Leading international experts in data and AI are gathering in Sofia for Discovery Day 2026

Source: Lider.bg

Discovery Day Sofia has announced the speakers for the sixth edition of the conference dedicated to data, artificial intelligence, and modern technological solutions. The event will take place on June 3 and 4, 2026, in Sofia, at Capital Fort.

For the first time in Bulgaria, such a wide range of international experts in these fields will gather in one place.

Among the speakers are leading specialists from Microsoft, including Gabi Münster (Principal Program Manager Fabric CAT) , Borko Novakovic (Principal Group Product Manager), and Dr. Dani Ljepava (Senior Product Manager), who work directly on the vision, development, and advancement of SQL Server, Microsoft Fabric, and Azure Data platforms.

In addition, the program also features established experts from the international data community – Microsoft MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals) and architects with many years of hands-on experience, including Ola Hallengren (creator of the SQL Server Maintenance Solution), Brian Bønk, Mladen Prajdić, and Margarita Naumova – professionals with proven and remarkable contributions in the field of SQL Server and modern data platforms.

Some of the most active drivers of the data ecosystem in Europe – Johan Ludvig Brattås, Rune Ovlien Rakeie, Ben Weissman, and Alessandro Gherardi, who are behind the development of professional communities and international initiatives in the field, will take the stage at Discovery Day 2026.

Some of the speakers are also authors of established technology books and learning resources, including Ben Weissman (co-author of “SQL on Kubernetes” and “The Biml Book”), Frank Geisler (author of bestsellers such as “Power BI für Dummies” and “Azure für Dummies”), and Johan Ludvig Brattås (“Real-Time Intelligence with Microsoft Fabric”).

The lineup of speakers is further complemented by experts with extensive hands-on experience in building modern data and AI solutions – Marcel Franke (Microsoft), Dhyan Rathore, Emilie Rønning, and Gregor Prohaska. It also includes specialists working with leading technologies and platforms such as Databricks and modern analytical solutions, such as Julia Førde (Databricks MVP) and Ioannis Philippides.

With this lineup of speakers, Discovery Day Sofia 2026 establishes itself not just as a local event, but as one of the most significant conferences for data and AI in the region, bringing together in one place both the creators of the technologies and the people who apply them in a real business environment.

The program will be announced very soon and is built around the technologies and solutions within the Microsoft Data ecosystem, covering a wide range of topics – from working with SQL Server and modern data platforms, through data engineering and building data platforms, to business analysis, visualization, and artificial intelligence.

The event will bring together over 350 participants – engineers, architects, BI specialists, IT managers, and business leaders, who will have the opportunity to explore real-world use cases, technological approaches, and industry best practices.

Discovery Day 2026 will take place in an extended two-day format. The first day (June 3) is aimed at a business audience and includes a seminar focused on strategies, trends, and data management, as well as specialized technical and career training sessions. The second day (June 4) is the main conference day, featuring technical sessions, demonstrations, and practical examples.

The conference is organized by the Bulgarian user groups “Let’s SQL Together” and “Azure Analytics BG User Group”.

With the support of:
Host and main sponsor of the community event: INSPIRIT – The Data Platform Company
Partners: eDynamix, Office 1, Generali, ALSO
Media partners: Lider.bg, divnaTech, zone4tech, DEV.BG
Food and beverage partners: Kimbo, DEVIN, Kanap, Papa Johns
Hospitality partner: Hotel Expo Sofia

Participation in the main conference day is free with prior registration. For more information and registration, visit: https://discoverydaysofia.com/

Discovery Day 2026 is held under the motto: Inspire. Build. Lead. WITH DATA.

Read the original article here: https://lider.bg/vodesthi-mezhdunarodni-eksperti-v-oblastta-na-dannite-i-ai-se-sabirat-v-sofiya-za-discovery-day-2026/