Power BI Modeling MCP Server Workshop

Deep Dive: AI-Powered Semantic Model Development

Duration: 2 Hours (Hands-On Lab Format)
Audience: Power BI Developers familiar with semantic models, new to MCP
Tools: VS Code + GitHub Copilot + Power BI Desktop
Sample Report: Sales & Returns Sample v201912.pbix (download from Microsoft)

---

HOUR 1: Setup & Architecture (~60 minutes)

---

Title

Power BI Modeling MCP Server
Deep Dive Workshop

• 2 Hours | Hands-On Lab | VS Code + Copilot
• AI-Powered Semantic Model Development
• github.com/microsoft/powerbi-modeling-mcp

---

Workshop Agenda

Hour 1 — Setup & Architecture

• What is MCP? Protocol fundamentals
• Power BI Modeling MCP architecture
• Install VS Code extension
• Configure GitHub Copilot
• Download sample report & save as PBIP
• Set up two-folder workspace
• Connect MCP to Power BI Desktop

Goal: Everyone connected and making their first MCP call

Hour 2 — Hands-On Lab

• Lab 1: Bulk rename columns & measures
• Lab 2: Add descriptions across model
• Lab 3: Create KPI Measures table with complex DAX
• Lab 4: Build Product Performance calculated table
• Lab 5: Add fiscal calendar columns & time intelligence
• Lab 6: Create Calculation Groups (Time & Currency)
• Lab 7: Implement Row-Level Security (static roles by store type/product category)
• Lab 8: Create Perspectives & generate documentation
• Lab 9: Git commit, push, and rollback
• Lab 10: Fix report visual references (separate VS Code window)

Goal: Complete real-world model changes with CI/CD safety net

---

What is MCP?

Model Context Protocol — The bridge between AI and your tools

MCP is an open protocol that standardizes how AI assistants connect to external tools, data sources, and services. Think of it as a universal adapter between LLMs and the real world.

Three Core Components:

Key Insight

MCP servers run locally on your machine. Your data never leaves your environment — the AI sends commands, not your data.

Reference: modelcontextprotocol.io

---

Architecture Overview

Data Flow Diagram

┌─────────────────────────────────┐
│     YOU                         │
│     VS Code + GitHub Copilot    │
│     (Natural language prompts)  │
└───────────────┬─────────────────┘
                │
                │ MCP Protocol (stdio)
                ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────┐
│     LOCAL SERVER                │