What a weekend!
The South Coast Summit 2025, held at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre on 17th and 18th October, was a two-day event for IT professionals, Microsoft partners, and people working with Microsoft technology.
As proud sponsors of this Microsoft cloud technology conference, Mexa Solutions joined over hundreds of attendees, including professionals and end users. We spent the two days taking part in workshops, attending sessions delivered by expert speakers, and connecting with others across the large exhibition hall, where sponsors showcased their products and services.
The Summit focuses on all key pillars of the Microsoft platform, including Microsoft 365 and Azure, Power Platform, business applications, modern workplace, security and compliance, and data and AI.
This cloud technology community conference follows a structure similar to other Microsoft events such as Microsoft Ignite and Future Decoded, providing a full programme of learning, networking, and insights for professionals and organisations alike.
Day 1 – Friday: Workshops, Deep Dives, and Early Connections
The first day got off to an early start with the registration desk opening at 8am, giving attendees the opportunity to network and join workshops and session tracks across the full Microsoft stack.
At Mexa Solutions, we joined a range of workshops and sessions covering the three pillars of the Microsoft platform, including modern work, Microsoft Azure architecture, Power Platform, Viva, and unified communications.
Professionals were on-site throughout the day to answer questions and provide advice on optimising Microsoft environments, offering guidance that aligns with the skills and roles our clients are looking to hire.
Our team also had the chance to connect with Microsoft MVPS, UK Gold partners, and many of Microsoft’s own professionals. We discussed trends in the Microsoft talent market, current hiring challenges, and strategies for attracting skilled professionals and developers across Microsoft 365, Azure, and other key pillars of the Microsoft ecosystem.
Then in the evening Bob and Simon attended the community awards which saw The South Coast Microsoft Cloud win Best User Group in the UK. We were so excited as we help sponsor this local event and was great to see them pick up the winners trophy.
Day 2 – Saturday: Community, Conversations, and Career Insight
Saturday was when the Summit truly came alive. Hundreds of attendees filled the venue for a full day of sessions, networking, and hands-on exploration, and our Mexa Solutions stand was buzzing from start to finish.
We were excited to welcome a wide range of visitors, from long-time partners to first-time attendees curious about what we do.
Some of the highlights included:
In-depth conversations about the Microsoft talent market, covering trends in salaries, demand, and career progression across Azure, Power Platform, and modern workplace roles
Supporting clients with hiring challenges, from understanding what top candidates are looking for to refining attraction and retention strategies in a competitive market
Sharing insights from our latest Microsoft Salary Guide, which sparked discussions about skills evolution, hybrid working, and compensation transparency
Our popular Racing Sim giveaway returned this year, giving attendees a chance to compete for the fastest lap. There were plenty of laughs and some impressive times where hollie helped coach every driver in the seat.
We would like to congratulate Jack who put in the fastest lap of the day and took home our top prize being the RC car.
We loved hearing directly from attendees about the real-world hiring challenges they face, the skills they are most keen to find, and the roles that excite them the most.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Across both days, a few clear themes stood out:
AI Everywhere – From Co-pilot to intelligent automation, AI continues to transform how organisations work and innovate.
Security & Governance – As cloud adoption grows, the emphasis on secure, compliant solutions is more important than ever.
Empowering People – Technology is only as strong as the people who use it, and empowering teams through adoption and training remains key.
Community First – The Microsoft community continues to prove that collaboration and shared learning are at the heart of real progress.
Why South Coast Summit Matters
For us, South Coast Summit isn’t just another tech event. It is a community gathering that celebrates learning, connection, and shared purpose. It is where knowledge meets curiosity and and builds a lovely community.
Being part of the Summit and supporting it as a sponsor reinforces what Mexa Solutions is all about. We help organisations make the most of Microsoft Cloud through expertise, collaboration, and genuine partnership.
A Huge Thank You
A massive thank you to the South Coast Summit organisers, the speakers and MVPs who shared their expertise, and of course, everyone who stopped by the Mexa Solutions stand.
Your energy, enthusiasm, and questions made the event unforgettable and reminded us why we love being part of this community.
What’s Next?
We are already looking forward to continuing the conversations we started at the Summit and to helping more organisations innovate, modernise, and thrive with Microsoft Cloud.
If we met at the event and you would like to continue the discussion, we would love to hear from you. Contact us or connect with us on LinkedIn and let’s keep the momentum going.
Until next year, South Coast Summit, thank you for an incredible two days.
Frequently Asked Questions: How Mexa Solutions Can Help
What does Mexa Solutions actually do?”
We’re a specialist recruitment partner for organisations working across the Microsoft ecosystem from Microsoft 365 and Azure to Power Platform and Dynamics.
We connect exceptional talent with forward-thinking employers, ensuring every hire adds real business value.
Can I access the Microsoft Salary Guide?
Yes! Our Salary guides include insights on salaries, trends, and compliance across Azure, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and business applications.
This blog was written by Hollie Agombar, Senior Digital Marketing Executive at Mexa Solutions.