Region & Country

Valued speakers who focus on the geopolitical and cultural aspects of different regions and countries, exploring topics like regional development, international relations, and cultural identity

Mike Diehl

Mike Diehl

Mike Diehl is the Director of Data Engineering and Business Intelligence at Improving Winnipeg (formerly Imaginet), a Microsoft partner with offices in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) and with Improving offices across Canada, United States, and South America. Mike has over 25 years of experience using Microsoft database technologies and is an expert in Agile Analytics and Microsoft Azure DevOps.

Mike has spoken many regional, national, and international SQL events over his long career, including the PASS Summit in Seattle Washington, SQLBITS in London UK, and at various SQL Saturday events across Canada and the USA, and other development conferences in Canada.

Mike Diehl is the Director of Data Engineering and Business Intelligence at Improving Winnipeg (formerly Imaginet), a Microsoft partner with offices in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) and with Improving offices across Canada, United States, and South Ame... Show more

Rayan Das

Rayan Das

I am a Senior Platform Engineer on the Spaces Platform team at DigitalOcean. In the Kubernetes community, I have been involved with SIG-Release since v1.29 and currently leading the Release Docs Team for v1.33. Beyond my professional work, I have a passion for traveling and capturing landscapes through my lens.

I am a Senior Platform Engineer on the Spaces Platform team at DigitalOcean. In the Kubernetes community, I have been involved with SIG-Release since v1.29 and currently leading the Release Docs Team for v1.33. Beyond my professional work, I have a p... Show more

Ahmed Ali

Ahmed Ali

I’m a software engineer driven by curiosity and the constant pursuit of “why, what, and how.” For years, this mindset has been my greatest strength, fueling my passion for learning and problem-solving.

My expertise lies in Android development, but I’m equally passionate about exploring cross-platform solutions like Flutter, React Native, and especially Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) and Compose Multiplatform (CMP).

Lately, I’ve found joy in building tools for Android developers and contributing to the open-source community. Sharing knowledge and creating resources to empower others has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.

I’m a software engineer driven by curiosity and the constant pursuit of “why, what, and how.” For years, this mindset has been my greatest strength, fueling my passion for learning and problem-solving. My expertise lies in Android development, but... Show more

Debbie O'Brien

Debbie O'Brien

Debbie O’Brien is Principal Program Manager at Microsoft. Debbie has over 15 years experience in Frontend development. She has worked as a Tech Lead and consultant for many important clients with varios technologies and often with a strong focus on performance, static sites and testing. She has lead teams both in house and remotely as well as giving workshops and training. She has many years of experience as a mentor for online learning platforms, Treehouse and OpenClassrooms. Debbie is a Google Developer Expert in web technologies, Cloudinary Media Developer Expert and Nuxt Ambassador as well as a GitHub Star alumni and a previous Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in developer technologies.

Debbie has a special love for JavaScript frameworks especially Vue.js and Nuxt.js and React as well as testing where she now focuses her time on Playwright end to end testing. She holds a Frontend and FullStack Tech Degree and is Microsoft certified. Debbie is an international speaker, who has spoken at many meet-ups and conferences worldwide on many continents including Antarctica. She is an open source contributor and a teacher at Vue School and Jamstack Explorers and is also a writer for Ultimate Courses.

Debbie is Irish but lives and works in Mallorca, Spain and when she is not writing code and studying new technologies she can often be found doing all sorts of sports from running, cycling, padel, body combat and skiing and of course Taekwondo where she is a 4th degree black belt.

Debbie O’Brien is Principal Program Manager at Microsoft. Debbie has over 15 years experience in Frontend development. She has worked as a Tech Lead and consultant for many important clients with varios technologies and often with a strong focus on p... Show more

Rob Litjens

Rob Litjens

I am a DBA since 1997 and have worked with SQL6, 6,5 and upwards. My interest are merely platform based, but also interested in performance and monitoring. With the requirements changing I am working in DevSEcOps for SQL for my employer. Security is getting more focus. That means I am trying to setup builds that are secure by designed and securely designed. Tools help with that.

I am a DBA since 1997 and have worked with SQL6, 6,5 and upwards. My interest are merely platform based, but also interested in performance and monitoring. With the requirements changing I am working in DevSEcOps for SQL for my employer. Security is ... Show more

Haddougui Hamza

Haddougui Hamza

Je suis Haddougui Hamza, ingénieur d'État en Informatique et Réseaux appliqués à la gestion des Entreprises, lauréat de l'École Marocaine des Sciences de l'Ingénieur (EMSI, Casablanca, Maroc), I'm a 3-year professional. J'ai conçu et développé des applications innovantes dans divers domaines, notamment :

- La gestion des processus de télécommunication.
- La recommandation intelligente et automatisée de biens immobiliers.
- Le traitement de masse des fichiers de transactions bancaires et de paiement électronique.

Je suis Haddougui Hamza, ingénieur d'État en Informatique et Réseaux appliqués à la gestion des Entreprises, lauréat de l'École Marocaine des Sciences de l'Ingénieur (EMSI, Casablanca, Maroc), I'm a 3-year professional. J'ai conçu et développé des ap... Show more

Samant Kumar

Samant Kumar

Samant Kumar is a seasoned multiple award-winning Portfolio Manager and Agile Program Manager at Capgemini, boasting over 20+ years of extensive experience in Agile Program/Project Management and software solution delivery across diverse domains. His professional journey is marked by a rich repertoire of certifications including SAFe SPC, PMIACP,ICP-ACC, A-CSM, CSM, and CSPO, solidifying his reputation as an agile champion.

Having previously contributed to IBM, Samant has cultivated a career focused on agile coaching,leadership, and management across product, program, and project dimensions. His proficiency spans agile tools, virtual collaboration tools, and career guidance, underscoring his commitment to achieving successful project outcomes and nurturing team excellence.

Samant's educational background includes a postgraduate degree in Finance and Marketing, complementing his Bachelor of Technology credentials. Actively engaged in the Agile community, he is a distinguished speaker at Agile/PM conferences like Agile 2024, PMI Houston 50th conference and Expo, Texas A&M, NorthEastern, Rice University Symposiums,Key note speaker at Judge at Johns Hopkins Product management club (JHPMC)-Product competition and Many PMI chapters Houston, Katy, woodlands, and Austin. His contributions have earned him recognition such as the Globee Award 2024, Claro award, Ctoday The Most Pioneering Agile Program Manager of the year 2024, Global Recognition award, Passion vista The Most admired Global Indian , Toastmasters International Best table topics speaker award along with numerous accolades from Capgemini and IBM.Samant is a fellow member of The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), THREWS Fellow member, Royal fellow(IOASD) member and SAS Eminent Fellow member. He also hold Harvard Business Review (HBR) Advisory council member, PEX Process network advisory council, University of Houston (Industry Advisory Board Nominated), Project Management Institute (PMI), Houston VP Program nominated. Samant has also served as a judge in prestigious events like the Stevie Award, Globee Award, Claro award, Judge at ReImagine education, Multiple Hackathons like Hackrice 14 at Rice University,Texas, MHacks at Michigan University, NASA International App challenge, Judge at Johns Hopkins Product management club (JHPMC)-Product competition, Hack UTD University of Texas, Dallas and HackUTA at UT Arlington, Science and Engineering Fair (TXSEF), and Science Exhibition of
Houston. Committed to mentorship, he actively participates in programs at Katy ISD School District, Texas, and adplist.org. Samant has contributed to several publications featured in prominent platforms such as Scopus,UT Dallas Project Management Symposium, IGI Global Publishing, Dzone, and PEX Process network. Agile Book chapter published in Scopus and IGI global.
Samant Kumar's multidimensional expertise and dedication establish him as a great asset in the domains of Agile and project management, embodying leadership and innovation in his
professional endeavors.

Samant Kumar is a seasoned multiple award-winning Portfolio Manager and Agile Program Manager at Capgemini, boasting over 20+ years of extensive experience in Agile Program/Project Management and software solution delivery across diverse domains. His... Show more

Andrei Cristocea

Andrei Cristocea

A passionate DevOps enthusiast, I thrive on engaging in transversal activities that prioritize stability. As DevOps Community Operation Sponsor, I have been at the forefront of driving significant technical and organizational transformations towards Cloud and distributed DevOps.
My commitment to ensuring the highest availability of our services is matched by my dedication to compliance, ensuring that all processes adhere to the strictest standards and regulations.

A passionate DevOps enthusiast, I thrive on engaging in transversal activities that prioritize stability. As DevOps Community Operation Sponsor, I have been at the forefront of driving significant technical and organizational transformations towards ... Show more

Lauren Darcey

Lauren Darcey

Mobile @ Reddit / Author of Android books

Mobile @ Reddit / Author of Android books Show more

Alan Ridlehoover

Alan Ridlehoover

Passionate software engineer. (I ❤️ Ruby!)
Empathetic leader (@ Cisco Meraki).
Fallible human.
Storyteller. International speaker.
Environmentalist. Feminist. Ally.
Swell photographer. Rusty drummer.
Loving twins dad and husband.
Owner of too many hats, given I only have the one head.

Passionate software engineer. (I ❤️ Ruby!) Empathetic leader (@ Cisco Meraki). Fallible human. Storyteller. International speaker. Environmentalist. Feminist. Ally. Swell photographer. Rusty drummer. Loving twins dad and husband. Owner of ... Show more

Eduard Koekkoek

Eduard Koekkoek

Chronically data-enthusiast, engineer and consultant on the Microsoft-stack (Azure, Fabric & Power Platform) and all things SQL or Spark, with some expertise on other data-solutions as well like TimeXtender, and Qlikview. I like sharing my stories on adoption strategies, and ideas for implementation on Fabric-Adoption on the road to data maturity.

With the aim of improving organisations, processes and people I am data-experienced in the Benelux-geography since 2004 with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol/Royal Schiphol Group, Royal Heijmans (building contractor), Nabuurs Supply Chain Solutions, Micromedia Benelux (wholesale), Provelu (data-consulting), Danone Nutrition-products and Heart for Arts (agency and ICT-consultancy for NGO's). I am the proud holder of degrees in Logistics, and Business Economics, and Microsoft-certificates.

My motto's are: Be yourself, try the best you can, take some time to become aware of the situation, make contact with others, help others, imagine, create, learn, and last, but not least, adapt. I live for tech, the tech- and performing arts- community and helping people. I am an event organizer, speaker, and volunteer as well in data-usergroups, and performing arts.

Demolished my first IBM AT-model with 80286 Intel in 1988. Created my first database with gameplays of Civilization in 1991. Build my first hardware components and drivers for model railways in 1993. Hooked on Excel and VBA since 1995 in secundary education. From Access, Excel and Filemaker dba’s via Qlikview to Power BI/Azure in 2017. I love music and theatre production, hence I find NGO’s are great at helping others so I help them as well!

Chronically data-enthusiast, engineer and consultant on the Microsoft-stack (Azure, Fabric & Power Platform) and all things SQL or Spark, with some expertise on other data-solutions as well like TimeXtender, and Qlikview. I like sharing my stories on... Show more

Shadrack Kiprotich

Shadrack Kiprotich

Title: Microsoft MVP || Software Developer(.NET, Flutter, Dart) || Power Platform Developer
Shadrack is a self-taught developer with a background in Finance. He is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) under the Business Applications category. An active tech community leader for the Power Platform User Group Kenya and also active contributor of the Microsoft Tech Community. Being a community enthusiast he has been able to organise and attend 20+ hackathons and tech events

Title: Microsoft MVP || Software Developer(.NET, Flutter, Dart) || Power Platform Developer Shadrack is a self-taught developer with a background in Finance. He is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) under the Business Applications categor... Show more

Justice Oyakhilome Anthony

Justice Oyakhilome Anthony

Justice is a Programs and Operations expert with a keen interest in sustainability and cleantech, He is a current Global Ambassador for UNLEASH, a Global Landscape Forum Social Media Ambassador, a trained Climate Reality Leader, and a graduate of mechanical engineering. Justice is Microsoft Certified in M365, Azure, and Power Platforms. Justice is the former Growth and Operations Manager at Trashcoin UG, a German/Nigerian cleantech startup focused on digitizing waste collection in Africa.

He currently works as a Community Growth & Data Lead at Young Collective and serves as a Community Engagement Coordinator at Generation Climate Europe (GCE).

Justice is a Programs and Operations expert with a keen interest in sustainability and cleantech, He is a current Global Ambassador for UNLEASH, a Global Landscape Forum Social Media Ambassador, a trained Climate Reality Leader, and a graduate of mec... Show more

Usama Wahab Khan

Usama Wahab Khan

I am Microsoft MVP and MCT and community leader from UAE. I working as CTO evolution Technologies, Azure community Hero

I am Microsoft MVP and MCT and community leader from UAE. I working as CTO evolution Technologies, Azure community Hero Show more

David Handlos

David Handlos

David is an engineer with 20+ years of IT experience working in software development, quality assurance, and data science.
He is currently a Senior Automation Engineer for the First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), a midwestern-based bank managing over $30 billion in assets.

David is an engineer with 20+ years of IT experience working in software development, quality assurance, and data science. He is currently a Senior Automation Engineer for the First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), a midwestern-based bank managing ov... Show more

Evelien Acun-Roos

Evelien Acun-Roos

Evelien Acun-Roos is an experienced Knowledge Sharer at Xebia and a Professional Scrum Trainer at Scrum.org. She has a profound knowledge of Agile and Scrum and knows how to transfer that to (Scrum) Teams, their surrounding environment, and their management.

She has helped many organizations become more Agile (Unilever, ING, Rabobank, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, APG, Philips, VodafoneZiggo a.o.).

Evelien loves to give training. Since she is a certified trainer for Training From the Back of the Room, her training courses are filled with brain-based learning activities.
At Agile conferences, she shares knowledge about Scrum Values, Liberating Structures, Brain Science, Situational Leadership, Happy Chemicals, building Trust and Happiness, and other ways to Boost your Scrum.

Evelien Acun-Roos is an experienced Knowledge Sharer at Xebia and a Professional Scrum Trainer at Scrum.org. She has a profound knowledge of Agile and Scrum and knows how to transfer that to (Scrum) Teams, their surrounding environment, and their man... Show more

Meryem Zaid

Meryem Zaid

An enthusiastic quality specialist deeply immersed in the realm of front-end technologies. With a wealth of experience under her belt, she navigates the intricacies of software development with finesse. Beyond her professional endeavors, Meriem devotes herself to nurturing the future of the tech industry as a part-time software engineering instructor, imparting her knowledge and expertise to the next generation of developers. Yet, her commitment doesn't end there. In the scarce moments between her professional and teaching duties, Meriem takes the lead in driving and participating in numerous community initiatives across Morocco and beyond, enriching lives and fostering progress throughout Africa

An enthusiastic quality specialist deeply immersed in the realm of front-end technologies. With a wealth of experience under her belt, she navigates the intricacies of software development with finesse. Beyond her professional endeavors, Meriem devot... Show more

Édgar Sánchez Gordón

Édgar Sánchez Gordón

30 years writing business apps. In love with functional programming since learning LISP in college. Co-founder of Logic Studio, a software house with over a hundred friends in Quito, Ecuador. Ecuador Technology Chamber Board of Directors. Microsoft Regional Director. Aspiring trail runner and triathlete.

30 years writing business apps. In love with functional programming since learning LISP in college. Co-founder of Logic Studio, a software house with over a hundred friends in Quito, Ecuador. Ecuador Technology Chamber Board of Directors. Microsoft R... Show more

Steven Annegarn

Steven Annegarn

Steven started his career in finance and ventured into analytics around 2018. He is currently Co-owner and CTO of DATA KINGDOM, a scale-up in Data Analytics consultancy. Steven focuses mainly on building the Power BI architecture, Data Modeling and Governance. Trough this, he helps clients get more value out of their data.

Steven started his career in finance and ventured into analytics around 2018. He is currently Co-owner and CTO of DATA KINGDOM, a scale-up in Data Analytics consultancy. Steven focuses mainly on building the Power BI architecture, Data Modeling and G... Show more

Christian DeFeo

Christian DeFeo

I'm an experienced digital professional who has been working with the internet since 1995. My career has ranged from web development management to online marketing to inner sourcing. I have worked for element14.com (part of Premier Farnell), Elsevier, ebookers, and HSBC prior to coming to Shell.

I have a PhD in Creative Writing (University of Southampton, 2010); I was awarded my PhD in Engineering at Loughborough in 2024. My engineering thesis specifically related to how online communities can drive product innovation, and how innovative behaviours can be measured to drive actions.

I'm an experienced digital professional who has been working with the internet since 1995. My career has ranged from web development management to online marketing to inner sourcing. I have worked for element14.com (part of Premier Farnell), Elsevi... Show more

George Chang

George Chang

George is the senior director of digital experience at Hexagon AB, using the magic of marketing technology to drive revenue and customer satisfaction. With over 25 years of background in software development, George combines his love for technology with customer engagement through digital content platforms and modern web technologies. George has also been a Sitecore MVP for the past 8 years, championing the industry-leading digital platform and pushing the limits of the technology with his knowledge and experience.

George is the senior director of digital experience at Hexagon AB, using the magic of marketing technology to drive revenue and customer satisfaction. With over 25 years of background in software development, George combines his love for technology w... Show more

Stephan Simonidis

Stephan Simonidis

17 years of experience in reporting, data analytics and business intelligence in finance, insurance and media.

17 years of experience in reporting, data analytics and business intelligence in finance, insurance and media. Show more

Carsten Meilbak

Carsten Meilbak

Carsten has done Microsoft communication for more than 15 years – before that many years in the telco industry. Working with meeting rooms has become his new passion.
Carsten is also Microsoft MVP in Teams and Mesh

Carsten has done Microsoft communication for more than 15 years – before that many years in the telco industry. Working with meeting rooms has become his new passion. Carsten is also Microsoft MVP in Teams and Mesh Show more

Intesar Shannan Mohammed

Intesar Shannan Mohammed

Intesar Shannan Mohammed is a seasoned serial entrepreneur and speaker with profound expertise in APIs, governance, privacy, performance, and security. With a remarkable track record of founding three successful startups in the API space, Intesar's entrepreneurial journey has been defined by innovation and impactful contributions. His profound knowledge and passion for the subject are exemplified by the several granted patents he holds in the domain. Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience at renowned technology companies, including VMware, Palm, and Cisco.

Intesar Shannan Mohammed is a seasoned serial entrepreneur and speaker with profound expertise in APIs, governance, privacy, performance, and security. With a remarkable track record of founding three successful startups in the API space, Intesar's e... Show more

Mark Smith

Mark Smith

Mark has been working with Microsoft Business Applications since 2003 and has run practices of various sizes in multiple countries. He is the creator of the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge. He is a Business Applications MVP, MCT, Mentor and Speaker.

Mark has been working with Microsoft Business Applications since 2003 and has run practices of various sizes in multiple countries. He is the creator of the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge. He is a Business Applications MVP, MCT, Mentor and Speaker. Show more

Emily van Putten

Emily van Putten

Emily van Putten is an experienced IT professional with nearly 18 years of expertise in technology and digital transformation. She combines her technical knowledge – recognized with four consecutive Microsoft MVP awards – with a passion for diversity, inclusion, and human-centered innovation. As a board member of Dutch Women in Tech and a passionate speaker, Emily brings technology to life by connecting it to societal themes such as ethics, authenticity, and inclusion.

Beyond her work in IT, Emily shares her unique perspectives and insights through podcasts and publications. She explores technology from unexpected angles, offering sharp analyses of how IT solutions shape our world – and how they can become more inclusive. Her publications are known for their personal touch and their ability to make challenging topics accessible and relevant to a wide audience.

What sets Emily apart is her ability to combine vulnerability and authenticity with technical depth. In her sessions, she challenges participants to think beyond technical possibilities and view technology as a tool to address societal challenges. With an interactive and inspiring approach, she motivates professionals and organizations to use technology as a force for positive change.

Emily van Putten is an experienced IT professional with nearly 18 years of expertise in technology and digital transformation. She combines her technical knowledge – recognized with four consecutive Microsoft MVP awards – with a passion for diversity... Show more

Yasmine Rigby

Yasmine Rigby

Yasmine is a software engineer at Hamilton Robson and a third-year Computer Science student at Ulster University. With over a year of experience working within a research and development team, Yasmine has gained skills in various areas such as full-stack engineering, cloud development, data engineering, and more, all while developing a strong passion for problem-solving. Yasmine actively contributes to her local tech community as an organiser, speaker, and attendee, including her role as an organiser at NIDC (technology conference in Belfast) and her former position as City Lead at Women Who Code Belfast.

Yasmine has experience presenting on panels and solo for meetup groups and conferences such as NIDC, belfAWSt (AWS community group), Google’s WTM Belfast, and BelTech.

Outside of coding, Yasmine spends most of her time in local coffee shops, searching for the best almond croissant, reading sci-fi titles, and gaming. She believes in diving in, learning along the way, and keeping an open mind to new ways of thinking and growing is the best approach to developing a growth mindset.

Yasmine is a software engineer at Hamilton Robson and a third-year Computer Science student at Ulster University. With over a year of experience working within a research and development team, Yasmine has gained skills in various areas such as full-s... Show more

Lucy Grainger

Lucy Grainger

Lucy Grainger (she/her) works as the FireSmart Education Officer for FireSmart BC. She recently joined the FireSmart BC program, where she is dedicated to working with communities to build resiliency and implement practices to reduce wildfire impacts in their regions. She graduated from Quest University Canada in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, where she focused on education and social-emotional learning. With over a decade of experience in wildfire, Lucy has worked with the BC Wildfire Service since 2013, primarily on a ground crew through the Rapattack Program. Lucy is grateful to live and work is the unceded traditional territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.

Lucy Grainger (she/her) works as the FireSmart Education Officer for FireSmart BC. She recently joined the FireSmart BC program, where she is dedicated to working with communities to build resiliency and implement practices to reduce wildfire impacts... Show more

Phil Donaldson

Phil Donaldson

Hey, I’m Phil — a creative strategist, business builder, and course creator. I’ve been through the trenches of B2B marketing and branding, so I know firsthand that the “old ways” just don’t cut it anymore.

My superpower? Merging creativity with strategy. Whether it’s transforming a LinkedIn profile into a magnet for opportunities or designing courses that truly resonate, I help businesses elevate their brand and create authentic relationships that build trust.

And it doesn't end there. In my community of Fort Collins, CO, I'm deep into curating events that fuse business flair with local culture — that's where the magic happens. We're talking growth, we're talking community, we're talking the good stuff that keeps us all connected.

Hey, I’m Phil — a creative strategist, business builder, and course creator. I’ve been through the trenches of B2B marketing and branding, so I know firsthand that the “old ways” just don’t cut it anymore. My superpower? Merging creativity with st... Show more

Imma Valls

Imma Valls

Imma is a Staff Developer Advocate who loves automating stuff and anything that helps get apps from development to production.

She enjoys sharing with local communities and helping them connect and thrive. You can find her co-organizing Grafana’s meetups in Barcelona and Madrid, Cloud Native Barcelona meetups, Software Crafters Barcelona, and KCD Barcelona 2024.

She also volunteers as a coach and board member at the TechFems Barcelona community and collaborates with Technovation Girls as a Judge.

She is a Bruce Springsteen fan. No surrender!

Imma is a Staff Developer Advocate who loves automating stuff and anything that helps get apps from development to production. She enjoys sharing with local communities and helping them connect and thrive. You can find her co-organizing Grafana’s ... Show more

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