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Voucher expires Nov 12 but retake cooldown blocks scheduling until Nov 13 – Requesting Extension

dhailu — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 02:22:12 GMT

Hello,

I recently completed the Fabric Community Data Days event challenge and received a 100% discount voucher for my DP-700 exam retake.

My voucher strictly states: "Redeem voucher by: November 12, 2026. No extensions."

However, when I attempt to log into Pearson VUE to schedule my exam session using the voucher, the system completely blocks my registration with the following message:

"Microsoft policy requires 14 days between appointments when taking an exam more than 2 times... The appointment must be on or after 13 Nov 2026."

Because my mandatory 14-day cooling-off period forces me to wait until November 13, I am completely locked out of scheduling an appointment before my voucher expires on November 12.

I completed the challenge in good faith to earn this credential, but these overlapping automated policies have created a catch-22. Could a support moderator please look into my account and issue a replacement voucher code or a short extension so I can sit for my third attempt on or after November 13?.

Thank you for your time and assistance!

DP-700 Data Days Voucher

Dimmik90 — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 19:24:48 GMT

Hello,

I just made a request form for the voucher for DP-700: Implementing Data Engineering Solutions Using Microsoft Fabric. But i forgot to review the request form before submitting.

Could you please tell me if it's possible to check if my selected date for the exam is December 31, 2026? And if not can i change it to December 31 ?

Thanks and best regards

Data Days DP-800 voucher form - need to correct my entry

PranayTej_2504 — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 06:56:44 GMT

Hi, I submitted the Data Days voucher form for DP-800 and listed only one session by mistake. I have registered for two sessions: AI Agents That Know Your Business (Nov 3) ,Microsoft Fabric at Scale:Build,Deploy,Govern (nov 4) and Fabric IQ Building the Context for Trusted AI (Nov 5), and I will watch both live or on-demand. I have not submitted the form a second time. How can I correct my entry? My Fabric Community username is PranayTej_2504. Thank you.

Request for Assistance: Unresolved Data Days Certification Voucher Issue

GhadaRabea — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 01:31:49 GMT

Hello Microsoft Fabric Community Team,

I am reaching out through the Community Feedback forum because I have been unable to resolve an issue with my Data Days certification voucher through the regular support channel.

I am currently using my original Microsoft account normally. However, when I try to redeem my voucher, the system reports that it is expired or has already been redeemed.

I would like to clarify that I have never redeemed or used this voucher, nor have I scheduled or taken any certification exam with it.

I have already contacted the Fabric Community voucher support team and provided the relevant information, but the issue remains unresolved.

I would sincerely appreciate the team's assistance with:

Reviewing the current status of my voucher.
Clarifying why it is being reported as expired or already redeemed.
Investigating the redemption status.
Checking whether the voucher can be reactivated or replaced as an exception.

I understand that voucher campaigns are subject to specific terms and conditions. I am simply requesting a review of my individual case and assistance in resolving this issue.

Thank you for your time and support.

Request to Correct My DP-800 Voucher Application Score

Elkhan_Mammadov — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 15:04:54 GMT

Hello Microsoft Fabric Community Team,

I have already submitted my application for the DP-800 100% exam discount voucher. I accidentally entered 80% instead of 90% in the practice assessment score field.

I intended to enter 90%, but unfortunately made a typing mistake.

Could you please help me correct this information in my submitted application?

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Request for Assistance: Unresponsive Fabric Community Voucher Support

ayafarag — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 22:42:49 GMT

Hello Microsoft Fabric Community Team,

I am reaching out here because I have been unable to get a meaningful response through the official Fabric Community voucher support channel for an extended period.

I previously contacted the Fabric Community voucher support team regarding an issue with an officially issued Data Days certification voucher. I provided the requested account information, supporting evidence, and additional explanations, and I have sent multiple follow-ups.

Unfortunately, despite these efforts, I have not received a meaningful update or clarification on the status of my case. Most importantly, I have no way of knowing whether the issue is actually being reviewed or who is responsible for following up.

I understand that voucher-related matters are handled by the Fabric Community team, and I respect the campaign terms and support procedures. However, I believe there should be a way for participants to receive updates and escalate unresolved cases when the regular support channel remains unresponsive.

Could a community moderator or someone from the Fabric Community team please help with the following?

Direct me to the appropriate person or team responsible for handling unresolved Data Days voucher cases.
Clarify whether there is an escalation process when the voucher support mailbox does not respond for an extended period.
Help ensure that an already reported case receives proper attention and follow-up.

I am not sharing this to criticize the community, but because I genuinely want to resolve the issue through the appropriate official channel.

I would sincerely appreciate any guidance or assistance from the community team.

Thank you.

Can't login to Microsoft tenant

Zilvak — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:19:05 GMT

Hello,
Usually I joined to Fabric community calls using Microsoft tenant. Last time I did that maybe one month ago. But today I tried and I couldn't do that. At the beginning it was simply error (don't remember what exactly error was). Now I get "Your account has been locked. Contact your support person to unlock it, then try again."

I joined today's call using our company tenant.

Can you help me to restore ability to use microsoft tenant?

Zilvinas

Change Community Login Email

adityavighne — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:18:49 GMT

Hello Team,

I would like to know how I can change community login email.

Do let me know the process.

Thank you!

Aditya Vighne

Grow Your User Group's Online Presence

FabricMau — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 20:08:12 GMT

Grow Your Group with Smart Marketing

Building awareness and attracting new members starts with strong, thoughtful marketing. This section of the User Group Leader Playbook walks you through the essentials to help your user group shine, online and offline.

🧰 Create Marketing Materials

To reach your audience, you'll need materials that clearly explain what your group does and how to join. Start with social copy and images for platforms like LinkedIn and X (check image ratios and character limits). Virtual backgrounds are great for online events, and physical collateral, like business cards and thank-you notes for speakers and sponsors, adds a personal touch.

You can work with a graphic designer or use tools like Canva and BeFunky to create these assets.

🌐 Build or Update Your Website

Your website is your digital front door. Keep it professional and up-to-date with your group's purpose, upcoming events, highlights from past sessions, and a clear link to join. Repurpose the copy and visuals from your marketing materials to keep things consistent.

📱 Formulate a Social Strategy

Social media is a cost-effective way to grow your reach. Focus on 2-3 platforms where your target audience is most active, and concentrate your efforts there for maximum impact.

🤝 Partner with Others

Marketing is easier, and more powerful, with partners. Collaborate with organizations that align with your mission to expand your reach. Also consider media outreach: reporters are always looking for experts on tech topics, and this is a great way to boost visibility for your group.

🤖 Use AI to Work Smarter

AI assistants such as Microsoft Copilot can take a lot of the busywork out of promoting your group. Use them as a starting point, then review and personalize the result before you share it.

Draft event descriptions and posts: ask for a Meetup or community event description, a LinkedIn post, and a short reminder from your session title and abstract.
Create visuals: generate banner ideas, social images, or virtual backgrounds, then check sizes for each platform.
Plan your content calendar: ask for a month of social posts around your upcoming events, speaker spotlights, and recap highlights.
Write speaker and sponsor outreach: draft personalized invitations and thank-you notes.
Recap and repurpose: turn session notes or a recording summary into a recap post or newsletter.

Tip: Always fact-check dates, names, and links, and never paste attendee personal information into an AI tool.

Finding Venues for Your User Group Meetups

FabricMau — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 20:07:41 GMT

Securing a space for your user group is often one of the most important (and sometimes challenging) tasks for a leader. Below are proven approaches and tips to help you identify, secure, and keep a great venue.

Tap into Professional Networks

Employer or Colleague Workplaces - Many companies are open to hosting community meetups in their office space, especially if the topic aligns with their work.
Local Tech Companies - Reach out to startups, consulting firms, or local branches of larger companies. Hosting a UG often helps them with recruitment and visibility.
Universities & Colleges - Computer science or business departments may have classrooms or labs available for evening events.

Look for Community-Oriented Spaces

Libraries and Community Centers - These often have event rooms available at little to no cost.
Coworking Spaces - Hubs like WeWork, Impact Hub, or local equivalents may offer discounted or free access for community meetups.
Innovation Hubs/Incubators - Startup accelerators or innovation labs are usually eager to connect with local developer and tech communities.

Partner with Sponsors

Local Partners - If your UG has a sponsor, ask if they can provide space in exchange for brand visibility at your event.
Tech Vendors & Partners - Microsoft, Meetup, and other ecosystem partners sometimes help groups find venues or even provide grants to offset costs.

Think Outside the Box

Cafés & Restaurants - Great for networking-heavy meetups in semi-private sections.
Maker Spaces - Perfect for hands-on groups.
Hybrid Option - Combine a smaller in-person gathering with virtual attendees using Teams or Zoom to reduce venue pressure while keeping the event inclusive.

Best Practices When Approaching Venues

Be clear about your group's purpose, expected attendance, and schedule.
Emphasize mutual benefit: exposure to potential hires, thought leadership, or goodwill in the community.
Start with a trial event to keep expectations realistic.
Confirm logistics: Wi-Fi, A/V setup, seating, accessibility, and catering rules.
Have a backup plan; sometimes venues cancel last-minute.

📝 Example Message (feel free to use this as a template):

"Hello [Venue Contact], I lead the [City/Topic] User Group. We're a volunteer-run community that brings together [X number] of professionals monthly to learn and share knowledge about [topic]. We're looking for a space to host an upcoming meetup (usually evenings, 20-50 attendees). In exchange, we'd be happy to highlight your organization as a community supporter during the event and on our event page. Would you be open to discussing this further?"

Writing Your User Group's Code of Conduct

FabricMau — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 20:06:51 GMT

Being a Microsoft Fabric Community User Group leader means helping create a space where everyone feels welcome, respected, and safe to learn and share. To support this, all user groups are required to publish their own Code of Conduct that clearly sets expectations for behavior within their group.

A Code of Conduct helps:

Set clear expectations for how members interact
Create a welcoming and inclusive environment
Provide guidance if issues arise
Build trust and consistency across the community

Your group's Code of Conduct should be easy to find (for example, on your Meetup page or community site) and referenced during events or in group communications.

Our Community Standard

All Microsoft Azure Data & Fabric user groups are expected to align with the Azure Data or Fabric User Groups code of conduct, which outlines shared community values such as being respectful, inclusive, thoughtful, and welcoming. Leaders and members are expected to uphold these standards across in-person and online interactions.

Each individual user group must also publish its own Code of Conduct, tailored to the group, while reinforcing these same core principles.

What Should a User Group Code of Conduct Include?

Most effective Codes of Conduct include:

1. A Purpose Statement

A short explanation of why the Code of Conduct exists and the kind of community you aim to create.

Example themes commonly used by established communities:

Welcoming and inclusive environment
Respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences
Professional, harassment-free interactions

2. Expected Behavior

Clear examples of positive behaviors you want to encourage, such as:

Being respectful and inclusive
Using welcoming language
Listening with purpose
Offering constructive feedback
Assuming good intent

3. Unacceptable Behavior

Most Codes of Conduct clearly state behaviors that are not acceptable, including:

Harassment or discrimination
Offensive or demeaning language
Disruptive or inflammatory behavior
Sharing personal information without consent

4. Scope

Your Code of Conduct should explain where it applies, for example:

In-person events
Virtual meetings
Community forums or chat spaces
Event-related communications

5. Reporting and Enforcement

Every Code of Conduct should include:

How members can report concerns
Who receives those reports
Assurance that reports will be handled respectfully and confidentially

Here is an example code of conduct that you could use:

Our user group is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone.

All participants (members, speakers, and organizers) are expected to:

Be respectful, kind, and professional
Use welcoming and inclusive language
Listen with purpose and engage constructively
Assume good intent and respect differing viewpoints

The following behavior is not tolerated:

Harassment, discrimination, or intimidation
Offensive, demeaning, or inflammatory language
Disruptive behavior that negatively impacts the community
Sharing personal or private information without consent

This Code of Conduct applies to all group activities, including in-person events, virtual meetings, and online discussions.

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it to the event organizers so we can address it promptly and respectfully.

Effective Strategies for Securing Sponsors for Your User Group Event

FabricMau — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 20:06:03 GMT

Understanding Event Sponsorship

Sponsorship plays a vital role in the success of user group events. Sponsors are organizations or individuals who provide resources, such as funding, products, or services, to support the event's objectives and enhance the attendee experience.

There are several types of sponsorship commonly seen in user group events:

Financial Sponsorship: Direct monetary contributions to cover event costs.
In-Kind Sponsorship: Donation of goods or services, such as catering, printing, or swag.
Venue Sponsorship: Provision of event space at reduced or no cost.
Equipment Sponsorship: Supplying technical equipment, such as projectors, microphones, or laptops.
Credibility Sponsorship: Lending brand reputation or expertise to boost event legitimacy and attract attendees.

Sponsors benefit from their involvement in several ways:

Brand Exposure: Visibility through event marketing, signage, and presentations.
Engagement Insights: Aggregate attendance or engagement metrics. Never share attendee personal information without their consent.
Speaking Opportunities: The chance to present or participate in panels, sharing expertise with the audience.
Giveaways: Opportunity to distribute branded merchandise or prizes, increasing brand recall.

Understanding these sponsorship types and benefits helps organizers approach potential sponsors with clear value propositions and build mutually beneficial partnerships.

Strategies for Finding and Engaging Sponsors

Identifying and connecting with the right sponsors is essential for a successful user group event. Begin by reaching out to previous sponsors and organizations that have previously expressed interest in supporting your group.

Review your event history and contact past sponsors to explore renewed partnerships.
Leverage your LinkedIn network and user group membership to identify new leads and potential sponsors within your professional circles.
Cold-contact businesses that align with your group's focus or industry, presenting the value of your event and sponsorship opportunities.
Initiate sponsorship conversations as far in advance as possible before your event to allow time for decision-making and to align with corporate fiscal cycles.
Offer custom sponsorship packages, including options for in-kind donations and multi-year discounts, to accommodate different sponsor needs and budgets.

By combining outreach to existing contacts with proactive networking and tailored proposals, you can build strong sponsor relationships that benefit both your event and your partners.

Managing Sponsorship Logistics and Agreements

Efficient management of sponsorship logistics ensures a smooth experience for both organizers and sponsors. Start by establishing clear processes for fund intake and accounting, making sure all financial transactions are tracked and reported accurately.

Set up dedicated channels for receiving sponsorship funds and maintain transparent accounting records.
Coordinate the delivery of prizes and giveaways, ensuring compliance with all relevant gift and giveaway laws.
Utilize electronic signing tools for contracts to streamline the agreement process and maintain organized digital records for easy access and auditing.
Begin event logistics planning only after all contracts are signed and payments are finalized, reducing the risk of last-minute changes or complications.

By following these steps, you can build trust with sponsors and ensure all legal and financial obligations are met, paving the way for a successful event.

Build a Strong Leadership Team for Your User Group

FabricMau — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:58:15 GMT

One of the most important responsibilities of running a user group is making sure leadership is sustainable. Community leadership should be rewarding, not overwhelming, and avoiding burnout is key to long-term success.

While each user group is required to have at least two leaders, we strongly recommend having three to four leaders whenever possible. Having additional leaders allows you to distribute responsibilities, share ownership, and ensure no single person carries too much of the workload.

Why Having 3-4 Leaders Matters

Prevents burnout by spreading responsibilities across multiple people
Makes it easier to take time off when life or work gets busy
Keeps the group resilient if a leader needs to step back unexpectedly
Brings in fresh ideas, perspectives, and energy

Many long-running groups (especially those active for 2+ years) have found that rotating leadership responsibilities every 6 months or refreshing leadership annually helps keep the group healthy and engaging. This approach creates a natural rhythm, reduces fatigue, and keeps the community feeling fresh.

Just as important, it creates a clear pathway for members to grow into leadership, helping develop new leaders while keeping the time commitment manageable.

Example: Shared Leadership Model

A simple and effective model is to divide responsibilities across roles, for example:

4-Leader Model

Speaker Coordination - finding and supporting speakers
Promotion & Marketing - event promotion, social posts, reminders
Logistics / Venue - virtual platform setup or in-person venue coordination
General Support / Operations - moderation, notes, follow-ups, misc. tasks

Leaders can:

Rotate roles every few months, or
Hold a role for a full year and rotate annually

As the year progresses, active and engaged members can be invited to step into a leadership role, allowing an existing leader to transition back to being a member if they choose. This creates continuity without pressure and keeps leadership approachable.

Finding Additional Leaders

If you need to add or replace a leader, start by looking within your own community:

Ask engaged members who regularly attend or participate
Invite someone to "try out" a small leadership task first
Share that leadership roles are low-commitment and flexible

You can also:

Reach out to your LinkedIn network
Ask speakers or repeat attendees if they're interested in helping
Partner with nearby or related user groups to find co-leaders

Many people are happy to help; they just need to be invited.

Keeping Information Up to Date

Any time there's a change in leadership, please be sure to update your group's information in the places where it's listed, such as:

Microsoft Fabric Community platform
Meetup
LinkedIn or other social channels

Keeping leadership details current helps ensure clear communication and smooth support.

If you have questions, need help finding leaders, or want to talk through options, please don't hesitate to reach out to ms-data@microsoft.com. We're always happy to help support you and your community.

Find Your Next Speaker

FabricMau — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:56:58 GMT

Quick note: A short, personalized invite goes a long way. Reference a recent talk or project, and keep your ask flexible (month + format + session length).

This guide helps user group leaders quickly and confidently find, invite, and schedule speakers for upcoming meetings. It is designed for leaders running free, community-led events and offers practical, repeatable options.

Start with your network and social channels

When to use this

You're new to running a user group
You want trusted or known speakers
You need a quick confirmation

How to approach this

Post a speaker request on LinkedIn
Share the ask in relevant Teams, Slack, or community channels
Ask past speakers or attendees for recommendations
Clearly include: topic/technology focus, audience level, month/date range, and virtual vs. in-person

Why this works

Leverages existing trust and relationships
Encourages community members to step up
Often surfaces first-time speakers

Use Sessionize to find speakers by topic

Sessionize is both a Call for Speakers platform and a speaker discovery tool.

When to use this

You have a specific topic or technology in mind
You want to review prior talks before outreach
You're open to direct speaker invitations

How it works

Create a free Sessionize account
Search for sessions by topic, product, or technology
Review speaker profiles, abstracts, and speaking history
Reach out to speakers whose content aligns with your group

Curated directories:

Open Sessionize

Reach out to Microsoft MVPs

When to use this

You want deep expertise in a Microsoft technology
You're targeting experienced, community-focused speakers

How to approach this

Identify MVPs aligned to your technology area
Send a concise message that includes: user group name, format (virtual/in-person), audience level, and month/date range

Best practices

Personalize outreach and reference their work or prior talks
Clearly state the event is free and community-run
Be flexible on timing and format

Find Microsoft MVPs

Create a Call for Speakers in Sessionize

When to use this

You want a continuous pipeline of speakers
You run meetings monthly or quarterly

How it works

Create a free Sessionize account
Set up a Call for Speakers for your user group
Specify topics of interest, audience level, and a scheduling window (for example, upcoming months)
Share the Call for Speakers link publicly (Meetup, LinkedIn, your group site)

Licensing and cost

Sessionize supports free use for qualifying community events
During setup, select Activate / Buy and request a Community License or community discount

Getting started

Ask the user group leader community

How to use this

Post in the User Group Leader Teams channel
Share the topic, month, and format you're trying to fill
Ask for introductions or speaker recommendations

Why this works

Leaders often share speakers across groups
Helps avoid duplicate outreach
Strengthens cross-group collaboration

Recommended approach for new leaders

For most user groups:

Start with your network and social channels
Use Sessionize discovery and curated directories
Reach out to MVPs when deeper expertise is needed
Maintain an always-open Call for Speakers in Sessionize
Use the leader community as a backup and amplifier

Keep speaker requirements simple to encourage first-time speakers.

Keep your own profile updated

We also encourage you to keep your own Sessionize profile updated. It helps others find and invite you, and keeps your group visible in the broader community.

Hosting Your First Meeting

FabricMau — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:55:26 GMT

Overview

This page is a blueprint for planning and running your first user group meeting. The first one can feel like a big lift, but it gets easier with planning and lead time.

Plan at least ~6 weeks ahead so you've got time to line up the details.
Expect the two biggest lifts to be finding a speaker and finding a place (or platform) to host.

10-step framework

Define your group: choose a focus, identify your target audience, and draft a mission statement/group description.
Build your core team: recruit 1-3 co-organizers, assign roles (speaker coordinator, promotions, logistics), and set up communication (Teams, Slack, email).
Plan your meeting cadence: decide frequency, pick a consistent day/time, and avoid conflicts with other local events or holidays.
Secure a venue or platform: choose in-person/virtual/hybrid and consider accessibility and parking/transport options.
Create an agenda: keep it simple (intro → speaker → Q&A → networking); include icebreakers/interactive elements; share in advance.
Find a speaker: start with your network; use Sessionize; check the MVP directory; reach out to MVPs; share expectations and event details.
Promote the event: create an event page (Meetup, Eventbrite, or community platform), post on social media, and email your network.
Prepare for the day: arrive early/test tech; bring signage, name tags, refreshments, swag; have a code of conduct; run a slide reel (agenda, sponsor logos, QR codes).
Run the meeting: welcome attendees, introduce the group and speaker, manage time, facilitate Q&A and networking, and thank everyone.
Follow up: send a thank-you to all RSVPs, share slides/recordings/resources, collect feedback with a short survey, and announce the next event date.

Quick checklist

Do this	Notes
Define group focus and audience	Pick a clear focus and who it's for.
Recruit co-organizers	1-3 people; assign speaker, promo, logistics.
Set meeting schedule	Choose cadence + consistent day/time.
Book venue or set up virtual platform	Consider accessibility and transport/parking.
Create agenda	Intro → speaker → Q&A → networking.
Confirm speaker	Network, Sessionize, MVP outreach, or start with yourself.
Create event page	Meetup, Eventbrite, or community platform.
Promote event	Social + email; reminders 1 week and 1 day before.
Prepare materials and logistics	Signage, name tags, code of conduct, slide reel.
Send follow-up and feedback	Thank you + resources + short survey + next date.

Need help finding a speaker? See Find Your Next Speaker, or reach out to ms-data@microsoft.com.

Welcome, User Group Leaders: Start Here

FabricMau — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:54:02 GMT

Thank you for stepping up as a User Group Leader in the Data Platform Community!

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. You are not expected to have everything figured out on day one. This playbook is designed to guide you through the essential first steps, connect you with helpful resources, and make sure you feel supported as you build and grow your group.

Our goal is simple: help you set your group up for long-term success while making your role as a leader sustainable, rewarding, and impactful.

Your First Steps as a Leader

In your first few weeks, focus on getting connected rather than doing everything at once. Strong communities start with strong relationships and clear support systems.

As a leader, you should:

Get connected to the broader User Group Leader community
Understand the resources and support available to you
Align with your co-leaders on shared responsibilities
Establish a safe, welcoming foundation for your group

You do not need to host an event immediately. Start small, ask questions early, and lean on the leader network. You're not doing this alone.

Stay Connected & Informed

Staying connected helps you learn from other leaders, share ideas, and stay up to date on opportunities.

Join the User Group Leader Teams Channel: the primary space to ask questions, share ideas, learn from other leaders, and receive important updates.
Opt in to User Group Leader communications: make sure you receive announcements, resources, and program updates. Turn on notifications on the Fabric Community, or opt in on the Meetup Network.
Need help or have questions? Reach out anytime at ms-data@microsoft.com.

Build a Strong Leadership Team

We require that every user group has at least two leaders, and we encourage three or more.

Sharing leadership responsibilities:

Makes organizing events more manageable
Reduces burnout
Creates continuity if a leader steps away
Brings diverse perspectives and ideas to the group

Consider rotating responsibilities such as:

Event planning and scheduling
Speaker outreach and content planning
Marketing and communications
Event hosting and logistics

Encouraging community members to step into leadership roles over time helps keep your group dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable.

Getting Started Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure your group is set up for success from the start.

✅ Community Foundations

Confirm your group topic and audience (Azure Data, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, and the broader data platform community)
Make sure your group has at least two leaders (we highly encourage more)
Align with co-leaders on roles and shared responsibilities

✅ Safety & Inclusion

Create and publish a Code of Conduct for your user group. It sets expectations, encourages respectful behavior, and creates a welcoming environment for all members.
Make the Code of Conduct visible on your hosting platform (for example, Meetup) and reference it during events. See the User Group Code of Conduct.

✅ Connection & Communication

Join the User Group Leader Teams Channel
Opt in to leader communications (Meetup Network groups)
Save the support contact: ms-data@microsoft.com

✅ Platform & Planning

Verify your user group is correctly set up on your hosting platform (for example, Meetup). Setting up on the Fabric Community? Follow How to Set Up and Manage Your User Group on the Fabric Community.
Review the Fabric & Azure Data User Group Program Requirements & Benefits
Schedule time with co-leaders to discuss your first event (no rush!)
Explore the Microsoft resources and templates for events, speakers, and promotion in this playbook

What's Next?

The other articles in the User Group Playbook give you tools, templates, and resources from Microsoft to help you:

Organize and promote events
Source speakers and content
Manage meetings and logistics
Grow and engage your community over time

We're excited to have you as part of this community. Thank you for helping build a welcoming, inclusive, and impactful Data Platform ecosystem.

Unable to send a private message to Natalie_iTalent

Salvatore_1 — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 19:17:10 GMT

Hi,

I’ve just registered my Fabric Community account and completed my profile.

I’m trying to send a private message to Natalie_iTalent, but after clicking Send Message the message does not appear in my Sent folder.

Could you please check whether private messaging is enabled for my account, or let me know if there are any restrictions for newly registered users?

Thanks,
Salvatore

How to Update a Contest Submission After Publishing?

ShivaniTyagi — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:19:58 GMT

Hello everyone!

I’m a first-time participant in a Microsoft community contest, and I recently submitted my Power BI report for the Halloween 2026 contest.

After submitting, I wanted to make a few minor clean up to my report, so I edited my original post and uploaded an updated version of the PBIX file.

While the community platform allows me to edit the post and upload a new file, the contest page still seems to be pointing to the older version.

Is there a way to update the file linked to my contest submission, or are changes no longer possible once a submission has been published?

I’d really appreciate any clarification or guidance on this, especially from anyone who has experienced something similar.

Thank you so much for your help!

Fabric certification voucher from FabCon26

ronnymaurhofer — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 06:37:31 GMT

Hello FabCon Community

I visited the FabCon26 in Barcelona. In the Fabric Community Area they said we can register to get a Fabric certification voucher (via QR code). I registered with this email address but I guess I did something wrong. I never received an email with the vouchers whereas my coworkers did.

Are you able to help out?

Thank you for your help and best wishes

Html error 'spam' style

Dicken — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 15:29:38 GMT

For a few weeks now whenever i try and publish anything i get that error message,
even if i just have nothing but text and have attached an example file.
what can i do , this only started after last update, before that all worked fine.
is it just a case of go back to forum? i would show a screen shot but that would probably make this invalid as well.
Richard.