A Guide to Directions EMEA- What to Expect, Who to Meet, Where to go

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I am thrilled to be half way through my journey to Directions EMEA in Lyon, France this coming week. With this being my third year speaking and attending Directions EMEA, I felt maybe I would provide new attendees and those who attended and felt lost with some helpful tips and tricks. 


Here is my guide with tips and tricks on how to survive Directions EMEA and get the most out of your money. 

What to Expect

  • Amazing keynote sessions
    • With the fall release of BC, we usually see some of the best new features being rolled out in the new release of Business Central, including things not yet announced. 
    • Expect to hear a lot about Copilot, AI and the Power Platform- Microsoft continues to enhance these areas with every new release
  • A ton of Microsoft led sessions
    • The amount of time that attendees get with the Microsoft development and BC project team is unparallel to any other event I have attended. 
    • Stay after Microsoft talks to meet the lovely people behind the scenes who create the magic. 
    • Stop by the Ask Microsoft kiosks, usually located in the conference hallways for questions as well
  • Long days and lots of walking
    • Sessions start early, so make sure and eat a good breakfast before the keynote. 
    • Pro tip: Bring water to the keynote. These tend to go very long
    • Wear comfortable shoes, you will walk lots and lots. Everyone will be wearing reasonable shoes. 
  • Long lines at times
    • Last year, the food lines were long in the food hall with thousands of attendees. Give yourself plenty of patience when it comes to lines. 
Who to Meet

  • The BC community is strong at this conference. 
    • Meet your favorite Microsoft Team members and staff, the wonderful staff at Directions 4 Partners, and Microsoft MVPs and community stars. 
  • Meet other partners. 
    • Make new friends at this conference. I have come back each year with several new EMEA friends and it is a great place to talk about the struggles and successes you are having with implementing BC. 
  • Your favorite and new ISVs for BC
    • Lots of great booths, giveaways and prizes all happening in the Expo hall
    • Stop and check out new apps you have not heard about

Where to Go

  • The Expo Reception
    • Drinks and appetizers while mingling with peers, friends and new friends. 
    • Get your lanyard before the rest of the crowd and be able to get a good seat to the keynote the next day. 
  • Sessions, sessions and more sessions
    • Download the app and start building your schedule. So many sessions it will be hard to choose. 
  • Cloud Cabaret Party
    • There are two parties this year. One Thursday night called the Cloud Cabaret Party and it is going to be a fantastic event.  
  • Last night Party
    • The Directions EMEA party is the best conference party I attend each year. Food, fun, great music, drinks and dancing. What more can you ask for? 
New to Directions this year? Feel free to ping me if you need help navigating around. Find me on LinkedIn! 


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