The current COVID-19 pandemic has led to a lot of events being canceled. However, some of them have adapted and returned in a digital format. Those of you who wanted to go to this year’s Microsoft Ignite, for example, will be pleased to know that Microsoft has confirmed an online version of the event.
The Return of Microsoft Ignite
Microsoft Ignite is a developer-based conference which pairs professionals with those working within Microsoft.
Typically, this is a week-long event with interpersonal connections, but due to the pandemic, the event had to be cancelled. However, at the time of cancelation, Microsoft stated that it wanted to move the event online. And that has now happened.
Microsoft Ignite is twice as nice this year! We’ve transformed our week-long, in-person event into two free, 48-hour digital events. Interested in signing up? Here’s what you need to know. #MSIgnite https://t.co/axMJNZjoVI
— Chris Capossela (@chriscapossela) August 6, 2020
As announced on the Microsoft Blog, Ignite has finally returned. The company has split the event into two; one event will take place on September 22, 2020, and the second will arrive “early next year.” Microsoft has also confirmed that the second half will not replace Microsoft Build in 2021.
If you want to join in with Microsoft Ignite this year, registration opens on September 3. The event is free, and you gain access to the whole 48 hours that the event runs for.
Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, the Microsoft Ignite Tours won’t visit different cities in different countries. Instead, professionals from all around the world will meet up virtually during the online Microsoft Ignite events to impart their knowledge and expertise to attendees.
The Future for Technology Events?
Microsoft Ignite is not the first time that an event has been moved online. We’ve seen other big events, from E3 to Microsoft Build, shift to an online-only model due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. And this creates an interesting technological challenge for the hosts.
These events are usually fantastic opportunities for industry professionals to network, but how is this possible when everyone’s stuck at home?
However, Microsoft has stated that the online event “includes the opportunity for local community meetups, [and] will have language localization.” As such, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft handles the challenge of bringing the entire world together under one digital roof.
A New Life for Microsoft Ignite
With the pandemic causing so many cancellations around the world, some have adapted to the new normal. If you want to sign up for Microsoft Ignite, be sure to book a free spot on September 3.
In the meantime, be sure to check out these free development tools from Microsoft.
Read the full article: Microsoft Ignite Returns as Two Online Events
