Issue 91: Three Ways To Continue Our #MVPSummit Experience Post MVP Summit!

The first #MVPSummit in four years happened in Redmond, Washington this week. To say it was a dream come true is an understatement. Meeting product groups, engaging on short term and long term plans for the products and services. Learning about on-premises and cloud technologies, developer tools, inclusive design, tours, happy hours, dinners, and events - it was unlike any other Microsoft conference I have attended (except TechReady 2008 - where Ray Ozzie shared Red Dog which eventually became Azure).

Close second to Learning about Windows Azure over six months before it was named Windows Azure!

It was also the 30th anniversary of the MVP Program. I can’t imagine what this program has meant to those that have been involved for 10, 15 or 20 years. When I joined Microsoft in 2005, there was a similar experience - I was new with very little to compare anything to, where others could compare Microsoft to what it had been.

I haven’t taken any of these iconic photos yet - but there’s always next time!

Bring Back The Towels!

I remember as a full time employee in 2005/2006 one of the benefits announced was the return of towels to Microsoft’s main campus. Having only visited Seattle once before (on the week that Microsoft launched Windows 95), I couldn’t really relate. Having only visited Seattle once during a really hard rain week, but several wet/drizzly trips since, I get it.

Some MVPs probably have the same feeling about benefits from the past that hopefully Microsoft will see for to bring back. The MVP Summit used to be paid for. Although this does allow for MVPs to make decisions together (like going in on a relatively cheap AirBnb or Turo car rental!) it means the conference while free has more than travel to the conference and maybe evening meals associated with it!

What I Can’t Share

Buckle up everyone - there are numerous things I can’t share and this dwarfs learning about Azure before Azure! Game changing stuff was revealed. What may seem like little things, but then you learn more about the impact and WOW! I’m sure EVERYONE can guess one category of a huge chunk of what MVPs WONT be talking about, but there were several other items that were no related to two little letters!

As I’m sure everyone can guess, AI will be everything, everywhere, all at once in 2023. This wasn’t the only thing we learned more about!

What I Can Share - 3 Ways To Continue Our #MVPSummit Experience Post-Summit

Most MVPs know about the Microsoft Offices and that as a MVP or group of MVPs, it’s easy to meet at those locations. What might not be widely known is that LinkedIn offices are open to visitors! Unlike Microsoft Offices, LinkedIn have free breakfast and lunch in those locations! They also have a HUGE investment in digital creators. Tapping into a local (or regional) LinkedIn office is one way MVPs could continue the MVP Summit experience post-summit. In person event, meals, speakers and topics, etc.

The first one I held needed an audience and a certain attendee cap (because of capacity).

The next time we hold one of these, I’m thinking Allison Thompson and Betsy Weber might want to join! The LinkedIn creator program might be a good way to partner with LinkedIn and for MVPs to learn a bit about another Microsoft/LinkedIn program. Nina T. and ★LeAndra Jordan might have thoughts in Atlanta (and they have all three - LinkedIn office, Microsoft Garage and Microsoft Technology Center!).

Local/Regional Events at the Microsoft Garage

Microsoft Garages would be a second place to drive the MVP post-summit experience. Matthew Browne C. , Frank Falvey ? and several other MVPs are hosting an event next week in the Microsoft Garage in Dublin, Ireland.

Join Matthew Browne MVP and Frank Falvey MCT on their 1st event at Microsoft Ireland as they Discuss all things Azure and Security! They will be followed by some additional speakers to be confirmed shortly over the next week. Seats are limited to 80 Individuals and we look forward to seeing everyone at the event.?

This is an event sure to be packed with Tech enthusiast , IT professionals and Microsoft Certified Trainers Educators and Microsoft MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals #MVPBuzz), they look forward to fiscussing different topics at this event latest's news and most importantly networking with other likeminded individuals.

Microsoft Build, Ignite and Other Conferences

Another way to continue the community in person vibe post #MVPSummit would be at the several Microsoft Conferences. There’s the M365 Conference in Vegas early May, Microsoft Build back in Seattle May 23-25 (pre-day May 22nd). This fall will be Microsoft Ignite 2023.

Microsoft Technology Centers

The Microsoft Technology Centers have received more than just a facelift! The inclusion of a 32:9 MASSIVE display is now a showcase that I have not seen elsewhere! When Matthew was in Chicago, IL Eden P. and David Giard were kind enough to join Ralph Rivas (MVP MS Biz Apps) and Bill Kulterman for an exclusive tour in January!

In December 2022, my late friend Ed Gallagher, Heather Ackmann , Alan Ackmann and Bill Kulterman as well as several Microsoft Alumni joined us at the Chicago MCT after a tour and lunch at the LinkedIn Chicago office!

This is just the start - I’ve already thought of more than the initial three in person local or regional events that MVPs, Microsoft employees, and LinkedIn subsidiary could collaborate on (havent even touched on other subsidiaries like GitHub!)

LinkedIn offices (most are separate locations!) and conferences would be other opportunities - what else? Where do you gather as a MVP?

How do you “become” an MVP? That’s next week with part 2!