Northern Azure user group May 2026 Meetup

Better late than never, its the first NAUG event of 2026!!

This month we have a bit of a GitHub theme. Welcoming back two of our regular members and speakers, Elliott will be covering Infrastructure configuration drift with some tips and tricks to detect and remediate.

Michael will be introducing us to GitHub CoPilot CLI, with a unique insight into its adoption and use within Microsoft.

Meetup location what3words:///daisy.coffee.awards

Session 1
Drift Happens: Intelligent Ways to Detect and Remediate It

Infrastructure drift happens, but it doesn't have to become chaos. This session explores intelligent ways to detect configuration drift in Azure, understand its real impact and remediate it safely using GitHub driven Infrastructure as Code workflows. It is a practical session for teams that want stronger governance without slowing delivery.

A bit about Elliot

Elliott Leighton-Woodruff is an Enterprise Architect and Microsoft MVP specialising in Azure and Infrastructure as Code for regulated industries. He helps teams build secure, auditable cloud platforms that support compliance, delivery and transformation.

Session 2
Introducing the Github Copilot CLI

GitHub Copilot CLI is an AI-powered assistant that lets you generate, explain, and execute code and commands directly from your terminal using natural language.

This technology internally in Microsoft has changed the day-to-day job of Developers, Programme Managers and Cloud Platform Engineers. This introduction will introduce the technology including Context and Conversations, Developer Workflows, Creating AI Assistants, Skills, and MCP Servers integration.

The session will also provide an insight into its adoption within Microsoft.

A bit about Michael

Michael Royster is Cloud & AI Solution Engineer helping Microsoft’s largest enterprise customers architect for or migrate to the Azure platform.

Working in the Azure business since 2009, he has helped a number of leading global organisations adopt the Azure platform from global retailers and consumer goods companies to some of the world’s leading engineering companies.

Since joining the company in 2001, Michael has worked in several solution architect and development consultant roles in Microsoft Services specializing in application development prior to his current role.

Prior to joining Microsoft, Michael was a Distinguished Engineer with ICL/Fujitsu for more than 12 years working in core operating system development in both UNIX and VME and architect for their middleware and integration product portfolio.

He started his career in software development at IBM’s Hursley Park Research and Development facility. Michael graduated with a first-class honours degree in Computing Science and lives in Cheshire in the UK.

Agenda:
6:00 - 6:30 - Welcome & networking
6:30 - 7:15 - Elliot - Drift Happens
7:15 - 7:45 - Food, drinks and general chatter
7:45 - 8:30 - Michael - Github CoPilot CLI

Location Details
what3words:///daisy.coffee.awards
Address:18 Lower Byrom St, Manchester M3 4AP.

Morson Edge are based in a renovated space called the Bonded Warehouse which sits on the same site as the Old-Granada studio tour.

The entrance to the bonded warehouse can be reached from Lower Byrom street just next to the Museum of Science and Industry, the building entrance is on the right hand side across from the crystal maze. Google and apple maps may attempt to direct you to the rear of the building, if in doubt use the what3words location and look for the Crystal Maze too.

what3words:///daisy.coffee.awards