M365 Community Days NYC 2024: Collaboration and Innovation

M365 Community Day NYC 2024, Held on July 26th at the Microsoft Times Square Office, this event was a great opportunity for anyone looking to advance their knowledge and skills in Microsoft 365. The conference brought together industry experts, Microsoft MVPs, and dedicated community leaders to provide informative sessions on the latest Microsoft 365 features and technologies. Attendees had the opportunity to network with other IT professionals, participate in hands-on labs, and participate in a variety of fun activities and social events. In addition to being educational, this event was also a fantastic way to network with like-minded professionals and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of New York City. We spoke to a Microsoft Azure, Cloud, and Datacenter Management MVP from Austria. Michael SidelUS M365 MVP Susan HanleyAnd US Azure and Security MVP Suchetta KawadeI talk about my experience as a speaker at this conference.

MVP Sucheta Kawade

Michael’s presentation, which was his first time visiting the city with a colleague, provided a unique opportunity for the two to build a stronger relationship through their shared professional experience. Meanwhile, Susan found tremendous value in the community-focused nature of these events, creating an opportunity to reconnect with friends in an environment where volunteerism thrives. Sucheta was inspired by the opportunity to share practical knowledge with a dynamic audience and connect with like-minded professionals. These interactions help her pursue excellence. “Speaking at M365 events is a great fit for my career, as my job focuses on centrally managing and securing devices and apps in the M365 environment,” Sucheta said.

This engagement not only highlighted Sucheta’s M365 management expertise, but also marked a significant milestone in her journey, reflecting the transformative power of technology to foster a connected and secure community. Sucheta discussed the importance of engaging questions from the audience and how technical brainstorming with fellow MVPs and IT professionals at the event often helped her change her perspective. She continued, “During the Intune presentation demo, an attendee asked a question about task automation that later sparked a solution I implemented at work. These interactions inspire critical thinking and creative solutions, strengthening the power of technology and community.” Susan discussed the value and importance of feedback. After one of the sessions, an attendee thanked her and said what she learned made the entire day worthwhile. “The feedback made my early morning flight to New York completely worth it,” she said. Finally, Michael said the event was a great opportunity to observe colleagues in action, proving that these colleagues could be future MVPs. His colleague has made significant progress and has taken to speaking at conferences, which Michael believes will help spread the word and help the community.

MVP Susan Hanley

This newfound passion for public speaking is not only a personal milestone, but also a catalyst for broader community engagement, setting the stage for a series of transformative experiences at M365 Community Day. Sucheta explained that presenting at events like this requires staying up to date and equipped with the latest technologies to effectively discuss innovations and engage in advanced technical collaboration. This commitment has reinforced her commitment to staying up to date with the rapidly evolving Microsoft technology landscape. Sucheta also came to prefer face-to-face collaboration, finding the interaction invaluable. Michael, on the other hand, emphasized that at every conference, interacting directly with the audience, gaining new knowledge from the sessions, and receiving feedback when leaving is worth it. Finally, Susan said, “Since I work from home, Community Day is a great opportunity for me to learn from my peers and network so that I can be a better partner for our customers. It’s a great way for me to meet colleagues who I can engage with.”

In conclusion, the M365 Community Days NYC 2024 event was an incredible experience that brought together Microsoft FTEs, Microsoft MVPs, regional directors, and members of the technical community. Audience feedback indicated that the event was highly informative and well worth attending. The gathering provided a platform to share knowledge and advance the technology field by fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. The goal was to provide expert sessions and networking opportunities to enhance Microsoft 365 skills. Attendee interactions and feedback emphasized the value of face-to-face collaboration and the power of technology and community. The drive to stay up to date with the latest technologies and the enthusiasm generated by these events reinforced the importance of continuous learning and professional growth. Overall, the event demonstrated the vibrant and dynamic nature of the Microsoft 365 community.

MVP Michael Sidle