Presented by David H. Ringstrom, CPA
 
Event Date: 1/27/25 

Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM Eastern

In this presentation author and Excel expert David H. Ringstrom provides an entry level discussion of the Python programming language in Excel. Early iterations of Python are mainly geared at data scientists, so after exploring Python David will demonstrate how to carry out equivalent tasks using Excel features. He'll also compare Python to Visual Basic for Applications, as well as to Office Scripts, both of which are automation platforms that can streamline repetitive tasks.

David is the author of “Exploring Microsoft Excel's Hidden Treasures: Turbocharge your Excel proficiency with expert tips, automation techniques, and overlooked features”. He demonstrates every technique at least twice: first, on a PowerPoint slide with numbered steps, and second, in the subscription-based Excel for Microsoft 365. David draws your attention to any differences in Excel 2021, 2019 or 2016 during the presentation and in his detailed handouts. The handouts include an Excel workbook with most of the examples he uses during his demonstrations.

Excel for Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based product that receives periodic feature updates. Conversely, perpetually licensed versions have year numbers in their names and do not receive any feature updates.

Who should attend:

Professionals seeking to gain an understanding of how the Python programming language can be used in Excel.

Topics typically covered:

• Identifying the ideal data for analysis with Excel’s PivotTable feature.

• Navigating through workbooks and identifying non-blank worksheet cells with the Navigation task pane in Microsoft 365.

• Exploring the PivotTable ribbon tabs and PivotTable Field List.

• Creating a PivotTable to transform lists of data into on-screen reports.

• Removing the Table feature from a worksheet if it’s no longer needed.

• Setting queries to refresh automatically when opening a workbook that contains Power Query results.

• Adding rows to a blank PivotTable to create instant reports.

• Learning how the Table feature empowers you to improve the integrity of Excel spreadsheets.

• Creating and referencing dataframes with Python in Excel.

• Using the Advanced Editor in Power Query to get a bird's eye view of transformation steps as well as transfer Power Query settings between workbooks.

• Exploring the risks and benefits of participating in the Beta Channel program in Excel for Microsoft 365.

• Exploring how Python is implemented in Excel for Microsoft 365.

Learning objectives:

• State which XLOOKUP argument causes an alternate value to be displayed in lieu of #N/A.

• Recall the menu in Excel where the Table feature resides.

• Identify the location of the PivotTable command within Excel's ribbon menu interface.