User Group Leader Getting Started Guide
In this article, we cover the following topics:
- Create a new user group
- How to edit an existing user group
- Step down as a user group leader
- Share your user group
- How to create an event
- Edit an existing event
- How to delete an existing event
- Add event to your calendar
- Share your event
- How to get user group support
Use the sections below to complete the task you need. Each section explains where to begin, what information to provide, and what happens after you submit a request or make a change.
Create a new user group
If you do not see a user group in your city or one that meets your interests, please feel free to create a group. Be sure to read the User Group Program Requirements & Benefits first.
To begin, select Start a new group on the user group homepage.
After selecting, Start a new group, a popup will appear that provides you with a brief overview of the necessary steps to create a group.
Select Get started on the popup.
From here, you will be taken to the “Start a new user group” page. Please fill in the required fields that are marked with red asterisks.
- The location may populate automatically. If you change it, select a location from the suggested options so the form records the city, state or province, and country correctly. Selecting a suggested location ensures that users can find your group when they search by location.
- When adding another group leader, type the username slowly and wait for the dropdown menu to appear. Select the correct username from the list so it remains on the form after you select Publish.
- There is a limitation of 8 user group leaders.
- Every user group must include an external URL.
- If you do not upload a cover photo, a Microsoft approved photo will appear on your user group homepage.
- Check the boxes to agree to the "User Group Code of Conduct" and the "User Group Program Requirements". If you need to review them, click the links provided.
- You can also review the "Community Code of Conduct" by clicking the link above the Preview button.
After you complete all required fields, select Preview to review how your user group will appear. From the preview, you can return to the form to make changes or select Submit for approval.
The preview shows how your group will appear before submission. From there, return to the form to make changes or select Submit for approval.
After you select Submit for approval, a confirmation message appears. You will also receive a private message confirming the submission, linking to a follow-up form, and providing additional resources.
Your user group will appear in a pending state under the “Your groups” tab until a User Group Coordinator approves your request.
After you submit the group for approval, check your Fabric Community inbox for a private message with the next steps. Complete the requested follow-up form and any other required actions to avoid delaying approval.
Note: A User Group Coordinator may request additional information after you submit the follow-up form. Monitor your Fabric Community inbox and email so you can respond promptly to any questions.
Once your group is approved, you will see a private message in the community stating that your group is live.
You can access your newly created user group via the “Your groups” tab on the user group homepage or by clicking the link in the private message.
How to Edit an existing user group
To edit your user group, click on Edit Group, at the top of your user group page.
You can edit any area that is not grayed out on this form.
Note: To add an additional user group leader or request additional support with your group, please visit the support form linked at the top of the edit page.
Bulk message user group members
From any user group tab, open the Manage group dropdown menu and select Message members. This sends a private message to all members of the group.
Note: Community members control their own private message settings and some users may opt to turn off their private messages.
Step down as a user group leader
If you are wanting to step down as a user group leader, please submit a request to: https://aka.ms/FabricCommSupport
When you complete the support form, you can choose to either remain a member of the group or be removed.
Share your user group
From your user group homepage, click Share group to spread the word about your newly created user group.
You have the option to share a direct link on an external site or you can share your group details by clicking on the social icons listed.
How to create an event
Note: Events can only be created by user group leaders.
User group leaders can create an event from the user group page by selecting Create Event.
Fill out the form with your event details.
In the first part of the event form, enter the title, description, event type, start and end dates, and any attachment.
Please note: To add your speakers, event url, and other details, that will be done on the next page.
Making too many edits to an event may trigger the event to be marked as spam and it will not be visible on your User Group page. If that occurs, please submit a support request via our community support form: https://aka.ms/FabricCommSupport.
After you create the event, select the pencil icon to open the edit window. Add the event registration URL and speaker details. The URL should link to the page where members can register for the event.
Some formatting tags are not supported in the event description field, including ordered lists, unordered lists, centered text, preformatted text, horizontal rules, and strikethrough text. If the description contains unsupported formatting, an error message appears below the field.
This error can also occur when you paste text from another source, such as an external website, because the copied text may contain unsupported formatting. If an error appears, paste the content as plain text or remove the unsupported formatting before submitting the event.
To edit your event, please click on the gear icon located at the top right hand of your screen under your profile icon.
In-person events: For an in-person event, select an auto-suggested location while creating the event. The form initially records only the city, state or province, and country. After you submit the event, select the pencil icon to add the full venue address.
Once you submit your event you will be able to go in and edit the event using the pencil icon. From here you can enter the full address of the event location along with the external event URL which will allow your members to go and register for the event.
Time zone: You can choose the time zone when creating or editing an event by using the Time Zone drop-down menu.
Additional speakers: To add more speakers to your event, please click on the plus sign next to Add more speakers.
The maximum number of speakers per event is limited to 5. If you have identified more than 5 speakers for an event, the additional speakers may only be added to the description portion of the request and not in the designated speaker text boxes.
Cover photo: If you would like to submit a cover photo for your upcoming event, please note that the image size needs to be 2240x800 pixels. Use .png or .jpg files only. If you choose not to provide your own event image, a Microsoft approved photo will automatically show when you Preview or Publish your event.
Edit an existing event
To edit your event, please click on the gear icon located at the top right hand of your screen under your profile icon.
Note: Making too many edits to an event may trigger the event to be marked as spam and it will not be visible on your User Group page. If that occurs, please submit a support request via our community support form: https://aka.ms/FabricCommSupport.
How to delete an existing event
From your event homepage, click on the gear icon and then select Delete event.
Bulk message event attendees
From your event homepage, click on Message attendees.
From here, you will be redirected to a private message field. This is where you will draft a message to your event attendees. Click the Send button in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
Note: Once a message is sent, it cannot be undone.
Add event to your calendar
Once your event is created, it is time to promote it!
On the event homepage, select Add to your calendar. An .ics file will download, which you can open to add the event to your calendar.
Share your event
To share your event, select Share event on the event homepage. Copy the direct event link into an email or social media post, or use the available social icons to share the event directly.
Tip: If you want your user group members to easily find your new event, try sharing the direct event link to the discussion forum on your user group homepage.
How to get user group support
If you need user group related support, please submit a support request via our community support form: https://aka.ms/FabricCommSupport.
