Event Preview: Directions ASIA 2023 to offer SMB technology, channel updates for Microsoft Business Applications partners

Editor's Note: MSDW Is a media sponsor of Directions ASIA 2023.

Directions ASIA returns on April 27 and 28, with an agenda that blends product and technology updates, channel strategy, and regional topics for Microsoft Dynamics and Power Platform SMB partners.

Early bird registration ends on February 19 for the conference, which will be held at the Avani Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. Organizers have designed an agenda to work for a range of roles, with tracks for executive, technical, consulting development, and sales and marketing.

Now that Covid restrictions are lifted, Directions ASIA can engage fully with the APAC partner community, says Torben Kragelund, community manager at Directions4Partners, the conference organizing group.

"This year, we will of course dive into the new Business Central release and future roadmap. But the transition to cloud and the Power Platform are key areas this year," Kragelund said. "For most partners it is key to stay up to date on Business Central while changing their business and skills to sell and deliver in the cloud and include the Power Platform in their offering."

The event will feature updates from Microsoft product leaders including Business Central VP Mike Morton, principal group program manager Jannik Bausager, chief architect Vincent Nicolas, and group program manager Dmitry Chadayev. Business Applications marketing senior director Monique Hayward will also be presenting. And the agenda includes a range of MVPs including Directions4Partners chairman James Crowter, Vjekoslav Babic, Waldo, and Arend-Jan Kaufman.

Directions ASIA will have an increased focus on Power Platform as well, Kragelund tells MSDW. Microsoft has been encouraging Business Central partners around the world to broaden their offerings to include low code apps and automation at SMB events like Directions EMEA in October 2022. Directions ASIA's agenda promises a range of Power Platform-focused content for developers, architects, and sales teams.

Other highlights and themes of the event include:

• How to migrate existing customers, from NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Updates on the latest in AL Development
• Presentations on ISV solutions and service offerings
• How to launch a successful sales- and marketing Go to Market Strategy for your cloud business
• Partner program updates, including new Microsoft initiatives on moving to a cloud business model

A Pre-conference Training day will offer four courses related to developing, testing, and reporting with Business Central.