Tips for Networking at ESPC: How to Make the Most of the Microsoft Community

Introduction

Many people come to ESPC for the learning, technical deep dives and the chance to hear directly from Microsoft experts. You can fill your entire week with sessions and tutorials, focus on learning and have a brilliant conference without networking being a priority.

But, for those who do want to make new connections, ESPC is also one of the best Microsoft conferences in Europe for networking. More than 2,000 Microsoft professionals come together from across Europe and beyond, giving you access to a wide range of people, experiences and expertise. At the same time, the conference is designed so you can still see familiar faces, bump into people you met the day before and continue conversations throughout the week.

Networking does not have to mean walking into a room full of strangers or trying to meet as many people as possible. At ESPC, it can be as simple as chatting to someone before a session, joining a Community Meet-Up or continuing a technical discussion over coffee. There are many networking opportunities at ESPC and you can get involved as much or as little as you like.

If making new connections is one of your goals for ESPC, here are 10 simple ways to make the most of the opportunities available.

1. Start with a Community Meet-Up

Attending ESPC for the first time? Head to the First-Time Attendee Meet-Up. Coming on your own? Join the Solo Attendee Meet-Up. Both happen early in the conference and give you the chance to meet people in the same position before the week gets under way.

Other Community Meet-Ups take place throughout ESPC too, so check the conference app for groups that interest you. Meeting a few people early means you are likely to have some familiar faces to look out for during the rest of the conference.

2. Keep Your Introduction Simple

You do not need a rehearsed elevator pitch. Your name, what you do and what brought you to ESPC is enough.

If you are not sure what to say next, ask about the conference. Find out if it is their first ESPC, which sessions they have enjoyed or what they work with. You are already at the same Microsoft conference, so you have plenty of potential conversation starters.

3. Talk to People in Sessions and Tutorials

Arrive a few minutes early and say hello to the person beside you. Ask why they chose the session or what they thought of the previous one. If you spot someone else attending alone, introduce yourself.

Technical challenges are good conversation starters too. If you are struggling with Copilot adoption, governance or another Microsoft 365 challenge, ask how other attendees are approaching it. You could pick up some useful advice while making a new connection at the same time.

4. Use the ESPC Conference App

The ESPC conference app is not just for building your agenda. Use it to connect with other attendees and find Community Meet-Ups taking place throughout the week.

Keep an eye on conversations in the app too. Attendees may arrange informal meet-ups or discussions around particular topics. Making the first connection through the app can also make introducing yourself in person a little easier.

5. Make the Most of Breaks

Coffee and lunch breaks are some of the easiest times to meet people. Continue a discussion from a session, join a table with a spare seat or say hello to someone you recognise from earlier in the day.

The Community Lounge is another good place to spend some time between sessions. People drop in throughout the day, so you may find yourself bumping into someone you have already met. Those second and third conversations are often when you start to get to know people properly.

If you have travelled with colleagues, consider splitting up occasionally too. Meet different people during the day, then introduce them to your colleagues later. That way you get to meet more people!

6. Speak to Microsoft Experts

One of the benefits of attending ESPC in person is the opportunity to speak directly with Microsoft product teams, MVPs, speakers and other experts.

Ask questions after presentations or visit the Ask the Experts area to discuss something you are working on. Introduce yourself and explain why the topic is relevant to you. These conversations are a chance to meet Microsoft professionals plus get practical advice directly from people with expertise in the technologies you use.

7. Explore the Expo Hall

The Expo Hall brings together Microsoft partners and solution providers, giving you another easy opportunity to start conversations. Ask exhibitors about products you are interested in or discuss a challenge your organisation is facing.

Stay around for Expo Drinks too. Complimentary drinks and a more informal atmosphere make it easy to continue conversations from the day and meet other attendees exploring similar technologies.

8. Go to the Social Events

Not everyone enjoys formal networking, and sometimes it is much easier to get talking when the sessions are finished.

The ESPC Party Night is a chance to relax with attendees, speakers and Microsoft experts away from the session rooms. By then, you will probably recognise people from earlier in the conference. If you have already met someone you got on with, ask if they are heading along and arrange to catch up there.

9. Do Not Try to Meet Everyone

Focus on Good Conversations, Not Numbers. If networking is outside your comfort zone, set yourself a small goal, such as speaking to one new person each day or going to one Community Meet-Up.

ESPC brings together thousands of Microsoft professionals, while still giving you the chance to bump into the same people as you move between sessions and community spaces. Make the most of that. Seeing someone again gives you the opportunity to continue a conversation rather than constantly starting from scratch.

And remember, not every conversation has to be about Microsoft 365. Talk about where someone has travelled from, Amsterdam, the conference or whatever comes up naturally.

10. Stay in Touch After ESPC

If you meet someone you would like to stay in contact with, connect through LinkedIn while you are together. It is much easier than trying to remember their name when you get home.

After ESPC, send a quick message. Mention something you discussed or share a resource you promised to send. The Microsoft community extends well beyond the few days of the conference, and a conversation at ESPC could be the start of a valuable professional relationship.

Come for the Learning, Be Part of the Community

ESPC brings together more than 2,000 Microsoft professionals to learn from Microsoft experts, MVPs and leading voices in Microsoft 365 and AI. Being together in person also gives you the opportunity to meet people who work with the same technologies and understand many of the challenges you face.

From Community Meet-Ups and Ask the Experts to networking breaks, Expo Drinks and Party Night, there are plenty of opportunities to connect throughout the week. You can get involved as much or as little as you like.

You do not need to work the room or come home with hundreds of contacts. Start with a conversation, see where it goes and enjoy being part of the ESPC community.