Clemens Vasters is Lead Architect in Microsoft’s Azure Messaging team that builds and operates a fleet of hyper-scale messaging services, including Event Grid, Service Bus, Event Hubs, Stream Analytics and Microsoft Fabric Eventstreams. Clemens represents Microsoft in messaging standardisation in OASIS (AMQP, MQTT) and CNCF (CloudEvents, xRegistry) and writes too much code for being an "Architect". He looks back at nearly 30 years in professional software development and has seen the same fashion come and go a few times.

Clemens Vasters is Lead Architect in Microsoft’s Azure Messaging team that builds and operates a fleet of hyper-scale messaging services, including Event Grid, Service Bus, Event Hubs, Stream Analytics and Microsoft Fabric Eventstreams. Clemens repre... Show more

Pat Petersen is a Director at RSM US LLP, a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services. He has more than 20 years of experience in Information Technology and leads the Collaboration and Voice consulting practice at RSM. Pat specializes in Microsoft 365 platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, PowerApps, Power Automate, and Copilot. In addition, he has extensive knowledge and experience in administration and training on these platforms and has conducted various customer immersion experiences and training sessions for RSM clients.

Pat Petersen is a Director at RSM US LLP, a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services. He has more than 20 years of experience in Information Technology and leads the Collaboration and Voice consulting practice at RSM. Pat specializes in... Show more

David is an Associate Director with Protiviti Canada and a 10-time Microsoft 365 & Security MVP with 25 years of experience working within information technology. For 20 years, David has assisted organizations to collaborate efficiently and effectively within SharePoint and Microsoft 365. David assists companies to understand their compliance needs and how to protect their data. He has helped organizations build data protection programs to safeguard their most sensitive information while ensuring the business can collaborate and work with their content. Over the past 25 years, David has built a great deal of experience in a wide variety of areas in IT, ranging from Desktop\Server support to development in C++ and .NET technologies. He has added value to many clients in several sectors, including utilities, government, banking, and agriculture.

David is a knowledgeable and sought-after international speaker within IT circles and is consulted regularly by companies formulating their digital workplace strategies and compliance platforms.

David blogs at http://daviddrever.com

David is an Associate Director with Protiviti Canada and a 10-time Microsoft 365 & Security MVP with 25 years of experience working within information technology. For 20 years, David has assisted organizations to collaborate efficiently and effective... Show more

Hannah is an Engineering Manager who translates complex software engineering concepts into people-centric strategies. Leveraging her background as a software engineer and Google Developer Expert for Android, she now focuses on building platforms that reduce developer cognitive load and empower teams to move faster and safely.
She remains an active mentor, technical writer, and international speaker dedicated to motivating others, especially women, to pursue careers in tech.

Hannah is an Engineering Manager who translates complex software engineering concepts into people-centric strategies. Leveraging her background as a software engineer and Google Developer Expert for Android, she now focuses on building platforms that... 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

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

Berny During believes in helping people and companies grow by making technology easier to understand. For nearly three decades, he has dedicated his career to empowering others — guiding thousands across more than 20 countries to build their skills, their confidence, and their Business Central expertise.

His journey spans entrepreneurship, co‑founding a successful partner, shaping some of Africa’s largest Business Central teams, and sharing knowledge at global events like Tech‑Ed, Directions, Days of Knowledge, and the Navision Africa partner conference. As a long‑time Microsoft Certified Trainer, he continues to help partners strengthen their practices, develop talent, and unlock real business value.

At his core, Berny is driven by a simple purpose: to inspire growth through learning, and to leave people better equipped than when he found them.

Berny During believes in helping people and companies grow by making technology easier to understand. For nearly three decades, he has dedicated his career to empowering others — guiding thousands across more than 20 countries to build their skills, ... Show more

Andrew Madson leads Developer Relations at Fivetran, where he builds global programs that help developers and data teams adopt modern data and AI tooling. He has built DevRel, education, and evangelism functions at Fivetran, Tobiko Data, and Dremio, delivering technical content, large-scale community programs, and keynotes across major industry conferences.

Andrew is a published author of the O’Reilly “Definitive Guide to Apache Polaris” and a graduate professor of data science and engineering. Andrew previously led AI and data teams at Arizona State University, J.P. Morgan Chase, and MassMutual among others.

Andrew Madson leads Developer Relations at Fivetran, where he builds global programs that help developers and data teams adopt modern data and AI tooling. He has built DevRel, education, and evangelism functions at Fivetran, Tobiko Data, and Dremio, ... Show more

Jeff Taylor is a Principal Data Consultant, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Redgate Community Ambassador, and Octopus Insider with over 28 years of experience specializing in performance tuning and critical data issues. He currently organizes the Jax Data and SQL Saturday Jacksonville and is the Jacksonville Development Users Group co-organizer.

Jeff Taylor is a Principal Data Consultant, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Redgate Community Ambassador, and Octopus Insider with over 28 years of experience specializing in performance tuning and critical data issues. He currently organizes the Jax Da... Show more

Rob was a SQL Server DBA with a passion for PowerShell, Azure, Automation, and SQL (PaaS geddit?). Now he just helps people make things. He is a Data Platform MVP and an Azure MVP, a PowerShell Conference Europe organiser, and maintainer of many open-source projects. He has spoken at and volunteered at many Data and PowerShell events all over the world. He is a proud supporter of the Data and PowerShell communities.

He relishes sharing and learning and can be found doing both via Social Medias and his blog. He spends most of his time looking at a screen and loves to solve problems. He knows that looking at a screen so much is bad for him because his wife tells him so. Thus, he is often out riding his bike as his eyes are not good enough to play cricket any more.

He has a fabulous beard

Rob was a SQL Server DBA with a passion for PowerShell, Azure, Automation, and SQL (PaaS geddit?). Now he just helps people make things. He is a Data Platform MVP and an Azure MVP, a PowerShell Conference Europe organiser, and maintainer of many open... Show more

He works at Kubermatic as a Kubernetes Consultant and Trainer to help companies with their cloud-native journey. Before that, he worked for startup and enterprise companies in the advertising, banking, and telecom industries as SysAdmin, Application Admin, DevOps Engineer, and SRE for more than 20 years. He is a CNCF Ambassador and Kubestronaut. He organizes KCD Istanbul and DevOpsDays Istanbul events and other local meetups.

He works at Kubermatic as a Kubernetes Consultant and Trainer to help companies with their cloud-native journey. Before that, he worked for startup and enterprise companies in the advertising, banking, and telecom industries as SysAdmin, Application ... Show more

Enterprise Architect and Microsoft MVP specialising in Azure and Infrastructure as Code for regulated industries.
With deep expertise in Azure architecture, platform engineering and cloud-native technologies, I deliver solutions that strengthen compliance, unlock efficiency, and empower transformation.
I’m passionate about sharing knowledge, writing technical blogs, presenting at conferences, and mentoring the next generation of cloud professionals. I help teams and individuals build secure, auditable systems that drive real business outcomes in the UK and beyond.

Enterprise Architect and Microsoft MVP specialising in Azure and Infrastructure as Code for regulated industries. With deep expertise in Azure architecture, platform engineering and cloud-native technologies, I deliver solutions that strengthen com... 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

Inspired by those in the community that have gone before me, I try to share what I learn by looking at what the services from Microsoft can offer, understanding challenges people have and bringing those two things together. Having learned from 13 years in Financial Services, I moved into the world of consulting, currently acting as Director, owning Copilot and Agents within the UK at Avanade.

I am lucky enough to have been awarded as a Microsoft MVP in Microsoft 365 for Copilot and Copilot Extensibility and co-host the award winning Copilot Connection podcast as well as blogging and sharing videos.

Inspired by those in the community that have gone before me, I try to share what I learn by looking at what the services from Microsoft can offer, understanding challenges people have and bringing those two things together. Having learned from 13 yea... Show more

Vijaykumar Jangamashetti (VJ), is a seasoned professional with 18 years of experience in Data Analytics, Cloud, and AI. Currently a Trusted Advisor, Staff Cloud Consulting Architect, and Program Manager at Google, he specializes in guiding customers through their digital transformation journeys. VJ's expertise lies in helping customers design, architect, migrate, and modernize their infrastructure, data warehouses, and applications on Google Cloud, enabling them to fully harness the power of cloud computing. Furthermore, VJ offers valuable insights into AI and Generative AI (GenAI), empowering customers to explore new opportunities and achieve success with their AI endeavours. VJ is also a Startups Mentor in Google For Startups Accelerator (GFSA) programmme and holds Google Cloud 13X certifications.

Vijaykumar Jangamashetti (VJ), is a seasoned professional with 18 years of experience in Data Analytics, Cloud, and AI. Currently a Trusted Advisor, Staff Cloud Consulting Architect, and Program Manager at Google, he specializes in guiding customers ... Show more

Tonie Huizer is a Software, Data, and DevOps Consultant who believes good tech starts with understanding your people. A regular on international stages and a Microsoft Certified Azure Developer, Tonie loves helping teams simplify complex challenges; whether that’s modernizing database deployments, designing scalable systems, or just getting Dev and Ops to finally talk to each other.

Tonie is known for his clear, energetic presentation style and ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging. As a Redgate Community Ambassador, he advocates for database DevOps and contributes to open knowledge sharing through blogs, talks, and events across the globe. He also co-leads SeaQL Saturday, a community-driven event that blends education, networking, and Sammie, his Kooikerhondje mascot. (Because yes, even events are better with a dog.)

Whether he's discussing Azure DevOps workflows, database release automation, or the cultural shifts required to implement DevOps successfully, Tonie brings real-world experience, humor, and actionable insights. His goal is to inspire professionals not just to adopt new technologies, but to transform how teams collaborate and innovate.

And when he’s not speaking about tech, he might just be speaking about whisky. Tonie is a passionate whisky enthusiast who loves sharing stories, flavors, and the occasional tasting session with his fellow connoisseur of TasteWhisky. If you're into DevOps, data, and a well-aged dram on the side, Tonie’s your man!

Tonie Huizer is a Software, Data, and DevOps Consultant who believes good tech starts with understanding your people. A regular on international stages and a Microsoft Certified Azure Developer, Tonie loves helping teams simplify complex challenges; ... Show more

Sasha is CTO at Brainform.ai with over 20 years of experience architecting scalable enterprise systems. With a strong engineering background, his expertise spans frontend, backend, cloud infrastructure, mobile development, and AI — from cloud-based generative AI to on-device solutions. He specializes in building robust, production-ready products using a variety of technologies and frameworks. Sasha has delivered solutions across fintech, digital media, and entertainment. He is a Google Developer Expert for AI, Firebase, Flutter, and Dart, co-organizes the Flutter Berlin Community, and is a recognized international speaker and writer, having presented at 30+ conferences worldwide.

Sasha is CTO at Brainform.ai with over 20 years of experience architecting scalable enterprise systems. With a strong engineering background, his expertise spans frontend, backend, cloud infrastructure, mobile development, and AI — from cloud-based g... Show more

Vaibhav Gujral is a seasoned cloud and AI leader with over 20 years of IT experience, specializing in architecting scalable, resilient cloud platforms. His career is distinguished by deep expertise in designing and implementing sophisticated, large-scale cloud ecosystems that underpin enterprise innovation. He is adept at leveraging DevOps principles and AI-driven technologies to architect solutions that generate significant business value.

Mr. Gujral's contributions to the field have been widely recognized. He has been awarded the Microsoft MVP title six times for his expertise in both the Azure Platform and AI Foundry. He is also a Fellow of the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT), a member of the Forbes Technology Council, and a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Committed to professional development within the tech community, he founded and leads two influential meetup groups in Omaha. He further shares his expertise through his technical blog, vaibhavgujral.com, and as a frequent speaker at industry events.

Vaibhav Gujral is a seasoned cloud and AI leader with over 20 years of IT experience, specializing in architecting scalable, resilient cloud platforms. His career is distinguished by deep expertise in designing and implementing sophisticated, large-s... Show more

Software Engineer at Shinmei Industry (Toyota Group), Nagoya, Japan — building industrial IoT systems where web browsers talk directly to factory hardware through Web Serial API. Ruby Core contributor with code shipped in Ruby 3.3.1 and Ruby 4.0. Uses AI coding agents daily under constraints most developers never face: production code that controls physical manufacturing lines, a code review culture rooted in 引き算の美学 (the aesthetics of subtraction), and a policy that says "if you change one line, verify every possible case." Speaker at DroidKaigi (Japan), DevFest Pescara (Italy), Helvetic Ruby (Switzerland), and Balkan Ruby (Bulgaria). Also accepted at Berlin Buzzwords (Germany), BSDCan (Canada), and Umbraco Codegarden (Denmark).

Software Engineer at Shinmei Industry (Toyota Group), Nagoya, Japan — building industrial IoT systems where web browsers talk directly to factory hardware through Web Serial API. Ruby Core contributor with code shipped in Ruby 3.3.1 and Ruby 4.0. Use... Show more

Pradumna Saraf is an Open Source Developer, Docker Captain, Microsoft MVP, and DevOps Professional. He works with Go, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud infrastructure, with a strong focus on container security and building reliable, scalable systems.

He actively contributes to open source and has mentored hundreds of developers in getting started with open source and modern DevOps practices. Pradumna shares practical insights on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn around DevOps, container security, and open source tools. He also enjoys speaking at meetups and events, focusing on real-world, hands-on learning.

Pradumna Saraf is an Open Source Developer, Docker Captain, Microsoft MVP, and DevOps Professional. He works with Go, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud infrastructure, with a strong focus on container security and building reliable, scal... Show more

Stefan is a Principal Cloud Solution Architect (CSA) at Xebia Germany and a Microsoft MVP for Azure Infrastructure as Code and Azure Networking. He supports enterprise organizations in designing scalable, secure, and automated Azure platforms. His expertise includes cloud architecture, migrations & modernizations, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and automation using Terraform and Ansible, enabling teams to accelerate cloud transformation through practical, engineering-driven solutions.

Stefan is a Principal Cloud Solution Architect (CSA) at Xebia Germany and a Microsoft MVP for Azure Infrastructure as Code and Azure Networking. He supports enterprise organizations in designing scalable, secure, and automated Azure platforms. His ex... Show more

David is a Senior AI/ML Engineer within the Office of the CTO at NetApp, where he’s dedicated to empowering developers to build, scale, and deploy AI/ML solutions in production environments. He brings deep expertise in building and training models for applications such as NLP, vision, real-time analytics, and even classifying debilitating diseases. His mission is to help users build, train, and deploy AI models efficiently, making advanced machine learning accessible to users of all levels.

Before NetApp, he was heavily involved in the AI/ML community, specifically in conversational AI solutions and driving AI platform growth in a DevRel and pre-sales role. David frequently shares his insights at industry conferences and events, offering hands-on guidance for implementing AI/ML in cloud environments. David's prior experience includes contributing to the Kubernetes and CNCF ecosystems, working hands-on with VMware virtualization, implementing backup/recovery solutions, and developing hardware storage adapter firmware and drivers.

David is a Senior AI/ML Engineer within the Office of the CTO at NetApp, where he’s dedicated to empowering developers to build, scale, and deploy AI/ML solutions in production environments. He brings deep expertise in building and training models fo... Show more

Andreas Wolter is a leading data security expert and founder of Sarpedon Quality Lab. Previously, as a Program Manager for Azure SQL and SQL Server at Microsoft, he led the revamp of SQL Server’s permission system and designed the external authorization framework for Microsoft Purview—now also used by Azure databases in Microsoft Fabric.
Andreas served on Microsoft’s security review board, where he analyzed threat models for SQL Server and Azure SQL features, drove changes to ensure other features complied with the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) and also led the last major overhaul of SQL vulnerability assessment in Microsoft Defender for SQL.
One of only seven Microsoft Certified Solutions Masters (MCSM) for the Data Platform worldwide, and a former Microsoft MVP, Andreas brings over 25 years of experience. He has spoken at international conferences for more than 15 years and helps customers improve performance, availability, and security while reducing costs through optimized licensing and resource usage across SQL Server deployments on-premises, in Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS.

Andreas Wolter is a leading data security expert and founder of Sarpedon Quality Lab. Previously, as a Program Manager for Azure SQL and SQL Server at Microsoft, he led the revamp of SQL Server’s permission system and designed the external authorizat... Show more

Alberto Acerbis is a hands-on software architect with a strong background in distributed systems. Recognized as a Microsoft MVP in .NET technologies, he actively contributes to the tech community.
In his role, Alberto helps customers transform their ideas into robust and scalable solutions. Beyond his professional work, he is a passionate technical speaker, having delivered numerous sessions at conferences over the years.
His dedication to knowledge-sharing extends to the communities he has founded and actively participates in, fostering collaboration and continuous learning in the tech ecosystem.
Outside of technology, Alberto enjoys mountain activities in all seasons and has a keen interest in philosophy and other disciplines beyond the tech world.

Alberto Acerbis is a hands-on software architect with a strong background in distributed systems. Recognized as a Microsoft MVP in .NET technologies, he actively contributes to the tech community. In his role, Alberto helps customers transform their... Show more

I began my programming journey at the tender age of 12, diving headfirst into Basic and Assembler for Sinclair and Commodore machines back in the distant 1980s, cementing my foundation. Since then, I've dived headfirst into the world of information technology, enjoying the constant evolution of systems and technologies, programming languages, being an insatiable learner and a high-level engineer. Scalability and flexibility are my passions. My job is my favorite game (and there's no such thing as a break!).

I began my programming journey at the tender age of 12, diving headfirst into Basic and Assembler for Sinclair and Commodore machines back in the distant 1980s, cementing my foundation. Since then, I've dived headfirst into the world of information t... Show more

Fast track recognised Power platform Engagement Director at HCL Technologies formerly known as PowerObjects with over 18 years of professional experience in the analysis of business problems and application of IT-based solutions - primarily in government, Housing and public authority. Mr. Kumar is delivery-focused and pragmatic with considerable team leading, architectural and technical design experience, allied with appreciation of business requirements and effective people management skills. He has experience of the entire life cycle - from pre-sales through to transition and service delivery

Fast track recognised Power platform Engagement Director at HCL Technologies formerly known as PowerObjects with over 18 years of professional experience in the analysis of business problems and application of IT-based solutions - primarily in gove... Show more

Sandra is a Microsoft MVP, speaker, and entrepreneur driven by one question: how can digital work feel more intuitive, motivating, and human? As founder of a company rooted in gaming and interactive experiences, she brings game thinking into the Microsoft ecosystem—from Microsoft 365 and Copilot experiences to Business applications and Collaboration workflows. Sandra translates proven game UX patterns into adoption-friendly solutions that help people navigate complexity with confidence.

Beyond technology, Sandra is a passionate community builder. She actively creates spaces where people connect, learn, and grow and she is especially committed to helping new speakers find their voice. Because her own speaker journey started late, she knows how intimidating the stage can feel. As a woman in tech, she also understands what it takes to be seen and taken seriously, and she mentors others to step forward, build confidence, and shape their own path in the community.

Sandra is a Microsoft MVP, speaker, and entrepreneur driven by one question: how can digital work feel more intuitive, motivating, and human? As founder of a company rooted in gaming and interactive experiences, she brings game thinking into the Micr... Show more

Uwe Ricken has been working with IT systems since the early 1990s, with a deep focus on Microsoft SQL Server starting from his work on Membership Software for the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany - later rolled out across five European countries. His passion for SQL Server took off in 2007 when he joined Deutsche Bank AG as a database administrator, gaining hands-on experience in high-performance, enterprise-scale environments.

With over three decades of experience in database development and operations, Uwe earned the prestigious "Microsoft Certified Master – SQL Server 2008", the highest technical certification at the time. In 2013, he was honored with his first "Microsoft MVP Award" for his contributions to the SQL Server community across Germany and Europe.

Since 2010, Uwe has been sharing his expertise through his blog https://sqlmaster.de, offering deep dives into SQL Server internals, performance tuning, and real-world troubleshooting.

A regular speaker at international conferences and user groups, Uwe’s sessions focus on Database Internals, Indexing Strategies and Advanced SQL Development - always with a practical, performance-driven mindset.

Uwe Ricken has been working with IT systems since the early 1990s, with a deep focus on Microsoft SQL Server starting from his work on Membership Software for the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany - later rolled out across five European countri... Show more

Passionate professional dedicated to building and growing collaborative tech communities. As a CNCG Panamá Organizer, I actively contribute to this mission. My expertise lies in Java-based systems with a strong focus on scalability, performance, and maintainability.

Passionate professional dedicated to building and growing collaborative tech communities. As a CNCG Panamá Organizer, I actively contribute to this mission. My expertise lies in Java-based systems with a strong focus on scalability, performance, and ... Show more

Dr. Neda Maria Kaizumi is a distinguished technology expert at the intersection of AI development, global compliance, and international regulations. With a doctorate in Organizational Behaviour. She combines a rich academic foundation with practical insights. She has further honed her expertise through the Business Analytics and Data Science executive program at Harvard Business School.

Dr. Kaizumi is ISO standards committee member, and she shapes AI governance and compliance frameworks, advocating ethical AI aligned with global standards like the EU AI Act and beyond.

An accomplished author, public speaker, and advocate for ethical AI development, Dr. Kaizumi integrates her technical acumen and business expertise to empower organizations navigating the complex global landscape of AI governance. With a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and their impact on technology, Dr. Kaizumi is a leading voice in fostering innovation that aligns with compliance and sustainability.

Dr. Neda Maria Kaizumi is a distinguished technology expert at the intersection of AI development, global compliance, and international regulations. With a doctorate in Organizational Behaviour. She combines a rich academic foundation with practical ... Show more