Microsoft Unpacked: UK Tour | Birmingham | ANS & Microsoft
Microsoft Unpacked: UK Tour
Big Microsoft announcements. Real-world insight. No four-day conference required.
Microsoft Ignite is where Microsoft unveils its biggest innovations across AI, cloud, security, data and productivity. But for most organisations, finding the time to sift through hundreds of sessions and announcements isn’t realistic.
That’s why ANS and Microsoft are bringing Ignite Bitesize back.
Join us at one of our UK roadshow locations for a focused, practical breakdown of the most important announcements from Microsoft Ignite 2026. We’ll cut through the noise, highlight what matters most, and explain how the latest innovations could impact your organisation, technology strategy and day-to-day operations.
Whether you’re responsible for workplace productivity, security, data platforms, cloud infrastructure or AI adoption, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of what Microsoft announced and what it means for you.
Key Takeaways:
• The most important Microsoft Ignite announcements, distilled into practical business and technical insights
• The latest developments across Microsoft 365, Copilot, Azure, Security, AI and Data
• Guidance on how organisations are approaching secure AI adoption at scale
• Real-world demonstrations and expert commentary from Microsoft and ANS specialists
• An understanding of which innovations are likely to have the greatest impact over the next 12 months
• Opportunities to network with peers facing similar technology and transformation challenges
Agenda:
Morning Session: Modern Work, Copilot & Business Applications
10:30 – 10:50 |Welcome from ANS and Microsoft
10:50 – 11:50 | Modern Work & Copilot
Explore the latest innovations across Microsoft 365, Teams, Copilot and agent-driven productivity, and discover how organisations are transforming the employee experience with AI.
11:50 – 12:30 | Business Applications & Automation
See how Dynamics, low-code tools and intelligent automation are helping organisations streamline processes, improve experiences and unlock greater efficiency.
12:30 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch & Expert Demos
Connect with peers, Microsoft specialists and ANS experts while exploring hands-on demonstrations and practical use cases.
Afternoon Session: Security, Azure, AI & Data
14:00 – 14:20 | Welcome from ANS and Microsoft
14:20 – 15:00 | Security
Discover the latest advancements in Security Copilot, Microsoft Entra and Zero Trust, and learn how organisations can protect users, data and AI-powered environments.
15:00 – 16:00 | Azure, AI & Data
Explore the newest innovations across Azure, AI and Data, including the technologies helping organisations build intelligent, secure and scalable platforms for the future.
Why Attend?
Join ANS and Microsoft to explore the latest innovations across AI, security, data, cloud and Modern Work. Hear directly from the experts behind the technology, see practical demonstrations, and gain valuable insight into the trends shaping technology strategy over the next 12 months.
Meet the speakers...
Zephaniah Chukwudum
Director of Central Government at Microsoft
Zephaniah Chukwudum leads a team at Microsoft that works with UK government departments to deliver better outcomes through technology, AI and digital transformation. Passionate about building high-performing teams, he helps public sector leaders improve services, enhance productivity and unlock innovation, while fostering cultures of inclusion, growth and excellence.
James Guion
AI Workforce Specialist UK Public Sector Defence at Microsoft
James Guion is an experienced Microsoft professional with expertise spanning cloud, security and Microsoft 365. With a strong understanding of Microsoft technologies and business strategy, he brings a practical perspective on how organisations can get greater value from technology and innovation.
Francis Dauncey
Client CTO – Strategic Accounts | Public Safety & National Security
Francis Dauncey is customer focused and results-orientated technical sales leader with experience of building and sustaining high performance teams. Boundless enthusiasm to inspire and motivate people, nurture and grow a business and empower the team to deliver innovative new solutions to customer challenges.
Francis Dauncey
Client CTO – Strategic Accounts | Public Safety & National Security
Francis Dauncey is customer focused and results-orientated technical sales leader with experience of building and sustaining high performance teams. Boundless enthusiasm to inspire and motivate people, nurture and grow a business and empower the team to deliver innovative new solutions to customer challenges.
Elliott Leighton-Woodruff
Enterprise Architect at ANS
Elliott Leighton-Woodruff is an Enterprise Architect at ANS and a Microsoft MVP for Azure, specialising in cloud, platform, and AI adoption. He works with organisations of all sizes to design and deliver Azure architectures that align technology with business outcomes. Elliott focuses on simplifying complex challenges, helping teams automate processes, integrate practical AI solutions, and build scalable, secure platforms that drive real value.
Jack Bennett
Healthcare Industry Lead at ANS
Jack Bennett is Industry Lead for Healthcare at ANS, where he helps public and private healthcare organisations drive digital transformation through Microsoft technologies. With a background in enterprise sales and account management, he specialises in cloud, data, AI, security and business applications, supporting organisations to modernise and innovate at scale.
Vlad Gogalniceanu
Solution Engineering at Microsoft
Vlad specialises in cloud and AI solutions, helping organisations turn emerging technologies into practical business value. His expertise spans AI strategy, application platforms, integration and developer experience, with a focus on using AI to improve efficiency, resilience and growth.
Daphne Boateng
Data, Solution Engineer at Microsoft
Daphne specialises in transforming data into actionable business insights, with expertise across Power BI, Microsoft Fabric and data visualisation. She helps organisations unlock greater value from their data and turn complex information into meaningful business outcomes.
Darren Bonehill
SR Solutions Engineer at Microsoft
Darren Bonehill is an experienced technology professional with a strong background in Microsoft technologies, identity and security, helping organisations navigate and manage modern IT environments.
Gavin Kemp
SR Solution Engineer at Microsoft
Gavin Kemp is a Microsoft-certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert with expertise in cloud architecture and DevOps, helping organisations make effective use of Microsoft Azure technologies.