Session Abstract

When migrating from a traditional fileserver to SharePoint, one of the first concerns people raise is: “Will I still be able to find my documents?” This session is here to answer that question—and more. Spoiler alert: searching in SharePoint isn’t just as good as before—it’s better. Join me as we explore how SharePoint’s search capabilities can revolutionize the way you find and interact with your content in the cloud. From leveraging the standard Microsoft 365 search bar to configuring the highly customizable PnP Modern Search add-on, we’ll dive deep into the tools that make finding content faster and smarter. We’ll also discuss how Copilot and Copilot agents are poised to transform search even further, and whether they might make traditional search methods obsolete (hint: not quite yet). In this session, you’ll learn: • How to maximize the out-of-the-box search experience in SharePoint. • The benefits of using PnP Modern Search for tailored and advanced search scenarios. • What Copilot and its agents bring to the table for intelligent, AI-driven content discovery. • Practical tips and strategies for deciding which search tool fits your needs. With years of hands-on experience in SharePoint migrations and search optimization, I’ll share real-world insights and comparisons to help you navigate these tools effectively. Whether you’re an IT professional, administrator, or end-user, this session will equip you with actionable knowledge to make searching in SharePoint a seamless experience. Let’s move beyond folders and filters—discover how modern search can empower your organization to work smarter, not harder.

Note to event organizers

I've noticed how happy my customers are when I've created the searchcenter based on PnP Modern search. It really helps with adoption of the SharePoint platform. I have pretty good knowledge of the underlying search service and like to show how you can prettify your search results using json and adaptive cards. But these days everyone is asking about Copilot and what it can bring to search. So i think it's important to talk about that and provide options to the audience.

Pieter Kops

Pieter is the teamlead of the Business Productivity team at ACA IT-Solutions. He has been working with SharePoint solutions from 2007. All this time his focus has been on getting companies on board with the ever changing platform, increase their productivity whilst maintaining a secure and safe environment. He has proficient knowledge of creating Intranets, building a great search environment, automating processes using both the Power Platform and Nintex. One of the most important questions he asks his customer is: "What is your optimal outcome?". He then will think of and build the best suitable solution. Implementing these solutions require adoption. Therefore Pieter also has certified adoption skills in his backpocket. Pieter is a Microsoft MVP for Copilot and SharePoint and has been speaking at customer events and user groups.

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