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Microsoft Build 2021 Developer Conference Likely to Be Digital
Microsoft's big Build developer conference is still on for next month, in a digital experience only, and new reports indicate that may be the same format used for next year's event.
As it has with other forms of developer education, the company is shifting its in-person events to virtual events accessed via a computer as much of the nation is working remotely and under stay-at-home directives in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Microsoft last month announced Build 2020 would be virtual, and the Build site says: "The safety of our community is top priority. In light of global health concerns due to COVID-19 and related government actions in Washington State, we will deliver our annual Microsoft Build conference for developers as a digital experience, in lieu of an in-person event. Refunds will be issued to all registrants."
The conference is set for May 19-21.
Note that some parts of the Build site haven't been updated yet, as the FAQ, for example, still contains guidance stating "if we move to a digital experience, refunds will be issued to all event registrants."
Last week, it was reported that the 2021 event will also likely be presented in the same fashion as this year's show.
[Click on image for larger view.] Digital-Only Events Through 2021 (source: Twitter).
"In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, Microsoft has been closely monitoring the developing global situation and re-assessing the overall company-wide in-person event strategy," says an April 6 tweet by Ginny Caughey, reportedly referencing an email to Microsoft MVPs. "As a company, Microsoft has made the decision to transition all external and internal events to a digital-first experience through July 2021."
That, as The Verge reported, "would mean next year's event will also be digital-only" because it's usually staged in April or May.
About the Author
David Ramel is an editor and writer at Converge 360.