MGCI General Session AM - Nov 2025 - Running Events & Building Community in Tough Environments
Learn along with your community peers! Join Host Heather Cook for our Monthly Microsoft Global Community Initiative (#MGCI) General session – and we'd love for you to join the conversation! All are welcome! Agenda: MGCI Program updates Subcommittee updates from MGCI Board Members Guest Speaker Topic: Running Events & Building Community in Tough Environments Host: Heather Cook, Principal PM, Microsoft Customer Advocacy Group, Microsoft Guest Speaker: Augustine Correa, Biz Talk Lead at CompuCom and Oluwaseyi Oluwawumiju, Management Executive at Convenant Technologies In this session, we explore strategies for executing impactful events in challenging or resource-constrained environments. Speakers will share insights on fostering community resilience and engagement when external conditions are less than ideal. Attendees will leave with practical tools and inspiration to build meaningful connections through events, regardless of circumstance. 📅 Nov 18 ⏰ 8:10 AM PT https://aka.ms/MGCIMtgAM Bring your ideas too! Let’s share, learn, and capture best practices for producing events. Sign up to receive our newsletter and reminders for our meetings: https://aka.ms/MGCISignUP Learn about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative: https://aka.ms/MGCI Post-event all meetings are available on demand. Microsoft Community Learning YouTube channel: https://aka.ms/community/learningEvent Training: Marketing & Social Media for Community Events - October 2025
Join MGCI Board Members Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver who host our Monthly Microsoft Global Community Initiative (#MGCI) Event Production Training & Office Hours – and we'd love for you to join the conversation! All are welcome! It is Halloween - feel free to wear your favorite costume!! Hosts: Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver This month's topic: Marketing & Social Media for Community Events Want to boost attendance and engagement at your community events? This session will walk you through the essentials of marketing and social media strategy tailored for community-focused initiatives. You’ll learn how to: Identify your target audience and craft compelling messaging Choose the right platforms and timing for maximum reach Leverage branded templates and content calendars Track engagement and adjust your strategy in real time Whether you're promoting a local meetup or a global virtual event, this session will equip you with practical tools and creative ideas to amplify your message and grow your community. Let's grow our communities together with great amplification! 📅 October 30 ⏰ 8:10 AM PT https://aka.ms/MGCITrainingMTG Bring your ideas too! Let’s share, learn, and capture best practices for producing events. Sign up to receive our newsletter and reminders for our meetings: https://aka.ms/MGCISignUP Learn about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative: https://aka.ms/MGCI Post-event all meetings are available on demand on our Microsoft Community Learning YouTube channel: https://aka.ms/community/learningEvent Training: Graphics & Branding for Community Events - September 2025
Join MGCI Board Members Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver who host our Monthly Microsoft Global Community Initiative (#MGCI) Event Production Training Ask Me Anything Talks – and we'd love for you to join the conversation! All are welcome! Hosts: Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver This month's topic: Graphics & Branding for Community Events Strong visuals and consistent branding are essential for creating memorable and impactful community events. This session will guide you through the fundamentals of visual communication, including: Applying brand guidelines to event materials Designing accessible and inclusive graphics Using templates and tools to streamline your creative process Creating cohesive visuals across digital and print platforms Whether you're designing flyers, social media posts, or presentation decks, this session will help you build confidence and consistency in your event branding. Let’s build stronger, more connected communities—together. 📅 September 25⏰8:10 AM PT https://aka.ms/MGCITrainingMTG Bring your ideas too! Let’s share, learn, and capture best practices for producing events. Sign up to receive our newsletter and reminders for our meetings: https://aka.ms/MGCISignUP Learn about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative: https://aka.ms/MGCI Post-event all meetings are available on demand on our Microsoft Community Learning YouTube channel: https://aka.ms/community/learningEvent Training: Communications Planning for Community Events - July 2025
Join MGCI Board Members Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver who host our Monthly Microsoft Global Community Initiative (#MGCI) Event Production Training & Office Hours – and we'd love for you to join the conversation! All are welcome! Hosts: Heather Cook presented this month on behalf of - Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver This month's topic: Communications Planning for Community Events Join us for a dynamic training session designed to empower community event organizers with effective communication strategies. This session will cover best practices in planning and executing outreach for community events, including: Crafting compelling messaging for diverse audiences Coordinating marketing, social media, and outreach efforts Leveraging feedback from past events to improve engagement Aligning communications with event logistics and speaker coordination Whether you're a seasoned organizer or new to community engagement, this session will equip you with actionable tools to enhance visibility, participation, and impact. We’ll also review the rolling 6-month program plan and open opportunities for speakers and volunteers. Let’s build stronger, more connected communities—together. 📅 July 31⏰8:10 AM PT https://aka.ms/MGCITrainingMTG Bring your ideas too! Let’s share, learn, and capture best practices for producing events. Sign up to receive our newsletter and reminders for our meetings: https://aka.ms/MGCISignUP Learn about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative: https://aka.ms/MGCI Post-event all meetings are available on demand on our Microsoft Community Learning YouTube channel: https://aka.ms/community/learningEvent Training: Speaker Selection for Community Events - June 2025
Join MGCI Board Members Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver who host our Monthly Microsoft Global Community Initiative (#MGCI) Event Production Training & Office Hours – and we'd love for you to join the conversation! All are welcome! Hosts: Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver This month's topic: Speaker Selection for Community Events Choosing the right speaker can make or break an event. In this session, we’ll explore effective strategies for identifying, evaluating, and securing speakers who align with your event goals and audience expectations. Learn how to balance expertise, engagement, and logistical fit to ensure your event delivers real value. Whether you're planning a small workshop or a large conference, this training will give you the tools to make informed, confident speaker selections. 📅 June 26 ⏰ 8:10 AM PT https://aka.ms/MGCITrainingMTG Bring your ideas too! Let’s share, learn, and capture best practices for producing events. Sign up to receive our newsletter and reminders for our meetings: https://aka.ms/MGCISignUP Learn about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative: https://aka.ms/MGCI Post-event all meetings are available on demand on our Microsoft Community Learning YouTube channel: https://aka.ms/community/learningSecuring the Space: A Practical Guide to Event Venues - April 2025
Join MGCI Board Members Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver who host our Monthly Microsoft Global Community Initiative (#MGCI) Event Production Training Ask Me Anything Talks – and we'd love for you to join the conversation! All are welcome! Hosts: Wes Preston and Sharon Weaver Guest Speaker: Adam Ball, Jonathan McKinney This month's topic: Securing the Space: A Practical Guide to Booking & Event Venues Organizing a tech event requires more than great speakers and cutting-edge content—it starts with choosing the right venue. This guide explores the key considerations for selecting a venue that aligns with your event’s goals, technical needs, and audience size. It also outlines the often-overlooked steps involved in obtaining appropriate insurance coverage to protect organizers, attendees, and equipment. Finally, the panel breaks down the venue booking process, from initial inquiries and site visits to negotiating contracts and confirming services. Whether planning a startup showcase or a developer conference, this guide provides a structured approach to managing the foundational logistics of your tech event. 📅 April 24 ⏰ 8:10 AM PT https://aka.ms/MGCITrainingMTG Bring your ideas too! Let’s share, learn, and capture best practices for producing events. Sign up to receive our newsletter and reminders for our meetings: https://aka.ms/MGCISignUP Learn about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative: https://aka.ms/MGCI Post-event all meetings are available on demand. Microsoft Community Learning YouTube channel: https://aka.ms/community/learning
