Microsoft Ignite 2024 - Chicago -Preview

As I wait in Boston Logan Airport for my connecting flight to Chicago, I thought this would be a great opportunity to get ready for the experience at that is Microsoft Ignite 2024, happening from November 19-22! This year’s event promises to be a hub of innovation, learning, and networking, bringing together IT leaders, industry experts, and tech enthusiasts from around the globe.

For me, Microsoft Ignite is not just about the sessions, its there to network with colleagues, ex colleagues, friends from the community and new people. This year is going to be the biggest event since the pandemic and I am truly excited to see us getting back to the conferences of old.

So what can we expect during the day?

• The Keynote :  An opportunity to hear from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and other top executives as they unveil the latest advancements in AI, cloud computing, security, and productivity tools. Giving insights for the year and future ahead.
• Breakout Sessions and Workshops: Dive deep into technical content with sessions led by Microsoft engineers and industry experts. Topics will cover everything from AI transformation to cloud infrastructure and beyond.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, Microsoft partners, and potential customers. Discuss the latest announcements, ask questions at the Expert Meetup, where there will be a mixture of MVPs and Microsoft employees to answer your questions.
• Hands-On Labs: Participate in interactive labs to get hands-on experience with the latest Microsoft technologies and solutions. An opportunity to skill up and learn the latest technologies, in an environment where you can then get expert advise and guidance.
• Exhibitor Expo: Explore the expo floor to discover new products, services, and solutions from Microsoft and its partners. This is another opportunity to network, learn about new solutions coming from partners and get hold of some swag

But what about my evenings? Well to start with part of the fun of Microsoft Ignite is the evening fun, so there’s the mixer on Tuesday night, then on Thursday we have the Celebration Event, those are the two main events which are organised as part of Microsoft Ignite. However there are a raft of other events happening.

• MVP Connect : For the MVPs there is a rooftop party, allowing us to connect with each other and members of the Microsoft teams as well.
• AvePoint Red Party : This is usually a go to party and there have been some amazing ones in previous years (if the rumours are to be believed)
• Secure the Night : Microsoft Security have a party on one of the evenings, which again will be a mixture between Partners, Customers and Microsoft.
• Celebration Event : The main event of the Microsoft calendar which I mentioned earlier, this is open to all attendees and is being hosted by Microsoft and AMD at Navy Pier, there are a few details on it, but the aim is to celebrate all things Chicago, so this will be a great event.
• Nvidia Mixer : Hosted at the Expo on Tuesday evening, this is a good opener to the conference.

There are loads of other parties happening, so make sure you check out - MS Ignite 2024 Parties – Unofficial list of MS Ignite 2024 Parties

Points of Interest in Chicago for First-Time Visitors

Now if like me its your first time visiting Chicago, I am looking forward to having a wander around the city, which has given the backdrop for some great films in my lifetime, including Blues Brothers, The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and the The Untouchables. Here are some must-see attractions:

• Millennium Park: Visit the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as “The Bean,” and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Millennium Park. Don’t miss the Crown Fountain and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion for live music and events.
• Navy Pier: A family-friendly destination with scenic boat rides, summer fireworks, local food favorites, and the Centennial Wheel, offering stunning views of the city and Lake Michigan.
• Art Institute of Chicago: Ranked as one of the top museums in the world, the Art Institute houses an extensive collection of art from around the globe. It’s a must-visit for art lovers.
• Chicago Riverwalk: Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can relax on a riverside patio, enjoy live music, or take a riverboat cruise to see the city’s impressive architecture.
• Wrigley Field: If you’re a sports fan, catch a game at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. Even if there’s no game, the historic ballpark is worth a visit.
• Skydeck Chicago: Head to the Skydeck at Willis Tower for breathtaking views of the city from the 103rd floor. Step out onto “The Ledge,” a glass balcony extending outside the building, for an unforgettable experience.

In addition to the points of interests, the other big aspect of Chicago is food and the most famous of all is Deep Dish Pizza, but there’s Chicago Style Hot Dogs and Garrett Mix Popcorn to name a few. There’s far too much for me to go into now, but I am sure to keep LinkedIn and my blog updated with ideas.

If you are in Chicago for Ignite, reach out if you want to catch up!