Bulgaria Excel Days 2024 is organized by ITraining, with the kind support of Microsoft.
21, 22, 23, 24 October
Bulgaria Excel Days 2025
40 Years Excellence
Inspirational Speakers, Advanced Masterclasses, new knowledge, important information from leading world experts!
The event is primarily aimed at corporate participants—business representatives, mainly from leading Bulgarian companies and large international firms in Bulgaria, but also from small and medium-sized businesses.
Participants of “Bulgaria Excel Days” come from various corporate and business sectors (many of them mid- and senior-level managers).
Every business manager or business professional, regardless of the business field—whether in sales, marketing, finance, logistics, statistics, analytics, market research, sociological studies, accounting and auditing, online or offline business, traditional or internet advertising, CRM, project management, B2B or B2C—will acquire valuable new knowledge and gain useful, important, and relevant information from leading global experts in the fields of Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot (DAX), Data Visualization, Fabric, Financial Modelling and Analysis, AI in Excel, and their applications for business purposes.
After five successful editions, our participant surveys show:
Over 90% are extremely satisfied or satisfied with the “Bulgaria Excel Days” event
Over 90% would definitely or most likely recommend “Bulgaria Excel Days” to their colleagues
For more than 85% of participants, what they learned at “Bulgaria Excel Days” has significant practical benefits or somewhat practical benefits
Over 90% of participants stated they are extremely satisfied or satisfied with the masterclasses as part of “Bulgaria Excel Days”
Over 90% of participants say they would attend the next edition of “Bulgaria Excel Days” again
12 lectures by leading global experts in the fields of Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot (DAX), Fabric, Data Visualization, AI in Office 365, Financial Modelling and Analysis.
6 Masterclasses conducted by world-renowned specialists, all of whom are Microsoft MVP’s; (including lunch and coffee breaks).
Opportunities for business networking and personal communication with the event speakers.
2 coffee breaks, lunch, and an official cocktail for conference participants.
A certificate of attendance for the conference and/or participation in the Мasterclasses.
USA, One of the Excel Creators! Honorary Guest
Mike Koss is not just a software developer - he is an IT pioneer whose contributions stand behind some of the most iconic software tools in modern technology. In 1983, after completing his master’s degree in Computer Science at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Mike joined Microsoft at a time when the technology world was just beginning to take shape. He soon became part of the original development team tasked with creating "the best spreadsheet product in the world" - Excel, and was shortly after promoted to team leader. Together with lead developer Doug Klunder and his colleagues Jabe Blumenthal, Jon DeVaan, Jeff Harbers, Bob Matthews, John Hopper, and others, he made important contributions to the creation of Excel 1.0 in 1985 - a product that changed the way the world works with data. His contributions continued through version 4.0, helping Excel become and establish itself as a software standard and undisputed market leader. During his career at Microsoft until 2002, he actively participated in the development of significant products such as Outlook, SharePoint, NetDocs Web Services, and MSN Messenger. After Microsoft, he engaged in investments in innovative companies and spent several years as a software engineer at Google. After retiring, Mike has emerged as an activist for accessible technology education and a mentor through initiatives like Reskill Americans. His commitment to society is also reflected in his role as a board member of the Museum of Flight in Seattle, as well as his participation in various educational programs in the United States. Beyond computers and software, Mike studied painting at the Seattle Academy of Fine Art and enjoys playing the trumpet in his free time. He continues to inspire the technology community with his belief that technology can be a force for achieving good.
Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, UK
Christopher Webb is a Principal Program Manager on the Power BI Customer Advisory Team at Microsoft. He has over 20 years of experience as a business consultant and trainer specializing in the Microsoft BI stack, with expertise in Power BI, SQL Server Analysis Services, MDX, DAX, M, Power Pivot, Power Query, and Microsoft Fabric.
He is also a speaker at a number of conferences, including SQLBits, the PASS Summit, the PASS BA Conference, the Global Excel Summit, SQL Saturdays, and user groups. Author of the book “Power Query for Power BI and Excel” and co-author of “Expert Cube Development with Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services” and “Expert Cube Development with SSAS Multidimensional Models” with world-renowned experts as Marco Russo and Alberto Ferrari.
Before joining Microsoft, Chris had been 14 years Microsoft MVP in Data Platform.Chris Conference Topic: "Microsoft Fabric and Power BI for the Excel users"
Canada, 18 x Microsoft MVP
Ken is one of the world’s leading experts in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot, Data Platform, master of VBA programming, and financial modeling, Data cleansing and reshaping specialist.
The president of Excelguru Consulting Inc., blogger, author, and trainer with over 20 years of experience. His passion lies in exploring tools to turn data into information, and teaching others how to benefit from them.
His website hosts a large knowledge base of help articles, a blog, and an active forum dedicated to helping users with their Excel and Power BI issues.
A distinguished 18-time Microsoft MVP, Ken has been recognized every year since 2006 for his exceptional contributions to the Microsoft community. His accolades include being named one of Vancouver’s “Top 20 Under 40” Business and Community Leaders in 2013, a testament to his impact both professionally and socially.
Ken has spent many years providing both public and private training, speaking at conferences and events around the world, and running the Vancouver Power BI and Modern Excel User Group.
In 2020, Ken co-founded Skillwave Training, a leading platform dedicated to delivering top-tier online courses on topics such as Power Query, Power BI, Excel, Power Pivot, and Dimensional Modeling. Through this initiative, he has reached thousands of learners worldwide, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the data-driven economy.
Ken is also a prolific author, having co-written several influential books, including “RibbonX – Customizing the Office 2007 Ribbon”, “M is for (Data) Monkey: The Excel Pro’s Definitive Guide to Power Query”, and its highly acclaimed second edition, “Master Your Data with Excel and Power BI”. These works are celebrated as essential reading for data professionals looking to elevate their expertise.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Ken remains dedicated to inspiring and empowering others, driven by his unwavering passion for turning data into actionable knowledge.
Ken Conference topic:
Automating Excel Without Code
Automating repetitive tasks in Excel can certainly be done using VBA or Office Scripts, but with so many companies blocking these technologies, is there a way to accomplish automation without using these languages? Join Ken as he looks at a real-world example, showing how he’s been able to eliminate the manual steps in 95% of his solution using native Excel functionality, without writing (or recording) a single line of code.
Ken Masterclass topic: Master Your Data using Power QuerySlovenia, 8 x Microsoft MVP
Gašper Kamenšek is a renowned BI consultant, trainer, and Excel expert from Slovenia, celebrated for his mastery of Power Query, Power Pivot (DAX), and Excel-based solutions. With over 20 years of experience, Gašper has established himself as a leading figure in the world of data analytics and business intelligence. He is the founder of Excel Olympics, a platform dedicated to empowering professionals with advanced Excel and Power BI skills.
Gašper is an 8-time Microsoft MVP, a prestigious recognition of his exceptional contributions to the Excel and Power BI communities. He has delivered over 900 courses and seminars, captivating more than 7,000 participants with his engaging teaching style and practical insights. As a speaker, Gašper has graced the stage at more than 60 conferences and events worldwide, sharing his expertise and inspiring audiences to unlock the full potential of their data.
In addition to his training and consulting work, Gašper is the creator of the blog Excel Unplugged, launched in 2014. The blog serves as a valuable resource for professionals seeking tips, tricks, and advanced techniques to enhance their Excel proficiency. His passion for Excel and Power BI extends to his YouTube channel, where he shares tutorials and insights with a growing global audience.
When not lecturing or working on BI projects involving PowerPivot, SQL, Excel, or VBA, Gašper indulges in his hobbies of music and photography, showcasing his creative side.
Gasper has been a Speaker in each of the previous editions of Bulgaria Excel Days.
Gasper Conference topic:
Solving Complex Relationships with DAX: Virtual Joins and TREATAS
Key Focus: Relationship modeling in DAX without the physical model
Outline:
Ideal for: Advanced modelers and those dealing with complex data schemas.
Gasper Masterclass topic: “Mastering Power BI for Desktop”Australia, 4 x Microsoft MVP
Specialisations:
Financial modelling / Budgeting and Forecasting / Business cases and pricing models / Data Analysis / Activity Based Costing / Management Reporting
Qualifications:
Master Financial Modeler (MFM)
Master of Business Administration (MBA MGSM)
Certified Diploma in Accounting and Finance (ACCA UK)
Bachelor of International Business Relations (GU)
Danielle Stein Fairhurst is a Microsoft MVP, Master Financial Modeler (FMI) and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM). She is a distinguished financial modeling expert and Principal Consultant at Plum Solutions, with extensive expertise spanning multiple industry sectors including telecommunications, information systems, manufacturing, and financial services. She has established herself as a leading global voice in the field of financial analysis and modelling.
Danielle is the author of two critically acclaimed books: "Financial Modeling in Excel for Dummies" (second edition, 2022) and "Using Excel for Business and Financial Modelling" (third edition, published by John Wiley & Sons). Her publications have become essential resources for professionals seeking to enhance their financial modeling skills.
As a highly experienced speaker, course facilitator, and consultant, Danielle delivers training seminars globally. Her professional engagements extend to significant industry roles, including serving on the judging panel for the Financial Modelling Innovation Awards and as an Advisory Board member of the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI). She is a LinkedIn Learning instructor as well.
Danielle has regular engagements around Australia and globally as a speaker, course facilitator and financial modelling consultant. She founded the Financial Modellers’ Meetup groups which attract participants from all over the world as well as a LinkedIn forum with over 140,000 members.
An advocate for women in finance, she founded the Women in Financial Modelling Meetup group and runs other groups and forums including a LinkedIn group with over 200,000 members. In 2022, she was awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the Financial Modelling Summit.
Her unique blend of academic knowledge, practical experience, and exceptional communication skills makes her a pivotal figure in financial analysis and financial modeling education and consulting.
Danielle Conference Topic:
Building Financial Model Timelines with Dynamic Arrays
Almost every financial model has a time-based element, and building a flexible timeline is the cornerstone to beginning its construction. It’s important to get the time frames right from the outset, and if you don’t, subsequent adjustments can waste time and introduce errors.
By using Excel’s dynamic array functions to build the timelines, we can adjust both the unit of time measurement and the timeframe of the model instantly, making the model robust, reliable, and easy to use. This not only enhances usability but also expedites the model-building process. In addition, the use of a variable start date, when applied correctly, enhances the model’s durability and adaptability over time.
However, the techniques needed to build a model using dynamic arrays are significantly different from the traditional way of building formulas. Developing a fully dynamic model requires additional thought and layout planning compared to conventional methods, but the extra planning is worth the effort!
Danielle Masterclass Topic: Budgeting and forecasting modelling in Modern ExcelPeru / Portugal, 2 x Microsoft MVP
In the shadowy realm of raw data, Carlos Barboza emerges as a maverick data storyteller - part analyst, part „visual alchemist“.
A digital cartographer of insights, he navigates the complex terrain of business intelligence with the precision of a master strategist and the creativity of an artist.
A Microsoft MVP with a distinctive approach, transforms raw data into narratives that don't just inform but captivate and illuminate the hidden truths within complex information landscapes.
Graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor's in Economics & Finance, Carlos has cultivated a decade-long reputation as a "guerrilla data analyst" who operates at the cutting edge of business intelligence. His expertise transcends traditional analysis, blending technical mastery with an almost intuitive ability to craft interactive visualizations that turn complex datasets into compelling visual stories.
As an independent business data consultant, Carlos specializes in architecting robust, scalable data models using Excel and Power BI. His approach is surgical - meticulously integrating data from diverse sources, optimizing performance, and designing visualizations that do more than display information; they reveal valuable business insights.
Beyond technical mastery, Carlos embodies the philosophy that data is more than numbers - it's a language waiting to be decoded. His dashboards and reports are not just presentations, but narrative journeys that transform complex information into clear, visual insights.
Carlos Conference Topic:
Seeing Data through Interactive Charts with Excel & Power BI, real World examples never seen.
An engaging demonstration of the immense capability of seeing data interactively through forms (charts, graphs, plots, maps) for understanding what it is trying to tell us and for gaining a rich knowledge on what lies on a repository of facts, registries, observations, events.
When a repository of data is visualized, it could demonstrate so much information at a glance that it’s hard to shut down and forget what has been viewed. On this presentation, using tools like Excel and Power BI, let’s see real examples of putting data into graphical forms to detect patterns, trends, relationships along with variations, outliers, comparisons, clustering, and that, when all these are complementing each other visually, we could help our eye and brains see the insights from data.
Carlos Masterclass Topic: “Building Interactive Dynamic Arrays Dashboards and Visualizations with Excel”India, Goodly
Chandeep Chhabra, widely recognized as Goodly, is a distinguished Excel and Power BI consultant, trainer, and content creator with over a decade of experience. After spending four years in Investment Banking, Chandeep embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in 2013, founding his consultancy business to empower professionals and organizations to excel in data analysis and business intelligence.
Chandeep specializes in training and consulting for both small and large companies, focusing on creating and automating BI Dashboards, Excel Reports, and maintaining Process Automations. His innovative solutions enable businesses to streamline their workflows, gain actionable insights, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
As the founder of Goodly.co.in, Chandeep has built a platform dedicated to teaching advanced Excel and Power BI techniques. His engaging and practical approach has earned him a loyal following, making his YouTube channel a go-to resource for professionals seeking to enhance their skills. With nearly 600 videos and over 110,000 subscribers, his channel is a testament to his dedication to sharing knowledge and simplifying complex concepts.
Chandeep’s expertise extends beyond Excel and Power BI. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer, known for his ability to break down intricate topics into accessible and actionable insights.
At the last edition of the prestigious Global Excel Sum(it) London conference, all participants, after voting, chose Chandeep's lecture as the best of all presented at the event.
Chandeep Conference Topic:
The Magic of Records in Power Query
Chandeep Masterclass Topic: “Advanced Visualizations in Power BI”United Kingdom, 4 x Microsoft MVP
Mark is a qualified accountant, consultant, and blogger who has been applying Excel-based solutions for over 20 years. He is an expert in building applications and designing processes to help companies with analysis, extensive dashboards, reporting, and process automation tools, to achieve greater business insight and efficiency - enabling businesses to make better data-driven decisions faster and at lower cost.
Mark is the founder of Excel Off the Grid, launched in 2016, which has become a trusted platform for learning intermediate and advanced Excel techniques. Through his blog, tutorials, and resources, Mark has empowered countless professionals to elevate their skills and optimize their workflow.
More recently, Mark has focused on Microsoft’s “Power” tools (Power Automate, Power BI, Power Query, and Power Pivot). He created BI Off The Grid as an online resource to help people gain the skills and knowledge to use Power BI confidently, efficiently, and effectively.
Mark is committed to sharing his knowledge through multiple channels. From his engaging tutorials and articles on his websites to his active presence on Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube, he continues to guide and inspire professionals worldwide. His dedication to education and innovation has solidified his reputation as a leading global voice in data analysis and process automation.
Mark Conference Topic:
Which Excel functions spill?
This session uncovers the secrets to knowing which functions spill. By going deep into core Excel calculation and array techniques, we will find the simple truth hiding inside every function.
Mark Masterclass Topic: Mastering Dynamic Arrays and LAMBDA in ExcelCanada, 5 x Microsoft MVP
United Kingdom, 5 x Microsoft MVP
Alan Murray is a distinguished Excel expert, Microsoft trainer, and business consultant with over 20 years of experience in helping companies and professionals optimize their workflows and achieve exceptional results through data. He is the creator of the popular website and YouTube channel Computergaga, recognized as one of the leading resources for Excel and Power BI. With more than 750 videos, over 110,000 subscribers, and an impressive 60 million views, his channel stands as a testament to his commitment to sharing knowledge and inspiring a global audience.
Alan is the principal organizer of the monthly Excel Meetup in London, providing a platform for professionals to connect, learn, and exchange ideas in a dynamic and engaging environment.
As an author, Alan has penned two highly acclaimed books within the Excel community: "Advanced Excel Formulas" and "Advanced Excel Success: A Practical Guide to Mastering Excel". These works make complex concepts accessible and enjoyable, helping readers take their Excel skills to the next level.
Beyond writing, Alan is a regular contributor to leading platforms such as How-To Geek, Go Skills, and Career Foundry, sharing practical insights and expert advice. He also delivers courses through the renowned online platform Udemy, where he has trained thousands of professionals from around the world.
Alan Conference Topic:
Excel Time Machine: Four Eras, Four Challenges
Description:
Step into a spreadsheet time machine and take on four challenges—each from a different phase in Excel’s evolution. You’ll test your skills using techniques that were cutting-edge then (and still useful now), from old-school logic to new-school formulas. A fun, fast-paced session for anyone who enjoys solving problems with Excel—past or present.
UK, 1 x (Humble) Microsoft MVP
Giles Male is a distinguished financial analysis and financial modelling expert and trainer.
He is the co-founder and Managing Director of Full Stack Modeller, a leading training platform dedicated to advancing Excel and financial modelling skills for professionals.
With CIMA qualifications and a unique distinction of holding all three certifications from the Financial Modeling Institute (AFM, CFM, MFM), he stands among an elite group of global financial technology specialists.
His extensive 15-year background in accounting and financial modelling has positioned him as a pivotal educator in the field, consulting businesses and teams across diverse organizational scales.
Giles extends his professional impact through his YouTube channel, Excel on the Road, which combines technical training content with engaging travel-based insights from the Excel and financial modelling communities.
Although he describes himself as a “Humble Microsoft MVP,” Giles is recognized among professionals globally for his exceptional technical skills, leadership, and commitment to solving real business challenges.
Last year he achieved the prestigious Master Financial Modeler award from the Financial Modeling Institute.
Beyond his professional achievements, Giles is also attractive showman, and a dedicated to sport triathlete, bringing the same discipline and strategic approach to his athletic pursuits as he does to financial modelling and professional training.
USA, 10 x Microsoft MVP
Oz is an Excel Trainer & Instructor, Data Management Consultant with more than 20 years of experience. He is an Excel developer, blogger, vlogger, speaker, trainer, YouTube and social media star, patient mentor, showman, and just a funny guy…
He has developed a passion for clean data and reliable reporting. An even greater passion is teaching, sharing knowledge, and empowering people to handle their data more efficiently and with greater skill to turn their data into useful information.
Oz is a passionate advocate for clean data and reliable reporting. Even greater is his passion for teaching, sharing knowledge, and empowering people to handle their data more efficiently and confidently, turning it into valuable information.
As an educator, Oz conducts public and private Excel workshops in the Chicago area, leads classes at the University of Illinois-Chicago and Northwestern University, and is a speaker at Microsoft Ignite Chicago. He is the co-author of the book "Guerrilla Data Analysis", written together with Bill Jelen (Mr. Excel), which helps professionals overcome challenges in data analysis.
His blog, DataScopic.net, is a valuable resource addressing aspects of data literacy that often hinder people from making the most effective use of Excel and extracting what they need from their data.
Oz is regularly on the judging panel of the Microsoft Excel World Championship in Las Vegas.
Beyond his professional achievements, Oz is a U.S. Navy veteran. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from the University of Illinois-Chicago and has received education at Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
His dedication and passion for Excel have been recognized with the title Microsoft Excel MVP since 2015.
Bulgaria, ITraining, 9 x Microsoft MVP
Microsoft Certified Trainer with more than 15 years of experience as an IT instructor and consultant. Certifications she has: Microsoft Office Specialist Master (MOS Master), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist for Microsoft Project Server (MCTS), Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist for Microsoft Project (MCTS). In 2008, she was awarded among the TOP 25 of the best instructors in the Microsoft World Company business evaluation and measurement - Knowledge Advisors. Speaker at numerous Microsoft events in Bulgaria, the USA, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Founder and administrator of the user group Microsoft Office Bulgaria for Microsoft Bulgaria. Founder and organizer of “Bulgaria Excel Days” – one of the biggest global events dedicated to Microsoft Excel. Owner and CEO of the company for Microsoft training and IT business consulting – ITraining Ltd.
The Most Recent Trends in Excel for Business, Data Analysis and Visualisation, Power BI Solutions, Financial Modelling, VBA Best Practices, and many more…
Mike Koss is a part of the first team programmers that developed Excel 40 years ago. As one of the lead developers who contributed to the creation of Microsoft Excel back in 1985, Mike Koss will be an honorary guest at the upcoming Bulgaria Excel Days international conference dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the legendary product, now used by nearly 1.5 billion people worldwide.
The Masterclass is supported by Sheetcast, an Excellent sponsor of Bulgaria Excel Days 2025, and will be part of the event program on 23rd October. The host of this free Masterclass is Celia Alves (Canada) – a world-renowned Excel expert and Microsoft MVP for five consecutive years. As a Business Analyst and Ambassador at Sheetcast, she integrates Excel, Sheetcast, Power Query, and more, into efficient solutions
The international conference "Bulgaria Excel Days 2025" will be held in in the big hall of the Van Gogh7 Event Space, Sofia.
The "Bulgaria Excel Days 2025 Мasterclasses will be held in the conference rooms of the Van Gogh 7 Event Space, Sofia
Metro Line 2 (Vitosha / Paradise MALL Station)
Trolleybus lines 288 (Stop: Vitosha / Paradise MALL Metro Station)
Bus lines 64, 66, 68, 98, 120, 805 (Stop: Vitosha / Paradise MALL Metro Station)
21, 22, 23 and 24 October 2025
Van Gogh 7 Event Space, Sofia
