My First Microsoft MVP Summit

This week, I found myself in Redmond, Washington, for something that still feels a little surreal: my first Microsoft MVP Summit.

As a first-time Microsoft MVP, I see this event as about connection, learning, and community — and even with NDA boundaries firmly in place, there’s still plenty I can share about the experience.

From Atlanta to Seattle (An Unexpected Start)

The journey started early Monday morning with an Uber ride at 3:30 am ET for a flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Seattle (SEA) departing at 7:25 am ET. Even with TSA PreCheck and Digital ID, I gave myself plenty of time to get through TSA.

Even with both of those, it still took nearly two hours to get through TSA. Normally, it takes me 10 to 25 minutes.

The lines were long, slow‑moving, and stretched farther than I’ve ever seen.

Once through security, it was finally time to settle in, grab coffee ☕, and reflect on how far this journey has come — from learning and teaching Microsoft tools to being part of this global community.

By the time I landed in the Pacific Northwest, the early‑morning stress had faded, replaced by excitement.

Where I stayed - location to Microsoft's Campus

There are plenty of places to stay. Most MVPs stay in Bellevue. Microsoft has special rates at several hotels for MVPs. I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle's Eastside. Great hotel, and depending on traffic, it is 10 to 15 minutes from Microsoft's Redmond Campus.

March 23, 2026 - Pre‑Summit Day

After arriving on campus at 3:15 pm PT at the Microsoft Conference Center (MSCC), I picked up my badge and attended a campus tour at 4 pm. Everything is well organized. Badge pickup took 2 minutes. Show your ID and get your badge.

The MVP Wall is in the Microsoft Conference Center.

What is the MVP Wall?

The MVP Wall is a visual tribute to Microsoft MVPs across the globe—thousands of community leaders who share knowledge, build connections, and make a real impact.

For many MVPs, including me, seeing their name on the wall is a surreal and proud moment. All MVPs' names are listed on the wall in order by first name.

Photos Gallery from Monday, March 23, 2026 - MVP Summit

Day 1 - March 24, 2026 - Tuesday: Keynote & Breakout Sessions

Tuesday was the main event. This was officially Day 1 on the MVP Summit.

Microsoft provides breakfast and lunch for MVPs. After arriving at MSCC around 7:30, for the 8:30 am keynote, another MVP, Marco Filocamo, who follows me on LinkedIn, found me. Marco is a Microsoft Excel MVP, and I spent the morning before the keynote with Marco and a great group of Excel MVPs. Just listening to them, I picked up a few tips for training and blogging.

The keynote on Tuesday, March 24, held at Microsoft’s Conference Center, was an energizing way to kick off the day.

The line to get into the keynote

Following the keynote, my day continued with breakout sessions in Building 7. Other MVPs venture off to other campus buildings.

Tuesday came with a classic Seattle lesson. I came prepared with a rain jacket and umbrella… and then confidently left both in my hotel room. Huge mistake. It rained all morning, and by the time I walked from the Microsoft Conference Center to Building 7, I was completely soaked — MVP badge, backpack, and all. Microsoft does have shuttles, but right after the keynote, there were simply too many MVPs to move everyone at once. Lesson learned. I can confirm that on Wednesday, my rain jacket and umbrella did not leave my side.

I attended Teams and Copilot breakout sessions on Tuesday. Photos below.

I had a short break on Tuesday between sessions, and the front desk in Building 7 called a shuttle for me to the Microsoft Store (Building 92). The images below are from the Microsoft Store and from two MVPs from Brazil, with whom I shared a ride.

Day 2 - March 25, 2026 - Wednesday

More images and reflections from the MVP Summit will be added here.