Not Too Big, Not Too Small – TechCon is Just Right - David Wilhelm

Polaris is a production of Synozur – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. Summary In this conversation, Chris McNulty and David Wilhelm discuss the challenges of AI adoption in enterprises, emphasizing the importance of training and expertise. They explore the evolution of TechCon 365, highlighting the benefits of mid-sized tech events, community engagement, and the diversity of attendees. The discussion also covers the direct engagement opportunities available at these events and the upcoming plans for future conferences. Sound Bites "At a 600-person event, you're not just a number – attendees feel seen and heard." — David Wilhelm "As Microsoft's world grows, our community grows with it. We just give them more to explore at each event." — David Wilhelm "Not everyone can fly to Vegas or SF for a mega-conference. Regional events open the door for folks who'd be left out otherwise." — David Wilhelm "A conference isn't just sessions. Like a great local restaurant, it can become a place where everybody knows your name." — David Wilhelm References News and Data Points Gartner (July 27, 2023) – Press release reporting that 52% of organizations say risk factors are a critical consideration when evaluating new AI projects. https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-07-27-gartner-survey-finds-55-of-organizations-that-have-deployed-ai-take-an-ai-first-strategy-with-new-use-cases IBM (Jan 10, 2024) – IBM Global AI Adoption Index 2023 research found limited AI skills and expertise is the top barrier to AI adoption (~33% of enterprises cite this). https://newsroom.ibm.com/2024-01-10-Data-Suggests-Growth-in-Enterprise-Adoption-of-AI-is-Due-to-Widespread-Deployment-by-Early-Adopters SS&C Blue Prism (Mar 28, 2025) – Global survey of business leaders: 35% cite lack of AI skills/expertise as a major barrier to adopting AI (tied for #1 barrier). https://www.blueprism.com/resources/blog/ai-agentic-agents-survey-statistics/ Microsoft Global Community Initiative (MGCI) – Microsoft's program to support community-led events worldwide (e.g., Community Days). https://adoption.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-global-community-initiative/ Social: David Wilhelm | LinkedIn Pop Culture Chef's Table (Netflix series) – Documentary series showcasing world-class chefs; referenced as an analogy for community building. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chef%27s_Table Cheers (TV sitcom) – 1980s sitcom set in a bar "where everybody knows your name"; referenced to describe a welcoming community vibe. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheers The Bear (FX/Hulu series) – TV series about a Chicago restaurant, popularized the phrase "Yes, chef." Referenced humorously in the episode. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bear_(TV_series) Events Mastering Your AI Rollout: Success Strategies | June 12, 2025 (TribalHub Online) Business Strategy Master Class | June 17, 2025 (Teams Online) TechCon 365 Seattle | June 23-27, 2025  (Seattle Convention Center) FY26 Forward - Microsoft Partner Success Strategies - July 29 (Teams Webinar) TechCon 365 Atlanta | August 11-15 (Georgia World Congress Cente)r. TechCon 365 Dallas - | November 3-7, 2025 (Irving Convention Center) Microsoft Ignite 2025 – Nov 17-21, 2025 (San Francisco, CA).  ESPC25 | December 1-4, 2025 (Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) Ireland) Fabric Community Conference (FabCon) – Microsoft Fabric Community Conference (upcoming event focusing on Microsoft Fabric and data/A.I.). https://fabricconf.com Production Polaris is produced with the help of our friends at Riverside.fm. Our theme song, "Alternative Dream" is provided courtesy of Adobe.  Additional music and sound provided by IndieGuy Records. Graphic design by Josh Brantley. Polaris is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Thanks. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Wilhelm and Tech Conferences 04:12 The Evolution of Tech Conferences 07:32 Transitioning from SharePoint to Microsoft 365 11:51 The Benefits of Mid-Sized Events 15:25 Diversity and Accessibility in Tech Events 18:29 Engagement Opportunities for First-Time Attendees 21:37 Upcoming Events and Future Plans 24:43 Community Building Through Food and Events 26:44 Staying Connected with David Wilhelm 27:40 Conclusion