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Comms vNext 2025 brought together the Microsoft Unified Communications (UC) and Teams Collaboration community for two incredible days of learning, connection, and hands-on experiences. Held in the heart of Denver, Colorado — a city known for its vibrant tech scene and beautiful mountain views — this in-person event celebrated the power of community and innovation across the Microsoft ecosystem. Microsoft was happy to a sponsor. 

More than just a conference, Comms vNext is a community-driven event created by the community, for the community. It’s where Microsoft UC professionals, Microsoft engineers, customers, and partners come together to share knowledge, network, and inspire one another. From deep technical dive sessions to casual coffee chats, Comms vNext continues to be a key destination for anyone passionate about Microsoft Teams, voice, and collaboration technologies.  A big thank you to Adam Ball, Jonathan McKinney and all the amazing volunteers, sponsors and staff that has put on this event for seven years!! 

Below is a recap of various aspects of the event – across keynotes and breakouts sessions. Beyond reading below, enjoy our pictures from this amazing event. 

Comms vNext in a nutshell: 

• 301 attendees 

• 57 speakers overall, including MVPs, RDs and Microsoft speakers  

• 59 sessions | 1 keynote 

Kickoff and Keynotes & general sessions 

The conference kicked off with powerful keynote sessions that set the tone for the two-day journey. Microsoft speakers and industry leaders explored the future of communication, including what’s next for Teams, cloud voice, and intelligent collaboration. Attendees left inspired and ready to dive deeper. 

AI at Microsoft – Driving Innovation and Productivity 
Speaker: Juan Rivera, CVP, Teams Calling, Meetings & Devices Engineering 

In this insightful keynote, Juan Rivera shared how Microsoft is using AI internally to spark innovation and enhance productivity across the organization. He offered a forward-looking perspective on the future of AI in workplace collaboration and revealed five key learnings — and mistakes — from Microsoft’s journey in developing LLM-based tools and product features over the past three years. The session provided a rare behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of AI at Microsoft and the lessons that are shaping what’s next. Check out the keynote on YouTube.

Heather Cook, talking community and revving up the crowd for the keynote. 

Juan Rivera giving his keynote and with organizer Adam Ball. 

Breakout sessions 

With 55 technical sessions spanning Microsoft Teams, telephony, meetings, devices, and more, there was something for everyone—from IT admins to architects and engineers. Sessions were designed to be deeply informative, practical, and immediately applicable in the real world. Each room buzzed with questions, solutions, and shared challenges. 

Spotlight on two sessions – Sharon Weaver taught us how to create and crafting prompts in Copilot is for everyone and Matt Slaga and his son Micah Slaga gave a wonderful presentation on Microsoft and Nonprofits. I plan to bring them to many webinars. 

Some of the non-profit session attendees. 

Community Highlights 

Bringing the community together is at the heart of Comms vNext. The event is known for its face-to-face connection opportunities — not just between attendees, but with the very people building the products we use every day. From Microsoft Product Managers and Engineers to MVPs and industry experts, the presence of these leaders created a uniquely accessible and collaborative environment. Was super fun to meet many of the local Denver Microsoft team as well as Microsoft Teams team members in real life. Thank you, Allan Wat and locals for putting up the step and repeat and shipping it on for us. #legend

Comms vNext provides a welcoming space to ask hard questions, share knowledge, and learn from others facing similar challenges in Microsoft Teams, telephony, meetings, and devices.  

 Lots of fun in and in between sessions, chatting with folks in our community area and the amazing podcast area set up by Eric Marsi and sponsored by SBC Global. 

Check out the podcast I did with Sharon Weaver, Joy Apple and Shari Oswald – That Glam Life

Comms vNext delivered more than just great sessions — it offered fantastic moments to relax, recharge, and enjoy each other’s company.  Whether catching up with old friends or making new ones, the atmosphere was casual, fun, and full of energy. 

 If you would like to check out all the sessions from the event you can reference our Comms vNext Event Guide we put out before the event. 

In the end… 

Comms vNext 2025 was more than a conference — it was a reunion of passionate professionals who are building the future of communication together. With new ideas, stronger connections, and practical insights in hand, attendees left feeling energized and ready to take on what’s next. Thank you again to the show producers and sponsors who made this event possible!  

Visit Comms vNext 2025 – Conference Hub to learn more and use #CommsvNext to join the conversation.   

Cheers, Heather Cook