Join AJ Ansari live from Directions North America as he sits down with Dmitry Chadayev, Group Product Manager for Cloud and AI Platform at Microsoft's Dynamics 365 Business Central team. Fresh after the Day 1 keynote, Dmitry shares insider insights on the biggest announcements from Business Central 2026 Wave 1, including the game-changing Expense Agent and what's coming next.In this 10-minute conversation recorded on-site at Directions NA, you'll discover:✅ Why the new Expense Agent got the biggest reaction from the audience✅ The free portal that eliminates friction for receipt uploads (available May 8th)✅ How Microsoft's CEO personally uses AI to inspire the entire BC team✅ What to expect from tomorrow's "geekiest session ever" on coding with agents✅ The Copilot chat feature bringing M365 and BC data together✅ Dmitry's reflections on 21 years of Directions NA and how the partner channel has evolvedWhether you're a Business Central partner, developer, or business user, this conversation reveals what's next for the platform and how AI agents are transforming the way we work with ERP systems.⏱️ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction from Directions NA Day 10:45 - Dmitry's Unusual Morning: Watching from the Audience1:30 - Biggest Keynote Reaction: The Expense Agent Reveal3:00 - Why the Expense Agent UI Changes Everything4:15 - Free Portal, Zero Friction: Breaking Down the Value5:00 - Second Favorite Moment: Mike's Personal AI Projects6:15 - Preview of Day 2 Keynote: Coding with AI Agents7:30 - Copilot Chat Feature: BC Data Meets M3658:30 - General Availability: Sales Order & Payables Agents9:00 - 21 Years of Directions: Dmitry's Journey & Reflections10:15 - Closing Thoughts & What's Next👤 ABOUT DMITRY CHADAYEVDmitry Chadayev is Group Product Manager for Cloud and AI Platform and Partner Tooling on the Dynamics 365 Business Central team at Microsoft. His core passion is building future-proof platforms and tooling that prepare entire ecosystems for what’s next.🎙️ ABOUT THE ONLYBCFANS SHOWThe OnlyBCFans Show is your go-to podcast for Business Central insights, AI innovation, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 discussions. Hosted by AJ Ansari, we bring you conversations with industry leaders, Microsoft insiders, and community experts.🔗 CONNECT WITH US🌐 Website: https://www.OnlyBCFans.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/onlybcfans👤 AJ Ansari on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ajansari💻 GitHub: https://github.com/ajansari🎧 Listen to our podcast:📱 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@OnlyBCFans🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/onlybcfans/id1811978715

In this exclusive interview from Directions North America 2026, host AJ Ansari sits down with Mike Morton, Vice President of Dynamics 365 Business Central at Microsoft, for an intimate conversation about the partner ecosystem, AI transformation, and the future of Business Central.🎯 WHY THIS INTERVIEW MATTERS:Mike Morton opens up about Microsoft's unique relationship with the Business Central partner community and why Directions NA serves as the launchpad for major product releases—something that "confuses people at Microsoft" but makes BC partners feel truly special.🔥 KEY HIGHLIGHTS:✅ 55,000 Business Central Users Milestone – Mike shares the journey and vision for reaching 100K, 200K, and even 1 million customers✅ Wave 1 2026 Top Features – Mike's three favorite features including revolutionary AI agent coding, reporting enhancements, and the game-changing expense agent✅ Why Microsoft Launches at Partner Events – The strategy behind using Directions NA/EMEA as the primary release platform instead of Microsoft-owned events✅ AI Transformation Strategy – How Mike is changing how developers think about AI possibilities✅ Authenticity in Leadership – Mike discusses his approachable leadership style and why transparency builds better products✅ 21 Years of Directions NA – Reflections on this landmark event and what makes the BC community "special"✅ Day 2 Keynote Preview – What to expect from the partner-focused deep dive (spoiler: it's going to blow your mind)📌 CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Introduction & Welcome from Directions NA0:42 – Who is Mike Morton? VP Introduction1:15 – Why Directions NA is THE Launch Event for Business Central2:47 – How Partners Are the Business Central Business3:45 – Mike's Approachable Leadership Style & Authenticity5:12 – The Copenhagen Segway Saga5:52 – Day 1 vs Day 2 Keynote Strategy7:18 – AI Transformation: The Heart of Wave 1 20268:15 – 55,000 Users Milestone & Growth to 1M Vision9:42 – Mike's 3 Favorite Wave 1 Features11:05 – Camp Air: Microsoft's AI Innovation Program12:08 – 21 Years of Directions NA Reflection13:02 – Wrap-up & Segway Waiver Request👤 ABOUT MIKE MORTON:Mike Morton is the Vice President of Dynamics 365 Business Central at Microsoft, leading the product strategy and vision for one of the fastest-growing ERP solutions in the Microsoft ecosystem.

🎙️ ABOUT THE ONLYBCFANS SHOW:The OnlyBCFans Show is your go-to podcast for Dynamics 365 Business Central insights, partner stories, and insider perspectives from the heart of the BC community. Hosted by AJ Ansari, we bring you conversations with industry leaders, Microsoft executives, MVPs, and innovative partners shaping the future of Business Central.🔗 CONNECT WITH US:🌐 Website: https://www.OnlyBCFans.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/onlybcfans👤 AJ Ansari on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ajansari💻 GitHub: https://github.com/ajansari💻 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnlyBCFansAJ

🎧 LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM: Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Podcasts📢 SHARE THIS VIDEO if you're part of the amazing Business Central partner community!💬 COMMENT BELOW: What's your biggest takeaway from Mike's vision for Business Central? Are you as excited about AI agent coding as we are?🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive interviews with Microsoft executives, BC MVPs, and partner success stories!---#BusinessCentral #MicrosoftDynamics #Dynamics365 #MikeMorton #DirectionsNA #BCPartners #ERPSoftware #MicrosoftERP #AITransformation #BusinessCentralAI #Wave12026 #PartnerEcosystem #SMBSoftware #CloudERP #OnlyBCFans #DynamicsCommunity #BC #MSDYN365BC #CopilotInBC #AgentCoding #DirectionsNorthAmerica

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/

📌 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnlyBCFansAJ💼 AJ Ansari on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ajansari💻 GitHub: https://github.com/ajansari🎧 Follow The OnlyBCFans Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Podcasts#DirectionsNA #DirectionsNA2026 #BusinessCentral #MicrosoftBusinessCentral #BCPartners #Dynamics365BusinessCentral #OnlyBCFans #MicrosoftDynamics365 #Dynamics365 #BusinessCentralPartner #DirectionsNorthAmerica #BC #ERPCommunity #MSDyn365BC #Orlando2026 #PartnerCommunity #Copilot #PowerPlatform #ISV #MicrosoftPartner

If you enjoyed this short clip, check out the complete episode w/ Waldo right here on your favorite podcast platform!

Season 1 - Episode 4

In this episode, AJ Ansari interviews Eric (waldo) Wauters, one of the OG MVPs and a name that everyone in the Business Central community knows well, discussing the upcoming BC TechDays conference (June 12-13, with pre-conference workshops on June 10-11), its unique culture, and why it is such a significant event in the Business Central ecosystem. Waldo also talks about significance of telemetry in development, the role of ALOPS in the developer community, and the importance of tailored content for different audiences. The conversation also touches on the fun aspects of BC TechDays, including beer tasting, and concludes with rapid-fire questions about Waldo's experiences and insights.

Memorable moment from the conversation:

"Live doing is strictly forbidden" when presenting at the really big stage of BC TechDays

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to BC Tech Days and Waldo

02:41 Exploring Telemetry and Co-Pilot Sessions

05:32 The Evolution of BC Tech Days

07:50 The Unique Vibe of Tech Conferences

10:28 Content Creation for BC Tech Days

12:56 ALOPS and Its Role in the Developer Community

15:25 The Beer Culture at BC Tech Days

17:58 Waldo's New Telemetry Tool

20:38 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Keywords:

#BCTechDays #businesscentral #msdyn365bc #podcast #Waldo #telemetry #Copilot #ALOPS #techconferences #developer #beerculture, #telemetry

If Kennie had a magic wand, what would be the one feature he would add to Business Central? You'll have to listen to this episode to find out.

In this engaging conversation, host AJ Ansari interviews Kennie Pontoppidan, Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, exploring his journey in Business Central, cultural insights from living in the US, and the evolution of telemetry and reporting tools. Kennie shares his experiences and thoughts on the importance of data-driven strategies, the modernization of reporting tools like Power BI and Word layouts, and the significance of mental health awareness in the tech community. The discussion highlights the diverse needs of organizations and the role of different reporting tools in meeting those needs.

Chapters:

⁠00:09⁠ Introduction to Kennie and His Journey⁠

02:00⁠ Cultural Experiences in the US⁠

04:40⁠ The Evolution of Telemetry in Business Central

⁠06:23⁠ The Role of KQL and Data-Driven Insights⁠

08:29⁠ Understanding Telemetry Costs and Value⁠

10:50⁠ Power BI and Reporting Innovations⁠

13:17⁠ The Future of Word Layouts in Business Central⁠

15:50⁠ Feedback Mechanisms and User Engagement

⁠20:24⁠ Navigating Reporting Regulations and Tool Selection⁠

27:04⁠ Modernizing Manufacturing Reports

⁠32:55⁠ From Reactive to Proactive Reporting

⁠37:19⁠ Personal Insights and Professional Growth

Key Takeaways:

• Telemetry was introduced to provide partners with actionable insights into customer environments.
• Power BI is a crucial tool for reporting and analytics in Business Central.
• Modernizing Word layouts is essential for improving document reporting.
• Different reporting tools serve different needs within organizations.
• Manufacturing reports are being modernized to enhance usability and relevance.
• A proactive approach to data and reporting can drive business improvements.
• Understanding the philosophy behind reporting tools is key to effective data usage.
• Mental health awareness is important in the tech community.

#BusinessCentral #msdyn365bc #telemetry #PowerBI #Reporting #WordLayouts #Microsoft #SMB #DataDriven #Analytics #CulturalInsights #AJAnsari #KenniePontoppidan #OnlyBCFans

Returning from his first trip to Directions ASIA, AJ Ansari recaps all the major announcements and shares his impressions of the event held at the Avani+ Riverside hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. Got questions about what you heard? Write AJ on his LinkedIn profile at bit.ly/ajansari.

** Note: Please excuse background noise - this episode was recorded in a loud hotel lobby and we didn't have access to anything except for a phone and airpods. **

Guess where Directions ASIA is going next year? Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam!

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:34 Impressions about Directions ASIA 2025 and reflecting on my sessions

01:54 Announcement: Price change coming October'25

02:24 Announcement: CPOR for CSP Business Applications

02:58 Reminder: CSP Deployment Vouchers for Business Central through June 30, 2025

03:15 Announcement: Business Central Update Management will allow skipping updates

03:58 AI & Business Central: 2025, the year of the AI Frontier Firm

04:52 Announcement: Autonomous Agent experiences coming to Business Central

05:07 Announcement: Timeline announced for ability to extend 1st party agents and build own Autonomous Agent experiences in BC

05:53 Announcement: How Agent experience usage in BC will be billed

06:55 Announcement: Business Central AI Test Toolkit

07:35 Business Central events coming up in the next few weeks

08:04 Reminder: Sign up for 8 hour Copilot Studio Workshop on June 10/11 at BC TechDays (only 4 seats left)

08:40 Final Thoughts and upcoming OnlyBCFans Office Hours Livecast reminder - Coming this June

Memorable line from the episode:

In 2025, Human-Agent teams will upend the org chart and every employee will become an "Agent Boss"

Details of BC Price Change Announcement: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics-365/blog/no-audience/2024/04/12/new-pricing-for-microsoft-dynamics-365-effective-october-2024/

#msdyn365bc #businesscentral #microsoftpartner #directions4partners #onlybcfans