Want to slash your Excel reporting time by 80%? This week we're featuring game-changing functions like FILTER and TRIMRANGE, plus a chance to earn a PDU while getting your toughest Excel questions answered live.
PM Best Practices: Quick Tip for Excel Data Visualization
Featured Article: Unlocking the Power of the FILTER Function in Excel
Helper columns in Excel: what if you could delete them all?
If you're like most project managers working with Excel, you've probably created countless helper columns just to extract the exact data you need for reports and dashboards.
The difference between spending hours on data preparation and having dynamic, instantly-updated reports isn't what most people think. It's not about Excel expertise—it's about knowing which new functions eliminate unnecessary steps.
The FILTER function in Excel 365 and Excel 2021 is the game-changer that most project managers are missing.
In the next 5 minutes, you'll learn how this powerful function lets you:
Extract specific data based on multiple conditions without complex formulas
Create outputs that automatically update when source data changes
Use simple syntax like =FILTER(array, include, [if_empty]) for powerful results
Build responsive dashboards without helper columns
Video Tutorial: TRIMRANGE - The Excel Function That Makes Spreadsheets Lightning-Fast
Are your spreadsheets becoming sluggish as they grow larger? The secret to lightning-fast Excel files isn't more processing power—it's smarter data management.
In this eye-opening tutorial, Excel expert Mike Thomas demonstrates how the TRIMRANGE function can dramatically reduce file sizes and boost performance. Learn how this little-known feature can transform bloated workbooks into lean, responsive tools that open in seconds rather than minutes.
Forum Discussion: Batch Updating Resource Rates in Project Online
One of our members is facing a challenge: needing to update ~600 resources in an enterprise pool with future effective dates (1/1/26 $100, 1/1/27 $110).
While individual updates are possible, there must be a more efficient approach for enterprise-scale updates. Do you know the solution that could save this project manager hours of tedious work?
Join the discussion to share your expertise or learn from others who've solved this problem.
Live Event (4/16): Excel Power Hour #2 with Mike Thomas: Interactive Live Q&A
Back by popular demand: Excel expert Mike Thomas returns to solve your toughest spreadsheet challenges.
Based on the enthusiastic feedback from his previous session, Mike "TheExcelTrainer" Thomas is returning for another interactive Excel Power Hour. He's ready to tackle your most challenging Excel problems in real-time.
This isn't just another webinar—it's your chance to get personalized solutions from an Excel master with 30+ years of experience who has trained professionals at Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
What makes this session different:
Your specific questions get answered live
Real solutions for real project management challenges
Techniques that work in your actual environment
Immediate takeaways you can implement right away
🗓️ Wednesday, April 16
🕛 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
📍 Live on Zoom
🏅 1 PMI PDU: Business Acumen
To make the most of this session, come prepared with your Excel questions or send them in advance to editor@mpug.com.
MPUG host live events with leading experts on Wednesdays from 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET! MPUG members get access to live events where you get direct access to industry leaders, actionable insights, hands-on training, and opportunities to earn PDU's.
Learn more and register for upcoming events:
4/9: Q&A with Erik van Hurck - Recent Additions to Microsoft Planner and What They Can Do for You | Learn More / Register Here
*OPEN TO ALL!NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED!* 4/23: Empowering Your PMO with Cutting-Edge Technology To Improve Processes and Decision-Making | Learn More / Register Here
Want to make executives instantly grasp your project status? Replace boring data tables with Excel's conditional formatting data bars. The visual impact is immediate, requires zero explanation, and updates automatically when your data changes. It's the difference between stakeholders asking questions and stakeholders making decisions.
