Microsoft Inspire 2023 kicks off today, and excitement is heating up in the partner community. This annual event is one of the most exciting on the technology calendar. It offers innovative Microsoft partners and resellers an opportunity to learn, grow, and network.
➡ Read all the news coming out of Microsoft Inspire 2023 in our news hub here ⬅
At Inspire, Microsoft's 400,000-strong partner network members join forces. They can discuss ideas, explore new Microsoft tools, and even celebrate the “Partner of the Year” awards here.
This year’s two-day digital event will take place on the 18th and 19th of July, 2023, giving partners from all over the world a chance to discover new ways to grow.
Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect from Microsoft Inspire 2023.
What is Microsoft Inspire 2023?
Microsoft Inspire is Microsoft’s partner-focused event. According to the tech leader, Inspire is a time for partners to celebrate each other’s successes and explore new avenues for growth. This year’s event will be hosted entirely online for the fourth year in a row.
Before the pandemic, Inspire conferences were held in various physical locations across North America. However, switching virtual event format has allowed Microsoft to reach a broader range of partners in recent years.
The digital experiences promise full access to live keynotes and sessions, an on-demand video catalog, a speaker directory, and session scheduler tools. Plus, Microsoft will offer interactive session chats for networking and downloadable resources.
The event is free to attend, making it a must-see for many tech partners.
Key Focus Areas for This Year’s Event
According to Microsoft, this year's programming will offer industry insights and real-time answers to common partner questions. For 2023, the event will be focused on the following pillars:
- Fuelling business growth and profitability: Guidance on how to make the most of your membership within the Microsoft Cloud Partner program. Microsoft will also include tips on using the program's benefits to drive business success.
- Unlocking customer success together: Microsoft’s sessions will include insights into specific sales plays aligned to its cloud solution areas. Attendees will also access information on industries and environments where demand is growing.
- Accelerating AI transformation: Attendees will discover how partner opportunities are expanding as Microsoft invests in new forms of artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Open AI algorithms.
What Happened at Microsoft Inspire 2022?
Every year, Microsoft Inspire allows the technology leader to connect with its growing partner network. Attendees learn how to make the most of the benefits they gain as a Microsoft Cloud Partner program member. There are often several behind-the-scenes insights into Microsoft’s recent tools, platforms, and innovative technologies.
For instance, at Microsoft Inspire 2022, attendees learned about the:
- Microsoft Digital Contact Center Platform: Microsoft’s recent developments in the AI-powered contact center combining technology from Teams, Azure, and Nuance.
- Azure Space Partner Community Program: A solution offering exclusive access to scaling services and technical support within the Azure Space landscape.
- Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty: Microsoft’s cutting-edge solution for public sector customers looking to transform workloads in the cloud.
- Microsoft Teams shared channels: The new features allow companies to collaborate with contacts outside their business on Microsoft Teams.
- Viva Engage and Viva Goals: New technologies within the Viva platform designed to improve workplace engagement and alignment.
- Excel Live: Microsoft’s latest Office landscape innovations allow teams to work together on spreadsheets in real time.
- Incentives for Azure Migration: Microsoft’s Azure Migration and Modernization Program’s most recent incentives and benefits for partners.
- ISV Success Program: The latest features offering ISVs access to cloud sandboxes, technical and business resources, and developer tooling.
What to Expect from Microsoft Inspire 2023
At Microsoft Inspire 2023, attendees will have an opportunity to hear from speakers throughout the Microsoft network. Plus, dedicated live, interactive sessions will allow visitors to network and engage with other partners. Networking opportunities include expert Q&As and community discussions.
For 2023, Microsoft has announced a specific structure for their event. The first day of Inspire will be committed to providing partners with insights into critical Microsoft innovations they can leverage for their customers.
The second day will be focused on connections. According to Microsoft, professionals are looking for ways to meet and connect with leaders, dig deeper into topics, and ask questions about their services.
Some of the core experiences we can look forward to this year include:
Insights from Innovative Speakers
Keynote and dedicated speaker sessions will make up most of the first day at the Inspire event. Attendees can expect to hear from Satya Nadella (CEO), Judson Althoff (CCO), Nick Parker (President of Partner Sales), and many other leading names.
Aside from an introductory keynote, some of the planned sessions cover topics on:
- Powering AI transformation in the Microsoft Cloud
- The road ahead for the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program
- End-to-end security powered by AI for Microsoft customers
- Transforming work with AI and Microsoft tools (such as Copilot)
- Turning impact into vision with Microsoft Azure
- Winning customers with industry-specific solutions
Attendees can plan their full session schedule on the Microsoft partner website.
