This October, expect to see ‘a new kind of Microsoft Ignite’, offering both an in-person and (an enhanced) digital experience. Here are 3 things to look forward to at Microsoft Ignite 2022, and top suggestions from our very own Microsoft Technical Instructors.
3 things to watch for at Microsoft Ignite 2022
1. Microsoft Ignite Spotlight Sessions
Did we already mention that this will be a ‘new kind of Microsoft Ignite’? An exciting new feature of this year’s conference for developers and IT specialists are the Spotlights, taking place across multiple geographical regions, including China, France, Germany, Japan, Latin America, and the UK, with the content even being translated into some of these languages. Although market-specific, each session will draw on the topics discussed at Microsoft Ignite’s global event, taking place at Seattle’s Convention Center. It’s a great opportunity to connect with your local Microsoft community, discuss the keynote, and the event’s core themes, as well as receive and share some market-specific intel. There will even be local and global Microsoft experts on-hand to answer any of your questions. This is a great way to make the most of your experience if you’re looking to join the conference digitally. You can register for a Spotlight in your local area using the links below.
2. Closing the Microsoft skills gap
Microsoft has been a household name for decades—not only in tech but the cloud sector as well, boasting the largest partner network in the entire tech industry. Over the past few years, we’ve seen Microsoft take an increasingly cloud-first approach, encouraging its Partner Network to follow suit. The cloud is where the world wants to be, and that’s where Microsoft is honing its focus. But it’s not just about building and implementing new cloud products that can help companies save precious time and resources—it’s just as important to ensure that there are enough certified specialists within the ecosystem to wield these technologies. Look out for discussions on how to close the skills gap at this year’s Microsoft Ignite to stay ahead of the competition. And if you’re looking to build a sustainable pipeline of certified and experienced Microsoft Azure, Business Applications, or Microsoft 365 specialists, then Revolent can certainly help.
3. The keynote
Last year’s opening speech by Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, addressed the huge changes we’ve seen across the globe, as a result of the pandemic and digital transformation. “The case for digital transformation has never been more urgent,” he said in the Microsoft Ignite opening speech back in November 2021. “Digital technology is a powerful deflationary force in an inflationary economy.”
And so much has happened since then. Hybrid-working has gone mainstream, businesses have become more hyper-connected than ever before, and many—even ‘traditionalists’—have embraced the cloud. As we emerge from the Great Reshuffle, we’re entering a period of uncertainty where persistent change is the norm.
And the next decade promises to be no exception in terms of the scale and speed at which we’ll see change happen. “Fundamentally, we’re moving from a mobile and cloud era to an era of ubiquitous computing and ambient intelligence; an era which will experience more digitization over the next 10 years than the last 40,” Nadella said in last year’s opening speech. So, this year’s keynote is definitely not one you’ll want to miss.
Top suggestions from our Microsoft Techical Instructors
Ian Ernst, Technical Instructor
Microsoft & Tableau at Revolent
Skills & Experience
- Microsoft Certified Trainer
- Java, SQL, UNIX, Bash - 5 years
- AWS - 3 years
- Microsoft Azure - 1 year
Why do you enjoy working with Microsoft Cloud?
“I love Microsoft because there is always room for improvement and innovation. No matter how much I learn, there is always a better/faster/more efficient way I can do things. I especially enjoy collaborating with others to come up with solutions.”
What are you most looking forward to hearing at Microsoft Ignite 2022?
“As an Azure trainer, I am a bit biased when I say this, but I am looking forward to hearing about new innovations in the cloud platform. What I most hope to hear is how Microsoft can become more environmentally friendly. While I love the cloud, I recognize that data centers can be huge consumers of electricity, so we must look for ways to be more green.”
Why should people attend this event?
“People should attend this event because it is about more than just presentations—it’s about opportunities to try out new products and features from Microsoft, along with demonstrations to expand your skill set.”
What are your top tips on making the most of Microsoft Ignite 2022?
“My top tips for making the most out of Microsoft Ignite is to keep a pen and paper nearby! A lot of information will be coming at you, and you do not want to lose track of all the important details of updates and releases. Writing things down also helps you remember them for later, rather than passively watching the presentations.”
Hannah Cheetham
Cloud Instructor at Revolent
What sort of things are you most looking forward to hearing at Microsoft Ignite 2022?
“I’m looking forward to hearing about the new developments in the Dynamics 365 arena and the ever-evolving world of DevOps.”
Why is this event so important and why should people attend it?
“It’s an amazing place to hear about all the ways Microsoft Partners have used Azure and Dynamics to create smart, industry-specific solutions and a great way to learn about how those solutions can integrate with your own business—or if you are a cloud-professional, how these may serve as a framework for a larger solution you are designing.
There are also multiple amazing learning opportunities that allow you to explore areas within Microsoft’s offerings you may not usually get involved with—I can’t wait to dive a little deeper into Azure ML/AI!”
What are your top tips for making the most of Microsoft Ignite 2022?
“Get to as many of the interactive learning sessions as you can!”
Struggling to access the Microsoft talent you need?
You’re definitely not alone. With the huge rise in the number of businesses and organizations undergoing digital transformation, the Microsoft talent gap has skyrocketed. However, help is at hand. Whatever challenges you’re facing when trying to secure the Microsoft professionals for your business or organization, Revolent can help you solve them. We recruit experienced IT professionals and cross-train them into business-ready Microsoft Azure, Biz Apps, or Power Platform consultants. Look out for Revolent at Microsoft Ignite 2022!
