Event Preview: ColorCloud returns with expanded plans in 2026

ColorCloud is returning to Hamburg in 2026 for its biggest event yet, adding more experiences, more educational sessions, and a new locale. From April 15 to 17, Microsoft Dynamics and Power Platform practitioners, developers, consultants, business leaders, and tech fans from across Europe and beyond will gather at Schuppen 52, a historic waterfront venue with sweeping views of the harbor.

The goal of the conference remains the same as in past years, organizers say: bringing people together to share ideas, spark innovation, and celebrate what they're building together. MSDW spoke with Paulina Meissner, a member of the ColorCloud team, to learn more about the event’s evolution and plans. (MSDW is a media partner of ColorCloud 2026.)

MSDW: Can you tell us a bit about the history of the ColorCloud event? 

Paulina Meissner: ColorCloud first took place in 2024. The idea behind the name came from our vision: to bring together the colorful spectrum of Microsoft business applications in one event. Since then, we've hosted two editions in Hamburg. The first welcomed 250 attendees, and the second grew to 450 participants. It has been amazing to see the event evolve and to witness such an inspiring and vibrant community forming around it. 

What are some standout moments or highlights from previous ColorCloud events that have shaped its identity today? 

One of the biggest highlights has been our ability to bring together so many different business apps communities, from Business Central to Power Platform, and create a space where all these worlds connect. We've also had the honor of welcoming incredible keynote speakers, including Ryan Cunningham, Dona Sarkar, and Scott Durow. Bringing these well-known voices from Microsoft and the community to Germany has been a real milestone for us. 

Another highlight is our annual ColorChallenge, our charity project where MVPs and community members dye their hair in bright colors or even get tattoos in exchange for donations. So far, we've raised over €20,000 for good causes. It's truly a project close to our hearts.

And of course, ColorCloud is not just about learning. It's also about community fun. Every year we host a big afterparty to celebrate together, make new connections, and close the event on a high note. That mix of inspiration, learning, and joy is what defines ColorCloud. 

How will the 2026 event be different from 2025? What will be the same? 

2026 will be bigger than ever. Based on the incredible feedback and demand in 2025, we've decided to expand the event to two full conference days plus our traditional workshop day at the start. That means three days full of learning, networking, and inspiration. 

We're also moving to a very special location in Hamburg by the water, combining maritime tradition with modern facilities. Attendees can expect plenty of space for parallel sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. What will stay the same is our mission to create a colorful, diverse agenda with something for everyone, from newcomers to seasoned experts.

What feedback from the 2025 event is being used to improve or shape the 2026 edition? Are there any new topics or emerging trends in Microsoft business applications that will be featured in the 2026 agenda? 

We work closely with our community to ensure the agenda reflects the topics that matter most. AI and Copilot continue to be a huge theme, of course, but we don't just want buzzwords. Many participants highlighted how much they enjoyed the mix of deep technical sessions and business-focused talks. But they've also asked for even more hands-on learning opportunities and real use cases. 

Who are the ideal attendees at a ColorCloud event? 

Everyone with an interest in Microsoft business apps is welcome. Whether you're brand new to the ecosystem or already an expert, whether you're a developer, consultant, or end user – there's something in the agenda for you. 

The ColorCloud team puts significant effort into the app experiences of attendees. Can you tell us more about that? 

At ColorCloud, we want our attendees to have a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the entire event. That starts with making it easy to plan sessions in advance, navigate the venue on-site, and never miss out on important updates. With our event app, participants can keep everything in one place — tickets, hotel bookings, sessions, and workshops — right at their fingertips. We've invested time in developing our own app to bring all these elements together in a user-friendly way. It's continuously evolving, and we're happy to share it with other events as well. 

What should people know about the venue for the 2026 event? 

This year's venue is truly special. We needed a place big enough for two conference days and one workshop day, and at the same time, we wanted to give our attendees a real taste of Hamburg. And we found it: Schuppen 52 is a unique waterfront venue with maritime charm and panoramic views of the city. It's a former imperial warehouse that has been modernized into a state-of-the-art event space, perfectly suited for ColorCloud. 

Can you share any details about the keynote speakers or special guests lined up for 2026? 

Our speaker lineup is currently in the making, but we already have some exciting names in the pipeline. Keep an eye on our social media channels as we'll be announcing the first speakers in October.

What is unique about the ColorCloud networking experience, and how do attendees typically connect and collaborate during and after the event? 

Networking is at the heart of ColorCloud. We host a dedicated networking evening on Thursday and a big afterparty at the end of the conference – both designed to give people plenty of opportunities to connect, collaborate, and have fun together. These moments are where many lasting community connections are formed. 

Will there be any special events, entertainment, or cultural experiences tied to the host city of Hamburg? 

Yes. In addition to the afterparty for all attendees, we'll also host a special speaker dinner. And of course, with our venue right on Hamburg's waterfront, the maritime flair of the city will be part of the entire event experience. 

Is there time to submit sessions? If so, what guidance do you have for people interested in speaking? 

Our Call for Speakers is open until October 19th. We're looking for sessions and workshops on all Microsoft business apps topics in either German or English. Whether you're a first-time speaker or a seasoned pro, we encourage you to submit. Our goal is to create a diverse agenda with many perspectives. We also offer mentoring options for new speakers, so if you're interested in speaking but don't know how to start, just reach out to us.

Has registration opened, and what are the important dates that people should know today? 

Yes, registration is already open. Our early bird tickets are available for just €229 (approx. $268) instead of €299 (approx. $350). Plus, the first 25 buyers receive free exclusive merch with their tickets. There are only a few left, so it's worth being quick.