Microsoft Leaders to Deliver Keynotes, SI, ISV, and FY26 Insights at the Biz Apps Partner Executive Summit
The Biz Apps Partner Executive Summit, running July 23-24 in Bellevue, Washington, will explore how AI is redefining the Microsoft Partner Opportunity. The event, co-created with Microsoft, will welcome 300+ Microsoft partners, 12 sponsors, and 35+ speakers delivering 18 sessions.
The 24-hour immersion into Microsoft’s FY26 priorities will feature 18 Microsoft speakers, including Field sellers from Enterprise, SME&C and SMB, program leaders, CTOs, and other executives.
Keynotes
Satish Thomas, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Business & Industry Solutions, Microsoft, will kick off Day 1 with his keynote, “How AI is Redefining the Microsoft Business Applications.” Thomas will unpack how AI innovation is impacting the way partners sell, build capacity, and drive customer success.
Following Thomas’ Keynote, Lori Borg, Vice President, GTM, GPS, Microsoft, will explore how to set an AI-first GTM strategy in FY26 during her session, with key insights into leveraging Microsoft Copilot and leading with AI.
On Day 2, Cecilia Flombaum, Partner Lead, Business Applications, Microsoft, will kick off the day with her keynote “AI Innovation Changes the Way Partners Sell, Build Capacity & Drive Customer Success.” In this session, Flombaum will explore how the rapid pace of AI innovation and Microsoft Copilot are impacting partners and customers alike, and share details on the changes for FY26.
Heather Deggans, Vice President, Americas GPS ISV Partner Sales, Microsoft, will deliver a keynote on Day 2, “FY26 ISV Keynote Session,” where she’ll unpack the latest updates and opportunities for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) in FY26.
To close out Day 2 of the event, Bas Brekelmans, CTO, Copilot Studio, Microsoft, will deliver the anchor keynote, “How Copilot Studio Redefines the Microsoft Partner Opportunity.” He will explore the opportunities and outcomes of Copilot Studio for Microsoft Partners.
FY26 Overview and Opportunities
Attendees will hear from Alexandre Pombo, WW GTM Lead SMC Business Applications, Microsoft, who will share the latest Field priorities and opportunities for FY26 during his session on Day 1. Further, Brion Resuche, Technology Sales Director, Business Apps, Microsoft, will share details of the new Field segmentation, organization, and roles, during a panel discussion featuring:
- Erik Opsahl, GM, Business Applications, US West
- Howard Swerdloff, Director Technology Specialist Management
- Eric Fink, Partner Solution Sales, Business Applications, SMB
- Ross Ladwig, Partner Solutions Sales – BizApps SMB
- John Roth, Director, Partner Business Development
Steve Thomas, Director, Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, Microsoft, will discuss how to grow your business with the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP). Thomas will unpack how the program is evolving and what program updates partners can expect in the new fiscal year.
On Day 1 of the Biz Apps Partner Summit, Mary Madrigal, Senior Partner Development Manager, Microsoft, will lead a panel discussion, “Partnering with Microsoft as an Unmanaged Partner.” This panel will define how to scale without dedicated Microsoft resources, leverage AI to differentiate, and create co-selling momentum and customer wins. Panelists include:
- Yuanming Chu, CEO, Alpha Variance Solutions
- Geoff Ables, CEO, C5 Insight
- Simran Chaudhry, Chief Engagement Officer, Creospark
- Jeff Meister, Principal, Root16
Systems Integrators (SIs)
Day 2 of the Biz Apps Partner Executive Summit includes three breakout sessions for Systems Integrators (SIs). The first breakout session, featuring Adriana Bade, Director Partner Marketing, Microsoft, will help SIs in creating a marketing strategy for FY26. This panel also features Heidi Bamburg, Head of Strategic Alliances, Sikich.
Tafara Pulse, Sr Business Program Manager, Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, Microsoft, will share an update on the FY26 opportunities for MAICPP Systems Integrators & Consultants during her session.
Further, Brion Reusche will lead another panel for SI Partners, “Working with Field Sellers Case Studies & Ask Me Anything Discussion,” featuring:
- Erik Opsahl
- Howard Swerdloff
- Eric Fink
- Ross Ladwig
Independent Software Vendors (ISVs)
Similarly, Day 2 of the Biz Apps Partner Executive Summit features breakout sessions for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs).
One of those breakout sessions will be led by Olga Karpman, Principal Program Manager, Business Applications, Microsoft. Karpman will share opportunities for ISVs in Biz Apps, following the updates for FY26.
MAICPP Senior Program Lead, Kyle Richardson, will share updates to the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program for FY26, specifically focused on changes and opportunities for ISVs during his breakout session on Day 2 of the event.
Build and Expand Microsoft Relationships
Don’t miss the chance to network, build, and expand relationships in the Microsoft partner ecosystem. Register for the event today and discover how AI is redefining the Microsoft partner opportunity in FY26.
Register to discover how AI is redefining the Microsoft Partner Opportunity at the Biz Apps Partner Executive Summit, running July 23-24 in Bellevue, WA.
