Microsoft Ignite 2024 with MVP Communities

Microsoft Ignite returned to Chicago on November 19-22, 2024, after last being held there almost ten years ago in 2015. This annual conference has become a key opportunity for technologists from around the globe to explore cutting-edge AI developments and the latest trends in the tech industry. This year, over 10,000 in-person attendees and hundreds of thousands online engaged with Microsoft Ignite, eager to deepen their knowledge and apply the insights gained to drive innovation in their respective fields.

MVPs and RDs gather with Microsoft members at the Community area in the Hub

Unique Ignite experiences for MVPs and RDs

A total of 250 MVPs and Regional Directors (RDs) from almost 50 different countries joined the onsite event, and many more participated in the virtual experience, making the most of their encounters with new technologies and enriching the global tech community.

A notable pre-Ignite opportunity was MVP Connect, which took place November 18 in Chicago. This gathering was exclusively for MVPs and RDs, providing an opportunity for 200+ community leaders to network with one another and engage in technical discussions with Cloud Advocates and Microsoft Executives also present. Attendees reconnected with old friends and met new ones, building and reinforcing connections within the program.

Following the Microsoft Build 2024 in May, this year’s Ignite also provided MVPs and RDs with Priority Keynote Seating for the conference's keynote presentations. Positioned near Microsoft’s executive speakers, they had the privilege of witnessing groundbreaking innovations up close.

MVPs and RDs excited to join the Keynote session: X post from Microsoft MVP Communities

Another highlight that captivated MVPs and RDs was the MVP/RD Name Wall in the Community area of the Hub. Featuring the logos of both programs and the names of all active MVPs and RDs, this wall became a magnet for attendees. Many onsite participants eagerly searched for their names, snapping photos to share on social media. Virtual attendees, inspired by these posts, expressed excitement with comments like, "I found my name!" and "Can you snap a picture of my name when you have a chance?" This initiative engaged MVPs and RDs globally, promoting a sense of connection with the programs.

MVPs take pictures of one another next to their name on the MVP/RD Name Wall

MVP Communities contributions at Microsoft Ignite 2024

This year’s Ignite achieved great success thanks to the outstanding community leadership demonstrated by MVPs and RDs. Doubling their presence from past years, 180 MVPs and RDs served in a variety of roles throughout the event: Theater Session speakers Theater Session hosts, Expert Meet-up staff, Lab proctors, Microsoft Learn Experience proctors, and Community Hub staff. MVPs and RDs played a vital role in enhancing the learning experience for attendees and we are extremely grateful for their contributions. Drawing on their technical expertise and professional experience, they worked alongside Microsoft to provide a valuable third-party perspective and help participants get their burning questions answered.

M365 MVP Michael Blumenthal on stage (after completing the technical check for his Theater session): LinkedIn post from Michael

Additionally, 20 MVPs shared their top session picks, which we posted in the blog article, MVP’s Recommended Microsoft Ignite 2024 Session. It suggested Ignite sessions to watch and helped attendees plan their schedules efficiently.

Post-Ignite activities: MVPs and RDs share their learnings from this year’s Ignite with the tech community

MVPs and RDs who attended Microsoft Ignite were inspired by the wealth of innovative technology showcased at the event. They have begun sharing their excitement and learnings with the tech community through various activities.

For example, post-event gatherings like Microsoft Ignite 2024 After Party, co-hosted by Microsoft Azure MVPs, Christopher Gill and Abdul Kazi, and What's new for Azure at Microsoft Ignite 2024, led by Microsoft Azure MVP Sam Alavi and AI Platform MVP Arafat Tehsin, are being held across the globe. These events allow even more people to gain better knowledge from the community leaders’ experiences and stay updated with the latest advancements.

Following the pre-Ignite blog article that showcased Ignite session recommendations by MVPs, we have now published a post-Ignite blog post titled MVP’s Learnings from Microsoft Ignite 2024. This latest post provides new insights from seven MVPs who participated in the sessions. We invite you to read this post and enhance your learning experience even further.

Keep growing your skills with MVPs and RDs

The next Microsoft Ignite is scheduled to take place in San Francisco during the week of November 17, 2025. While we can only imagine the exciting technologies that will be unveiled then, there’s no need to wait to enhance your skills. Let’s continue learning about the power of technology both independently and alongside MVPs and RDs. We encourage everyone to participate in any of the upcoming MVP/RD-led community events as well as Microsoft-led events, such as the Microsoft AI Tour events.

To learn more about Microsoft Ignite, please visit the following websites.

Microsoft Ignite (Official website)

Microsoft Ignite 2024 Book of News (Stories)

Microsoft Ignite: Drive AI transformation and learn about AI (Microsoft Learn)

Ignite Edition Challenge: Microsoft Learn Challenge (Microsoft Learn)

The challenges end on January 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM (16:00) UTC

Full Keynote: Satya Nadella at Microsoft Ignite 2024 (YouTube)

Microsoft Ignite 2024　(Playlist on Microsoft YouTube)