Session Abstract

When data is disconnected, experiences are fragmented, and workspaces overlap it’s no wonder many in IT are overwhelmed while AI amplifies the mess. Consolidation isn’t just cost-cutting; it’s how IT creates the conditions for faster and safer innovation. Drawing from current industry insights and the work of 100,000+ Microsoft IT professionals this session outlines a pragmatic “consolidation flywheel” that turns the mixed, messy and missing into a simpler, safer Microsoft 365 platform-ready to accelerate AI and Copilot success. Join Richard Harbridge, Microsoft MVP, to discuss legacy modernization, tenant consolidation, workspace (site/team) consolidation, and application rationalization all while maintaining momentum, aligning controls, and avoiding common pitfalls that slow teams down. Who should attend IT leaders, architects, and platform owners responsible for Microsoft 365 strategy, migrations, M&A integration, and AI enablement. Key takeaways • How tenant, content, and app consolidation accelerate Copilot value while decreasing risk. • Useful planning guides and checklists for Microsoft 365 consolidation and governance • Practical tactics to rationalize overlapping tools, drive buy-in and align policies with M365 controls. • When to consolidate vs. integrate: decision criteria, trade-offs, and success metrics.

Note to event organizers

This is a highly relevant and useful session based on other events I have done (well rated with average of 4.7/5). Migration is still a major focus for many customers, this way we can discuss it, best practices and practical takeaways while also talking about AI and Copilot and how the UI for AI, Copilot and Microsoft 365 are increasingly driving more consolidation (or when and where integration makes more sense).

Richard Harbridge

Richard Harbridge is a Principal Industry Advisor on Microsoft 365 and ShareGate as well as a long-standing Microsoft MVP. Renowned for simplifying the complex, Richard equips IT, executives, and business leaders with three essentials: clarity about Microsoft 365’s evolving capabilities, confidence in responsibly implementing and governing new technologies, and the connections that amplify success across partners, customer communities and Microsoft itself. Over the past decades he has: • Advised 200+ enterprises on Microsoft 365 strategy, AI governance and employee experience. • Delivered 450 + keynotes, workshops and conference sessions across five continents. • Empowered millions of employees with simpler, more secure Microsoft 365 experiences, while helping partners unlock $300+ million in new revenue. • Leads CIO think tanks and employee-experience forums while serving on research and community leadership councils shaping the future of work. Whether architecting AI rollouts, moderating executive roundtables, or writing practical frameworks, Richard’s focus is unwavering: turn technology potential into lasting business impact.