Communities are the heartbeat of innovation. In this post, I want to share the story behind the Workplace Ninja User Group Belgium; how it started, why it exists, and the incredible journey we’ve had so far. As Co-founder, I’ve witnessed firsthand how a simple idea can grow into a thriving community of passionate IT professionals. This story isn’t just about events and meetups; it’s about people coming together to learn, share, and inspire one another. Whether you’re curious about how tech communities form, thinking of starting your own, or simply want to understand the power of collaboration in the modern workplace, I hope this post gives you a glimpse into what makes the Workplace Ninjas User Group Belgium so special.
The Story Behind the Workplace Ninjas User Group Belgium
I’ve had the privilege (together with a bunch of awesome people) of helping build a community that connects IT professionals passionate about Endpoint Management, Security, and the Modern Workplace. But this group didn’t just appear overnight; it was born out of a shared vision, a few bold conversations, and a desire to create something meaningful for the Belgian tech community.
Why does this story matter? Because behind every thriving community is a group of people who dared to start something. Whether you’re an IT pro looking to join a user group, someone thinking of starting your own, or simply curious about how grassroots tech communities come to life, this story is for you.
How it All Started
The idea for the Workplace Ninja User Group Belgium came from a simple but powerful realization: there was no dedicated space in Belgium where IT professionals working with Microsoft 365, Intune, and Endpoint Management could regularly connect, learn, and grow together.
As someone deeply involved in the Microsoft ecosystem and active in the MCT community, I often found myself having rich conversations at international events, like the Workplace Ninja Summit or MCT Summit, that I wished we could replicate locally. I spoke with a few like-minded peers (the best team I could wish for) who shared the same vision, and soon, the idea of starting our own user group began to take shape.
We didn’t want just another meetup. We wanted a community, one that would be inclusive, practical, and focused on real-world challenges and solutions.
A key moment in our journey was the encouragement and support we received from the Workplace Ninjas Global community, especially from Mirko Colemberg, one of the driving forces behind the international movement. His enthusiasm and openness to help local chapters get started gave us the confidence and backing we needed to move forward. With their guidance, we were able to align our goals with the broader mission of empowering IT professionals worldwide. And so the Workplace Ninja User Group Belgium came to life in December 2024.
The Founding Team and Our First Steps
Every community starts with a few people who believe in the idea before anyone else does. For the Workplace Ninjas User Group Belgium, the core team (Kenny Buntinx, Joery Van den Bosch, Maxime Guillemin, Kim Heyrman, Dieter Kempeneers, and myself) was made up of passionate professionals who shared a vision for creating a local space where knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for the modern workplace could thrive.
I had the honor of working alongside a group of dedicated individuals who brought different strengths to the table, whether it was organizing logistics, shaping the content strategy, or building connections with speakers and sponsors. Each person played a vital role in turning the idea into reality.
Our first event was both exciting and nerve-wracking. We didn’t know how many people would show up, or whether the format would resonate. But the response was overwhelming. We had a strong turnout, engaging sessions, and most importantly, a sense of community. People stayed long after the sessions ended, sharing stories, asking questions, and connecting. That’s when we knew: this was the beginning of something special.
From that point on, we committed to regular meetups, with our Summer Event in July as the highlight, where we welcomed none other than Lior Bela and Mirko Colemberg as guest speakers. We focused on keeping things practical, relevant, and welcoming, whether you were a seasoned expert or just starting your journey in Endpoint Management or Microsoft 365.
What’s Next for the Workplace Ninjas User Group Belgium
We’re not slowing down anytime soon. The Workplace Ninja User Group Belgium continues to grow with the same pleasure and enthusiasm that sparked its creation. Every meetup, every session, and every conversation reminds us why we started: to bring people together, share knowledge, and make the modern workplace better for everyone.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep doing what we love: organizing events, collaborating with other communities, and supporting professionals in their journey with Microsoft technologies. But we’re also dreaming big. We have great ideas we’re working to bring to life; whether it’s new formats, deeper technical dives, or broader outreach to students and newcomers.
Our mission remains the same: empower, connect, and inspire. And we’re grateful for everyone who’s joined us on this journey so far. The best part? We’re just getting started.
A Heartfelt Thank You
None of this would have been possible without the incredible people who believed in the vision from day one. To all the co-founders who helped shape the Workplace Ninja User Group Belgium, your dedication and energy laid the foundation for everything we’ve built.
To our attendees, thank you for showing up, engaging, and making each event feel like a gathering of friends and peers. Your curiosity and feedback keep us motivated.
And to our speakers, thank you for sharing your expertise, your time, and your stories. You’ve helped elevate the quality of our sessions and inspired countless professionals along the way.
This community is a reflection of all of you, and I’m truly grateful to be part of it.
Yours sincerely,
