Directions North America 2026 is just around the corner — and in this episode of The OnlyBCFans Show, host AJ Ansari sits down with Mary Miller, Marketing Chair on the Directions NA Board, to break down everything partners and ISVs need to know before heading to Orlando this April. From Microsoft keynotes with Mike Morton and the Business Central product team, to 150+ sessions, a revamped expo hall, and a partner celebration at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure — this is the ultimate preview for anyone in the Business Central community.🎙️ About Our GuestMary Miller is the Director of Marketing at PayTrace, the B2B payment experts serving 40,000+ customers. She also serves as the Marketing Chair on the Directions North America Board — a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit that has been bringing the Business Central partner community together for over 20 years. Mary has been in the Microsoft channel since the early '90s, spanning roles across software providers, ISVs, and partners.🔑 Key Takeaways• Directions NA 2026 runs April 27–29 at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, FL — expect ~1,400 attendees and ~100 sponsors• Microsoft is delivering 70+ sessions plus keynotes from Mike Morton, Bryan Goode, and Joe DeHaai (Neural Impact on Day 3)• A brand-new consolidated expo hall puts sponsors, meals, networking, Microsoft support engineers, and a new Partner Showcase Theater all in one place• The Partner Celebration takes over Universal Orlando — City Walk, Hogsmeade, and exclusive roller coaster access on Wednesday night• Full-day Monday–Wednesday schedule with pre-day activities on Sunday, including Partner Marketing Day• 400+ session submissions were narrowed to ~85 community-selected sessions — the content quality bar is the highest it's ever been• Former GP/SL partners will find dedicated sessions on transitioning into the Business Central ecosystem• Microsoft "office hours" and booth access give partners direct face time with product leadership⏱️ Timestamps0:10 – Introduction & Guest Welcome1:15 – Mary's Background: PayTrace, Directions NA & 30 Years in the Channel2:12 – Directions NA 2026 Overview — What's Coming to Orlando3:09 – 21 Years of Community: How Directions Grew from 300 to 1,400 Attendees4:06 – Who Should Your Organization Send? AJ's Advice for Partners6:31 – Event Logistics: Expo Hall, Partner Showcase Theater & Networking8:40 – Microsoft's Massive Presence: 70+ Sessions, Keynotes & On-Site Support14:50 – Partner Celebration at Universal Orlando — Hogsmeade & Roller Coasters16:25 – Full Event Schedule: Pre-Day Sunday through Wednesday Night20:27 – Reflecting on 20+ Years of Directions North America26:28 – Closing Remarks & How to Register📌 Register & Learn More🔗 Directions North America: https://www.directionsna.com📱 Download the Directions NA App for the full agenda, QR badge, and session ratings👋 Connect With Us🌐 Website: https://www.OnlyBCFans.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/onlybcfans/

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