CollabDays at Bletchley Park, 2023.
Introduction:
Attending CollabDays at Bletchley Park in 2023 was an unforgettable experience. (This is part of the “releasing my drafts” series).
Collabdays is a community organised Microsoft 365 learning day offering you the chance to learn from some of the best Microsoft 365 speakers in the industry. It offers learning tracks covering SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Viva, Microsoft Power Platform, and more. Each track is made up of one hour sessions where you will have the chance to learn, and ask questions that will directly benefit you and your organisation.
Collabdays events happen throughout the world, but this specific collabdays are held at The National Museum of Computing in Bletchley Park!
Nestled in the historic grounds of The National Museum of Computing, this event brought together enthusiasts and professionals from the Microsoft 365 community. Here’s a glimpse into my day at this remarkable venue.
Arrival and First Impressions:
As I arrived at Bletchley Park, the sense of history was palpable.
Known for its pivotal role in World War II codebreaking, the site now houses an impressive collection of historic computers. The event was held in Block H, a building steeped in history and innovation.
Sessions and Learning Tracks:
The day kicked off with a warm welcome from the organizers, followed by a series of engaging sessions. The learning tracks covered a wide range of topics, including SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Viva, and the Power Platform. My Agenda/shopping basket included sessions on Microsoft Graph, Azure Logic Apps, Data Strategy, Silence of Technical lambs, Data Mining, Assistive tools for Assessibility and Productivity, Sharepoint list forms vs Power Apps-The Battle between JSON vs Canvas Apps, How to test your Power App, Automate CI/CD using Azure DeVops, Adoption Project failed, Unleashing the power of M365 for transformative Success.
Each session was led by industry experts and Microsoft MVPs, who shared their insights and experiences.
The interactive Q&A session at the end allowed us to clarify doubts and share our own experiences.
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Exploring The National Museum of Computing:
During the breaks, I took the opportunity to explore The National Museum of Computing. Walking through the exhibits, I was fascinated by the Colossus, the world’s first electronic computer, and the Enigma machine, which played a crucial role in deciphering German codes during the war.
The museum’s collection is a testament to the incredible advancements in computing technology over the decades.
Networking and Community:
One of the most rewarding aspects of CollabDays was the chance to network with like-minded professionals and MVPs (ofcourse).
The event fostered a sense of community, with ample opportunities to connect with peers, share knowledge, and discuss the latest trends in Microsoft 365.
The informal networking sessions were a great way to build relationships and exchange ideas. The food was also tasty.
The highlight of the event was seeing how the RUN events app which is an event management platform that enables event professionals to plan, sell, and deliver their events. It supported the seamless registration, coordination of different learning tracks, sponsors details, the agenda, sessions, QR code check ins and connecting with other attendees.
Check it out here www.run.events
Conclusion:
CollabDays at Bletchley Park was more than just a learning event; it was a journey through the history of computing and a celebration of Microsoft community spirit. The combination of insightful sessions, historic surroundings, and the chance to connect with industry experts made it a truly enriching experience. I left the event with new knowledge, valuable connections, and a deeper appreciation for the legacy of Bletchley Park.
If you ever get the chance to attend CollabDays at Bletchley Park or anywhere else globally, I highly recommend it. It’s an experience that blends learning, history, and community in a unique and inspiring way.
Check out their upcoming event here.
