Community at .conf25: SplunkTrust Stories Series (Part 4)

Over the past few weeks, we’ve taken you on a journey through the eyes of the SplunkTrust members who have attended .conf. These are the people who know every corner of the event, remember when Fezzes first appeared, and can tell you exactly where to find the best hallway conversations. Their stories are full of milestones, friendships, and moments that define what it means to be part of this extraordinary community. And as we close out this series, we celebrate not just their journeys, but the lasting impact they’ve had on .conf — and on the people lucky enough to meet them there. 

As we close out this series, I want to thank all the SplunkTrust members who took time out in answering all my questions and sharing their .conf journey with me.

For some, .conf is just another technology conference. For SplunkTrust members like Michael Bentley, it has become something far more personal — an annual homecoming and a celebration of a community that’s as much about people as it is about data.

The journey began ten years ago, sparked by one simple connection with a sales rep who suggested attending. That first .conf opened the door to a decade filled with learning, recognition, and countless friendships.

Among hundreds of great memories, one stands head and shoulders above the rest — the 2018 moment when Michael gifted a custom Splunk tie to then-CEO Doug Merritt. To their surprise, Doug wore it on stage while presenting Michael and their team with the prestigious Revolution Award for Ecosystem. That small gesture turned into a symbol of mutual appreciation and community spirit.

While compelling keynotes and tech sessions are part of the draw, the true heartbeat of .conf has always been the people. As Michael puts it,“At the conference, everyone feels like extended family, no one is a stranger and it takes the entire community to make something like that happen.”

This sense of belonging turns each event into a family reunion — a place where seasoned pros and newcomers alike can share experiences, exchange solutions, and celebrate wins together.

Looking ahead, the excitement is as strong as ever. The highlight? The debut of the first-ever Cyber Games, where Michael will compete alongside two fellow SplunkTrust members. But beyond the events themselves, it’s the ongoing relationships and the new faces joining the fold that keep the tradition alive.

For anyone stepping into .conf for the first time, “The community is your easy button…chances are many members have already done what you're trying to do and know exactly how to overcome your current hurdle. So join us today. We are eager to meet you.”

And with that, the invitation is clear — whether you’re looking for technical answers, career growth, or just a place where data people feel like family, .conf is where it happens.