Mark ChristieDynamics 365, Dyn365CE, Dataverse3 weeks ago33 Views
As a team we believe that sharing knowledge, building connections, and giving back to the Microsoft community is just as important as delivering great solutions. Our Consulting Director Andrew Bibby plays a leadership role in the Dynamics 365 & Power Platform user groups in the UK, and this blog reflects our belief in the power of community-led growth. We hope this insight is helpful, whether you’re just starting out in the community or looking to take a more active role in community building.
Building a thriving tech community might sound like a big task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re passionate about Microsoft Dynamics 365, the Power Platform, or both, starting a local user group is one of the most rewarding ways to grow professionally, connect with others, and help shape the future of the ecosystem.
Local user groups and meetups offer more than just technical insight; they’re where real conversations happen. Whether you’re new to the tech scene or an experienced consultant, a strong community helps you:
My own story began with one small UK-based user group. Fast forward to today, and we now have 11 regional groups, a team of over 30 community champions, and more than 3,000 members via Meetup.
It didn’t happen overnight, and it definitely wasn’t perfect. But the key takeaway? Consistency beats perfection. Showing up regularly and delivering value is what builds trust (and attendance).
Start by answering a few questions:
Pick a format and stick to it for a while, don’t wait until everything’s perfect. Just start.
In-person events create stronger relationships and better networking opportunities. They’re also great for engaging local Microsoft partners. The downsides? Venue costs, travel, and limited reach.
Virtual events are easier to organise and scale. They let you bring in speakers from anywhere and make it simple to record and share content. But they can lack the engagement and spontaneity of in-person meetups.
The more you promote, the more momentum you’ll build!
Not always but they can help with…
Look to Microsoft partners, ISVs, recruiters, or even your own company. Be clear about your audience reach, and offer easy, low-effort ways to get involved (like branding or speaking opportunities).
The hardest part? Sticking with it.
Building a community isn’t about size, it’s about consistency, value, and relationships. If you’ve been thinking about starting your own Dynamics 365 or Power Platform group, take this as your sign to get started.
Check Yasmin Gray’s original post https://proximo3.com/building-dynamics-community/ on proximo3.com which was published 2025-07-03 12:26:00