I've been building on the Internet since 1999 😎 The most interesting problems are always the ones that cross the human/machine boundary.

I help large enterprises navigate the messy parts of digital transformation: data center exits, cloud migrations, and cloud-native modernization. Currently obsessed with what comes next: agentic AI, spec-driven design, and quantum computing.

When I'm offline, I'm chasing the Endless Summer: exploring surf spots around the world with my family, one break at a time.

I've been building on the Internet since 1999 😎 The most interesting problems are always the ones that cross the human/machine boundary. I help large enterprises navigate the messy parts of digital transformation: data center exits, cloud migrati... Show more

I started my career in a service desk role, which quickly sparked my interest in how technology is built, operated, and scaled. From there, I moved into data center hosting where I gained a solid understanding of infrastructure, reliability, and what it takes to keep critical environments running. I don’t have any formal education in IT, but I’ve always been a lifelong learner who grows through curiosity, hands‑on experience, and a drive to constantly improve.

Almost a decade ago, I discovered my passion for the cloud and specialized in Microsoft Azure. Since then, I’ve focused on modern Ops, platform engineering, and enabling teams by taking ideas from early concepts into secure, scalable, production‑ready solutions. Over the years, I’ve expanded my expertise across data, AI, and IoT and IIoT, and I most often work with clients in the role of Solution Architect, helping them design and build practical, outcome‑focused architectures tailored to real enterprise needs.

I’ve worked across a wide range of domains including defense, public sector, manufacturing, and energy, which has shaped how I approach architecture, security, and complex enterprise environments. I also contribute to the open‑source and enjoy collaborating with others to advance how we build and deliver modern solutions.

🗣 Sharing knowledge is a big part of who I am. I’m passionate about public speaking and mentoring, and I enjoy helping others grow by making technology more accessible and actionable.

Today, I work with enterprise‑scale AI, data, and IIoT solutions with large companies, turning ideas into real, measurable impact.

I started my career in a service desk role, which quickly sparked my interest in how technology is built, operated, and scaled. From there, I moved into data center hosting where I gained a solid understanding of infrastructure, reliability, and what... Show more

Founder of NorthStar Intelligence, Jeff Watkins, is a seasoned CAIO, CTO and CPTO who has spent his career leading technology, product, and AI organisations through rapid growth and reinvention. He’s steered engineering, product, cloud, cybersecurity, and AI strategy teams through major transformations, turning ambitious ideas into secure, human-centred digital experiences for some of the world’s best-known brands.

A lifelong technologist, Jeff brings over 25 years of hands-on experience across financial services, healthcare, the public sector and retail. He’s founded and led multiple cybersecurity teams and is a vocal champion of secure-by-design practices for generative AI. With an MSc in Cybersecurity and a second Master’s in Artificial Intelligence, he’s currently researching and writing a book on the topic of anthropomorphised LLM agents and deception detection.

On the international circuit, Jeff is a sought-after keynote speaker, headlining events such as Webinale (Berlin), AppDevCon (Amsterdam), the International JavaScript Conference (London), and Edinburgh Napier’s PlusEquals5 summit. His candid, story-driven take on the collision of AI, cybersecurity, culture and human behaviour resonates with audiences from engineers to executives.
He also co-hosts the multi-award-winning Compromising Positions podcast, where he interviews psychologists, anthropologists, UX researchers and security leaders to bring fresh, outsider insight to cyber. His thought leadership has been featured in Wired, Forbes, Raconteur, IT Pro, Business Cloud, and Information Age, and he’s a regular commentator for the wider technology and security press.

Whether mentoring emerging leaders, building prototypes, or demystifying AI on stage, Jeff’s mission is simple: build technology that elevates people, never the other way around.

Founder of NorthStar Intelligence, Jeff Watkins, is a seasoned CAIO, CTO and CPTO who has spent his career leading technology, product, and AI organisations through rapid growth and reinvention. He’s steered engineering, product, cloud, cybersecurity... Show more

Sayali Paseband is an accompalished cybersecurity expert with a passion for safeguarding the digital landscape. She is currently a Cybersecurity Advisor at Verisk, previously a Security Consultant at Amazon Web Services, She has over 10 years of experience in cybersecurity and cloud space and has earned over 7 academic degrees in Cybersecurity including Masters in Cybersecurity Analytics, MBA in Information technology Management, Cybersecurity Professional degree from Harvard University, B.Tech, B.S etc,
She is a published author, a youtuber, and has an exceptional ability to translate complex cybersecurity concepts into clear, actionable insights, making her a sought-after professional in the industry.
Audiences can expect a dynamic and engaging session where Sayali takes the stage, where she shares her wealth of knowledge, real-world experience, and practical advice on staying a step ahead in cybersecurity battle.

Sayali Paseband is an accompalished cybersecurity expert with a passion for safeguarding the digital landscape. She is currently a Cybersecurity Advisor at Verisk, previously a Security Consultant at Amazon Web Services, She has over 10 years of expe... Show more

Balkrishna works as an engineering lead at ING Bank. He is a frequent speaker at renowned tech conferences. He has passion for continuous learning and genuine desire to sharing knowledge. Although he has been working with Java for many years, he finds latest developments in Java quite exciting. He is also an Oracle ACE Associate for Java.

Balkrishna works as an engineering lead at ING Bank. He is a frequent speaker at renowned tech conferences. He has passion for continuous learning and genuine desire to sharing knowledge. Although he has been working with Java for many years, he find... Show more

Solution Architect focused on designing scalable and resilient systems for large scale operations and digital platforms. Experienced in Cloud Native architectures, Kubernetes ecosystems and enterprise modernization across mission critical environments.

Outside of my daily role, I actively contribute to the tech community as AWS Community Builder and Panama Java User Group Leader, promoting knowledge sharing and the adoption of modern engineering practices.

Solution Architect focused on designing scalable and resilient systems for large scale operations and digital platforms. Experienced in Cloud Native architectures, Kubernetes ecosystems and enterprise modernization across mission critical environment... Show more

Software Engineer in Nagoya, Japan, building industrial IoT systems where web browsers talk directly to factory hardware through the Web Serial API. Ruby Core contributor with standard-library code shipped in Ruby 3.4 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 rule 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).

Software Engineer in Nagoya, Japan, building industrial IoT systems where web browsers talk directly to factory hardware through the Web Serial API. Ruby Core contributor with standard-library code shipped in Ruby 3.4 and Ruby 4.0. Uses AI coding age... Show more

Building intuitive products

Building intuitive products Show more

Sammy is a seasoned consultant with an extensive background in diverse industries and over a decade of experience. With a specialization in the Microsoft Stack, he has successfully undertaken and delivered numerous projects across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and beyond.

In 2015, Sammy made a significant shift in his career by redirecting his focus towards Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recognizing the transformative potential of these emerging technologies, he dedicated himself to mastering their applications and staying at the forefront of the field. His deep understanding of AI and its practical implications has allowed him to contribute significantly to the advancement of organizations he has been involved with.

In 2017, Sammy played a pivotal role in the launch of a new company that specializes in leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Microsoft tools to maximize organizations' potential. His expertise and leadership were instrumental in establishing the company as a prominent player in the AI landscape. Through his strategic insights and hands-on involvement, Sammy has helped numerous businesses harness the power of AI to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Sammy is a passionate advocate for AI education and community building. He serves as a board member of the global AI community, where he actively contributes to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities among professionals in the field. As an esteemed international speaker, Sammy frequently shares his expertise and insights at industry conferences, seminars, and workshops, inspiring and educating audiences about the transformative potential of AI.

Sammy's commitment to excellence and his contributions to the AI community have been recognized with the prestigious MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award in AI since 2021. This accolade further underscores his dedication, expertise, and impact in the field, cementing his position as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the intersection of AI and business.

With his vast experience, deep knowledge, and unwavering passion for AI, Sammy continues to shape the future of organizations by unlocking their potential through cutting-edge technologies, and inspiring others to embark on their own AI journeys.

Sammy is a seasoned consultant with an extensive background in diverse industries and over a decade of experience. With a specialization in the Microsoft Stack, he has successfully undertaken and delivered numerous projects across sectors such as fin... 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

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

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

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

Kristyna Ferris is a solution architect at P3 Adaptive. Her experience includes implementing and managing enterprise-level Power BI instance, training teams on reporting best practices, and building templates for scalable analytics. Passionate about participating and growing the data community, she enjoys co-writing on Data on Wheels (dataonwheels.com) and speaking at various events. She also a co-organizer for Lexington Data Technology Group.

Kristyna Ferris is a solution architect at P3 Adaptive. Her experience includes implementing and managing enterprise-level Power BI instance, training teams on reporting best practices, and building templates for scalable analytics. Passionate about ... 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

Your friendly neighbourhood Data Engineer. My background is in Finance, but I have had the pleasure to be working in IT for the past 8 or so years. In my daily life, I design and build scalable data solutions in the Azure cloud.

Your friendly neighbourhood Data Engineer. My background is in Finance, but I have had the pleasure to be working in IT for the past 8 or so years. In my daily life, I design and build scalable data solutions in the Azure cloud. Show more

Hi, I’m Elena Drakulevska, a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft working on Power BI Core Visuals, where I help shape the future of reporting and data visualization.

I’m also an international speaker, Microsoft MVP alumna, and founder of MoonStory, a platform focused on UX Design and Data Visualization. Through conferences, mentoring, blogging, and community initiatives, I share my mission of making technology more human, empowering, and joyful. ✨

Hi, I’m Elena Drakulevska, a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft working on Power BI Core Visuals, where I help shape the future of reporting and data visualization. I’m also an international speaker, Microsoft MVP alumna, and founder of MoonSt... Show more

I’m a Lead software engineer and architect with a background in biotechnology. I specialize in modernizing legacy systems, transforming them into scalable, efficient, and maintainable solutions. I focus on applying Domain-Driven Design (DDD) principles to create software that not only meets technical requirements but also aligns with business goals.

I have experience designing modular, cloud-ready architectures and using techniques like microservices and event-driven design to solve complex challenges. I’m passionate about continuous learning and improvement, and I enjoy mentoring teams and promoting best practices in software development. My approach combines deep technical knowledge with a practical understanding of business objectives, ensuring that the solutions I deliver are both effective and future-ready.

I’m a Lead software engineer and architect with a background in biotechnology. I specialize in modernizing legacy systems, transforming them into scalable, efficient, and maintainable solutions. I focus on applying Domain-Driven Design (DDD) principl... Show more

Danica began her career as a software engineer in financial services and pivoted to developer relations, where she focussed primarily on open source technologies such as Apache Kafka® and Apache Flink®. She now leads the open source advocacy efforts at Snowflake, supporting Apache Iceberg™ and Apache Polaris™, serves as a Jupyter Foundation Board member, and is a member of the Apache Software Foundation.

She can be found on X (Bluesky and Mastodon) @TheDanicaFine.

Danica began her career as a software engineer in financial services and pivoted to developer relations, where she focussed primarily on open source technologies such as Apache Kafka® and Apache Flink®. She now leads the open source advocacy efforts ... Show more

Ryan Edge is a software engineer and Flutter GDE living in Charlotte, North Carolina. His primary focus is front-end mobile and web development using Flutter and React. His secondary focus is back-end development with technologies including Node.js, GraphQL, Vercel, Supabase, and Firebase. He is a co-author of the "Cross-Platform UIs with Flutter" book.

Ryan Edge has 10+ years of experience ranging from maintaining large-scale systems to developing internal and commercial web, mobile, and desktop applications using various technologies.

Ryan Edge is a community organizer of Flutter Charlotte and GDG Charlotte. He is passionate about creating software that has a tangible positive impact on the lives of its users, furthering diversity in the developer community, and mentoring young software engineers.

Ryan Edge is a software engineer and Flutter GDE living in Charlotte, North Carolina. His primary focus is front-end mobile and web development using Flutter and React. His secondary focus is back-end development with technologies including Node.js,... Show more

Markus is a Java Champion, former Java EE Expert Group member, founder of German JavaLand, reputed speaker at Java conferences around the world, and a very well known figure in the Enterprise Java world.

Markus is a Java Champion, former Java EE Expert Group member, founder of German JavaLand, reputed speaker at Java conferences around the world, and a very well known figure in the Enterprise Java world. Show more

Vincent Caldeira, Red Hat APAC CTO and Industry Visiting Scholar at Columbia University, drives tech strategy and emerging engineering. A Top 10 APAC CTO (2023) with 20+ years in finance IT, he is an authority on open source, cloud-native technologies and AI. Vincent holds leadership roles across the Linux Foundation (FINOS, LF AI & Data) and GSF, championing AI safety, sustainability, and digital sovereignty.

Vincent Caldeira, Red Hat APAC CTO and Industry Visiting Scholar at Columbia University, drives tech strategy and emerging engineering. A Top 10 APAC CTO (2023) with 20+ years in finance IT, he is an authority on open source, cloud-native technologie... 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

Tanya is an Author, LinkedIn Top Voice, and AVP at Barclays. A renowned Agile project management expert, cybersecurity specialist, and technology leader, Tanya has inspired thousands with her insights on STEM education, leadership, and innovation. As a Certified Scrum Master and Business Analyst, she has helped businesses optimize project delivery and foster collaboration.

Her book, Discovering The Silver Bullet, offers valuable lessons on Agile transformation and project management. Tanya is also a mentor at AnitaB.org and a WIFM Wolfpack Facilitator, empowering professionals worldwide.

Tanya is an Author, LinkedIn Top Voice, and AVP at Barclays. A renowned Agile project management expert, cybersecurity specialist, and technology leader, Tanya has inspired thousands with her insights on STEM education, leadership, and innovation. As... 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

Emanuele is an entrepreneur, engineer, and researcher passionate about achieving impact with AI.

After earning his PhD in machine learning and working as a guest researcher at EPFL in Lausanne, he is now co-founder and Head of AI at xtream, a company that applies AI to solve complex business challenges. xtream was acquired by TeamSystem in September 2025.

Emanuele is also a professor of AI at the Catholic University of Milan and has been a guest lecturer at Italian, Swiss, and Polish universities.

He has published 8 papers in international journals with 175+ citations and contributed to over 30 international conferences, including AMLD Lausanne, ODSC London, WeAreDevelopers Berlin, PyData Berlin, PyData Paris, PyCon Italy, the Swiss Python Summit, and Codemotion Milan and Rome.

Emanuele is an entrepreneur, engineer, and researcher passionate about achieving impact with AI. After earning his PhD in machine learning and working as a guest researcher at EPFL in Lausanne, he is now co-founder and Head of AI at xtream, a comp... Show more

Ginger Grant is a distinguished Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), renowned for her deep expertise in advanced analytics, machine learning, AI, data warehousing, and the evolving landscape of Microsoft Fabric. As a sought-after consultant, Ginger empowers organizations to harness the full potential of their data ecosystems.

Beyond consulting, Ginger is a prolific thought leader and speaker for both keynotes and technical training. She contributes regularly as a columnist for Code Magazine, authors insightful books, and shares practical knowledge on her blog, DesertIsleSQL.com. Her educational impact spans a wide range of technologies, including Azure Synapse Analytics, Python, and Azure Machine Learning, making her a trusted voice in the data community.

Whether on stage, in print, or in the classroom, Ginger’s passion for data and commitment to knowledge-sharing make her a standout figure in the world of data and AI.

Ginger Grant is a distinguished Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), renowned for her deep expertise in advanced analytics, machine learning, AI, data warehousing, and the evolving landscape of Microsoft Fabric. As a sou... Show more

I'm a passionate professional about business, entrepreneurship, technology, continue improving of human and technical skills to me and teams that I worked.
I'm acquired experience and knowledge in differents roles and practices that I like share and still learning from others. I was fortunate to work in the largest companies in our region and the globe. Argentine Telecom, Globant, Mercadolibre, Amazon Web Services
My mainly skill topics are SaaS, Platform engineering, SRE, Dev(Sec)Ops, Agile, Lean and Cloud Architecture.
I'm a football fan, animal lover, MMA practitioner and father of two beautiful childs.

I'm a passionate professional about business, entrepreneurship, technology, continue improving of human and technical skills to me and teams that I worked. I'm acquired experience and knowledge in differents roles and practices that I like share and... 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

Carly is a Senior Manager in Developer Advocacy at Elastic, based in London, UK. Before joining Elastic in 2022, she spent over 10 years working as a technologist at a large investment bank, specialising in front-end web development and agility. She is a UI developer, who occasionally dabbles in writing backend services, a speaker and a regular blogger.

She enjoys cooking, photography, drinking tea, and chasing after her young son in her spare time.

Carly is a Senior Manager in Developer Advocacy at Elastic, based in London, UK. Before joining Elastic in 2022, she spent over 10 years working as a technologist at a large investment bank, specialising in front-end web development and agility. She ... Show more