As we approach Microsoft Ignite 2024, the opportunity for partners to harness the power of AI has never been more exciting or transformative. A recent Microsoft-commissioned global study through IDC underscores that AI is reshaping how we do business, acting as a catalyst for innovation across industries. It's empowering partners to deliver unprecedented value to customers—from streamlining operations to creating personalized experiences. For those ready to embrace it, AI opens new possibilities.
Microsoft Ignite is a four-day hybrid event taking place in Chicago and online the week of November 18, 2024. Although the in-person event is sold out, you can still participate online. Keynotes and some sessions will be streamed online from November 19-21, and registration is still open—don’t miss your chance to sign up! Whether in person or online, we are excited to gather with customers and partners next month to explore what’s next in AI.
What to expect at Microsoft Ignite 2024
Microsoft Ignite 2024 offers the opportunity for partners to tailor their experience, independent of their organization’s business model and role. Whether you are a technical expert, senior business leader, an IT implementer, a developer, or just passionate about innovative technology, you'll find a wealth of learning opportunities in technical sessions, hands-on labs, workshops, certifications, and networking.
If your focus is getting the most out of your partnership with Microsoft and understanding the offerings, benefits, and incentives available to help you grow your business, we’ve designed Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program content to foster partner-to-partner and partner-to-Microsoft connections. This includes an AI Cloud Partner Program solution area, industry breakouts, partner theater sessions in The Hub, shared meeting spaces, and co-sell opportunities.
Discover Microsoft Ignite sessions
The sessions at Microsoft Ignite are designed to equip partners with the knowledge and tools to grow their businesses using the latest technology. Over four days, you'll hear from Microsoft leaders on the year’s most important topics.
- Partner general session: Join Microsoft leaders to learn about the latest opportunities for partners, including key announcements, updates on the AI Cloud Partner Program, and celebration of the Partner of the Year Award (POTYA) winners.
- Partner-focused breakout sessions: This collection of sessions focuses on empowering partners to grow their businesses through the AI Cloud Partner Program and its vast range of opportunities. Topics include driving growth through partner incentives, securing business strategies, and enhancing co-selling through deeper collaboration with Microsoft. Partners will learn how to capture Microsoft commercial marketplace opportunities, activate channels, and stay updated on the latest developments in ISV Success, including AI benefits.
- Industry sessions: These sessions explore key opportunities for Microsoft partners to drive innovation and growth across industries through AI and cloud solutions. They highlight AI's transformative role in industrial, healthcare, financial services, retail, and sustainability sectors. Partners will gain insights into scaling AI with tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, unlocking new growth avenues, and driving sustainability and business transformation with the cloud capabilities of Microsoft.
- Microsoft Ignite highlights for software partners: Microsoft is committed to supporting partners who develop software in expanding and reaching their customers. At this year’s Microsoft Ignite, software companies can learn how to enhance their AI expertise with top-notch services from Microsoft, backed by strong data privacy and security. Partners can also join sessions on creating and marketing AI apps, using the marketplace, and speeding up product shipments.
- Technical sessions and labs: Get hands on with the newest Microsoft products and services to deliver more value to your organization and real benefits for customers. Explore cloud solution areas and learn best practices for uncovering new opportunities and driving customer success in Business Applications, Data & AI (Azure), Digital & App Innovation (Azure), Infrastructure (Azure), Modern Work, and Security.
- Hub spaces and theater sessions: The Partner Theater is the dedicated stage for 15- to 30-minute, fast-paced, partner-focused presentations. In these sessions, discover real-world use cases, live demos, and quick tips—delivered in an informal, engaging, and practical format—that you can immediately apply to your business.
Check out the full session catalog to find the sessions that can have the greatest impact on your business.
Explore The Hub
The Hub at Microsoft Ignite 2024 is the heartbeat of the event—a dynamic expo space for attendees to engage with cutting-edge technology and innovations. It is a space for discovery, connection, and learning. Here, you can engage with Microsoft experts and Featured Partners through live demos, technical discussions, and immersive experiences. You can also dive deeper into the insights shared during keynotes and topic sessions or get experience with the technology through demos.
The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program booth is located near the Microsoft Showcase and the Partner Theater. Here, you can connect with subject matter experts from the Partner Center engineering team and partner support teams for technical guidance or insights on partnership strategies. Stop by to learn about the latest program benefits and offerings so you can make the most of your partnership with Microsoft to grow your business, build customer trust, expand your capabilities, and differentiate your company from the competition.
The Hub is also your go-to space for networking with the broader partner community, Microsoft partner executives, and other key leaders from the Microsoft partner team, as well as engineering and alliance teams.
Connect with Microsoft Ignite Featured Partners
Microsoft Ignite offers a unique opportunity to learn from and network with Featured Partners, who are leading the way in innovation and digital transformation. Attend their breakout sessions and discussions to gain insights and solutions that can help drive your business forward. Explore the Featured Partner directory ahead of time to learn more about their capabilities.
At Microsoft Ignite, you will have the chance to uncover the latest innovations in AI and technology, empowering your customers across nearly every industry. This event offers the opportunity to gain a competitive edge by exploring new capabilities, learning about specializations, and positioning your business for success in the era of AI.
Get ready to engage with a diverse community of peers, connect with Microsoft leaders, customers, and other partners, and collaborate on building innovative solutions! We look forward to connecting with you at Microsoft Ignite, where together we will drive business transformation and help customers progress with confidence.
Visit the full Microsoft Ignite website for the latest details on attendees, schedules, and topics.
A great way to get prepared for Microsoft Ignite is to review the MCAPS Start for Partners content available here.