The M365 Community Days NYC 2024, held on July 26th at the Microsoft Times Square Office, was a premier event for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in Microsoft 365. This conference brought together industry experts, Microsoft MVPs, and dedicated community leaders to deliver informative sessions on the latest Microsoft 365 features and technologies. Attendees had the opportunity to network with other IT professionals, engage in hands-on labs, and participate in various fun activities and social events. The event was not only educational but also a fantastic way to connect with like-minded professionals and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of New York City.  We spoke with Austrian Microsoft Azure, Cloud and Datacenter Management MVP Michael Seidl, United Stated M365 MVP Susan Hanley, and United States Azure and Security MVP Sucheta Gawade, about their experiences as speakers at this conference.

MVP Sucheta Gawade

Michael’s presentation in New York with a colleague, who was visiting the city for the first time, provided a unique opportunity for them to forge a stronger connection through their shared professional experience. Meanwhile, Susan found immense value in the community-driven nature of these events, creating the chance to reconnect with friends in an environment where the spirit of volunteerism thrived. While Sucheta was inspired by the opportunity to share practical knowledge with a dynamic audience and engage with like-minded professionals. These interactions drive her pursuit of excellence. Sucheta stated, “Speaking at an M365 event aligns well with my career, as my work focuses on centrally managing and securing devices and apps in M365 environments.”

This engagement not only highlighted Sucheta’s expertise in M365 management but also marked a significant milestone in her journey, reflecting on the transformative power of technology in fostering a connected and secure community. Sucheta discussed the importance of intriguing questions from the audience and how technical brainstorming with fellow MVPs and IT professionals at events often helps reshape her perspective. She continued to state, “During an Intune presentation demo, an attendee’s question about automating a task sparked a solution that was later applied at work. Such interactions inspire critical thinking and creative solutions, reinforcing the power of technology and community.” While Susan discussed the value and significance of feedback. After one of her sessions, an attendee expressed gratitude, stating that what they learned made the entire day worthwhile. She stated, “The feedback made the early morning flight to New York totally worth it.” Lastly, Michael spoke about how this event was a great opportunity to observe a colleague in action, proving that this colleague may be a future MVP. His colleague made significant progress and has developed a love for speaking at conferences, which Michael believes will be instrumental in spreading the word and helping the community.

MVP Susan Hanley

This newfound enthusiasm for public speaking is not just a personal milestone but also a catalyst for broader community engagement, setting the stage for a series of transformative experiences at the M365 Community Days. Sucheta discussed how presenting at events like this one requires preparation and staying current with the latest technology to effectively discuss innovations and engage in advanced technical collaboration. This commitment has strengthened her dedication to staying updated with the rapidly evolving Microsoft technology landscape. Additionally, Sucheta’s preference for in-person collaboration has grown, as she found the interactions invaluable. Whereas Michael emphasized that at every conference, the direct interaction with the audience and their feedback when they leave with new knowledge from his session is what makes it worthwhile. Finally, Susan stated, “Since I work from home, community days provide a great opportunity to learn from my colleagues and make connections that make me a better partner for my clients. It’s a great way to meet colleagues I can bring into my engagements.”

In conclusion, the M365 Community Days NYC 2024 event was a remarkable experience that united Microsoft FTEs, Microsoft MVPs, Regional Directors, and members of the tech community. The feedback from the audience indicated that the event was highly informative and worthwhile to attend.. This gathering fostered an environment of collaboration and innovation, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and advancing the field of technology. It aimed to strengthen Microsoft 365 skills by offering expert sessions and networking opportunities. Interactions and feedback from attendees highlighted the value of in-person collaboration and the power of technology and community. The commitment to staying updated with the latest technology and the enthusiasm generated by these events reinforced the importance of continuous learning and professional growth. Overall, the event was a testament to the vibrant and dynamic nature of the Microsoft 365 community.

MVP Michael Seidl

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