mvp

Joe Carlyle

Microsoft MVP Summit 2024

This week was the MVP Summit for 2024. As with all previous events, all content is completely under NDA. That means this post isn’t going to disclose any of the information that was discussed, but I can mention some areas/ideas that I am excited about.

Most years, Microsoft runs several conferences. Some are more impactful than others, and this year is no different. I am really looking forward to Build and the developer focussed content that will accompany it. And not since 2019 am I looking forward to Ignite as much as I am this year. It appears to be almost back to its full strength, being run this year in Chicago across several days.

While we were at Summit, the GA of Copilot for Security was announced for April 1st, another major milestone for Microsoft’s Copilot products. It doesn’t take much foresight to guess that this pace and innovation of AI products will continue into 2024.

One non-technical item that was very important was my fellow MVPs. This year had an increased in-person turnout to last year, and everyone was in fantastic form for the week. As evidenced in the photo below which includes myself, and other Irish MVPs we could round up on short notice for a quick picture at Microsoft’s new building courtyard.

And for the first time ever, I was joined by a colleague! Alan Kinane is new into our team, and it was great to be able to chat on different levels about content.

And lastly, a massive thank you to those who organised, ran, and made sure everything went as planned for the week. I can only imagine how complex it all is. It’s very much appreciated!

Joe Carlyle

Microsoft MVP Summit – 2023

As part of the Microsoft MVP program, every year, Microsoft run a specific summit for MVPs only. At this event, MVPs interact with Microsoft teams on NDA content and hang out with peers. Over the last number of years, this has been virtual. However, this year the event was hybrid, with MVPs able to attend at Microsoft HQ in Seattle. It was also a celebration of 30 years of the MVP program!

Thankfully I was able to make the trip! Here I am looking delighted with myself after picking up my badge:

As all details within the event are under the MVP NDA, unfortunately I cannot even share a round-up. However, I can say that I am very excited for Build, which is again hybrid in Seattle. You can register here – https://build.microsoft.com/en-US/home

And finally, if you saw all of the posts from this past week and feel like you may be a fit for the program, let’s have a chat about a nomination!

Joe Carlyle

Achievement Unlocked: Microsoft MVP

This is a blog post you may have read in one form or another before. I myself have read several of them recently, delighted for others in the community being recognised for their contributions (round of applause for 1 month veterans Gregor Suttie and Richard Hooper 😀 ). However, it’s not a post you imagine yourself writing.

However, as of September 1st, I have had to figure out how to put the shock, privilege and delight into a single post.

On my way home from my annual (successful) NFL Fantasy draft, I received my “Congratulations!” email. I genuinely think I read it 10-15 times, line-by-line to make sure I was reading it correctly and honestly it was one of the most bizarre but exciting feelings I’ve had in my career.

For those who don’t know what an MVP is, here is what Microsoft have to say:

Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals, or MVPs, are technology experts who passionately share their knowledge with the community. They are always on the “bleeding edge” and have an unstoppable urge to get their hands on new, exciting technologies. They have very deep knowledge of Microsoft products and services, while also being able to bring together diverse platforms, products and solutions, to solve real world problems. MVPs make up a global community of over 4,000 technical experts and community leaders across 90 countries/regions and are driven by their passion, community spirit, and quest for knowledge. Above all and in addition to their amazing technical abilities, MVPs are always willing to help others – that’s what sets them apart.

I will try follow this up with a “road-to” style post, but for now I just want to say thank you to all those who supported, interacted and helped along the way. Long may the learning and tech fun continue!