Microsoft Inspire 2020 will be digital-only and free to attend

Microsoft Logo at Ignite
Microsoft Logo at Ignite (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft Inspire 2020 will be an all-digital event due to the current health crisis.
  • The event will be free to virtually attend, compared to its normal registration price of $2,500.
  • Microsoft Inspire is geared toward business partners.

Microsoft Inspire will be an all-digital event due to the current global health crisis. Earlier this year, Microsoft stated that it was "exploring alternative ways to bring our partner community together to connect and learn." Now, the Microsoft Inspire website shares details on how the event will work. The event will be free to virtually attend, compared to its normal registration cost of $2,500 (via Neowin).

Microsoft Inspire 2020 was originally set to occur in Las Vegas from July 20 through July 24, but the all-digital event will take place from July 21 through July 22.

Microsoft Inspire is geared toward business partners. The Inspire website highlights creating connections, training sessions, and sharing successes with the community. The website reads:

We're excited to welcome you and thousands of partners from around the world to our interactive digital platform. It's your opportunity to gain valuable insights into what's coming in the year ahead, while learning effective new strategies to propel your business forward.

At Inspire 2019, Microsoft showed off Azure Speech translation, which allowed a presenter to communicate in another language using a voice that sounded like her own. The same presentation also featured holoportation, which allows someone to make a 3-D model of themselves that can be placed inside a mixed reality environment. Microsoft also discussed new features for Microsoft Teams at Inspire 2019.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.