Join our Microsoft Fabric - UK User Group for our latest webinar.

This session we are excited to announce our host Microsoft MVP Leon Gordon and co-host Microsoft MVP Pragati Jain will be introducing Microsoft MVP Andy Cutler.

Join the Microsoft Fabric UK - User Group on -

Microsoft Community - https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Power-BI-UK-User-Group/gh-p/pbi_UK_usergroup LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8909321/ MeetUp - https://www.meetup.com/microsoft-power-bi-uk/

Session Abstract -

Materialized Lake Views (MLVs) in Microsoft Fabric Lakehouses offer a declarative approach to building data loading and data materialization pipelines. This session introduces how MLVs simplify data loading piplines, automate refreshes, and visualize data loading lineage across the process. Attendees will learn how MLVs support integrated data quality rules, enabling trend analysis and alerting for violations, all without manual pipeline orchestration. We'll also cover current limitations and the roadmap for new feature support.

Biography

Andy Cutler is a Microsoft Azure Cloud & Fabric consultant, Data Platform MVP, and runs a UK consultancy Datahai. With over 20 years experience in Microsoft data technologies, Andy has worked with SQL Server, Azure Data Platform, Synapse Analytics Power BI, and Fabric.

Andy’s consultancy Datahai offers a range of services including assessments and reviews, architecture guidance, end-to-end data platform solutions, bespoke projects, training, & helps clients leverage existing technology investments, optimize costs and maximize the value of Azure, Fabric, & Power BI.

Social Media / Website Links https://linktree.com/andycutler

When: Thursday 16th October 2025 Time: arrive for 5:45pm with talks starting from 6pm start prompt. Location: Method Resourcing (see above for address)

Complimentary drinks & pizza provided by our sponsor Method Resourcing Solutions.

Sit tight for venue details, we'll have them for you ASAP!

Session 1 - Can Microsoft Fabric Materialized Lake Views Deliver Low Effort Data Engineering? - Andy Cutler Materialized Lake Views (MLVs) in Microsoft Fabric Lakehouses offer a declarative approach to building data loading and data materialization pipelines. This session introduces how MLVs simplify data loading pipelines, automate refreshes, and visualize data loading lineage across the process. Attendees will learn how MLVs support integrated data quality rules, enabling trend analysis and alerting for violations, all without manual pipeline orchestration. We'll also cover current limitations and the roadmap for new feature support.

About Andy Andy Cutler has 20 years experience in delivering Data Warehouse, Lakehouse, & Business Intelligence/Analytics projects using Microsoft and Cloud technologies. He focuses on Microsoft cloud data technologies & Fabric. Andy is a current Microsoft Data Platform MVP.

Session 2 - Keeping Your Data Safe When AI Meets Analytics - Victor Wingsing As organisations rush to adopt Copilot and other AI features in their analytics workflows, many are unknowingly exposing sensitive data through AI interactions. This presentation demonstrates how Microsoft Purview's latest security capabilities can automatically detect and prevent data leakage when AI tools access your reports, datasets, and dashboards.

About Victor Victor is a two-time Microsoft MVP (Security) and a seasoned IT consultant at Kroll, with a knack for turning complex compliance challenges into practical, people-first solutions.

We all look forward to seeing you there!!

The Reality of Fabric Warehouses and Deploying Models using Dbt (Data build tools)

Microsoft Fabric is Microsoft's flagship Software-as-a-Service Analytics service combining Power BI, Data Engineering, Data Warehousing, Realtime Analytics, and Machine Learning. Underpinning Fabric is a variety of workloads, engines, and languages to support in building a robust Analytics solution.

Dbt (data build tools) is a data transformation tool that enables data analysts and engineers to transform data in a cloud analytics warehouse. Is is feasible to build a solution on Fabric Warehouses using Dbt? Why would we want to if so? In this session we'll be diving into the integration of Fabric Warehouses and Dbt including Dbt Core and Dbt Cloud.

In this session attendees will understand the use cases of Dbt with Fabric Warehouses and understand the relevant workloads, and crucially the limitations and caveats.

Andy Cutler: I am an Azure Data Platform professional working predominantly with Azure Synapse Analytics (SQL Pools), Microsoft Fabric, Data Factory, SQL Server and Power BI.

I hold an MSc in Business Intelligence and Data Mining. I am a current Microsoft Data Platform MVP

https://linktr.ee/andycutler

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MeetUp Agenda

18:00 - Arrive. Networking 18:30 - Guest Speaker Talk 19:30 - Pizza. Networking 20:30 - Event Close

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The Reality of Fabric Warehouses and Deploying Models using Dbt

Microsoft Fabric is Microsoft's flagship Software-as-a-Service Analytics service combining Power BI, Data Engineering, Data Warehousing, Realtime Analytics, and Machine Learning. Underpinning Fabric is a variety of workloads, engines, and languages to support in building a robust Analytics solution.

Dbt (data build tools) is a data transformation tool that enables data analysts and engineers to transform data in a cloud analytics warehouse. Is is feasible to build a solution on Fabric Warehouses using Dbt? Why would we want to if so? In this session we'll be diving into the integration of Fabric Warehouses and Dbt including Dbt Core and Dbt Cloud.

In this session attendees will understand the use cases of Dbt with Fabric Warehouses and understand the relevant workloads, and crucially the limitations and caveats.

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Venue Website

https://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/vat-and-fiddle

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MeetUp Member Resources In GitHub Here:

https://github.com/EastMidlandsData

Including introduction slides and our Code of Conduct.

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Presentation Title: The Reality of Fabric Warehouses and Deploying Models using Dbt

Description Microsoft Fabric is Microsoft's flagship Software-as-a-Service Analytics service combining Power BI, Data Engineering, Data Warehousing, Realtime Analytics, and Machine Learning. Underpinning Fabric is a variety of workloads, engines, and languages to support in building a robust Analytics solution. Dbt (data build tools) is a data transformation tool that enables data analysts and engineers to transform data in a cloud analytics warehouse. Is it feasible to build a solution on Fabric Warehouses using Dbt? Why would we want to if so? In this session we'll be diving into the integration of Fabric Warehouses and Dbt including Dbt Core and Dbt Cloud. In this session attendees will understand the use cases of Dbt with Fabric Warehouses and understand the relevant workloads, and crucially the limitations and caveats.

This is an Online event, the Teams link is on the right of this page for those who have registered. To register to attend in person, please use Synapse Data Warehousing in Fabric \| Azure OpenAI Unveiled (In Person)

18:15- 18:30 - Networking and Refreshments 18:30: Synapse Data Warehousing in Fabric: It's all just SQL...Or is it? – Andy Cutler 19:30: Break 19:45: Azure OpenAI Unveiled: A Comprehensive Guide - Alpa Buddhabhatti 20:45: Prize draw

Session details: 1. Synapse Data Warehousing in Fabric: It's all just SQL...Or is it? Fabric is Microsoft's new platform on the block, covering the world of lakehouses, warehouses, real-time streaming, data engineering, and Power BI data modelling and reporting. In this session we'll be looking at the Microsoft Fabric Warehouse service and how it differs from the SQL services we all know and love from Microsoft. We'll look at how and why it's different, and dive into the differences we need to be aware of when developing data solutions. It's all just SQL...or is it?

2. Azure OpenAI Unveiled: A Comprehensive Guide In this session, we'll discuss the basics of Azure OpenAI, what it can do, and how you can apply it in real-life situations. Whether you're new to Azure OpenAI or just need a quick reminder, this session is your starting point to get the most out of it. During our time together, we'll focus on three key technologies: Azure OpenAI Azure Data Factory Azure SQL By the end of the session, you'll have a solid understanding of Azure OpenAI and how to integrate it into your own projects.

Bio: Andy Cutler Independent Consultant at Datahai BI Solutions, https://www.linkedin.com/in/andycutler/ I am an Azure Data Platform professional working predominantly with Azure Synapse Analytics (SQL Pools), Data Factory, SQL Server and Power BI. I hold an MSc in Business Intelligence and Data Mining. I am a current Microsoft Data Platform MVP.

Alpa Buddhabhatti Alpa is a highly experienced Azure data engineer and Microsoft MVP based in London, UK. With certifications in Azure data engineering and data science, Alpa has a strong understanding of Azure's capabilities. Alpa is passionate about leveraging Azure services like Logic Apps, Functions, Data Factory, and OpenAI to build innovative data solutions and enjoys sharing her Azure expertise as a Microsoft Certified Trainer. Her session at this event will provide a solid foundation for utilizing Azure OpenAI and integrating it into real-world projects. With her deep knowledge and enthusiasm for Azure data technologies, Alpa is sure to deliver an insightful and engaging presentation.

This is the link to register to attend in person. To register to attend online, please use Synapse Data Warehousing in Fabric \| Azure OpenAI Unveiled (OnLine)

18:15- 18:30 - Networking and Refreshments 18:30: Synapse Data Warehousing in Fabric: It's all just SQL...Or is it? – Andy Cutler 19:30: Break 19:45: Azure OpenAI Unveiled: A Comprehensive Guide - Alpa Buddhabhatti 20:45: Prize draw

Session details: 1. Synapse Data Warehousing in Fabric: It's all just SQL...Or is it? Fabric is Microsoft's new platform on the block, covering the world of lakehouses, warehouses, real-time streaming, data engineering, and Power BI data modelling and reporting. In this session we'll be looking at the Microsoft Fabric Warehouse service and how it differs from the SQL services we all know and love from Microsoft. We'll look at how and why it's different, and dive into the differences we need to be aware of when developing data solutions. It's all just SQL...or is it?

2. Azure OpenAI Unveiled: A Comprehensive Guide In this session, we'll discuss the basics of Azure OpenAI, what it can do, and how you can apply it in real-life situations. Whether you're new to Azure OpenAI or just need a quick reminder, this session is your starting point to get the most out of it. During our time together, we'll focus on three key technologies: Azure OpenAI Azure Data Factory Azure SQL By the end of the session, you'll have a solid understanding of Azure OpenAI and how to integrate it into your own projects.

Bio: Andy Cutler Independent Consultant at Datahai BI Solutions, https://www.linkedin.com/in/andycutler/ I am an Azure Data Platform professional working predominantly with Azure Synapse Analytics (SQL Pools), Data Factory, SQL Server and Power BI. I hold an MSc in Business Intelligence and Data Mining. I am a current Microsoft Data Platform MVP.

Alpa Buddhabhatti Alpa is a highly experienced Azure data engineer and Microsoft MVP based in London, UK. With certifications in Azure data engineering and data science, Alpa has a strong understanding of Azure's capabilities. Alpa is passionate about leveraging Azure services like Logic Apps, Functions, Data Factory, and OpenAI to build innovative data solutions and enjoys sharing her Azure expertise as a Microsoft Certified Trainer. Her session at this event will provide a solid foundation for utilizing Azure OpenAI and integrating it into real-world projects. With her deep knowledge and enthusiasm for Azure data technologies, Alpa is sure to deliver an insightful and engaging presentation.

Details

PBIMCR Feb 2024 session

When: Thursday 29th February 2024 Time: arrive for 5:45pm with talks starting from 6pm start prompt Location: Number 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Street, Manchester, M3 3EB Session will not be streamed over MS Teams Complimentary drinks & pizza provided by our hosts & sponsors Robert Walters February's PBIMCR will feature Matt Lakin and Andy Cutler.

Session 1 - Matt Lakin: Get a Load of this - Realistic Load Testing for Power BI, explained! Are you a Power BI developer or admin?

Do you have Power BI reports that work great during development and UAT, but performance drops once released to production with multiple users?

Or perhaps you're a decision maker, and want to know how much Premium capacity to buy? Or whether you need to invest in Fabric?

You need automated Power BI Load Testing!

In this session we will discuss Power BI production report performance woes by answering:

- Why do Power BI performance issues arise unexpectantly in production? - Why do we need load testing? - How can we carry out load testing with Power BI reports? - How can we use load testing to understand what the right level of Premium capacity is for our tenant? - How can we use Load Testing to quantify the benefits of DirectLake mode in Fabric?

We will go through a live demo of the Realistic Load Tool, which uses a PowerShell script to replicate a specified amount of users opening a report simultaneously. We will discuss what to keep in mind when using the tool, what are its restrictions, and how to use it most effectively for your own reports.

Speaker Details - Matt Lakin With a background in both Data Engineering and Visualisation, Matt is an expert in modelling and visualising data, and is enthusiastic about using this to enable insightful storytelling and informed decision making, specifically in Power BI.

Matt is currently Visualisation Manager at Barratt Developments, and Co-organizer of the Newcastle Power BI User Group in the UK. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlakin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/datalakin

Session 2 - Andy Cutler: Synapse Data Warehousing in Fabric: It's all just SQL...Or is it? Fabric is Microsoft's new platform on the block, covering the world of lakehouses, warehouses, real-time streaming, data engineering, and Power BI data modelling and reporting. In this session we'll be looking at the Microsoft Fabric Warehouse service and how it differs from the SQL services we all know and love from Microsoft. We'll look at how and why it's different, and dive into the differences we need to be aware of when developing data solutions.

It's all just SQL...or is it?

Speaker Details - Andy Cutler Andy is an Azure Data Platform professional working predominantly with Azure Synapse Analytics (SQL Pools), Data Factory, SQL Server and Power BI. He holds an MSc in Business Intelligence and Data Mining and is a current Microsoft Data Platform MVP. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andycutler/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrAndyCutler

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming community session featuring Andy Cutler.

During this session, Andy will explore Microsoft Fabric and Azure Synapse Analytics - comparing their use cases and examining how these services can work together. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of leveraging Fabric and Synapse!

Azure Synapse Analytics & Microsoft Fabric: The Showdown Session Details: Title: Azure Synapse Analytics & Microsoft Fabric: The Showdown Date: January 10th, 2024 Time:1800 CET / 1700 GMT Speaker: Andy Cutler Session Description: With the release of Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft has consolidated Power BI, Spark, Data Warehousing, and real-time streaming into one platform. In this session, we’ll look at both Fabric and Synapse Analytics, contrasting their use cases and architectures. We’ll also explore how these services can complement each other in the data and analytics space.

Join us as Andy Cutler helps build understanding of the relationship between Microsoft's two leading analytics offerings.

To attend, mark yourself as "Going" on the event page and add to your calendar. The join link will be shared closer to the session date. Check back on the event page at session time for the link.

Looking forward to insightful discussions!

Join our Microsoft Fabric - UK User Group for our webinar in association with Onyx Data (https://onyxdata.co.uk).

In this session we are excited to announce our host Microsoft MVP Leon Gordon and co-host Microsoft MVP Pragati Jain will be introducing hosting a table talk with Microsoft MVP's Andy Cutler, Injae Park, Mark Wilcock and Nikola Ilic.

Join the Microsoft Fabric UK - User Group on -

Microsoft Community - https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Power-BI-UK-User-Group/gh-p/pbi_UK_usergroup LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8909321/ MeetUp - https://www.meetup.com/microsoft-power-bi-uk/

Join us for an immersive table talk session at the Microsoft Fabric UK User Group 2023 Wrap-Up, featuring an esteemed panel of Microsoft MVPs - Andy Cutler, Injae Park, Mark Wilcock, and Nikola Ilic. In this engaging discussion, we will dive deep into the exciting world of Power BI and Microsoft Fabric, exploring the news, releases, and trends that shaped 2023.

Get ready to hear firsthand insights from our MVPs, as we share our personal favorites and explore topics like Fabric, Copilot, other LLM products, conferences, and predictions for the upcoming year.

Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Power BI and Microsoft Fabric News: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments and announcements in the Power BI and Microsoft Fabric ecosystem. Explore the new features, enhancements, and tools that were introduced in 2023, and gain a comprehensive understanding of their impact on data visualisation, analysis, and overall data-driven decision-making. 2️⃣ Unveiling Our Favorites: Hear from our MVP panelists as they reveal their favorite Power BI and Microsoft Fabric releases of 2023. Gain insights into the functionalities, advantages, and unique use cases that made these releases stand out, and discover how they can enhance your data analytics journey. 3️⃣ Exploring Fabric, Copilot, and LLM Products: Discussing the capabilities of Microsoft Fabric, Copilot, and other LLM (Large Language Models) products. Understand how Fabric drives a lake-centric and open approach to data management, empowering organizations to realize the full potential of their data. Discover the advantages of Copilot in generating code and insights, and explore the wider LLM product landscape to uncover hidden gems for your data projects. 4️⃣ Insights from Conferences: Extract key learnings and highlights from influential conferences in the Power BI and Microsoft Fabric sphere and discover the emerging trends that will shape the industry in the coming year. 5️⃣ Predictions for the Future: Engage in stimulating conversations as our MVPs share their predictions and visions for the future of Power BI and Microsoft Fabric. Explore the potential advancements, challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead, and gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead of the curve in the evolving data landscape.

The Microsoft Fabric UK User Group 2023 Wrap Up promises to be an information-packed session, providing you with an insider's view of the latest Power BI and Microsoft Fabric news and releases.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts MVPs as we discuss our favorites, explore key topics, and predict what's next for Power BI and Microsoft Fabric.

Secure your seat at the table talk and join us in unraveling the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the dynamic world of Power BI and Microsoft Fabric!

UPDATE (06/09/2023) - This particular session and speaker had to be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, BUT we didn't want to leave you empty-handed so very kindly the amazing Andy Cutler has agreed to present on *roughly* the same subject!

Microsoft Data Platform Group Birmingham

Thursday 7th September at 13:00 BST (UK Time)

Speaker: Andy Cutler

Title: End-to-End Scenarios in Microsoft Fabric: Lakehouse vs. Warehouse

Description: This session will be a live demonstration to gain practical experience in designing an end-to-end data ETL and analytics process using Microsoft Fabric. Explore the difference between data Lakehouses and Warehouses, and the instances where each can be used. Take your data from the source to a dashboard all on one platform!

Agenda:

12.45 - 13:00 : Setup and Join

13:00 - 13:05 : Open Lobby and Introductions

13:05 - 14:00 : End-to-End Scenarios in Microsoft Fabric: Lakehouse vs. Warehouse

Venue:

Wherever you have access to a computer or smart device! This session will be online only!

Other Details:

*** Please note registration on MeetUp is required to gain access to the Teams link!***

Please contact us on Twitter or via email if you are having any issues joining and we'll do everything we can to help.

Event Organiser Contact Details:

If you need any further details or have any requests for this or future Data Platform Group events, please get in touch.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @MSDataGroupBrum

Sponsors:

Purple Frog Systems

Power BI Sentinel

It's been a busy few weeks since the announcement of the new Microsoft Fabric at Build 2023. There's been a whole slew of blog posts, how-tos, videos and information generated - and it's a lot to go through ! Now that the dust is settling a bit on Fabric, it's time to step back and appraise the landscape - Is Fabric right for your Enterprise ? Is Azure Synapse still a thing ? What should we be looking towards in the short to medium term ?

Our panel members are:

Dr Victoria Holt (Microsoft MVP) Andy Cutler (Microsoft MVP) Heini Ilmarinen (Microsoft MVP) Mathias Halkjaer (Microsoft MVP) Mark Pryce-Maher (Senior Program Manager - Azure Synapse)

Have a question ? Just let us know in the comments or chat and we'll see about getting an answer for you. You can even post questions during the meeting.

See you there - let's talk :-)