Technology Record - Issue 22: Autumn 2021

39 Instead of participating in a workshop, attendees can also choose to take part in the Power Platform Hackathon. This event takes a real- world problem and fixes it using a solution built on the Microsoft platform – an application created and designed by attendees. The Summit will take place on day two, with the Microsoft executive-led keynote session on Microsoft 365 and Azure beginning at 9am, followed by 184 separate sessions delivered by more than 200 speakers. Multiple breakout room presentations and theatre sessions will be led by top MVPs and experts and will cover: accessibility and inclusivity; adoption and change management; collaboration and productivity; data and AI; development and extensibility; Dynamics 365; meetings, calling and devices; Azure; Power Platform; robotics process automation; and security and compliance. At the end of the day there is another value-added opportunity to network with sponsors and attendees. At 5:30pm, after the breakout sessions and theatre sessions end, attendees will find a sponsored networking area in the Arlott Atrium, with the chance to speak with sponsors, speakers and other attendees over a drink. The last activity is the Charity Pub Quiz at 7:00pm, hosted by Microsoft MVP Andrew Bibby to support and collect donations for Breast Cancer Awareness through Breast Cancer UK. The quiz will be based on the Microsoft technology stack as well as other fun topics. Test your knowledge on current events, general knowledge, Office 365, Power Platform and Azure while raising money for charity. Over the two days, attendees will have a unique opportunity to get help directly from Microsoft’s UK team. Many of the business’s own professionals will be on site to answer questions or advise on optimising Microsoft solutions. As one of the biggest Microsoft conferences and networking opportunities of the year, South Coast Summit 2021 is expected to be popular within the Microsoft community. It is also one of the few in-person conferences to be held this year and is the UK’s single largest free conference addressing Microsoft cloud technology. Nathan Sweeney is co-founder of South Coast Summit Kim Simmonds Founder and CEO of Law 365 “The South Coast Summit is the perfect opportunity to meet Microsoft Partners and it has so much to offer, from inspirational speakers to great educational content. You cannot beat the buzz of connecting face to face with people. I am truly proud to sponsor such a great event.” Matthew Whitton Managing Director at Grey Matter “We are excited to be part of South Coast Summit for the engaging sessions, the chance to meet with like-minded professionals and discuss ideas in person. Sponsoring the event was a great opportunity for us to support the vibrant UK technology community.” James Clifford Director, EMEA Sales at BitTitan “Sponsoring South Coast Summit offers an extensive opportunity to network with IT professionals focused on Microsoft 365 and the modern workplace. In addition, the valuable insight it provides on the latest trends helps us address the current and future demands of the industry.”