Manchester (Evening) D365PPUG - December 2026

We're excited to announce that our next Dynamics 365 & Power Platform User Group (D365PPUG) UK chapter meeting for Manchester will take place on December 9th!

Agenda

17:45-18:15: Arrivals / Networking / Intros
18:15-19:00 Beyond the Bot: Human consultancy skills that AI can't touch - Kayleigh Duddy & Lynsey Winchurch

In a world where AI can build apps, write code, and automate workflows faster than ever, what’s left for us humans? Plenty…and it’s the stuff that truly matters!

Join us as we dive into the irreplaceable consultancy skills that set great Power Platform consultants up for success. We’ll explore the art of human connection, active listening, empathy, stakeholder wrangling, and the kind of strategic thinking that no algorithm can replicate. This isn’t about resisting AI, it’s about embracing what makes us uniquely valuable alongside it.

Whether you’re a seasoned consultant, a citizen developer, or just starting your journey in the D365 and Power Platform ecosystem, this session will leave you with:

• A fresh perspective on your role in an AI-augmented world
• Real-world examples of human-first consulting wins
• Practical tips to sharpen your emotional intelligence and client rapport
• A renewed sense of purpose in your career

Expect laughs, lightbulb moments, and maybe a few existential questions - but mostly, expect to walk away inspired and ready to lead with the one thing AI will never have: your humanity.

19:00-19:15: 🍕 Pizza Time 🍕
19:15-20:00: The Human Hack: Rebooting consulting culture - Ian Tweedie & Dan Barber

This isn’t about tools, templates, frameworks, or even just the latest AI technologies it’s about people and mindset. In this honest and practical session, we explore how as consultants and delivery leads, we can rediscover and develop better consulting cultures in a world obsessed with tools and delivery speed.
Expect a candid conversation as two seasoned leaders in the Microsoft consulting community are interviewed by a fellow highly experienced leader. The session will be filled with, stories, audience Q&A, and actionable advice you can put straight into action back on your projects and in your teams. Bring your questions and get involved.
You’ll leave with new ways to:

• Sharpen your critical thinking skills and learn how to ask the right questions to get to the true root of a problem.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with clients by encouraging open communication, curiosity, and teamwork.
• Make sure your work delivers clear, measurable business value by considering its impact on people, processes, and technology.

If you’ve ever felt like your work was technically perfect but somehow missed the mark, this session will show you why and how to fix it. Take away new ways to think, lead, and consult that make your engagements more rewarding, your impact more visible, and your career genuinely fulfilling.
AI is driving a significant shift in the consulting landscape, encouraging a heightened focus on tools, templates, and frameworks, risking the loss of the human experience and mindset. Don’t let yourself drift into transactional delivery. Join us to reclaim the mission,
20:00+ : Close and Evening Social

Our Speakers

Ian Tweedie is a Power Platform Senior Technical Consultant at CapGemini. With a focus on the Power Platform and a background as a strategic IT leader with 19 years of industry experience, Ian specialises in driving digital transformation, particularly within Azure and Power Platform arena.

Dan Barber is a Microsoft MVP, leader of our user group based in Bristol and Founder / Principal Consultant at Strathos. Dan is a strategic leader with a focus on technology, innovation, problem-solving and a passionate believer in the power of people and shaping businesses.

Kayleigh Duddy is Dynamics 365 Team Leader at ANS Group. Kayleigh is a practical Certified Microsoft Dynamics 365 Professional, committed to developing and delivering inclusive, user-centric systems and processes that drive business success and enhance data-driven decision-making.

Lynsey Winchurch is Power Platform & Dynamics 365 Architect & Team Lead at CPS. Lynsey is a Microsoft Certified Professional with over 14 years of experience spanning both end-user and Microsoft Partner roles. She specialises in creating innovative solutions that empower businesses to leverage their data for actionable insights; enabling trend analysis, accurate forecasting, and strategic growth.

Location

TBC