News

Microsoft Axes Convergence Conference for New 'Envision' Event

• By Gladys Rama
• January 13, 2016

Starting this year, Microsoft is replacing its venerable Convergence conference, which has long been the company's marquee event for Dynamics-related announcements, with a new event called "Envision."

Registration is now open for Envision, which is aimed at "business leaders," according to Microsoft's announcement on Wednesday.

"Designed for CxOs and their senior department and functional leaders, Microsoft Envision provides an opportunity for attendees to hear from some of the most forward-thinking minds in business and technology, with each day featuring prominent industry visionaries and business experts who will share the latest ideas, trends and innovations. Participants can explore the latest solutions, and discover the strategies that will help them, their teams, and their business achieve more," the company said.

The inaugural Envision event will take place on April 4-6 in New Orleans, La., replacing Convergence 2016, which had originally been planned for April 4-7. The old Convergence 2016 Web site now directs readers to the Envision 2016 site. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella will deliver the opening Envision keynote.

Unlike Convergence, which was known for being Microsoft's stage to announce its Dynamics roadmaps and discuss new product features, Envision appears to be more focused on broader business topics. According to the Web site, Envision sessions will fall into three areas:

• 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.

Microsoft says it is transferring the technical Dynamics content that would have been shown at Convergence to its Ignite conference, which takes place this year on Sept. 26-30.

Microsoft's major North America conference schedule for 2016 now stands as follows:

• Build: March 30-April 1
• Envision: April 4-6
• Worldwide Partner Conference: July 10-14
• Ignite: Sept. 26-30

Convergence also has a European equivalent, Convergence EMEA, which is typically held in Barcelona, Spain. However, Microsoft has not indicated whether this year's Convergence EMEA will still take place, or if it, too, will be replaced by an Envision EMEA event.

For more information on Microsoft-related conferences and events, go to our 2016 Microsoft Conference Calendar.