Preparing for MVP Summit

As the annual MVP Summit at Microsoft’s campus in Redmond, Washington, draws near, I find myself reflecting on a journey that started back in January 2012 when I was first honored as a SharePoint MVP. It’s been an exhilarating ride since, attending every in-person Summit, affirming my belief that this event is the crown jewel of being an MVP. This week, as we gear up for the 2024 Summit, I wanted to share a glimpse into my preparation and what makes this gathering a not-to-be-missed affair.

Year after year, the MVP Summit provides a rich cross-section of sessions that span the latest in Microsoft technologies and beyond. While I’ve meticulously gone through the agenda, marking sessions that pique my interest, my approach to the Summit remains fundamentally open-minded. It’s crucial to stay receptive, engaging in dialogues with fellow MVPs and Microsoft employees. Often, it’s their insights on the “hot topics” that redefine my Summit experience.

Don’t get me wrong—the presentations by Microsoft are a treasure trove of insights, especially for those of us keen on understanding Microsoft’s future direction. However, the true essence of the MVP Summit lies in the rich conversations and shared experiences with peers. It’s the cross-talk, the spontaneous brainstorming sessions, and the collective wisdom of MVPs (and RDs) from various domains that I find most invigorating.

The MVP Summit is not just an event; it’s a networking haven. Every interaction holds the potential for new ideas, solutions for clients, or inspiration for my next blog post. The opportunity to connect and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry is invaluable. It’s these connections and exchanges that fuel my passion for SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Viva, and Copilot and drive my ambition to innovate.

As I pack my bags for Redmond, I am excited for what the 2024 Summit has in store. For those attending, I look forward to seeing you there tomorrow afternoon! Let’s make this Summit another memorable chapter in our MVP journey, filled with learning, sharing, and growing together. For those who can’t make it this year, I hope to see you on the road at other events this year — and the MVP Summit next year. As I tell every MVP that I interview as part of my #MVPbuzzChat series, you need to prioritize this event and try to be there in-person next year.

Here’s to another year of inspiring interactions and groundbreaking ideas. See you in Redmond!