Fabric/Power BI Community User Groups program guide
Getting started
User groups provide an opportunity for developers and those interested in learning new technologies to meet up with other professionals, students, and enthusiasts in their area. These groups provide an environment for networking, learning new skills, collaborating on projects, and sharing expertise. Fabric Community User Groups connect local or virtual data platform user groups with each other, with Microsoft experts, and with the broader Microsoft data technical community.
Program benefits
As part of the Fabric Community User Groups program, groups receive support, inspiration, a deeper connection to the Fabric Community, and the following benefits:
- A channel to communicate directly with Microsoft team members and hear updates from Microsoft
- Networking opportunities with other leaders of the network
- Easy access for members to find local groups
- Access to a Speaker bureau
- Easy access for members to find virtual groups
If utilizing Meetup
- Meetup fees covered by Microsoft for qualified user groups
- Meetings automatically published on the Fabric Community (coming soon)
- Access to premium Meetup features like a speaker section on event page, professional registration form, optional featured sponsor feature, event templates, the ability to schedule hybrid events and being included on the Microsoft Fabric User Group Network page
Program communications
Group leaders and co-leaders will receive regular communications from Microsoft with news, program updates and highlights, information about upcoming events, learning opportunities, and helpful resources. Each quarter, group leaders and co-leaders are invited to participate in an online call with the Microsoft team. Invitations and agendas are sent prior to each call.
Curated content
Be one of the first people to hear about new content and initiatives from the Azure Data team. Access presentations, labs, videos, skill challenges, and other content designed for use in your user group meetings.
Program requirements
To participate in the Power BI/Fabric Community, your group must meet the following criteria:
- Have a group leader and co-leader who will represent your group to Microsoft.
- Maintain a published Code of Conduct that is easily accessible from the group's homepage.
- Do not charge members a fee to attend group meetings, except when venue or hosting costs (e.g. food and beverages) are passed on to members.
- Maintain a regular meeting cadence and have at least six (6) meetings per year that relate to or cover Microsoft data & analytics products, features and services,
- Do not use the group to enrich or advance yourself, your business, your employer or your co-workers, or for lead generation purposes,
- Agree to emphasize the importance of variety and balance in your speaker lineup, ensure a broad representation of ideas and experiences, avoid exclusive focus on a single company’s representatives and instead encourage the inclusion of speakers from different organizations.
- Comply with the Power BI/Fabric Community User Group program's Code of Conduct.
Group leadership
User groups participating in the Fabric Community are asked to identify both a group leader and a co-leader who will act as the primary and secondary contacts for the group.
Leadership changes
We understand operations and leadership of groups may change over time. If the group leader or co-leader is leaving the group, the Fabric Community User Groups program team should be notified via email by the group leader at fbccommunity@microsoft.com to ensure group information is updated.
Code of conduct
People are the foundation of a community. For a community to thrive, it must encourage diversity of thought and enable the safety of its members. Microsoft is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion. All Microsoft employees enjoy a safe work environment and a culture of mutual respect and responsibility. Our team members and community partners should enjoy the same environment. The Fabric Community User Group Leaders Code of Conduct can be found at https://aka.ms/FabricUGLeaderCodeofConduct
Conduct issues seldom arise. But when they do, they are often very public and very passionate. It is best for the community to be prepared with:
- A clear and accessible Code of Conduct that states the norms under which projects or events operate
- Encouraged behaviors and community guidelines
- A list of common behaviors that are prohibited (e.g. harassment)
- An Issue Resolution Process for addressing cases where these norms are not being maintained
- A code of conduct should be displayed on your group landing page or website. If you don't currently have one, review the following examples:
Azure Data Tech Groups Code of Conduct
Microsoft Tech Community Code of Conduct
Fee-free experience
To lower the barrier to entry and ensure access is available to as many participants as possible, Fabric Community User Groups program members should not charge an admission fee for meetings. However, certain pass-through costs are allowed (i.e. venue, beverage, and other hosting fees).
Meeting cadence
Many groups cover a broad range of topics throughout the year. Your group should host a minimum of 6 meetups related to Microsoft Data and Analytics products & features each year.
Joining the program
Admission into the Fabric Community User Groups program requires a simple application process. Groups are evaluated by the program team and reviewed on a regular basis throughout the year. To apply for the program, simply click Start a New Group. Be prepared to answer a few follow up questions about your group, your intentions or you plan to meet all of the program requirements as outlined above.
Leaving the program
If your group no longer wants to be part of Fabric Community User Groups, we would like to hear from you. Group leaders should contact the Fabric Community User Groups program team at fbccommunity@microsoft.com
