Session Abstract

Are you ready to take the leap from maker to architect? Join seasoned Power Platform Architects Neil Rowlands and Keith Atherton as they share their real-world experiences, frameworks, and thinking patterns that empower makers, consultants, and citizen developers to grow into strategic solution architects. This workshop is designed to bridge the gap between building solutions and architecting them. Together, we'll explore the mindset shift required to move beyond app creation and into strategic, scalable, and sustainable platform design. You'll learn how to evaluate requirements with a broader lens, design with enterprise in mind, and balance rapid delivery with long-term governance. What You’ll Learn: The core principles of Power Platform architecture How to approach problems like an architect, not just a maker Navigating the trade-offs between no-code speed and long-term sustainability Designing solutions with governance, ALM, security, and scalability in mind Common pitfalls in solution design and how to avoid them Real-life architectural war stories from enterprise projects Format: Interactive discussions with architectural decision-making scenarios Hands-on design challenges and group critique Live whiteboarding and architecture patterns Q&A with Neil and Keith for practical guidance and mentorship Who Should Attend: Power Platform makers ready to level up Functional consultants seeking architectural awareness Technical leads and developers moving into architecture roles Anyone responsible for designing or overseeing enterprise-grade Power Platform solutions Requirements: A good understanding of Power Platform tools (Power Apps, Power Automate, Dataverse) Curiosity and a willingness to challenge your current approach

Note to event organizers

An extended, interactive version of the 45 minute talk that I have delivered 9 times Keith and I successfully delivered this workshop at Baltic Summit 2025 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/thinking-like-power-platform-architect-neil-rowlands-8vuje

Neil Rowlands

I'm a senior Power Platform and Power BI practitioner-trainer with a previous career in digital marketing and data analysis. I am a regular speaker at UK user groups and a co-host of D365PPUG South-West and Power Platform User Group Wales, which meet quarterly in Bristol and Cardiff. In 2026 I am mentoring 6 people to become community speakers at these events. I hold 9 certifications: AB-100, AB-730, AB-731, MB-280, PL-100, PL-200, PL-300, PL-400, PL-500 & PL-600 plus 6 Fundamentals. I am an experienced Microsoft Certified Trainer and have introduced hundreds of people to Power BI and Power Platform.. Instead of presenting technical walkthroughs which are passive for the audience, I treat each session like a mini-training session, creating opportunities for attendees to engage their minds and contribute.

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