric
-SQL Query Development and Performance tuning
-Kimball Data Modeling
-ETL design patterns
-Azure SQL DB and Azure SQL MI

In his spare time, he continues to perform in community theater productions, as well as musically for his church. Upon request, he would be happy to assist with more theatrical portions of events, such as performing musical numbers.

Currently a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Jared has been a data engineering consultant for over a decade, implementing Microsoft products. For more than three decades, he has been honing his skills in theater and other performing arts. As a speaker, J... 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

Hannes is a developer, a coach and a father of 3.

In software development, he has always had a passion for performance, databases, distributed systems and large scale applications. He's always weighing every solution's benefits against its drawbacks, reducing friction where possible.

As a coach, he is enthusiastic about knowledge sharing, personal growth and building careers. Building a company culture around learning is what gets him out of bed.

In his free time, when he’s not building LEGO® castles with his kids, he likes to spend time building guitars, playing chess, mountain biking and doing all round geeky stuff.

You can often find him on stage at the conference afterparty, especially as the guitarist of Dylan Beattie & the Linebreakers.

Hannes is a developer, a coach and a father of 3. In software development, he has always had a passion for performance, databases, distributed systems and large scale applications. He's always weighing every solution's benefits against its drawbac... 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 am a software engineer who loves turning creative ideas into apps people actually enjoy using. Over the past ten years, I’ve worked across startups, service companies and product-based teams, and even had a go at entrepreneurship, picking up plenty of lessons along the way about building scalable and maintainable mobile solutions with modern tech.

I’m always curious and learning something new to keep up with the latest trends in mobile development.

I love connecting with other tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs to share ideas or build something awesome together.

I am a software engineer who loves turning creative ideas into apps people actually enjoy using. Over the past ten years, I’ve worked across startups, service companies and product-based teams, and even had a go at entrepreneurship, picking up plenty... 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

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

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

Empowering Organizations through Data, Analytics & AI

Tech Leader | Entrepreneur | Public Speaker | Technical Trainer | Consultant | Founder of Magna Data inc,
Microsoft Certified Professional in SQL Server, Azure, Fabric, Power BI & Excel. MCSA BI Reporting. MCP Data Scientist & Data Analyst, MCP Fabric. Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). AWS Cloud, Snowflake DW, Databricks Fundamentals Certs.

Empowering Organizations through Data, Analytics & AI Tech Leader | Entrepreneur | Public Speaker | Technical Trainer | Consultant | Founder of Magna Data inc, Microsoft Certified Professional in SQL Server, Azure, Fabric, Power BI & Excel. MCSA ... 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

Ixchel Ruiz has been developing software applications and tools since 2000. Her research interests include Java, dynamic languages, client-side technologies, and testing. As a member of the JCP Executive Committee, Java Champion, Oracle ACE Pro, Testcontainers Community Champion, CDF Ambassador, Hackergarten enthusiast, Open Source advocate, public speaker, and mentor, Ixchel is deeply committed to fostering inclusive and collaborative tech communities. She actively mentors aspiring developers and champions initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and accessibility in the technology sector.

Ixchel’s work is characterised by a relentless pursuit of innovation, a deep understanding of user needs, and an unwavering commitment to ethical technology development.

Ixchel Ruiz has been developing software applications and tools since 2000. Her research interests include Java, dynamic languages, client-side technologies, and testing. As a member of the JCP Executive Committee, Java Champion, Oracle ACE Pro, Test... 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

Jean Joseph is a seasoned consultant and senior technical trainer specializing in data engineering and artificial intelligence. With a strong background in database design, administration, and cutting-edge data technologies including machine learning and generative AI.

He helps organizations build secure, scalable solutions across both legacy systems and modern cloud platforms. Formerly recognized as a Microsoft MVP and senior technical trainer at Microsoft, Jean brings deep technical insight and a passion for teaching.

He’s also a dynamic speaker, mentor, and the founder of the Cloud Data Driven User Group and the Future Data Driven Summit, where he champions innovation and promotes responsible use of emerging tech within the data community.

Jean Joseph is a seasoned consultant and senior technical trainer specializing in data engineering and artificial intelligence. With a strong background in database design, administration, and cutting-edge data technologies including machine learning... Show more

Working as Collaboration Lead at Vivicta in Norway. Knut's main focus is advising the clients on how to get the most out of the investment on SharePoint/Copilot/Viva inside of Microsoft 365.

Knut is also the founder of NIWUG (Norwegian Information Worker User Group) and organizer of Collabdays Oslo (SharePoint Saturday Oslo (Norway)), and founder of the Global AI Oslo Chapter.

He is also a mentor and community speaker, always looking to share his knowledge and meet new people to learn from, because together we are stronger.

Working as Collaboration Lead at Vivicta in Norway. Knut's main focus is advising the clients on how to get the most out of the investment on SharePoint/Copilot/Viva inside of Microsoft 365. Knut is also the founder of NIWUG (Norwegian Informatio... Show more