Seattle, WA

Pre-Conference Workshops - Monday

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 421-422

Advanced Power Apps and Power Automate: Workarounds for Common Problems

Paul Papanek Stork

Paul Papanek Stork

Don't Pa..Panic Consulting, Owner

Spend any amount of time in the Power Platform forums and you will begin to see a lot of similar questions asked over and over again.

In this workshop we will look at some of the most common issues Citizen Developers encounter when trying to develop applications and workflows in the Power Platform. We'll examine each type of problem, analyze why they occur, and provide workarounds that you can use when you encounter them.

The workshop will be divided into two parts. In the first we'll concentrate on Power Apps and in the second we'll look at Power Automate.

Here is a general list of the overall topics we will cover: • Morning: Power Apps ○ Delegation ○ Working with Dates and Times ○ Conditional Formatting of data ○ Passing Data to and Retrieving Results from a Flow ○ Using Solutions to package Apps & Flows • Afternoon: Power Automate ○ New Copilot Support ○ Using Conditions and Switches effectively ○ Handling Loops and Parallel Branches ○ Working with Large Data Sources ○ Implementing Error Checking/Correction ○ Improving Performance

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 431

Automation Accelerator: Power Automate Bootcamp - From Basics to Brilliance

Amarender Peddamalku

Amarender Peddamalku

MVP | Practice Lead - Microsoft Modern Work @Perficient

This workshop is for beginners and I will cover a range of topics to help participants understand and utilize Power Automate effectively. Here are some key topics:

Introduction to Power Automate:

Overview of Power Automate and its capabilities. Understanding the different types of flows (cloud flows, desktop flows, business process flows). Creating Your First Flow

Step-by-step guide to creating a simple automated workflow. Using templates to get started quickly. Working with Connectors:

Connecting to various data sources and services. Using standard and premium connectors. Building Advanced Flows:

Using conditions, loops, and variables. Integrating with other Microsoft services like SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook.

Setting up error handling in your flows. Monitoring and troubleshooting flows. Best Practices and Governance:

Tips for designing efficient and maintainable flows. Understanding governance and security considerations. Hands-on Labs and Exercises:

Practical exercises to apply what you've learned. Building real-world automation scenarios.

These topics provide a comprehensive overview and hands-on experience with Power Automate, enabling participants to automate and optimize their business processes effectively

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 423-424

Power Apps and Power Automate (Flow) for M365/SharePoint Bootcamp

Scott Shearer

Scott Shearer

Microsoft Power Platform Evangelist and MVP

Wes Preston

Wes Preston

Founder and independent consultant working with platform alignment and no-code solutions with M365 and Power Apps

Work through common business use cases to see how Power Apps and Power Automate - with their Copilot capabilities - fit into your toolset extending M365, SharePoint, Lists, and Teams and more.

This intro workshop will cover platform basics, dig in with demos, and then let you "take the wheel" walking through hands-on examples to build a solution as we work through the day building on top of Microsoft Lists.

Attend this workshop to get a foothold with the Power Platform. Gain the skills you'll need to immediately extend List capabilities and start customizing your Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and Teams sites with Power Apps and Power Automate.

You'll learn about the different types of Flows that can be used with Power Automate and will create basic Flows yourself. Then, see how Flows integrate with Power Apps you've built and the list data behind them. Your instructors will be there to assist throughout the day with your questions.

Notes and Requirements: To participate in the hands-on portion of this workshop, attendees should bring a laptop computer. Attendees who bring tablets, even with keyboards, will likely experience difficulties in successfully completing the labs.

We will be using Power Apps, Power Automate, Microsoft Lists, Teams, SharePoint and other Microsoft 365 components in our labs. Attendees are encouraged to setup trial environments prior to attending. Instructions will be made available.

If you will be using a company-provided laptop and will not be using your corporate tenant, please verify that you are able to connect to the Microsoft 365 environment that you will be using prior to arrival.

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 432

Hands-On: Azure, ChatGPT, Azure OpenAI For Power Platform Developers Masterclass

Prashant G Bhoyar

Prashant G Bhoyar

6 x Microsoft AI MVP| 3 x Microsoft Business Applications MVP| Speaker| Author| Leading AI Architect | Microsoft Certified Trainer, AI Architect at AIS

Gartner predicts, “by 2024, over 65% of medium to large enterprises will have adopted a Low Code Application Platform as one of their strategic application platforms.” Microsoft Power Platform is a low-code platform for rapidly building customized end-to-end business solutions. It consists of five product areas: Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Copilot Studio, and Power Pages. Each area can be used individually or together. Thanks to native integration with Azure, developers can use their cloud development skills to extend Microsoft Power Platform with different Azure services. With a low-code integrated development approach, business goals can be achieved faster and free up time for the developers.

In this hands-on workshop, we will cover how to use Azure for custom development in Microsoft Platform services like Power Automate, Power Apps, Power Pages, Copilot Studio, Dataverse, and Power BI.

We will cover: • Microsoft Azure Key Concepts • How does Power Platform use Azure? • How can fusion teams take advantage of Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Power Platform? • Authentication and Authorization in Azure • Azure + Power Automate • Azure + Power Apps • Azure + Power Pages • Azure + Copilot Studio • Azure + Power BI • Azure + Dataverse • PowerFx • Copilots in the Power Platform • Azure OpenAI + Power Platform • ChatGPT + Power Platform • Custom Connectors in Power Platform • What are Azure Functions? • What are Logic Apps? • What is Azure Bot Service? • How to create an enterprise-grade app using Azure, ChatGPT, Azure OpenAI, and Microsoft Power Platform?

At the end of the workshop, attendees will have a working knowledge of Azure, Azure OpenAI, and how to use it to implement the customizations in the Microsoft Power Platform.

Access to Azure, Azure Open AI, and Microsoft Power Platform ( Power Apps, Power Automate, Copilot Studio, and Power BI ) will be provided to create the customization. The target audience of this hands-on workshop is Developers, Power Users, and IT Pros who want to get into development.

Please note: Attendees will need to bring their laptops with internet access and modern browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. The tablets will not work.

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 435-436

SharePoint: Zero to Hero

Tamara Bredemus

Tamara Bredemus

The nexus between IT and the business

If you are new to SharePoint, this is your workshop. We will start at the beginning with, “What is this thing you call SharePoint?” and then go step-by-step to “Now I can build basic business solutions.” Everything we do during this session will be in SharePoint Online, but also works for On-Premises environments. No Code.

Here’s what we will cover:  1.            What is SharePoint 2.            Getting around SharePoint 3.            How to build and use a solution for your business needs 4.            Discover what metadata is and how it can help 5.            How to make sure the right people have the right access to the right things at the right time 6.            Create a one-stop-shop with a custom page

At the end of this workshop, you will have the information needed to create simple solutions using the tools provided by SharePoint without waiting for IT to build it for you. Buckle up. We’ve got a lot to cover.

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 437-439

A Deep Dive into Copilot Studio

Mark Rackley

Mark Rackley

Director Microsoft Practice @ Protiviti

Copilot Studio is the go-to tool in your Power Platform arsenal to create custom Copilots and extend Copilot for Microsoft 365. Join this half-day, demo-packed workshop from Mark Rackley and learn all the ins and outs of Copilot Studio including:

  • How to build a Custom Copilot
  • How to Extend Copilot of Microsoft 365
  • How to incorporate Azure OpenAI for even more GenAI awesomeness
  • How does licensing work for Copilot Studio

You'll walk away eager and empowered to get started creating your own amazing solutions using Copilot Studio

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 443-444

Best Practices for Intranet Information Architecture: the key to unlocking AI’s full potential

Susan Hanley

Susan Hanley

Information Architect/Business Analyst

In this workshop, we will explore the basics of Information Architecture (IA) and its role in creating effective intranets using Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and Viva Connections. We’ll talk about why IA is so important to AI – and how you can ensure that your intranet content can act as a valuable partner in your AI solutions. Whether you are just starting out or looking to improve your current intranet design, this workshop will provide you with the necessary tools and techniques to make the most of new and upcoming features, capabilities, and best practices.

We'll cover key topics including creating and organizing content, building site structures, creating metadata, and leveraging search functionality.

You will take away:

  • Approaches for planning navigation across the entire intranet and on individual sites
  • Tips and best practices for audiences, hubs, and home sites
  • Page design guidance that supports accessibility and great user experiences
  • Effective use of metadata on pages and documents – and whether it is OK to use folders to organize your content.
  • How to leverage Viva Connections to bring your intranet to your users in the flow of work – and how to plan audiences to ensure that the right tools and information gets to the right groups.
  • How Copilot can help your information architecture and vice versa.

You'll leave with a clear understanding of what IA is, why it matters, and how to get started with creating effective intranets that meet your organization's needs.

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 440-442

Enhance Business Efficiency with Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Power Platform

Daniel Christian

Daniel Christian

YouTuber | MVP |MCT | Solutions Architect

William Huneycutt

William Huneycutt

Upskill Tech

Discover how to transform your business efficiency with the powerful features of Copilot for Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform. This hands-on workshop is designed to equip you with practical skills and insights to optimize your workflow, automate tasks effectively, and significantly enhance productivity.

Join Microsoft MVPs Daniel Christian and Andy Huneycutt as they share their expert tips and tricks to transform your workday and help you become a Copilot star. In this session, they will dive into the powerful features of both Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Copilot for the Power Platform, demonstrating how Copilot can revolutionize your approach to everyday tasks.

Key Takeaways:

  • Copilot for Microsoft 365: Explore how Copilot integrates with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Forms, Loops, Outlook, and Teams to boost efficiency and collaboration.
  • Copilot for the Power Platform: Learn how Copilot enhances Power Apps, Power Automate, and Copilot Studio, enabling you to build, automate, and create copilots with ease.
  • Practical Demonstrations: Watch live demos showcasing real-world applications of Copilot, helping you see its potential in action.
  • Expert Tips and Tricks: Gain insights from Daniel and Andy's experiences, including best practices and advanced techniques to maximize Copilot's impact on your workflow.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the experts and transform your work routine with the power of Microsoft Copilot. Whether you're new to these tools or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel in your role.

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 445-446

Power BI Bootcamp for SharePoint Professionals

Treb Gatte

Treb Gatte

Marquee Insights, make better, faster decisions with smarter data.

NOTE: YOU WILL NEED A COMPUTER WITH THE LATEST VERSION OF POWER BI DESKTOP INSTALLED PRIOR TO WORKSHOP TIME. THIS IS A HANDS ON BOOTCAMP.

Need to create stunning dashboards from your SharePoint data?

Yes, you do!

In this bootcamp, we’ll show you: • How should I approach my BI need? • What things should be considered when creating dashboards? • What are the best practices? • How much is this going to cost me to license? • What security aspects should concern me?

Who should take this course: If your company uses Office 365 or SharePoint 2013/2016 and you are a: • Manager • Business Analyst • Power User • SharePoint Administrator • Consultant

If you work in these areas, you will see value: • Marketing • Information Technology • Finance • Sales • Social Media

The class assumes no prior knowledge of Power BI and Data Concepts.

What is required for this class: Install Microsoft Power BI Desktop on your laptop We'll provide an Office 365 site for you to use for exercises

In this workshop you will: • Learn how to create Production Dashboards using Power BI, from SharePoint list and document library data • How to use Power BI in a multitude of situations, including ad hoc analysis and the creation of formal dashboard. • Learn the Power BI components: Power BI Desktop, PowerBI.com, Power BI mobile applications and how they can be used with Office 365 and SharePoint • Receive an introduction into the core functions of Power BI; Data extraction, loading and transformation using Power Query Formula Language (“M”) and DAX. • Receive some guidelines on how to extract Project data in fast manner. • Discover some data modeling practices that will ensure you have maximum flexibility in analysis. You'll also learn some visualization best practices to ensure you can tell your digital story effectively • Learn best practices for maintaining content with your organization

This workshop provides an end-to-end view of Power BI for SharePoint reporting, so that you are able to use Power BI immediately for your needs.

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 447-448

The Ultimate Masterclass to Microsoft Teams: From Everyday Use to Expert Administration

Gokan Ozcifci

Gokan Ozcifci

Consultant. Entrepreneur. Microsoft Regional Director & MVP.

Vlad Catrinescu

Vlad Catrinescu

Microsoft MVP | MCT Regional Lead | Author of over 80 courses at Pluralsight and 3 books with Apress

Microsoft Teams is a robust platform for seamless collaboration, enabling effective teamwork regardless of geographical boundaries. It is intricately intertwined with the Microsoft cloud, granting access to the full spectrum of Microsoft 365's potent tools and applications. Microsoft Teams empower users to manage discussions, share files, arrange meetings, and engage in real-time collaboration with colleagues. This workshop will comprehensively cover everything essential for optimizing your utilization of Microsoft Teams. We will start with an introductory overview of the platform and then help you through its initial setup and configuration. Subsequently, we will deep-dive into best practices tailored for various scenarios, including remote team management, conducting productive meetings, and fostering project collaboration.

Furthermore, we will explore the intricate interplay between Teams and other Microsoft applications like Viva, Loop, SharePoint, OneDrive for Business, and the Power Platform. You will learn to leverage these tools to streamline workflows and boost productivity.

Throughout the workshop, we will also address crucial subjects such as administration, management, policies, governance, and the integration of application extensions. Additionally, we will explore the array of chat options and adaptive cards available within Teams. By the workshop's conclusion, you will comprehensively understand Teams' functionality and how to harness its potential to enhance collaboration within your organization and its administration.

To fully benefit from the hands-on segment of the workshop, participants are advised to bring a laptop equipped with a demo environment. While tablets or phones can be utilized, they may need to provide the optimal experience for completing the practical exercises.

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 433 (workshops only)

Develop Declarative Agents to extend Microsoft 365 Copilot to get the most out of your investment!

Andrew Connell

Andrew Connell

Become an expert developer in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem!

You've rolled out Microsoft 365 Copilot and now your organization has entered the AI revolution.

Mission accomplished... or is it?

Out of the box, Microsoft 365 Copilot only has access to the underlying LLM's baseline knowledge and some content in your Microsoft 365 tenant.

But most companies have valuable data outside Microsoft 365—manuals, standard operating procedures, policies, inventory systems, ERPs, CRMs, sales data, and more!

After learning how copilot works, you’ll learn how to unlock copilot's power by extending its knowledge and teaching it new skills! From populating the semantic index with unstructured content using Microsoft Graph connectors to creating actions and implementing RAG patterns for real-time relational data access, you'll make copilot truly yours!

This workshop for full-stack developers focuses on creating declarative agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot to implement specific scenarios. You'll learn how to build scalable enterprise solutions without additional Copilot Studio licensing costs. Follow along as Andrew builds these connections, APIs, actions, and custom agents—or roll up your sleeves and build your own using your Microsoft 365 tenant and Microsoft 365 Copilot license!

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 434 (workshops only)

Microsoft 365 & The Power Platform - The Ultimate Starter Kit

Daniel Glenn

Daniel Glenn

Microsoft MVP, Owner and Microsoft 365 Consultant at CollabFront

Microsoft 365 is the world's leading productivity suite that empowers you to work from anywhere, on any device, with a range of cloud-based apps and services. Microsoft’s Power Platform is a set of low-code or no-code solutions that enable you to build custom apps, automate workflows, and analyze data. In this workshop, you will be provided with a detailed exploration of these platforms, incorporating examples from real-world applications. We will of course look at how Copilot integrates with each product along the way! This information is useful if you've moved to the cloud, are thinking about moving, or are still exploring its value.

Some of the topics covered: • An overview of Microsoft’s cloud platforms and the evolution of collaboration. • An introduction and best practices for collaborative work in Microsoft 365, encompassing Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Viva Engage. • A primer on the Power Platform's favored tools: Power Automate, Power Apps, and Power BI. • An in-depth look at the workings of Microsoft 365 Groups. • Hands-on exercises and examples for integrating the Power Platform and Microsoft 365 to achieve business goals – bring your laptop and have company permission to use the services covered.

This starter kit is designed to enhance your understanding of the features within your cloud platform and learn how it can be leveraged within your organization.

Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Room 425 Workshops & Roundtables - Room 425

Driving employee engagement with Microsoft Viva, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Copilot

Sarah Haase

Sarah Haase

Microsoft MVP | M365 enthusiast | Principal Product Manager | User adoption advocate

Hybrid and remote work are the new normal, but work trends indicate the greatest challenges are a sense of community, connection, relationship-building, and inspiration. This full-day workshop explores how Microsoft Viva, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Copilot come together to foster company culture, unlock communication and engagement opportunities, organize content, and spark employee creativity.

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