Microsoft Ignite took place last week from November 17-21 in San Francisco, United States and our colleagues Samuel Zürcher, Mario Plattner, Gabriel Wernbacher and Isidora Katanic attended the conference to learn, network and have a great time with our team, Microsoft, customers and partners. Let's find out what two of our colleagues have to say!
Microsoft introduced Baseline Security Mode at Ignite 2025 to make Microsoft 365 and Entra secure by default. It allows IT teams to quickly apply recommended protections across services like Office, SharePoint, Teams, and Exchange through a simple admin interface. The mode disables outdated protocols, enforces modern authentication, and blocks insecure prompts to reduce phishing risks. A simulation feature lets admins preview changes before deployment, ensuring continuity while strengthening security. At launch, it includes eighteen preconfigured settings for authentication, file protection, and app consent, with plans to expand to Purview, Intune, Dynamics 365, and Azure. This streamlined approach helps organizations minimize risk and improve visibility with minimal effort.
My yellow T-Shirt from our Partner DATA-ON. And an item I wasn't allowed to take back home 🏆😅
When you enter the different locations you have to show your badge to the security crew and the whole day I have in my ears: “keep your IDs and badge ready”
The amazing conversations as every year with partners, customers and Microsoft colleagues.
I’ve been to nearly all Ignites, and back in the days a few of the events before when it was still called “Microsoft TechEd” in both Europe and in the United States. It's my favorite event for many years and this particular one, this year was very different. This year I spoke on the Microsoft Ignite stage together with a group of powerhouse women at Microsoft and in our MVP Community: Karuana Gatimu, Heather Cook, Danielle Moon, and Femke Cornelissen. This was an incredible and inspiring experience to share our stories & insights in our “Women in Tech, Leadership & Ally” session. I'm very grateful for this opportunity and for Experts Inside being a great ally, supporter, and inclusive company, always supporting me on this mission motivating and advocating for more Women in Tech in the Microsoft community.
There were many fun(ny) moments but I would say getting into a self-driving taxi (Waymo) with my MVP friends Maarten Goet & Jeroen Niesen, driving around San Francisco fearing for my life. And having fun with my colleagues at the Copilot + PC area at the GIANT Surface Laptop. A picture says more than a thousand words 😊
“I need a proper coffee ☕” or “oh no, I think it’s in the OTHER building 🤦♀️”
New partnerships, an expanded network, more knowledge on the market trends, and some really cool swag for a few of my colleagues! Personally, I bring back TONS of great memories, a heart full of friendships, and a numerous amount of nearly 70.000 steps on the show floor. The "Women of Microsoft" book by Miri Rodriguez & Izabela Duiwe, signed by Heather Cook. Oh, and Tim Tams! (thank you Sarah Young!)
Save the Date for Microsoft Ignite 2026, taking place on November 17-20 back in San Francisco. Of course, our Experts Inside colleagues are going to be there as each year to stay on top of the latest news & announcements at first hand directly from Microsoft.