I Need Coffee - Episode 210 - Directions NA Recap (May 1, 2026)

1. Directions NA Conference Recap (Orlando)
1,400 attendees — largest ever.
Excellent venue layout (compact, logical hallway design) enabled much better conversations and networking compared to last year’s chaotic Vegas setup.
Noticeably more collaborative, humble atmosphere — partners openly sharing challenges and seeking help.
Many GP partners attending to transition to Business Central.
Highlight: AI shell shock creating a sense of shared uncertainty and openness.

2. Sessions Presented
Modern Support / Rethinking Managed Services (with David Lasser) — Best session feedback so far; strong conversations on fixed-fee support vs. time & materials.
“So You Think You Need a Dev?” — Pivoted due to rapid AI changes; explored evolving role of developers.
Faster Path for Requirements, Design & Prototype — Demonstrated building functional PRDs + working prototypes in hours using AI. Received overwhelmingly positive (5-star) feedback; several attendees had “mind blown” moments.

3. AI Time & Skill Dilation
AI creates massive perceived gaps: adopters feel like they’re moving at near-light speed while others lag years behind.
Smaller partners/teams can adapt faster than large ones with inertia or resistant management.
Story of an enthusiastic employee at a large partner whose AI insights were dismissed — potential for internal conflict or him leaving.

4. Vibe Coding & Tooling Updates
Website: Initially built with Astro (via Perplexity). After review, sticking with Astro for its benefits (shared layouts, content collections, image optimization, etc.) rather than switching to pure HTML.
Planning heavy vibe coding weekend:
Business Central Control Add-ins (JavaScript) — inspired by conversation with Sasha (ex-Netronic).
Improving Number Series prompting (consistent pain point).
Table relation / lookup fixes.
Camille Code Review refinement (and meta code review of reviews — too many false positives).
Code orchestration workflows.
User guide prompting improvements.

Jeremy Visca’s Agentic Development training recommended (beginner to expert levels available).

5. Networking & Memorable Moments
Met long-time GP customer Paul (8+ years using Postmaster) now working at an ISV.
Met viewers (Sasha from Germany) and other partners (Alteora LATAM team, Sarah from Synak, Corey from iSolutions).
Universal Orlando after-party (private section of the park) — impressive logistics.
Marketing swag praise for Blue Moon (logo mints + clean product postcards) → Steve plans to steal the simple visual card idea for their own brochures.

6. Travel & Personal Notes
Long travel day (11 hours back).
Humorous comparison of Avianca vs. Southwest “first class” legroom expectations.
Photography gear upgrade in progress (Canon R7 sniped on eBay).

7. Upcoming Events
Summit NA Road Show – Chicago (May 5–6).
Dynamics Con – May 12–15.
Directions Asia – May 13–15 (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — get tourist visa).
DUG Meetup El Salvador – May 19 (likely in Spanish).
Dynamics Minds – May 25–27 (Slovenia).
Partner Vibe 2.0 – Sept 21–23, Provo, UT (Call for Speakers open until June 15).