Microsoft MVP Summit 2026 - My First Summit
Redmond, Washington | March 2026 | Evergreen Post — Last updated: March 29, 2026
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.
Some awesome Excel MVPs I hung with on Tuesday morning.
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.
Microsoft Store - Shared a shuttle with two MVPs from Brazil
Day 2 - March 25, 2026 - Wednesday
The breakout sessions today have been wonderful—a great continuation of the awesome sessions we kicked off yesterday. The learning, conversations, and overall energy here have been incredible.
One highlight for me was finally meeting Jon Acampora and Kevin Stratvert in person. I’ve learned so many Excel tips and productivity ideas from both of them over the years, and we also had a great conversation about video editing and marketing. I picked up some excellent tips that I’m excited to put into practice. 📊🎥🙌
Another thing I absolutely love about this community is that MVPs come from all over the world. In one of the photos with Eleanor Huynh from Microsoft, I’m also pictured with two fellow MVPs—one from the Netherlands and one from Ireland. The global perspective and shared passion for learning make this experience truly special 🌍
Meeting Jon Acampora and Kevin Stratvert at the MVP Summit
It was great meeting Jon Acampora and Kevin Stratvert at the Microsoft MVP Summit. I’ve learned countless Excel and productivity tips from both over the years, and it was an unexpected pleasure chatting in person—especially about their approach to video creation.
Day 3 - March 26, 2026 - Wednesday 🚀
More images and reflections from the MVP Summit will be added here on March 26th and 27th!
Another day of fantastic sessions and great conversations—this MVP Summit has truly not disappointed. The learning, the energy, and the people have made every day feel impactful.
One of the highlights for me today was finally meeting Lev Solodkin in person. Lev introduced me to what’s become my favorite Copilot feature in Excel: Formula Completion 👏. It was awesome to connect face‑to‑face after interacting online for so long.
I was also thrilled to run into Cuong Pham, someone I regularly see on Teams meetings. There’s nothing quite like meeting people you collaborate with virtually… in real life.
Grateful for the learning, the community, and the connections this week continues to bring.
📸 Check out the photos!
Great sessions in the afternoon. I met three Excel MVPs in our sessions.
Met another Excel MVP that I follow - Chandoo
Other Photos from Day 3
MVP Excel Dinner, Marco Filocamo and Chris Menard
Excel MVP dinner, Marco Filocamo and Chris Menard, and final photo to close out the MVP Summit (2026)
Coming Home on March 27, 2026
Small world moment on the way home.
As I was heading back from the Microsoft MVP Summit and lining up to board my flight at the Seattle airport, I suddenly heard someone call my name. I turned around and was genuinely surprised—it was a University of Georgia MBA student I had trained over Zoom last year—Russ Nieman.
In an airport thousands of miles from home, right before boarding, there we were reconnecting in person. Moments like that really remind me how small the world is—and how meaningful these training connections can be.
Last Photo!
