User Group Playbook articles

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.

How to Set Up and Manage Your User Group on the Fabric Community

Natalie_iTalent — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:15:12 GMT

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.

Community User Group Experience

Natalie_iTalent — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:14:28 GMT

Fabric User Groups: Find Groups, Join Events, and Manage Your Experience

This article explains how to find and join Fabric user groups, discover events, and manage the groups and events connected to your community profile. User group leaders can also learn how to request a new group in the Your groups section.

Access Fabric User Groups

Access Fabric user groups in either of these ways: select User Groups in the site header, or select Communities and then Join a user group on the Fabric Community landing page.

From the Fabric Community landing page, you will click the Fabric user groups button.

Find User Groups and Events

The user group landing page opens with the group search experience, where you can browse available groups and refine the results.

Search for a user group by location, product, or meeting type. Scroll to the end of the displayed results and select See more to load additional groups, or select See all to open the full search page.

Use Sort by to change the order in which the search results appear.

 To search for events, select Events on the user group landing page. You can use the same filters available for user groups, along with event-specific filters such as Date.

The landing page also includes Your groups and Your events. Your groups lists the groups you lead or have joined. Your events lists events associated with those groups.

To search by location, start typing a city or region, and then select a matching option from the drop-down list.

User Group Information

Each user group has a Group info page that shows the group's location, description, and leaders. Select a leader's or member's name to open that person's community profile.

Select Explore This Group to open the external platform where the group is hosted. Join the group from that platform, which may be Meetup, LinkedIn, Luma, Facebook, or another service selected by the group leaders.

User Group Members

The Members page appears only for groups that were part of the Fabric Community before group membership moved to external platforms. For other groups, use Explore This Group to view or join the group on its external platform.

User Group Members

Share a User Group

Anyone can share a group's information with their community to help others discover the group and decide whether to join.

View Events Hosted by a User Group

The Events section appears below the Group info section. Use the Upcoming and Past options to view future or previous events hosted by the group.

Your Groups

Select Your groups to view the user groups you have joined or lead and to review related activity. User group leaders can also select Start a new group to request a new group or review the User Group Requirements & Benefits.

New user group leaders: Review the User Group Requirements & Benefits before selecting Start a new group.

Understand Event Cards

Any time you see a user group event card, the following information is visible:

Format: Online, In-person, or both

The name of the event

Time and date of the event, displayed in your local timezone

The name of the user group hosting the event

Description of the event

Location. If the event is online, it will say 'Online event' at the bottom of the card. For in-person events, the event location will display.

Select the event name or Learn more to open the event page. Select Sign up to begin registration.

On the event page, select Explore This Event to open the external registration or event-details page.

Event Information

The Event info page includes the event details and several available actions. Select the group name in the upper-right corner to open the user group page, download the .ics file to add the event to your calendar, share the event, or open the event URL.

Your Events

Select Your events to view the upcoming and past user group events for which you have registered.

If you have not registered for any events, select Find events to browse upcoming opportunities.

For help with Fabric user groups or events, submit a request through the community support form: aka.ms/FabricCommSupport

User Group Leader Code of Conduct

Natalie_iTalent — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:04:00 GMT

Code of Conduct for User Group Leaders

As event and experience organizers, we are committed to providing a respectful, friendly, and professional experience for everyone; regardless of gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, disability, age, race, or religion.

We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or behavior that is degrading to any individual or group. Every participant is responsible for knowing and upholding these standards, and we ask everyone to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

Please report any concerns, suspicious activity, or disruptive behavior to the Fabric user group project team so we can address issues immediately: m s-data@microsoft.com

Microsoft is dedicated to empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. User groups are supported by Microsoft, led by the community.

Acceptance of Terms
These terms and conditions (“T&Cs”) are a legal agreement between you, as the group leader (“you” or “your”) of the specific group (the “Group”) that you are applying to participate in the Microsoft Fabric user group program, and Microsoft (“Microsoft”, “we”, “our” or “us”).

By participating in the Microsoft Fabric user group program (the “Program”), you agree to be bound by these T&Cs, represent that you are 18 years or older, and have authority to bind the Group. If you do not accept these T&Cs, then you will not be allowed to participate in the Program.

Microsoft reserves the right to update these T&Cs at any time without notice to you. The most current version of the T&Cs can be reviewed by clicking on the T&Cs link.

Description of Program
The Program connects technical user groups from across the globe and all backgrounds with resources and tools to expand their knowledge of Microsoft technologies related to Microsoft Fabric.

Program Benefits
Your participation in the Program may provide you with access to certain benefits, such as early access to technical content, a channel to communicate directly with Microsoft team members, and monthly Program updates (collectively, the “Benefits”).

Some of the Benefits will require you to use your Microsoft or community account. The Benefits are for use by the Group as a whole, and you may only share the Benefits with members of the Group. You may not otherwise transfer, sell, share, sublicense, assign, or lend the Benefits, unless expressly indicated by Microsoft. Your access to and use of the Benefits are subject to the terms of these T&Cs and any separate license terms that accompany them, or that you are required to accept prior to accessing a Benefit. You must be a current, active member of the Microsoft Fabric Community and Program to access the Benefits.

Privacy; Communications Policy
Your participation in the Program is subject to Microsoft’s privacy statement, which is located at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=521839.

Throughout the duration of your participation in the Program, you may receive periodic communications from Microsoft. By participating in the Program, (i) you consent to communications from Microsoft regarding your participation in the Program; (ii) you agree to make best efforts to respond promptly to communications from Microsoft that require your response; and (iii) you consent to Microsoft providing you with additional information about the Program and other Microsoft products or services. To request a copy or removal of the personal data that Microsoft has collected as part of your participation in the Program, email m s-data@microsoft.com (requests submitted only apply to data related to the Program). Removal of personal data could result in your groups’ removal from the Program.

Participation in the Program, at times, requires two-way communications. If Microsoft, at its sole discretion, believes that you are not making best efforts to respond to communications from Microsoft that require your response, then Microsoft may remove you and the Group from the Program.

If you would like to stop receiving communications from Microsoft, you may do so by electing to leave the Program at any time.

Program Participation Requirements
Throughout the duration of the Group’s participation in the Program, the Group will:
Have a group leader who has accepted these T&Cs. All User Groups must have a minimum of two leaders.
Not charge other members a fee to attend group meetings, except in cases in which the venue and/or hosting costs (e.g., food and beverages) are passed through to members.

Maintain a regular meeting cadence, for example, having meetings at least six times or equivalent per year that relate to or cover the user groups designated products or services. We will also support focus areas or study groups that have a specific timeframe as requested.

Anyone can apply to be a user group leader; all user groups will be reviewed for approval by our user group coordinators. User group leaders that submit a group that shares the same user group name or city/region upon submission will be alerted that there is a group already in existence in that same city. These submissions will be reviewed by our user group advisory board as well to uphold consistency and historical precedence in user group leadership. By signing up as a user group leader on the community you also agree to the user group code of conduct:

Microsoft Fabric User Group Code of Conduct

Comply with Program’s Code of Conduct.

Adhere to Microsoft’s Trademark and Brand guidelines, when using any Microsoft trademarks or referring to Microsoft’s software, products, or services (see https://www.microsoft.com/trademarks)

No Solicitation Guidelines
To create an environment that is free from unwanted solicitation, we ask all participants to agree to the following guidelines:

Refrain from soliciting or marketing their services or products or affiliated third-party vendors to members of the user group(s). This includes, but is not limited to, email, phone calls, direct mail, social media, online forums, special interest groups, local user group meetings, and other user group events.
We ask all participants to share their deep knowledge of the product and their thought leadership. Contributions should be free of promotional messages (including, but not limited to, promotion of Partner products, services, training, and events), and sales activities are strictly prohibited. This includes messages posted to the discussion boards and messages sent directly to an individual.
Participants' contributions should be unbiased and free of any conflict of interest. As such, please refrain from making comments about affiliates or competitors’ products, services, or other offerings.

Prohibited Uses

You or the Group will not use the Program:
1. To try to gain unauthorized access to or disrupt any Microsoft or third-party service, device, data, account, or network.
2. To financially enrich yourself, any member of the Group, or any third party.
3. In a way prohibited by law, regulation, governmental order, or decree.

Group Removal from the Program
Failure to meet any of the Program requirements throughout the duration of the Group’s participation may result in the Group’s removal from the Program. We may also remove the Group or suspend the Group’s participation in the Program at any time if we suspect that the Group has violated any of these T&Cs. Unless Microsoft believes an immediate suspension is required, Microsoft will provide you reasonable notice before removing the Group from the Program.

Leaving the Program
You may choose to remove the Group from the Program at any time by referencing the information on this page. If the Group leaves the Program, it will no longer receive related communications from Microsoft and no longer have access to Benefits. To remove your group from the program email: ms-data@microsoft.com.

Leadership Change

You may stop being the group leader or may make leadership changes at any time you must identify a replacement and fill out our community support form here: https://aka.ms/FabricCommSupport for Microsoft Fabric related user groups. When you complete the support form, you can choose to either remain a member of the group, or be removed.

Program Termination or Suspension
We may suspend or terminate the Program at any time at our sole discretion. We will give you notice before we suspend or terminate the Program, except in cases in which we reasonably believe we need to suspend or terminate the Program immediately.

Providing Feedback
If you or the Group gives feedback about any Microsoft software, products, services or documentation, you give to Microsoft, without charge, the right to use, share and commercialize your or the Group’s feedback in any way and for any purpose. You or the Group will not give feedback that is subject to a license that requires Microsoft to license its software, products, services, or documentation to third parties because Microsoft includes your or the Group’s feedback in them. These rights survive the T&Cs.

Waiver and Severability
The failure of Microsoft to exercise or enforce any rights or provisions in these T&Cs will not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. If any part or provision of these T&Cs is found to be unenforceable, such part or provision may be modified to make the T&Cs as modified legal and enforceable. The balance of the T&Cs will not be affected.

Relationship with Microsoft
You acknowledge that your participation in the Program does not create a partnership, agency or employer-employee relationship with Microsoft or any of its suppliers. Neither you nor the Group will make any statements on behalf of Microsoft or its suppliers about Microsoft or its suppliers, or any of Microsoft’s or its suppliers’ products or services.

Website Terms of Use
The Website Terms of Use apply to your use of the Program website including any help topics, white papers, data sheets and FAQs that are made available as part of the Program. For more details refer to https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=206977.

User Group Code of Conduct

Natalie_iTalent — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:20:34 GMT

Code of Conduct for group members

All group members should follow throughout each interaction:

Be friendly and welcoming
• Listen with purpose and create space for others’ communication preferences.
• Ask yourself how you can make someone's life easier.

Be patient
• Remember that people have varying communication styles and preferences.
• Recognize that not everyone is using their native language. Meaning and tone can be lost in translation.

Be thoughtful
• Think about how others will interpret your words. Aim for clear and productive communication.
• Remember that sometimes it is best to refrain from commenting.

Be respectful and inclusive
• Respect differences of opinion.
• Seek to understand and build bridges, not condemn or criticize.
• Make a conscious effort to include people who differ from you.

Be open and curious
• Assume good intent and interpret others’ statements or questions in good faith.
• Ask questions to understand, not denounce.
• Focus on continuous learning. Improve upon the things you already know, tackle new things, and ask others about their expertise to deepen your own knowledge.

Summary
• Treat everyone with respect, kindness, and empathy.
• Use welcoming and inclusive language.
• Be thoughtful in how you communicate in person and online.
• Do not be destructive or inflammatory.
• Gracefully accept constructive criticism.
• Listen with purpose and create space for others’ communication preferences.
• Reach out to the organizers if you need anything.

Additional Code of Coducts:

User group leaders are also expected to uphold a Code of Conduct. Learn more about the user group leader Code of Conduct here: User Group Leader Code of Conduct

Reporting
Please report any concerns, suspicious activity, or disruptive behavior to the team at m s-data@microsoft.com