The ESPC Inspire Awards
Celebrate the people, content and creativity that make our tech community thrive!
The ESPC Inspire Awards 2026
The ESPC Inspire Awards celebrate the people, content and ideas that make a meaningful impact across the Microsoft 365 and AI community.
From outstanding tutorials, sessions and podcasts to mentorship, innovation and community leadership, the awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and contributions that inspire us all.
Submit your nominations today! Nominations close September 9th.
The Categories
The ESPC Inspire Awards recognise the people, projects and content that have made a positive impact on our community over the past year. Browse the categories below and nominate those you think deserve recognition.
Best Community Contributor
Some people are always there to help. They answer questions, share knowledge and make the community a better place. Who has made the biggest difference to our community?
Best Podcast
A great podcast teaches you something new, keeps you engaged and is always worth pressing play on. Which podcast do you keep coming back to?
Best YouTube Channel
Some YouTube channels consistently deliver useful, engaging content that helps you learn something new every time you watch. Which channel deserves recognition?
Diversity Leader
This award recognises those building a more inclusive community by creating opportunities, supporting others and making everyone feel welcome. Who is making a real difference?
Rising Star
This award celebrates someone making an impact early in their journey through fresh ideas, great work and a willingness to share what they’ve learned. Who is one to watch?
Best Mentor
Great mentors share their knowledge, support others and help people grow both personally and professionally. Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
Open-Source Contributor
Open source makes our community stronger. This award recognises someone who shares code, tools or documentation to help others learn, build and solve problems. Who deserves recognition for giving back?
Best M365 Copilot Prompt
Great prompts unlock great results. This award recognises a Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt that is creative, practical or has helped people get more from Copilot. Which prompt has impressed you most?
Best Sticker Design
Got a great sticker idea? Submit your original design for the chance to see it printed and handed out at ESPC26 after being chosen by our judges and community vote. More details below, including how to submit!
On-site Awards
In addition to the above awards, we also have other awards where the winners will be decided on-site at ESPC26!
Best Tutorial
The tutorial that leaves attendees inspired, energised and ready to apply what they learned. The winner is the tutorial with the highest attendee rating from the Tutorial Feedback forms.
Best Session
Some sessions leave a lasting impact – packed with insights, fresh ideas and moments that shift your thinking. The winning session is the top rated ESPC session based on the ESPC Session App ratings.
Best Sponsor Booth
We recognise the sponsor booth that stood out – through great conversations, smart demos or just an unforgettable experience. The winner is voted for by ESPC Attendees.
Best Social Post
We celebrate the social media post that captures the spirit of ESPC – whether insightful, uplifting or just perfectly timed. The winner is decided by our judging panel.
Design the Next Official ESPC Sticker
Info
This year, we’re introducing a brand-new award: Best Sticker Design.
We invite all community members to submit their original sticker designs for the chance to see their creativity brought to life. Our judges will select their favourite designs as finalists before the winner is decided by public vote.
The winning design will be professionally printed and handed out to ESPC Inspire Award ceremony attendees.
Email your design to alex@espc.tech
Subject: Best Sticker Design Entry
Include:
- Your name
- Your design (PNG, PDF or SVG)
- Original artwork only.
- Suitable for a professional community event.
- Avoid using copyrighted logos, characters or artwork that you don’t own.
- Designs should be suitable for printing as a conference sticker.
- By entering, you confirm that the design is your own original work and grant ESPC permission to print and distribute the winning design as an official ESPC sticker.
The Judging Panel
Our brilliant Programme Team, the minds behind the ESPC conference schedule, will serve as our ESPC Inspire Awards Judging Panel. With their deep knowledge of the tech landscape and a sharp eye for standout content and community impact, they are perfectly placed to decide who is a finalist for an award!
Luise Freese
MVP | Germany
Maarten Eekels
Microsoft RD & MVP | Netherlands
2025 Winners
The ESPC Inspire Awards are all about recognising the people who make a lasting impact on our community. Explore the 2025 winners below to celebrate their outstanding contributions and dedication.
Best Community Contributor
Markus Franz
Congratulations to Markus Franz, the 2025 Best Community Contributor! Markus was nominated for his positive, supportive presence online and in person, his active help on Microsoft forums, social media, and user groups, and his role in building the Austrian Power Platform community. He was also recently recognised as a Microsoft MVP. Congratulations to the other finalists, Ejaz Hussain and Sebastián Zamorano.
Best Podcast
Copilot Connection
Congratulations to Copilot Connection (Zoe Wilson and Kevin McDonnell), voted Best Podcast! The community praised Copilot Connection for its clear, practical, and accessible coverage of AI and Microsoft Copilot, including walkthroughs, demos, and myth-busting. The hosts and guests were noted for making complex topics engaging and easy to understand. Well done also to the other finalists: Code, Deploy, Go Live! and Office 365 Distilled.
Best YouTube Channel
Shane Young
Congratulations to Shane Young for winning Best YouTube Channel! The community highlighted Shane Young for: Clear, practical explanations that simplify complex Power Apps and Power Platform topics. Videos that address real-world problems with honest insights and workarounds. Content that builds true understanding of Power Platform concepts beyond simple demos. Congratulations also to the other finalists, Kaz Demos and Vlad Talks Tech.
Diversity Leader
Zoe Wilson
Congratulations to Zoe Wilson, our Diversity Leader! The community nominated Zoe for launching the New Speakers Workshop, which helps people across tech gain confidence and find their voice on stage. Her work elevating diverse perspectives has already resulted in seven new MVPs and many new speakers presenting at events worldwide. Congratulations also to the other finalists, Femke Cornelissen and Emily van Putten.
Best Mentor
Sharon Smith
Congratulations to our 2025 Best Mentor winner, Sharon Smith! Sharon was nominated for her outstanding impact through Women in Power and The Mentoring Hub, dedicating significant time and resources to support others. She also founded the Mentoring Hub charity, creating a structured network of mentors and mentees and supporting career-switchers entering the Microsoft ecosystem. Well done also to the other finalists, Vlad Catrinescu and Simon Owen.
Tech Leader
Zoe Wilson
Congratulations to Zoe Wilson, voted Tech Leader 2025! The community nominated Zoe for her inspirational leadership at Avanade, helping the organisation win the inaugural Copilot Partner of the Year award. She is a consistent champion of women in IT, plays a key role in the Scottish Summit leadership team, actively speaks at events worldwide, and mentors new MVPs to help emerging talent thrive. Congratulations also to the other finalists, Sami Laiho and Sebastián Zamorano.
Tech Trailblazer
Reshmee Auckloo
Congratulations to our 2025 Tech Trailblazer, Reshmee Auckloo. The community recognized her for sharing clear, high-quality insights on AI and agents, supporting others generously with complex concepts, and inspiring everyone with her enthusiasm for learning and experimenting with new technologies. Congratulations as well to finalists Andrew Connell and Adam Wójcik.
