Meet Companial at Directions EMEA 2024

Companial is again participating in Directions EMEA 2024 in Vienna as a Platinum Sponsor. We are coming to Vienna with our Dynamics experts and a lot of great offers that make you a superhero for your customer.
Visit us at our booth P4!
Enhance your Superpowers with Companial
You are the superhero for your customers and we at Companial deliver you the Infinity Stone
Enhance your POWER
Enhance your power by using the Migration & Modernization program to scale migration
Reduce costs by using Companial Empowered
Benefit from the vast offer of technical and managed services
The Quest for TALENT
Build-Up your capacity with the Companial Learning Journeys
Unleashing the POWER OF AI
Fuel your growth with the Companial AI services to be in front of your competitors
The COMMUNITY secret
Stay up to date and informed, get the support you need and succeed with Microsoft Dynamics 365

Stay up to date and informed, get the support you need and succeed with Microsoft Dynamics 365
Do you want to know what you look like as a superhero? Come by our booth P4 and take a look in the magic mirror. Learn about the power of AI with the specially developed AI app and more!
The Companial Dynamics Experts will be at your service and also share their knowledge in compelling sessions on Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power Platform and more. Exceptional special offers are waiting for you at our booth P4.
Be sure to stop by the Companial booth P4 to have a chat with our experts and get your hands on our famous socks, which are already collectors’ items.
We are very much looking forward to seeing you in Vienna!
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Companial Sessions at Directions
We would love to see you at the Companial sessions at Directions EMEA in Vienna. Here you can find the sessions our Companial experts will be delivering.
How to Create Your AI Copilot with Data from Dynamics 365 Applications
Marko Totovic is a Microsoft MVP for business applications. He currently works as a PTS for Customer Engagement & Power Platform at Companial as well as a freelancer for many global Dynamics partners. He is a frequent speaker at many global (Directions, Summit, Days of Knowledge, BCTechDays…) and regional conferences. He is also a Lead in the UserGroup BizSource.

Marko Totovic
Partner Technical Strategist
Audience: Developers, Consultants
Product: Business Central, Customer Engagement
Hall: F2
Date: Wed, 6th November, 11:15-12:00
About the session:
Imagine seamlessly integrating Dynamics 365 Applications (Business Central and Sales) to enhance collaboration and productivity. Now, take it a step further: empower your customers to leverage data from these applications and interact with your business using an AI Copilot powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI.
In this session, we’ll demonstrate how to extend this powerful integration, allowing your customers to access and update data across multiple Dynamics 365 Applications using Copilot Studio. Join us to discover how LLMs and Generative AI can revolutionize your customer interactions and maximize the potential of your Dynamics 365 ecosystem.
Adapting to a New Era: Continuous Learning Strategies for Recruitment, Retention, and Growth
Vincent Bellefroid is a Partner at Plataan, where he collaborates with Companial to support Microsoft Dynamics partners. With a deep background in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem, Vincent has worked with a wide range of customer and partner organizations. His experience with leading companies like Microsoft and Deloitte has shaped his commitment to helping partners build the skills they need to achieve excellence.

Vincent Bellefroid
Plataan/Companial, Partner
Audience: Leadership, HR
Hall: C
Date: Wed, 6th November, 12:15-13:00
About the session:
Recruiting top talent, retaining skilled employees, and ensuring high-quality performance have never been more challenging for Dynamics SMB partners. The current landscape is marked by fierce resource competition, rapid technological advancements, and ever-changing customer expectations. Coupled with the emergence of new generations of workers and disruptive business models, there is a pressing need for organizations to innovate continuously.
In this session, we’ll explore how continuous, organization-wide learning can serve as a strategic solution to these challenges. We’ll dive into the concept of Learning Journeys—tailored, comprehensive learning plans that align with your business goals and drive sustainable growth. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, your organization can not only attract and retain top talent but also empower your workforce to adapt to technological changes, meet customer expectations, and innovate effectively.
Attendees will gain practical insights into developing and implementing learning strategies that ensure continuous development and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Whether you are an HR leader, a training manager, or a business executive, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to turn learning into a powerful driver of recruitment, retention, and business growth.
Welcome to the Jungle (of Licensing)
Stefanie Wortel, Partner Care Consultant, PSO at Companial
Stefanie joined Companial in 2019. With her previous experience within the Microsoft GetHelp Team, she is an allrounder when it comes to licensing.
Stefanie is part of the Partner Care team and is a key person when it comes to advising Partners on licensing and operational questions.
Milena Höhn, Partner Care Consultant, PSO at Companial
Milena has been with Companial since 2021. She gained experience about on-premises licensing and operations during her time in the Microsoft EMEA Operations Center. Since joining the Partner Care team, her knowledge has grown to cover CSP licensing and she has become the main contact for any advice on licensing and operational questions for our partners in the DACH region.

Stefanie Wortel
Partner Care Consultant, PSO at Companial
Milena Höhn
Partner Care Consultant, PSO at Companial
Audience: Operations, Sales
Product: Dynamics, M365, Windows Server, SQL Server
Hall: N1+N2
Date: Wed, 6th November, 14:00 – 14:45
About the session:
In this session Stefanie and Milena will give a brief overview about Microsoft Licensing.
The main focus will be Dynamics, but they will also touch on Azure, M365 and Server Licensing.
Their goal is to ease Partners’ lives, as the licensing per product is not that hard, but the challenge lies in the combination of several products and how determining the smoothest licensing option.
In addition, they will give a brief recap over the changes that happened in October 2024, and a preview what will change in April 2025.
After the presentation, there will be some time left for your questions.
Harnessing the Power of Purpose: Boosting Motivation and Alignment in the Workplace
Ange is a passionate business development executive, committed to enabling growth and success with Dynamics 365. She has 20+ years of experience within Microsoft Dynamics 365 business development and 10+ years helping Microsoft Dynamics Partners with offer development and commercial growth.

Agne Balkeviciute-Lajiene
Service Line Manager at Companial
Audience: Management, Consultants
Hall: L3
Date: Wed, 6th November, 16:15-18:00
About the session:
Join our interactive workshop to unlock the power of purpose as a key motivator in the workplace. You’ll learn effective tactics for activating purpose within your team and explore strategies to align personal and organizational goals. This session offers practical insights on fostering a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment at work, ultimately driving individual and collective success.
As someone passionate about intrinsic motivation, which I research privately, I’m eager to share my own findings—what has worked and what hasn’t with my team. We’ll begin by reviewing the latest research on the impact of purpose in the workplace, followed by a series of hands-on exercises—expect engaging group work. I also encourage you to share your experiences so that we can learn from each other.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a valuable new tool to boost your team’s motivation, along with a list of practical exercises you can implement with your team to delve deeper into the topic of purpose at work. Come prepared to engage, collaborate, and leave inspired to bring your organization a stronger sense of purpose.
Empowering Growth - Uniting Microsoft Dynamics Business Central Partners in Africa
Berny Düring, MCT CPIM BBA(UNISA), boasts a 26-year tenure as a Microsoft Certified Trainer. With a rich background, he began as product manager at Navision South Africa, later co-founding a successful partner. His impact spans roles from entrepreneurship to being a driving force in some of Africa’s largest partners. Berny’s expertise extends across fields like Production and Inventory Management, Business Administration, Computer Sciences, Law, Taxation, and Labour Law.
Over 25 years, he’s empowered thousands through NAV/BC training in 20+ countries. Currently, he nurtures Business Central practices, consultants, and developers, and also aids ISVs in transitioning to AppSource apps and promoting Dynamics 365 Business Central. Berny’s voice has resonated at industry conferences like Tech-Ed, Directions, and hosted the Navision Africa partner conference.
Passionate about knowledge sharing, he finds joy in inspiring business growth and personal development among partners.

Berny Düring
Partner Technology Strategist
Audience: Developers, Consultants
Product: Business Central
Room: 1.61+1.62
Date: Thu, 7th November, 14:00-14:45
About the session:
Join us for a dynamic session dedicated to fostering collaboration and growth among Microsoft Dynamics Business Central partners in the vibrant African region. In this session we’ll explore strategies to leverage local expertise, navigate unique challenges, and harness the immense potential of this diverse market. This session will feature industry opportunities that is readily available to the African market, and explore user groups and opportunities that are available for African partners to make use of.
Discover how to navigate the unique challenges of the African market, share best practices, and uncover opportunities for collaboration. We’ll delve into the specific needs and potential of the region, ensuring partners are well-equipped to drive the adoption of Dynamics 365 Business Central. Let’s unite, inspire, and chart a prosperous course for the future of Business Central in Africa, fostering a thriving community that supports growth and innovation across the continent. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative movement, empowering partners to achieve new heights!
Use Power BI to create Business Central insights
Renato Fajdiga, Business Consultant
Renato Fajdiga, a seasoned Microsoft Dynamics NAV/365 Business Central consultant and blogger, currently leads the Business Applications team, overseeing F&O, BC, and other applications. An MVP and MCT since 2018, he specializes in Business Applications, particularly Dynamics 365 Business Central and Power Platform. He thrives on learning new technologies and concepts that enhance customer processes. Occasionally, he delves into coding, but his primary motivation is resolving community-posted issues with Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Steven Renders, Partner at Plataan.TV | Companial, former MVP, MCT, Consultant
Steven is a trainer/consultant, with skills spanning business and technical domains, with more than 20 years of experience. He provides training and consultancy focused on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Power BI.
Steven is a Partner at Plataan | Companial, based in Belgium. Plataan is a leading off and online learning company. Plataan helps organizations and individuals excel through learning and training programs.
On Januari 1st, 2016, Steven received the Microsoft MVP Award. This award is given to exceptional technical community leaders who actively share their high quality, real world expertise with others.
Steven is the author of the books:
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009: Professional Reporting
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2015: Professional Reporting
Specialties:
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
- Business Intelligence & Reporting

Renato Fajdiga
Business Consultant
Steven Renders
Partner at Plataan.TV | Companial, former MVP, MCT, Consultant
Audience: Developers, Consultants
Product: Business Central
Hall: N1+N2
Date: Thu, 7th November, 14:00-14:45
About the session:
In this session, we explore how to use Power BI to analyze what happens in Business Central.
Here’s what you can look forward to learning:
- Master Data Retrieval: Learn how to extract data from Business Central quickly and effectively.
- Build for Scale: Discover the secrets to constructing a scalable data model that paves the way for superior analysis.
- Use the Power of AI: Uncover how to utilize the advanced AI features of Power BI to your advantage.
- Design with Impact: Learn to create compelling reports, dashboards, and scorecards using the Power BI Service (online).
But that’s not all, We have a lot of demos prepared along with some good tips and tricks!
Business Central B2E Portal using Power Pages
Marko Totovic is a Microsoft MVP for business applications. He currently works as a PTS for Customer Engagement & Power Platform at Companial as well as a freelancer for many global Dynamics partners. He is a frequent speaker at many global (Directions, Summit, Days of Knowledge, BCTechDays…) and regional conferences. He is also a Lead in the UserGroup BizSource.

Marko Totovic
Partner Technical Strategist
Audience: Developers, Consultants
Product: Business Central
Hall: N1+N2
Date: Thu, 7th November, 15:00-15:45
About the session:
Explore Business Central Virtual Tables into the process of building a Business-to-Employee (B2E) portal using Power Pages. In this session, we’ll discuss the technical aspects and benefits of using Power Pages to enhance your Business Central experience. I will guide you through the process of seamlessly integrating B2E features, explaining customization options, data management capabilities, and improvements to user experience made possible by Power Pages.
How to be a Prompt Engineer
Tine Starič is a software architect at Companial, helping Partners around the world develop products of the highest quality. He has been a Dynamics BC developer since 2015, working with end-customers, VARs, and ISVs, delivering support, implementation, localization, and product projects. He leads most developer productivity initiatives at Companial, and is constantly looking for opportunities to eliminate monotonous developer tasks by using modern tools and automation to make room for creative, fun, and high-value development.

Tine Staric
Software Architect Business Central
Audience: Developers, Consultants
Product: Business Central
Room: 1.85+1.86
Date: Fri, 8th November, 12:00-12:45
About the session:
Do you want to know what my first experience with generative AI was? Wildly inconsistent results. Half the time, the response wasn’t in JSON so I could parse it, and when it did work, it was slow. The problem? My prompts were bad. So, I started figuring out how to make them better.
What structure works best? How to determine the best temperature level? Which model should I use? Will my prompts perform well with 100 users? What if I have too much data?
The more I figured out how to use generative AI, the more I realized I was becoming a “prompt engineer”. You know, the thing that’s supposed to replace all developers in the future. I’m not sure about that. But in the AI era, we need to know how to work with it.
If you’d like to skip all the trial-and-error steps, join this session to learn how to take your prompts from a simple request that returns wildly inconsistent results to a complex prompt that makes your new AI features more stable and reliable.
What every consultant needs to know about Business Central reporting
Renato Fajdiga, Business Consultant
Renato Fajdiga, a seasoned Microsoft Dynamics NAV/365 Business Central consultant and blogger, currently leads the Business Applications team, overseeing F&O, BC, and other applications. An MVP and MCT since 2018, he specializes in Business Applications, particularly Dynamics 365 Business Central and Power Platform. He thrives on learning new technologies and concepts that enhance customer processes. Occasionally, he delves into coding, but his primary motivation is resolving community-posted issues with Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Steven Renders, Partner at Plataan.TV | Companial, former MVP, MCT, Consultant
Steven is a trainer/consultant, with skills spanning business and technical domains, with more than 20 years of experience. He provides training and consultancy focused on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Power BI.
Steven is a Partner at Plataan | Companial, based in Belgium. Plataan is a leading off and online learning company. Plataan helps organizations and individuals excel through learning and training programs.
On Januari 1st, 2016, Steven received the Microsoft MVP Award. This award is given to exceptional technical community leaders who actively share their high quality, real world expertise with others.
Steven is the author of the books:
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009: Professional Reporting
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2015: Professional Reporting
Specialties:
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
- Business Intelligence & Reporting

Renato Fajdiga
Business Consultant
Steven Renders
Partner at Plataan.TV | Companial, former MVP, MCT, Consultant
Audience: Consultant
Product: Business Central
Hall: M
Date: Fri, 8th November, 13:15-15:00
About the session:
Are all reporting needs dependent on developers for technical analysis, or can consultants work with users to create impactful reports?
Join our session to discover how you can:
- Maximize Power BI as a consultant.
- Use Excel for reporting with new layouts, organizational data, AI, and API connectors.
- Apply Word layouts in various scenarios.
- Identify and address bottlenecks with Telemetry analysis.
- Share insights using collaborative tools.
- Combine Power Platform and AI features for Dynamics 365 Business Central reporting.
Take the chance to improve your reports without needing to do lots of coding. Come join us and make your reporting more efficient.
Our experts will help you stay up to date with all the new things Microsoft has to offer.