The Microsoft Conference Conundrum

Convergence means coming together, the act of converging. In mathematics, it can also mean reaching a limit. It was no doubt with the limitation of a purely ‘Dynamics’ focus in mind that Microsoft sought to make sweeping changes to the premier Dynamics Customer and Partner conference, ‘Convergence’. 

The move to rename the conference ‘Envision’ captured the intent in that word, looking to a future: a ‘One Microsoft, Cloud First’ future. I think, as we in the channel see the true convergence (see what I did there?) of the Microsoft technology stack there is a strong need for all of us to become more adept at talking end to end customer solution, rather than siloing ourselves in the product sets we are familiar with. But therein lies the problem. The complexity of a discussion around implementing and ERP solution is very different to the conversation around rolling out O365. The ability to cut through the complexity, to ‘envision’ a future technology solution for a customer and to talk to the strategy is a skill set needed at the C level, and for those talking to the C level. And this is exactly where Envision was pitched, at least in the marketing materials.

To be frank, some things were done poorly in the lead up, and during Envision. I would imagine that Microsoft would consider it, at best, a very mild success. The changes to format and content were made late with very little information given to sponsors and prospective attendees. The keynotes aimed at just a little too high a level and lacked substance. The breakout sessions relied on the partner channel and sponsors and, as such were all too ‘sales-y’. And the expo floor was, in my opinion, something of a disaster, with very low foot traffic other than those moving between meetings. I mean, what CEO or CIO really wants to bounce between expo booths?

So what was done well? First and foremost, Microsoft pitched this conference at the C Suite, seeking business leaders and decision makers. And, in large part, they succeeded. So while the expo floor and the bars weren’t as busy as a traditional Convergence, the meeting rooms did a roaring trade. From our experience, some serious business was done around, if not actually in, the event. The success was (and will be in future years) getting so many decision makers in one place at one time. It is also helping to drag the old Dynamics channel into a more ‘end-to-end’, full Microsoft stack frame of mind, Eclipse included. 

The future I envision for the Microsoft conference space is a huge technical and functional turn out at Ignite and the User Group summits later this year. I also predict a larger collection of decision makers in Los Angeles next year and Microsoft further tailoring the event to suit the audience.

For those struggling to figure out which conference is for you, I think it is starting to shape up: Want to talk strategy, meet with senior Microsoft & Partner executives and do business? Envision is for you. Want to deep dive on technical and functional product points and network with end users? Ignite.