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Fabric & Azure Data User Group Program Requirements & Benefits

 

Getting Started: User Group Program

We’re thrilled to have you as part of the Azure Data and Microsoft Fabric User Group network.

 

User group leaders play a critical role in bringing people together to learn, share experiences, and grow their careers across the data platform ecosystem. While you’re not expected to have everything figured out on day one, understanding the program requirements and benefits will help set your group up for success.

 

This document outlines what it means to participate across our different user group networks and the options available as your group grows.

 

Because the Fabric Community Platform functions as a “look book,” all user groups are required to maintain an external URL where their group actively engages with members. This could be a platform such as Meetup, LinkedIn, Facebook, or another community site.

 

Growing into the Meetup Networks

As your group grows, you may choose to apply to join either the Fabric Meetup Network or the Azure Data Meetup Network. These networks offer additional program benefits and operational support, and each has specific requirements that your group must meet.

 

To help groups take this next step, we offer a special partnership with Meetup, which allows qualifying groups to use Meetup Free+, making it easier to manage events and scale your community.

 

That said, Meetup is not required. Many groups successfully use other platforms such as LinkedIn, Luma, Eventbrite, or Facebook. What matters most is choosing the platform that works best for you and your community. 

 

Choosing the Right Path

You’ll find the full requirements and benefits for both the Fabric User Group Program  and the Azure Data Meetup Network outlined in this document. Our goal is to clearly show the different paths available, so you can choose the option that best aligns with your group’s goals, whether you’re just getting started or ready to grow.

We’re excited to support you at every stage of your user group journey.

 

Microsoft Fabric & Power BI Community User Groups Program Guide

 

Program Overview:

Microsoft Fabric and Power BI Community User Groups are community-led groups that bring together data professionals, developers, students, and technology enthusiasts to learn, connect, and share expertise across Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Data Factory, Real-Time Intelligence and other related topics.

 

User groups may be local, virtual, or hybrid and are supported by Microsoft through the Fabric Community User Groups Program. The program empowers leaders to build inclusive, sustainable communities while connecting members with Microsoft experts and the broader data platform ecosystem.

 

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 
  • Easy access for members to find virtual groups
  • Access to the Fabric Meetup Network (Qualified Groups)

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.

 

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. (Must have a minimum of 2 leaders)
  • 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 analytics & data products, features and services that fall under the Microsoft Azure Data umbrella, 
  • 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. 

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: 

ms-data@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 covering Microsoft Azure Data products & features each year. These include but are not limited to Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Real-Time Intelligence, Data Factory, Data Science & Data Engineering in Fabric, Data Warehousing in Fabric, the Fabric Platform, Databases in Fabric.

 

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 ms-data@microsoft.com

 

Azure Data Tech Groups program overview

 
Azure Data Tech Groups is a global network of local user groups that are officially affiliated with Microsoft. Azure Data Tech Groups is comprised of groups where members connect, learn, and engage one another on topics related to the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform. The Azure Data Community is the foundation we use to support Azure Data’s efforts in the community. A collection of Data Platform MVPs, PG-Community engagement, a community landing page, social media, conference support, training, videos, tech communities and tech forums, this effort collectively reaches millions of data professionals globally.
 

Program benefits

As part of the Azure Data Tech Groups program, groups receive support, inspiration, a deeper connection to the Azure Data Community, and the following benefits:

  • Bi-monthly group leader calls that allow you to connect with other Azure Data evangelists and Microsoft experts, share best practices, and learn from other community leaders.
  • Access to exclusive community space for group leaders on Microsoft Tech Community.
  • Early access to Azure Data-related content, such as eBooks, how to videos, best practices, code samples, and architectural guidance.
  • Resources, demos and tools created by technical experts, designed to engage your group members with the latest Azure Data products and services.

Group leadership

Groups participating in Azure Data Tech Groups are asked to identify both a group leader and a co-leader who will act as the primary and secondary contacts for the group. This ensures that if the leadership of a group changes over time, it will not be orphaned out of the program due to lack of a valid contact.

 

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 Azure Data Tech Groups program team should be notified via email by the group leader at ms-data@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.

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:

Fee-free experience

To lower the barrier to entry and ensure access is available to as many participants as possible, Azure Data Tech 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 Azure Data products each year. As the tech landscape evolves rapidly, we recommend that these are scheduled throughout the year so you can take advantage of the most up-to-date content for the latest releases of products and services.

 

Leaving the program

If your group no longer wants to be part of Azure Data Tech Groups, we would like to hear from you. Group leaders should contact the Azure Data Tech Groups team at ms-data@microsoft.com

 

Find a group near you

There are Azure Data Tech Groups all over the world. If you’d like help finding a group in your region, visit Azure Data Community to find a group near you.
 

Join Azure Data Tech Groups

If you are an organizer who hosts an Azure data user group and you’re interested in connecting with the local Microsoft team and other community leaders who focus on Microsoft Data Platform technologies, the Azure Data Tech Groups team would like to hear from you.As a member of the Azure Data Tech Groups program, you can receive support, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the Microsoft Data Platform community. Learn more about our program benefits.To become a member of the Azure Data Tech Groups program, groups and organizers must comply with our program and community guidelines. Learn more about the program requirements.
 

Accessing Meetup Free +

Groups that are eventually wanting to join the Azure Data or Fabric Meetup Network will want to create a meetup account as their external user group option.

 

What you get:

  • You will have the benefits of Meetup free + 
  • Host up to 25 attendees per event (instread of the defult 10)
  • Cost-free for your group

Eligibility:

  • Groups that don't yet meet Pro Network Critieria ( New groups, Fewer than 6 events per year or only 1 leader)

How to get it:

Joining the Microsoft Fabric or Azure Data User Group Meetup Network

 

The Microsoft Fabric and Azure Data User Group Community is a network of community-led Meetup groups supported by Microsoft. This initiative expands support for existing user groups that use Meetup to organize and host meetings.

The Meetup Network provides leaders with operational support, increased visibility, and access to program benefits designed to help communities succeed.

 

What is a Qualified Group?

  • Have an active user group registered on the Microsoft Fabric Community Platform.
  • Have a corresponding Meetup group that meets all program requirements.
  • Have at least one group leader and one designated co-leader, with one primary group leader responsible for representing your group to Microsoft.
  • Both user group leader(organizer) and co-leader(co-organizer) must
    • Complete a detailed application.
    • Have an updated & complete Microsoft Fabric Community profile, prior to completing the application form. to provide is optional, and it may help us decide if your group qualifies.
    • Must sign and agree to comply with the Microsoft Fabric User Group Program Requirements https://aka.ms/FabricUGProgramRequirements  
    • Must sign and agree to comply with the code of conduct  https://aka.ms/FabricUGLeaderCodeofConduct
  • Must not charge other program participants any fee to attend meetings, except in cases in which the venue and/or hosting costs (e.g., food and beverages) are passed through to the participants.
  • You must maintain a regular meeting cadence by having at least six (6) meetings during each 12-month period.
  • Half of all meetings must relate to Microsoft Fabric Data products & services, Azure Data products & servies, diversity, equity & inclusion (DE&I), or other professional development intended for data professionals.
  • Must 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.

 

What are the benefits?

  • Meetup fees covered by Microsoft for qualified user groups
  • A channel to communicate directly with Microsoft team members and hear updates from Microsoft
  • Networking opportunities with other leaders of the network
  • Meetings automatically published on the Fabric Community
  • Easy access for members to find local groups
  • Easy access for members to find virtual groups
  • Access to a Speaker bureau
  • 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

If you believe that your group qualifies for the Fabric Microsoft Meetup Network please email ms-data@microsoft.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Last update:
‎04-16-2026 10:01 AM
Updated by:
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