Must-Attend Microsoft Technology Events to Add to Your Calendar for 2016

The New Year has truly dawned upon us, and there’s no shortage of options when it comes to attending business conferences. Now is a really good time to start planning which Microsoft Technology conferences and events will offer you the best solutions for your business in 2016.

As world-class leaders in Microsoft Technology recruitment, Nigel Frank International has provided a comprehensive overview of must-attend events for each role in the Microsoft Technology lifecycle, some of which we are attending as sponsors and/or exhibitors. These events cover a variety of key initiatives in Microsoft SharePoint, BI, SQL, Exchange, Skype for Business, Dynamics plus hot topics critical to business success.

Some of the other conferences and events that made the cut for our recommendations in 2016 are in their inaugural stages, while others remain renowned conferences that consultants, engineers, architects, developers, system admins, and other professionals working within the Microsoft Technology space will look forward to attending. Specifically, we chose events that feature expert keynote speakers, industry leaders, and tracks that focus on the hottest Microsoft trends and innovations.

If you’re trying to stay on top of your game for 2016, attending one (or more) of these events on our list is a great place to start! Consider these events and how they align with your business goals, the professional development of your organization and networking needs. You’ll learn more about the advancements in Microsoft Technology and see how the latest solutions benefit businesses.

So be sure to pencil in some of these events on your new calendar – here’s this year’s guide to the top industry events with our compliments, Nigel Frank International!

Nigel Frank International are pleased to be attending the CeBIT 2016, where you can learn more about key issues currently shaping the IT world.

Audience: SMEs, Major Corporations and ICT Professionals

Description: CeBIT is the only event worldwide where visitors can experience the entire spectrum of digital transformation on the basis of specific showcases and examples of best practice. The exhibition is targeted at SMEs as well as major corporations.

Conference Format:

• Exhibition
• Conferences
• Scale11 – young entrepreneurs meet experienced decision-makers
• Summit

Sponsorship Options: Yes 

Expo: Yes Click here for further Information

Cost:

Exhibition:

• Early Bird Tickets €400 (Full event) only until 29 February
• Full Event Ticket: €55 (Advance Sale). At the ticket office €60
• Day Tickets: €25 at the ticket office

Exhibition and conference:

• Day Tickets: €600
• Full Event Ticket €1,000

Red Tickets:

• Exclusive access to all the top events €1,990

Reasons to Attend: The CeBIT Global Conferences provide an all-around survey of the digital marketplace. The world’s ICT elite comes here to analyse cross-industry trends and ground-breaking innovations.

Nigel Frank International is pleased to be Silver Sponsors of Microsoft Envision. Envision is a new flagship event designed for CxOs and their senior department and functional leaders who are driven to shape their own future and position their organizations and business for success.

Audience: Business Leaders and Decision Makers

Description: Microsoft Envision is an event for business leaders and decision-makers, designed to give business leaders powerful ideas and real-world solutions that can move the business forward. You’ll hear about the latest trends, disruptive technologies, and gain new perspectives for making smart decisions about the future of your business.

Conference Format:

• Business Trends and Themes – including Internet of Things (IoT), big data and analytics, cybersecurity, productivity, mobility, and more
• Industry Trends – including Manufacturing, Retail, Financial Services, Public Sector, Consumer Packaged Goods, Hospitality and Travel, Professional Services, and more
• Leadership Growth in Key Business Roles – including sales, operations, IT, marketing, finance, customer service, and more

Sponsorship Options: Yes

Expo: Yes $695

Cost:

• Full Conference Pass $1,995
• Full Conference Up! Pass $2445
• Day Pass $995
• Expo Only Pass $695

Reasons to Attend: If you’re a business leader who is charged with making or influencing key business decisions within your organization, you’ll gain tremendous value at Microsoft Envision. You’ll find a depth of resources here that will help you not only come away better positioned for your future, but help you discover how to take advantage of solutions available today that will deliver immediate results to your business.

Audience: IT/MIS Directors, Managers and Staff, IT Professionals, Business Decision Makers, Network Managers, Administrators and Staff, Developers, Systems and Application Architects.

Description:

SharePoint TechFest is designed to be the most comprehensive and collaborative regional technology event available in a one-day format. Offering a full day of informative sessions, networking opportunities and exhibits that will immediately impact your business. This year’s conferences will focus on Converging Azure, Office 365 and SharePoint Technologies.

Conference Format:

• Conference Sessions
• Keynote- “Ask the Expert” – Eric Shupps, Christian Buckley, Naomi Moneypenny and Seb Matthews.
• Networking Reception

Sponsorship Options:  Yes 

Expo:  Yes

Cost: $199.00 per person

Reasons to attend: Learn what’s new for 2016 as well as ongoing best practices for the platform. Engage with industry experts and Microsoft partners through a variety of opportunities throughout the day. Experience the technology and expert knowledge first hand through live demons and over 25 compelling break-out sessions.

Nigel Frank International will be attending UCEXPO 2016 as an exhibitor.

Audience: Heads & Directors of IT, Business Analysts, Heads of Collaboration, Solution Architects, Contact Centre Managers, Unified Communications Managers, Heads of Customer Services, Enterprise IT Strategists, Heads of Telecoms, Business Systems Manager

Description: UC EXPO is the largest Unified Communications and Collaboration event in Europe. This two-day event encompasses the technologies that enable smarter working and a truly connected business. Over 100 specialist suppliers, from the major established vendors to new start-ups, will showcase their latest technologies. Network with over 5,000 ICT professionals looking to improve their organization’s communication and collaboration systems and infrastructure. This event includes a Free independent consultancy at the UC EXPO Comms Clinic.

Conference Format:

• Keynote
• 100 Seminars
• Case Studies
• Panel Debates – The “Future Of” panel debate series
• Get the latest updates on Microsoft’s Skype for Business Platform

Sponsorship Options: Yes 

Expo: Yes  

Cost: Free to Attend

Reasons to Attend: You will see and hear from all the major vendors who are shaping and developing the technology which is revolutionizing business and working practices. Case studies, expert speakers and panel debates will cover all stages of the buying cycle:

• Trying to understand the technology, where it’s going and what you need to know.
• Looking for different solutions for communication and collaboration requirements.
• Assessing the main suppliers and the options available, including the disruptive new techs
• How to buy this technology, drive adoption, avoid the pitfalls and achieve ROI.

Nigel Frank will be attending this year’s SQL Bits as an exhibitor.

Audience: SQL Developers and Professionals and SQL Server Professionals

Description: SQL Bits was started by a group of individuals that are passionate about the SQL Server product suite. There is a breadth of knowledge in the SQL Community that will benefit everyone in the community. The organizers and participants work with the SQL community, and have all been given the MVP award by Microsoft.

Conference Format:

• Pre-Conference Training
• Normal Sessions
• Extended Sessions
• Double Sessions

Sponsorship Options: Yes 

Expo: Yes

Cost: £849 + VAT. Available until April 1st

Reasons to Attend: Engage with the largest gathering of SQL Server professionals in the UK.

The Nigel Frank team are looking forward to attending this year’s SharePoint Saturday in London as a Gold Sponsor.

Audience: SharePoint and office 365 professionals

Description: SharePoint Saturday will focus on the knowledge and expertise of local It professionals and developers who come together to share their experiences, lessons and best practices with other individuals in similar fields.

That event will consist of 5 content tracks for Developers, IT Pros, End Users and Business Users from which attendees will choose the topics that align with their area of interest. Each session will be between 45 and 60 minutes in duration and will range from introductory “100 level” content through to highly technical, 300 and 400 level deep dive sessions.

Don’t forget to visit the Nigel frank team in the Expo hall, we can share with you our Microsoft SharePoint recruitment and retention best practices.

Conference format:

• Sessions for Developers, IT Pros, End Users, and Business Users
• Expo hall

Sponsorship Options: Yes

Cost: Free

Reasons to Attend: Engage with members of the local technical community.

Come and see us at Booth 623 in the Dynamics Area!

Nigel Frank International are excited about being Silver Sponsors at the 2016 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) and we look forward to the prospect of greeting over 15,000 visitors.

Audience: Executives, CEOs, Directors, President/Vice President/s, CTOs, COOs, Sales, General Managers, Channel Leaders in SMB

Description: The Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) brings together over 15,000 attendees from around the globe for a week of networking and learning all with the goal of increasing partner profitability and accelerating business growth. At WPC, you’ll hear the latest revelations from top Microsoft leaders on industry analysis, strategic direction, and how Microsoft enables partners and their customers to achieve more. For those looking to expand their network and learn from peers, no other event offers the breadth and depth of Microsoft partner experience that WPC does.

Conference Format:

• Keynotes
• 455 Interactive Sessions
• Evening Events

Sponsorship Options: Yes   $250,000 – $55,000

Expo: Yes   $24,500 – $14,500

Cost:

• $1,795 for an All Access Pass
• $200 refund – WPC Group Discount on each All Access Pass

The Nigel Frank team are looking forward to attending this year’s SharePoint Saturday in New York as a Gold Sponsor.

Audience: SharePoint and office 365 professionals

Description: SharePoint Saturday will focus on the knowledge and expertise of local It professionals and developers who come together to share their experiences, lessons and best practices with other individuals in similar fields.

That event will consist of 5 content tracks for Developers, IT Pros, End Users and Business Users from which attendees will choose the topics that align with their area of interest. Each session will be between 45 and 60 minutes in duration and will range from introductory through to highly technical sessions.

Don’t forget to visit the Nigel frank team in the Expo hall, we can share with you our Microsoft SharePoint recruitment and retention best practices.

Conference format:

• Sessions for Developers, IT Pros, End Users, and Business Users
• Expo hall

Sponsorship Options: Yes

Cost: Free

Reasons to Attend: Engage with members of the local technical community.

After its first successful year in 2015, Nigel Frank International will be featured as this year’s Silver Sponsors at Microsoft Ignite 2016

Audience: IT Decision Makers, IT Professionals Enterprise Developers and Analysts

Description: Microsoft Ignite gives you five days of hands-on learning, industry insights, and direct access to product experts.

Conference Format:

• Keynotes and Foundational Sessions
• 700+ Breakout Sessions
• Interactive Digital Labs
• Direct Access to Product Experts
• Deep Dives and Demos
• Theater Sessions
• Women in Technology
• Partner Sessions
• Product Roadmaps, Vision, and Strategies
• One-on-one Discussions

Sponsorship Options: Yes 

Expo: Yes

Cost:

• Pre Order begins at $2,220

Reasons to Attend: Get hands-on experience and boost your skills on the tech you use today and see what’s coming next. Take a test drive of the latest tech to really get a feel for its potential. With tips and techniques from industry experts, you’ll walk away inspired and ready to put it all into action.

An event to watch out for which Nigel Frank International will be attending this year is Sitecore EMEA Partner Summit. We consider Sitecore’s partner programme one of the best-developed technology partnership programmes out there, and one that companies could learn a lot from (2016 dates are yet to be confirmed).

Audience: Sitecore EMEA Partners and Community Members

Description: The Summit has a single objective, to reinforce commitment to grow business for every Sitecore partner, across customers of all sizes. With accelerating growth in the web market and an explosion in customers seeking holistic digital transformations, this Summit will enable open dialogue and deliver insight on how to capitalize on this market opportunity. With unique tracks for business and commercial leaders, technical and consulting professionals and for new-to-Sitecore partners.

Conference Format:

• General Sessions
• Business Track / Partner Enablement
• Technical Track

Sponsorship Options: Yes

Expo: N/A

Cost: Free to Attend

Reasons to Attend: The Sitecore Summit format provides a unique, dynamic forum for both Sitecore to show how it addresses the huge market potential, and for partners to share, connect and network directly with the Sitecore community.

This year Nigel Frank International will take pride of place as Silver Sponsors at Microsoft Experiences 16.

Audience: IT Managers, IT Professionals Business Decision Makers Developers and Business Leaders 

Description: Microsoft Experiences 16 is a two-day event dedicated to new technologies and an exhibition recognised by professionals in the digital age of Europe.

Conference Format:

• Keynote Sessions
• Plenary Sessions
• 300 Breakout Sessions
• Technical Track
• Live TV
• Expo

Sponsorship Options: Yes

Expo: Yes

Cost: (TBC)

Reasons to Attend: You can experience a whole new raft of Microsoft technologies by browsing through 3 different zones at this event. A hub of content will be available to you as a delegate with key issues focused on Digital Transformation. “Ask the Expert” is an area dedicated to exchanges with leading technical experts.

Dates are yet to be confirmed, however, we will be attending SharePoint Saturday Munich, and hope to see you there.

Audience: Local User Groups SharePoint Community

Description: The conference will cover areas looking to encourage increased membership of the local user group and help sponsors to connect with the SharePoint community.

Conference Format:

• Keynote Sessions

Sponsorship Options: Yes

Expo: Yes 

Cost: Free to Attend

Reasons to Attend: The conference encourages increased membership of the local user group and helps sponsors to connect with the SharePoint community.

PASS Summit

Audience: SQL Server Professionals

Description: PASS is the world’s largest, highest rated conference for Microsoft SQL Server and BI professionals. Whether you’re a data novice or a SQL Server pro, PASS Summit is the place to find top-notch training, technical tips and tricks, and connections to take your skills to the next level. Organised by and for SQL Server and BI users, PASS Summit delivers the most technical content and greatest number of attendees, the best networking, and the highest rated sessions and speakers of any SQL Server event.

Conference Format:

• 200+ Technical Sessions
• Access to MVPs, Microsoft’s Product and Engineering Teams
• Pre-Conference Sessions
• Exhibitor Reception
• Demos
• Networking
• Hands-on Labs

Sponsorship Options: Yes

Expo: Yes

Cost:

• Full Summit $1,495
• Pre-Conference $495/day
• 1-Day Summit $795

Reasons to Attend: PASS Summit is the premier conference for SQL Server and data professionals. PASS is a non-profit organisation, the registration fee stays in the SQL Server community, supporting a variety of local, regional, and international programs and events that bring database professionals together around the world.

Nigel Frank will be attending the Digitale Revolution, this year. The event is a continuation of the German Partner Conference, now an open platform for entrepreneurs.

Audience: Microsoft German Partners 

Description: One of the most important German conferences for Microsoft partners. A unique network experience for insights into successful cloud transformation and best-practice sessions focused on increasing profits.

Conference Format:

• Keynotes
• Marketing Sessions
• DPK Party
  

Sponsorship Options: Yes (TBC)    

Expo: (TBC)

Cost: (TBC)

Reasons to Attend: This annual conference brings together German business partners that are active in the Microsoft Ecosystem. This event is a way to grow brand awareness in Germany as well as identify new business channels.

Audience: Large Organisations Small Business Partners, IT Professionals and Developers, Business Decision Makers, IT Partners from across the UK and Europe

Description: Future Decoded is an event held every year by Microsoft that allows their business partners to come together and share their views on what the future holds for business, society, leadership, technology and more.

Conference Format:

• Business Day
• Technical Day

Sponsorship Options: Yes (TBC)

Expo: (TBC)

Cost: (TBC)

Reasons to Attend: Speakers will generously share their strategies to increase employee engagement levels and boost productivity.