What we’re about
## Our community
User groups having been running in the UK for over 10 years, starting with a user group for Dynamics CRM in 2011.
Since then, we have expanded in number and in scope, covering not just the traditional ‘CRM’ applications under Dynamics 365 but also the Microsoft Power Platform – Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI and Power Virtual Agents.
Our user groups provide an opportunity for users of Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform to get together, share their knowledge and get to know each other in a fun, open, and welcoming environment. Whatever your level of experience or how long you’ve been using the products, you’re welcome to our meetings!
### Topics
The user group meetings cover all topics under the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform umbrella. We have talks on technical subjects such as development and solution architecture but also cover business perspectives as well, such as user adoption, managing change and business analysis.
### National user group
Our flagship user group – what we call the National user group – runs several events per year. These last all day, have over 15 sessions and typically attract an audience of over of over one hundred people. The events are held at Microsoft’s offices in Reading or London.
### Regional user groups
Our regional user groups cover many areas of the UK. These meetings are typically held in the evening after a working day and have 2 or 3 speakers on topics related to Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- D365 & Power Platform UG - Virtual - 20th FebruaryLink visible for attendees
Join us for the D365 & PP UG Virtual Event! This user group will focus solely on Virtual Events. We know that not everyone can make it to in person events, so we've created a dedicated Virtual UG that anyone can attend!
Agenda
18:00 - Intros
18: 15 - Talk 1: Wave 1 2025 New Feature- Panel Discussion
19:00 - break
19:05 - Talk 2: Learn to build custom agents with Copilot Studio - Dian Taylor
19:55: Wrap up
20:00 - Finish
Talk 1 - Wave 1 2025 New Feature- Panel Discussion
This discussion will bring together experts who want to talk about the new features coming in Wave 1 20205 and what they are excited about. This will be interactive session with the audience, inviting everyone to chat about new features.
Bio
A team of D365 and Power Platform Experts.
Scott Roller - Solution Architect @ 365 Thoughts
Stuart Baxter - Senior D365 & Power Platform Solution Architect @ Capgemini
Chris Goodwill - Strategic Partner Manager and Solution Specialist @ SymityTalk 2 - Learn to build custom agents with Copilot Studio - Dian Taylor
This session is your gateway to learning how to create customized Agents with Copilot Studio, Microsoft's no-code/low-code chatbot solution. During this session, Dian Taylor will take a deep dive into the world of Agents, and all its essential components. She'll show you how you can get up and running in minutes by configuring knowledge and publishing an agent on Microsoft Teams! She'll also show you how to enhance agents with topics and entities! But that's not all! Dian will go a even further and show how to connect your copilot to external applications using actions! Get ready to be amazed by the potential of chatbot creation without coding! This session will open a world of possibilities with agents.Bio
Dian Taylor is a 5X Microsoft Business Applications MVP and Director at RSM US LLP who specializes in AI & Dynamics 365 CRM technology. In her role as a Presales Engineer Dian aligns business processes with technology, allowing her to unlock transformative value for clients and prospects. Her approach blends deep technical knowledge with a strategic mindset, ensuring that the solutions proposed are not just functionally sound but also serve as cornerstones for the client's long-term success. Dian’s commitment to innovation and excellence in presales allows her to constantly push the envelope in delivering customized demonstrations that empower clients across various industry sectors. With multiple Business Applications MVP Awards, Dian’s expertise is recognized by Microsoft, peers and the industry.D365-CRM modules: Sales, Customer Service, Field Service & Dynamics 365 Customer Service. Besides Dynamics 365, Dian works with Power Platform components like Power Automate and Copilot Studio. She has also created several courses on LinkedIn Learning.
LinkedIn - Reading Dynamics 365 & Power Platform User Group (Q1)CAMPUS Reading International, Reading
Our first in-person meeting for this year will take place on Wednesday 26th February from 18:00 at Campus Reading. We look forward to seeing you there and encourage you to arrive from 6pm to meet other user group members!
Agenda as follows:
- 18:00 - Welcome!
- 18:30 - Rory Neary - Rory's Power Platform Top Tips and Tricks
- Some of the elements of working with Power Platform simply don't get to see the light of day even if they cause us heartache when they come to town. In this session we will go on a whistlestop tour of some of the elements that can make or break your Power Platform product. The great thing about THIS session is that you don't need to take notes - every time you hear something cool just fill in the form and the details will be sent out to you there and then, with links to additional resources.
- 19:15 - Break & Pizza!
- 19:45 - Tricia Sinclair - Comparing Low Code Bot Applications
- Copilot Studio is the gateway to Microsoft’s AI capabilities. It’s now known for creating chatbots, creating autonomous agents and extending Microsoft 365 Copilot. However, what else is Copilot Studio capable of? Is this our only option when creating bots in the Microsoft ecosystem?
Join me as I revisit the history of Copilot Studio and look to the future to demonstrate hidden or forgotten capabilities and compare the different bot solutions that are available today. - 20:30 - Networking & Close
- Birmingham D365 & Power Platform User Group - February 27th 2025Wesleyan, Birmingham
Our next in-person meeting of the year will take place on Thursday 27th February 2025 from 18:30 at the Wesleyan Building. Parking is available close by at the B4 Car Park or it’s a short walk from any city centre train station.
Presentation 1: Creating User-Centric Apps with Power Apps: UX and Accessibility Best Practices (Speaker: Kayode Ajayi)
In this session, we’ll explore how to design and develop user-centric applications using Microsoft Power Apps. By focusing on user experience (UX) and accessibility best practices, attendees will learn how to create intuitive, inclusive, and effective apps that meet diverse user needs. We’ll cover essential principles for designing engaging interfaces, optimizing usability, and incorporating accessibility features to ensure compliance and equitable access for all users. This session is ideal for Power Platform developers, solution architects, and anyone looking to elevate their app design and build solutions that truly resonate with end usersPresentation 2: Interacting with data in Dataverse from Copilot Studio (Speaker: Phil Kermeen)
In this presentation, Phil will demonstrate how an intelligent agent can seamlessly read and update data in Dataverse. By combining Canvas Apps, Model Driven Apps and Power Pages, he will highlight the versatility and efficiency of Copilot Studio, making data management a breeze!We strongly encourage you to arrive early to meet other user group members. We will be providing food and refreshments and you are welcome to stay afterwards for a chat!
We are always looking for people passionate about Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform to present at our events. If you would like to speak at any of our future events please register here.
