Beginners Guide to Data Transformations in Power Query

Power Query is one of the most powerful data preparation tools available in Microsoft Excel and Power BI, allowing users to import, clean, reshape and combine data without writing complex formulas or macros. This beginner-friendly webinar introduces the fundamentals of the Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) process and explains how Power Query works behind the scenes. Participants will learn how queries interact with source data, understand the Power Query interface, and discover common transformation techniques used in everyday reporting. Through practical demonstrations and real-world examples, attendees will gain confidence in preparing clean, reliable datasets for analysis. By the end of the session, participants will understand the core concepts required to begin using Power Query effectively.

• Understand the Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) process.
• Explain the difference between source data queries and output tables.
• Navigate the Power Query interface with confidence.
• Import data from common sources using the Navigator.
• Apply common data transformation techniques.
• Understand how Applied Steps record every transformation.
• Select and manage appropriate data types.
• Differentiate between Merge and Append operations.
• Refresh queries when source data changes.

• Introduction to ETL concepts
• Understanding how Power Query works
• Source data vs Query vs Output tables
• Importing data using the Navigator
• Previewing data before loading
• Load vs Transform Data options
• Tour of the Power Query Editor
• Queries Pane and Query Settings
• Applied Steps explained
• Managing data types
• Creating basic custom columns
• Merge vs Append explained
• Query dependencies
• Refreshing queries
• Connection Only vs Loaded Tables
• Close & Load options
• Beginner best practices and common mistakes

• Excel Users
• Business Analysts
• Data Analysts
• Reporting Analysts
• Financial Analysts
• Operations Analysts
• Sales Analysts
• Supply Chain Analysts
• HR Analysts
• Project Coordinators
• Finance Professionals
• Office Administrators
• Management Information (MI) Analysts
• Business Intelligence (BI) Beginners
• Power BI Beginners
• Professionals responsible for preparing or cleaning data in Excel
• Anyone new to Power Query who wants to automate repetitive data preparation tasks

Markus Ehrenmueller-Jensen is a Microsoft Data Platform expert, trainer, and consultant specializing in Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, SQL Server, and data analytics solutions. With many years of international consulting and training experience, Markus helps organizations and professionals better understand modern data technologies and turn data into actionable insights.

He is well known in the global Microsoft data community as an international conference speaker, author, and educator, regularly presenting at events, user groups, and technical conferences worldwide. Markus focuses on making complex technical topics understandable and practical, helping attendees bridge the gap between theory and real-world implementation.

His areas of expertise include Power BI, DAX, Data Modeling, Microsoft Fabric, SQL Server, Azure Data Services, and Business Intelligence architecture. Through his engaging and practical presentation style, Markus empowers attendees to build confidence and deepen their technical understanding.