Pamela Paterson, MS, CBAP, PMP, is a speaker, best-selling author, 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, 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 organ... 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

Coach Agile et Coach Professionnel, Olivier accompagne des individus, des équipes et des organisations ayant l’envie d’aller vers plus d’adaptabilité, de résilience et de pérennité humaine dans ce monde en perpétuel mouvement. Dans ce sens, il les aide à mobiliser les énergies vers un objectif porteur de sens, à mieux coopérer ensemble et à changer avec plaisir. Son approche se veut simple et légère, sans injonction et teintée de développement personnel.

Coach Agile et Coach Professionnel, Olivier accompagne des individus, des équipes et des organisations ayant l’envie d’aller vers plus d’adaptabilité, de résilience et de pérennité humaine dans ce monde en perpétuel mouvement. Dans ce sens, il les ai... Show more

Sasha serves as a Microsoft Regional Director (RD), Microsoft MVP, and CEO of multiple IT training, consulting, and engineering firms, specialising in addressing complex business and security challenges for executives and organisations globally. They are providing critical guidance to leadership and CEOs to transform Cybersecurity and AI into strategic business advantage, executive‑level strategy and competitive business value. He holds a wide range of certifications from leading providers such as Microsoft, ISC2, AWS, CompTIA, and EC-Council. In addition to expertise in cloud technologies, security architecture, and consulting, Sasha's teams deliver industry-certified and bespoke workshops and courses. Furthermore, Sasha is recognised as a CISSP, MCT, MCT Community Lead, CEI, and CompTIA Instructor. He is a frequent speaker at international conferences, user groups, and events, and is the author of several books on cloud security, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Windows.

Sasha serves as a Microsoft Regional Director (RD), Microsoft MVP, and CEO of multiple IT training, consulting, and engineering firms, specialising in addressing complex business and security challenges for executives and organisations globally. They... Show more

Microsoft Biz Apps and Data Platform MVP and seasoned technology leader with over 18 years of global experience designing and delivering intelligent solutions across diverse industries. As an AI Solutions Specialist and Power Platform Architect, Alex has been at the forefront of integrating Cognitive Services, developing enterprise-grade chatbots and Copilot solutions, and driving automation through RPA and low-code platforms. His expertise spans cloud architecture on Azure and Microsoft 365, with a strong focus on empowering organizations through innovation, scalability, and user-centric design. A passionate advocate for digital transformation, Alex combines technical excellence with a deep understanding of business needs to create impactful solutions that bridge people and technology.

AI Solutions Specialist / Copilot Studio / Copilot / Power Platform Architect / RPA / Cloud Architect / Azure / M365 /Fabric

Microsoft Biz Apps and Data Platform MVP and seasoned technology leader with over 18 years of global experience designing and delivering intelligent solutions across diverse industries. As an AI Solutions Specialist and Power Platform Architect, Alex... Show more

Suzanne helps senior executives make confident decisions about software engineering. As a Chief Developer Advisor at Microsoft, she partners with CxOs, VPs and other engineering leaders across EMEA to help engineering organisations in their end‑to‑end AI transformation.

She's author of the book Ghost Decisions, the Agentile operating model and the ISEE framework. She's maintainer of git-ape She writes her industry observations and thoughts on Substack.

Suzanne helps senior executives make confident decisions about software engineering. As a Chief Developer Advisor at Microsoft, she partners with CxOs, VPs and other engineering leaders across EMEA to help engineering organisations in their end‑to‑en... Show more

Julie Yack is a technology leader, speaker, author, and community advocate with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate business applications, low-code development, AI, and digital transformation.

A Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for Business Applications (dual award for Power Apps and D365 Customer Engagement) since 2009, Julie is recognized globally for her expertise in AI, Copilot, Power Platform, and Dataverse. She is known for translating complex technical concepts into practical, approachable guidance that helps people and organizations achieve meaningful results.

Julie has trained more than one million professionals worldwide through conferences, workshops, online learning platforms, and consulting engagements. Her sessions combine real-world experience, actionable insights, and engaging storytelling, making her a sought-after speaker at industry events around the world.

Beyond the stage, Julie is an author, course creator, mentor, and active community leader. She is passionate about helping others build skills, confidence, and careers while fostering collaboration, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Julie Yack is a technology leader, speaker, author, and community advocate with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate business applications, low-code development, AI, and digital transformation. A Microsoft Most Valuable ... Show more

Engineer & Digital entrepreneur. I took the master degree in computer engineering with a thesis on AI at Polytechnic University of Bari in 2007. I worked for several years in ICT companies in Italy as a backend software developer. I attended the Mind The Bridge startup school in San Francisco in 2011. Back in Italy I started working on my own companies. Now, I'm the CTO of Wideverse, a spin-off of the Polytechnic University of Bari that works on XR and AI technologies. In addition I'm the founder and the current lead of Google Developer Group Bari community. I’m a public speaker globetrotter nerd with the passion for SUP, running, Rock and photography. BBQ and IPA beers addicted.

Engineer & Digital entrepreneur. I took the master degree in computer engineering with a thesis on AI at Polytechnic University of Bari in 2007. I worked for several years in ICT companies in Italy as a backend software developer. I attended the Mind... Show more

Dale Rodriguez is a Sr. Solutions Engineer at Edera Inc. with over 15 years in tech. He helps clients reduce open source security risks, meet compliance standards, and advocates for cybersecurity education. Outside of work, Dale is the proud father of two young adults. When he's not with family, you'll find him traveling, watching anime, following American football, or enjoying live concerts and festivals.

Dale Rodriguez is a Sr. Solutions Engineer at Edera Inc. with over 15 years in tech. He helps clients reduce open source security risks, meet compliance standards, and advocates for cybersecurity education. Outside of work, Dale is the proud father o... Show more

Over the past 15+ years, Andrew Murphy has led engineering teams across consultancies and SaaS companies, and coached tech leaders stepping into the leadership role for the first time. Again and again, he's watched technically competent engineers get promoted without the skills or support to succeed. His mission is simple: make sure they don't have to learn leadership the hard way.

Andrew now runs in-person workshops and coaching programs where new and established tech leaders learn, build, and practice real leadership skills. Andrew shares his mindset, tools and techniques that turn engineers into happy, confident and effective leaders.

Leadership skills can be learned, and learning them will change your life.

Credentials
• Mentored Tech Leads, Staff Engineers, Engineering Managers into leadership roles
• Currently Fractional CTO at AI health-care company, PatientNotes.app
• Led engineering teams from 10 to 100+, shipping products at scale-ups and enterprises
• Creator of tech leadership platform, Tech Leaders Launchpad

Over the past 15+ years, Andrew Murphy has led engineering teams across consultancies and SaaS companies, and coached tech leaders stepping into the leadership role for the first time. Again and again, he's watched technically competent engineers get... Show more

Prerit is a Cloud-Native Platform Leader with extensive experience designing and scaling secure, resilient cloud infrastructures. As the former CTO of KubeCloud, he built no-code solutions bridging Cloud, DevOps, and SRE, leading the company to a successful acquisition. Currently, he drives cloud-native, observability, CI/CD, and AI initiatives as a technical leader at Groupon.

Prerit is a Cloud-Native Platform Leader with extensive experience designing and scaling secure, resilient cloud infrastructures. As the former CTO of KubeCloud, he built no-code solutions bridging Cloud, DevOps, and SRE, leading the company to a suc... Show more

I am a data lover, especially in the ecosystem of Microsoft tools. I primarily focus on Power BI, Azure Synapse, and Azure SQL. In general, I follow a very simple motto.

"Don´t say it cannot be done, or someone who doesn´t know it will come and do it."

I am a co-founder and a Lead Technical Consultant at DataBrothers. We are Power BI experts and consultants with a focus on data analysis, reporting, and training in Power BI. We work with our clients across the globe on developing custom solutions and training their users on all levels (from business to development).

I am a data lover, especially in the ecosystem of Microsoft tools. I primarily focus on Power BI, Azure Synapse, and Azure SQL. In general, I follow a very simple motto. "Don´t say it cannot be done, or someone who doesn´t know it will come and do... 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

Spencer Schneidenbach is an AI Architect, President, and CTO of Aviron Labs, an AI and software development firm based in the United States. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for his AI expertise and contributions to the community. Visit our website at https://avironlabs.com for more information.

Spencer Schneidenbach is an AI Architect, President, and CTO of Aviron Labs, an AI and software development firm based in the United States. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for his AI expertise and contributions to the community. Visit our ... Show more

With more than two decades of experience, Doug is a technology and data leader at CGI who helps clients execute critical data-centric solutions, analytics and data engineering strategies, and AI initiatives. He has led high-impact transformations driven by modern cloud data platforms and AI-driven solutions that improve decision-making, streamline operations, and unlock new opportunities across multiple industries.

Doug partners with business and technology leaders to accelerate digital transformation and scale innovation. He serves on the Databricks Partner Product Advisory Board, representing CGI, and the Per Scholas Orlando Advisory Board. He also is recognized by Databricks as a Champion for CGI, bringing leading-edge insight directly into client strategies.

With more than two decades of experience, Doug is a technology and data leader at CGI who helps clients execute critical data-centric solutions, analytics and data engineering strategies, and AI initiatives. He has led high-impact transformations dri... Show more

An AI Specialist and Wizard at Leading EDJE who is known to teach software engineering, AI, and data science concepts in the most ridiculous ways possible. Matt has used machine learning to settle debates over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie, reinforcement learning to drive the behavior of digital squirrels, data analytics to suggest improvements to his favorite TV show, and AI agents to play board games and create an AI agent with the personality of a dog. Matt is the author of "Data Science in .NET with Polyglot Notebooks" and "Refactoring with C#" as well as several LinkedIn Learning courses. Matt helps organize the Central Ohio .NET Developer Group, runs several blogs and a YouTube channel, has a Master’s of Science in Data Analytics, and is a current Microsoft MVP in AI and .NET.

An AI Specialist and Wizard at Leading EDJE who is known to teach software engineering, AI, and data science concepts in the most ridiculous ways possible. Matt has used machine learning to settle debates over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie, r... Show more

Hi! I'm David. Sometimes a speaker, sometimes a listener, and always interested in web technologies. I work on complex projects involving anything related to API's & AI. I am Microsoft MVP in Foundry

Also, I am a co-organizer of GDG Ponferrada and Global AI Ponferrada.

Hi! I'm David. Sometimes a speaker, sometimes a listener, and always interested in web technologies. I work on complex projects involving anything related to API's & AI. I am Microsoft MVP in Foundry Also, I am a co-organizer of GDG Ponferrada and... Show more

Daniel is a Microsoft .NET MVP and software consultant at Lean TECHniques. He helps teams deliver high-quality software while adopting modern practices such as effective CI/CD, automated testing, AI usage, and product management. With experience spanning multiple industries, including finance, retail, and agriculture, he has served as a technical coach, agile coach, and tech lead, with a primary background as a software developer. Outside of work, he enjoys playing piano and guitar, swing dancing, and game development.

Daniel is a Microsoft .NET MVP and software consultant at Lean TECHniques. He helps teams deliver high-quality software while adopting modern practices such as effective CI/CD, automated testing, AI usage, and product management. With experience span... Show more

Kevin Griffin has been running production .NET applications and teaching developers for over two decades. A Microsoft MVP specializing in .NET and Microsoft Azure, Kevin brings real-world experience from consulting and his own SaaS products. He's hosted the Hampton Roads .NET User Group since 2009 and founded RevolutionVA, a nonprofit supporting software development education in southeast Virginia. Kevin's talks blend hard-won lessons from production systems with practical advice you can use Monday morning.

Kevin Griffin has been running production .NET applications and teaching developers for over two decades. A Microsoft MVP specializing in .NET and Microsoft Azure, Kevin brings real-world experience from consulting and his own SaaS products. He's hos... Show more

Belinda Allen is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for the Data Platform (Power BI) and a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). She is a recognized speaker, educator, and co-author of two books on Business Intelligence and Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Belinda specializes in Microsoft Fabric while continuing her work with the Microsoft Power Platform, proudly embracing the role of a #CitizenDeveloper. Her expertise blends technical depth with a passion for empowering others through data-driven solutions.

Guided by her personal mission statement— “To improve the lives and success of my customers and the community at large.”—Belinda is dedicated to helping organizations leverage technology to achieve meaningful results.
https://www.MsBelindaAllen.com

Belinda Allen is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for the Data Platform (Power BI) and a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). She is a recognized speaker, educator, and co-author of two books on Business Intelligence and Microsoft Dynamics ... 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

Kimasia Ayers is a sociologist, systems thinker, consultant, and strategist whose work lives at the intersection of business analysis, human behavior, design, and organizational change. She is widely recognized for helping organizations navigate complexity with clarity, guiding insight from discovery through decision and into action in ways that hold under real-world conditions.

Rooted in social innovation, Kimasia brings a rare blend of creative human-centered insight and rigorous structure to change enablement. Her work centers on preserving meaning under pressure, designing for adoption, and strengthening how understanding moves across strategy, technology, governance, and execution. She is known for developing original frameworks that help teams communicate complexity, align across disciplines, and sustain transformation within the complexity of society.

Through her consulting practice, Kimasia partners with organizations, institutions, and leaders to support thoughtful, resilient change. She also leads a social enterprise dedicated to translating complex social and organizational dynamics into accessible, actionable understanding that empowers individuals, teams, and communities. Grounded in empathy, systems awareness, and deep analytical discipline, Kimasia’s work reflects a core belief that meaningful change emerges when human insight and structured analysis work together.

Kimasia Ayers is a sociologist, systems thinker, consultant, and strategist whose work lives at the intersection of business analysis, human behavior, design, and organizational change. She is widely recognized for helping organizations navigate comp... Show more

Eric D. Boyd is a highly experienced entrepreneur, public speaker, and author with nearly 30 years of experience in the technology industry. He is the founder and CEO of responsiveX, a Microsoft partner and digital innovation consultancy. Eric is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, delivering keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and participating in panel discussions at many industry events. He is a Microsoft Azure and AI MVP, a Regional Director, and has extensive experience helping organizations with system design and architecture, cloud-native development, and artificial intelligence. Eric is the co-author of "Step-by-Step Azure SQL Database" and has contributed to several other publications. He shares his expertise and insights through his blog, social media, podcast interviews, and educational videos. Eric is committed to giving back to the community and supporting the next generation of technology leaders.

Eric D. Boyd is a highly experienced entrepreneur, public speaker, and author with nearly 30 years of experience in the technology industry. He is the founder and CEO of responsiveX, a Microsoft partner and digital innovation consultancy. Eric is a s... Show more

Robb is a 28-year veteran of the Navision, NAV, and BC world.
He is a Microsoft MVP, an MCT, MCP, and a nonpracticing CPA.
He has spoken at Convergence, Directions NA, Directions EMEA, Days of Knowledge, and multiple User Group Conferences.

Robb is a 28-year veteran of the Navision, NAV, and BC world. He is a Microsoft MVP, an MCT, MCP, and a nonpracticing CPA. He has spoken at Convergence, Directions NA, Directions EMEA, Days of Knowledge, and multiple User Group Conferences. Show more

Senior Agile Coach, Jean-Yves Klein has worn many hats: developer, project manager, program director, head of IT… This diverse background gives him a 360° view of agility — from hands-on delivery to executive strategy.

Certified in PMI, SAFe, and Disciplined Agile, he has coached teams across IT, mechanical engineering, electronics, marketing, and legal. His approach is always tailored to the team, the project, and the organization — no cookie-cutter solutions here.

A passionate educator, he has designed over 10 Serious Games, including several with LEGO, to bring Agile, SAFe, DevOps, and key roles like Product Owner and Scrum Master to life. With him, learning is hands-on, fun, and unforgettable.

Senior Agile Coach, Jean-Yves Klein has worn many hats: developer, project manager, program director, head of IT… This diverse background gives him a 360° view of agility — from hands-on delivery to executive strategy. Certified in PMI, SAFe, and ... Show more

Lead BI Architect, with a background as business analyst with a 20-year experience, data analysis is one of his daily tasks, with Power BI a world of possibilities opened.
Super User in the Power BI community since the start of the program back in 2018 that allowed him to achieve a Microsoft MVP for the first time in 2019.

The engagement with the community, went further in 2020 with the first presentation on DAX and the blog https://pbiportugal.com/.
In 2021 there was a shift in his career with full time job in data, currently he provides solutions in Power BI and the Microsoft environment for customers in different business areas.

Making his own tools in Excel and VBA since University to improve the analysis and ways to show data that allowed users to have quick insights.
With Power Query and Power BI, the insights are easier and faster, and takes BI to a different level since removes the dependency on specialized professionals to have data as we need and when we need it.

Lead BI Architect, with a background as business analyst with a 20-year experience, data analysis is one of his daily tasks, with Power BI a world of possibilities opened. Super User in the Power BI community since the start of the program back in ... Show more

Hello, I am Enrique Romero.

I am an consultant, trainer and Microsoft MVP with over 11 years of experience in designing, developing, and optimizing technological solutions that make your business more efficient and your life easier.

My goal is not only to improve productivity but also to make technology enhance ourselves. Each project is an opportunity to learn and grow, always striving for excellence and customer satisfaction while maintaining continuous improvement as part of my work philosophy.

I work through a comprehensive approach that combines strategic consulting, the development of customized technological solutions, and continuous training.

With this way of working, I ensure that your company not only adopts new technologies but also uses them effectively to achieve its goals, something that is very important to me.

Hello, I am Enrique Romero. I am an consultant, trainer and Microsoft MVP with over 11 years of experience in designing, developing, and optimizing technological solutions that make your business more efficient and your life easier. My goal is ... Show more

Abid Jamil is an Engineering Manager at Gathern, where he leads teams across growth, fintech, and payments while driving product modernization and engineering excellence.

With more than 10 years of experience, he has built and scaled products across travel, fintech, e-commerce, q-commerce, logistics, classifieds, fitness, and education. His expertise spans engineering leadership, mobile and web development, cloud platforms, system design, DevOps, and performance engineering.

Throughout his career, Abid has helped organizations scale products, modernize architectures, improve engineering practices, and build high-performing teams. He is particularly passionate about turning complex technical challenges into measurable business outcomes through customer-centric thinking, strong ownership, and data-informed execution.

Abid is an international speaker, former university lecturer, and author of 18+ research publications. He has spoken at Droidcon, DevFest, and AWS Community Day, and other reputed venues, sharing practical lessons from real production systems, not just theory. His talks explore mobile performance, system design, engineering maturity, AI-assisted development, and building reliable products at scale.

Abid Jamil is an Engineering Manager at Gathern, where he leads teams across growth, fintech, and payments while driving product modernization and engineering excellence. With more than 10 years of experience, he has built and scaled products acro... Show more

Cortney Nickerson is the Head of Community at Nirmata and a CNCF Ambassador. She is highly active in the cloud native community, co-organizing the CNCF Bilbao Community and various Kubernetes Community Days, serving on the State of OpenCon Advisory Board, and co-hosting the "Code to Culture Platform Engineering Podcast" and "PolicyBytes" podcast.

A recognized speaker at international events, Cortney transitioned from a non-technical background to tech as an early employee (#7) at a startup later acquired by DataDog, where she wrote content for the Data on Kubernetes Community.

Beyond technology, she is a vocal advocate for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and openly shares her experiences with imposter syndrome. On a personal note, she's also a parent navigating the challenge of getting her kids to bed on time.

Cortney Nickerson is the Head of Community at Nirmata and a CNCF Ambassador. She is highly active in the cloud native community, co-organizing the CNCF Bilbao Community and various Kubernetes Community Days, serving on the State of OpenCon Advisory B... Show more

Clarissa Rodrigues is graduated by University of Vale dos Sinos (UNISINOS), specialist in Software Engineering by Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and master student in Applied Computing by UNISINOS. With more than 10 years of IT experience, she has been working in different roles and companies, such as a Business Analyst at SISPRO, ADP, SAP and most current Technical Quality & Program Manager at Uber. On her journey, she has been advocated for quality inside QAs work to make sure goods and services are designed, developed, and made to meet or exceed customers’ expectations and requirements.

Clarissa Rodrigues is graduated by University of Vale dos Sinos (UNISINOS), specialist in Software Engineering by Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and master student in Applied Computing by UNISINOS. With more than 10 years of IT exper... Show more