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Microsoft Execs to Tackle AI and Cloud in Dev Conference Keynotes
AI unsurprisingly is all over keynotes that Microsoft execs will helm to kick off the Visual Studio Live! developer conference in Las Vegas, March 10-14, which the company described as "a must-attend event."
"From hands-on workshops to deep-dive sessions, this event is loaded with practical guidance you can apply immediately in your day-to-day development work," said Microsoft's Jim Harrer, senior product marketing manager, in a blog post today (Jan. 14). "And I'm especially excited about our two powerhouse keynotes -- we'll explore the future of .NET, AI, and secure cloud-native data solutions."
Those are indeed the hot areas of Microsoft-centric software development these days, with the company recently pushing the cloud-native focus with .NET Aspire.
.NET Aspire (source: Microsoft).
In fact, that set of cloud tools, templates, and packages for building observable, production-ready apps will be the subject of one of the conference's multi-day, hands-on labs, which will also explore Python and AI, SQL Server 2025, Blazor and more.
And AI, along with being the subject of hands-on labs and many other sessions, will also be front and center in a keynote presentation delivered by Jon Galloway, principal program manager, and James Montemagno, principal lead program manager, titled "The AI, Cloud-Native, Run Anywhere Future of .NET."
Keynotes (source: Microsoft).
The second keynote also includes AI in the title, "The Future of Applications Using SQL and AI." It will be delivered by Davide Mauri, principal product manager, Jerry Nixon, product manager, and Bob Ward, principal architect for Microsoft Azure Data.
AI development also leads off Harrer's highlights for the conference:
- AI Development: See the latest for developers infusing their apps with AI leveraging LLMS, vector databases, and the latest SDKs to enhance developer. Also come see the latest enhancements in GitHub Copilot for AI assisted development.
- Mobile & Desktop App Development: Come learn how to build native Windows apps with WinUI 3 and the Windows App SDK, dive deep into native multi-platform development with .NET MAUI, and hybrid development across all platforms with Blazor Hybrid.
- .NET & C# Best Practices: Learn the newest .NET/C# features, bust common myths, and sharpen your skills in asynchronous programming, configuration, and more.
- SQL, Cosmos, Fabric, and AI: Dive into vector search, SQL integration with AI frameworks, the latest in CosmosDB, and data analysis in Fabric -- directly from the team that builds them. This will include details on the new release of SQL Server 2025 and SQL database in Fabric.
- Developer Well-Being & Leadership: Sessions on burnout, imposter syndrome, and team-building for remote developers -- because our industry is about people as much as technology.
- Hands-On Labs: Roll up your sleeves in multi-day labs exploring Python & AI, .NET Aspire, SQL Server 2025, Blazor, and more -- perfect for those who learn by doing.
Harrer also detailed early discounts and deals, which are enhanced for subscribers to certain Visual Studio editions:
- Exclusive Discounts: If you have a Visual Studio Professional or Enterprise subscription, check my.visualstudio.com for exclusive discounts included with your subscription.
- Early Bird Deals: If you're not a subscriber, save by registering early on the VSLive! Las Vegas event page. But hurry -- Early Bird specials are ending soon.
"I'll be there, and I'd love to meet you to talk about all things Visual Studio, Azure, GitHub, AI, and more," Harrer said. "Feel free to reach out with me via LinkedIn if you would like to meet during the conference."
Microsoft has been heavily involved with the conference, which is being presented by the parent company of Visual Studio Magazine. With our special access, we have published several Q&A articles to explore sessions and related technology further, with many sessions being led by Microsoft developers:
About the Author
David Ramel is an editor and writer at Converge 360.