In this guide, we look at some of the cloud’s biggest annual events and conferences—covering everything from how much the cloud conference pass costs, to when they take place, and who should attend—including:
- AWS re:Invent
- AWS Global Summits
- AWS Discovery Days
- AWS Innovate
- BUILD (Snowflake)
- European Cloud Summit
- GitHub Universe
- Google Cloud Next
- Google Cloud OnAir
- Microsoft Azure + AI Conference
- Microsoft Azure User Groups
- Microsoft Directions
- Microsoft Ignite
- Microsoft Power Platform Conference
- Salesforce Dreamforce
- Salesforce World Tours
- Salesforce Partnerforce and Partner Enablement Events
- Salesforce community events
Please note that this blog post is being updated on a monthly basis as and when the latest details of cloud events are announced, so keep checking back!
Use the links below to jump straight to the cloud events and conferences you’re most interested in:
Pro tip:
Autumn is usually jam-packed with events across the cloud community, so make sure you earmark September through to early December, if you’d like to attend some of the most iconic cloud computing conferences like AWS re:Invent, BUILD, Dreamforce, Google Cloud Next, and Microsoft Ignite.
Who are cloud events and conferences for?
Whether you’re a budding tech specialist or you already work in the industry, cloud networking events and conferences are a great opportunity to connect with cloud specialists, end-users, and vendor partners to build your professional network—all in a fun and relaxed environment, buzzing with excitement! It’s also an opportunity to discover and learn about the cloud vendors’ latest releases, test and demo new products and cloud solutions, all while getting the best cloud computing and business intel on the block. If you’re new to the cloud, cloud events and conferences can help you learn more about cloud certifications and potential cloud career progression routes for you.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS re:Invent
Heralded as one of the most transformative events in the tech industry, and going strong for more than a decade, this vibrant annual cloud conference held in Las Vegas is definitely not one to be missed. AWS re:Invent offers the opportunity to meet and network with cloud and wider tech professionals, as well as Amazon Web Services (AWS) Partners and end-users, and others across the wide-ranging AWS community.
There’s no shortage of inspiration or intel at this event, with AWS re:Invent sharing the latest innovations across the Amazon Web Services solutions, covering everything from data and analytics to security, AI/ML, architecture, Executive Cloud Insights, business applications, cloud operations, compute, containers, databases, serverless.
The conference also hosts speakers sharing best practices on significant topics beyond the nitty-and-gritty of the tech world, such as how to improve diversity, equality, and inclusion across the tech sector, introduction and updates to AWS training and cloud certifications, as well as content specifically designed for AWS Partners.
Since this is a huge event, with people attending from all over the globe, AWS has released a helpful code of conduct that all attendees are required to abide by, to foster an inclusive and safe environment where great ideas are born.
When: 5 days in late November/early December
Date of the next conference: TBC. Head over to this page to subscribe for all AWS re-Invent updates.
Where: TBC in-person / online
Conference pass cost: $2,099 (or free if attending virtually) – based on 2023 event costs
Where to find the agenda: Head over to the AWS re:Invent page
Who is it for: Aspiring AWS professionals, certified AWS specialists, AWS end-users, and Partners
AWS Global Summits
Packed with tech demos, hands-on workshops, tech labs, breakout sessions, and team activities, AWS Summits offer an opportunity for AWS professionals, customers, and Partners to network with each other while also discovering the best intel on how to harness the full potential of their AWS solutions. These free events are filled with buzz and learning, and take place across a host of major cities—including San Francisco, New York, Mexico City, Singapore, Hong Kong, Berlin, and Milan—bringing together anyone who wishes to learn how AWS can accelerate their business or enhance the day-to-day application of their AWS solutions. There are now opportunities to join these events remotely, as well as attending in person.
When: Throughout the year
Date of the next conference: Several dates throughout the year. 2024 dates TBC. Check out this page for the latest announcements.
Where: Major cities across the world and online. For more information, take a look here.
Where: Major cities across the world and online
Conference pass cost: Free
Where to find the agenda: Head over to the AWS Global Summits website to register for updates
Who is it for: AWS and IT leaders, cloud professionals, AWS Partners, and customers
AWS Discovery Days
Every year Amazon Web Services hosts a number of learning events, both online and in-person, designed to help AWS professionals utilize the full potential of all that AWS cloud has to offer to boost their business operations. With a range of events for all levels of knowledge—from foundational to associate intel—these events can help budding AWS end-users and technologists gain a better understanding of the particular benefits of using AWS for their organization, as well as help established AWS professionals delve deeper into a certain topic of interest. Topics include Machine Learning Basics, Fundamentals of Modern Data Strategy for AWS, AWS Large Scale Migration, data analytics, and more.
When: Throughout the year
Date of the next conference: Several dates every month—you can find upcoming online and in-person events in your area on the AWS Discovery Days website
Where: Online and in-person
Conference pass cost: Free
Where to find the agenda: AWS Discovery Days website
Who is it for: AWS professionals and prospective AWS end-users, who are considering whether to migrate to AWS
AWS Innovate
AWS recognizes that cloud adoption is a journey, entailing lots of different stages. Aware that their user base consists of new customers and established ‘super-users,’ AWS have set up AWS Inovate. These digital conferences allow AWS professionals, IT experts, and business executives to learn more about AWS from the comfort of their own homes. AWS Innovate is an inspiring set of events, designed to help anyone who’s new or already working with AWS to develop the skills needed to design, deploy, and operate a host of AWS solutions and applications.
When: Throughout the year
Date of the next conference: TBC
Where: Online (with tailored sessions for Americas, Asia Pacific & Japan, and EMEA)
Conference pass cost: Free
Where to find the agenda: Head over to the AWS Innovate website
Who is it for: Business executives and IT professionals at different stages of their AWS cloud adoption journey
Google Cloud Platform
Google Cloud Next
Google Cloud’s biggest event of the year is packed with news, insights, and updates on what’s next in store for the Google Cloud Platform, including AI, Data, Security, Productivity, and more. Google Cloud Next ’23 featured 15,000 product announcements, sneak previews of future roadmaps, demos on-site and in-person, with Google’s partners and experts. There were also lots of sessions for anyone looking to start a career in Google Cloud, with hands-on training and certification opportunities. In a nutshell—it’s about solving the challenges of tomorrow, today.
When: 3 days, usually late summer though dates tend to vary
Date of the next conference: April 9-11, 2024
Where: Mandalay Bay, Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Conference pass cost: $1,599 (based on 2023 rate) or free if attending virtually
Where to find the agenda: TBC. Head over to the Google Cloud Next’24 conference page for all the latest updates.
Who is it for: Google Cloud Next has curated its sessions to suit a wide range of people working with Google Cloud Platform, including IT decision-makers and admins, developers, security and data engineers, business executives, data scientists, and more.
Cloud OnAir
If you’re looking to learn about the latest developments on the Google Cloud Platform, related to trending topics like data, machine learning, collaborative work, security, and sustainability, then the brand new Cloud OnAir series is for you. You can join these events and watch them online, as they unfold, or catch up on-demand on specific topics that interest you. Expect to see live, interactive demos and hear key insights from a host of industry experts.
When: Ongoing virtual sessions
Date of the next conference: Ongoing
Where: Livestreamed and on-demand
Conference pass cost: Check each event for details
Where to find the agenda: Keep checking the Google Cloud OnAir website for the latest news & updates as new sessions are announced
Who is it for: Google Cloud Platform customers, partners, business executives, and tech professionals
Microsoft
Microsoft Directions
If you’re a Microsoft Dynamics partner, then mark your calendar now with the upcoming dates of this premier conference for Microsoft Dynamics 365 partners and ISVs.
When: 3-5 days, usually in November for EMEA and May for Asia
Date of the next conference: 15-17 May 2024 (Asia) and 5-8 November 2024 (EMEA)
Where:
- Microsoft Directions Asia 2024 will be held in Thailand at Avani+ Riverside Hotel, 257 Charoen Nakhon Road, Samre, Thon Buri, Bankgkok 10600.
- Microsoft Directions EMA 2024 will be held in Vienna at Austria Center Vienat, Internationales Amtssitz- und Konferenzzentrum Wien, AG, Bruno-Kreisky-Platz 1, A-1220 Wien
Conference pass cost: Keep checking the designated pages below for announcements on ticket fees and how to register for this popular in-person event.
Where to find the agenda:
Who is it for: Primarily designed for SBM Microsoft Dynamics Partners, the event is also open to Microsoft MVPs and specialists, with live product demos and the latest Dynamics 365 product development news.
Microsoft Ignite
The roots of this leading tech industry event (and the most significant date in the Microsoft events calendar) date all the way back to 1993, when the first conference—known back then as TechEd—launched in Orlando, and rebranded as Microsoft Ignite in 2015.
Since those early days, Microsoft Ignite has taken place in a number of locations across the US, making this event more accessible for its many participants. Covid-19 threw a spanner in the works when Microsoft had to pivot its immersive in-person experience to a fully digital one for 2020 and 2021.
But the tech giant seems to have taken it in its stride, with the 2022 cloud computing conference presenting ‘a new kind of Microsoft Ignite,’ offering both an in-person and ‘an enhanced digital experience’ to its attendees, with local meet-ups taking place across China, France, Germany, Japan, Latin America, and the UK.
But what is Microsoft Ignite all about? In a nutshell, it’s a thrilling cloud tech showcase, complete with keynotes, hands-on demo sessions, and whiteboards, where tech specialists, developers, data analytics personnel, and IT decision-makers can discover and get immersed into what’s next in store for Microsoft and how to get the most out of their cloud operations. There’s also an enhanced networking element built into the event, with designated community areas and specialist “Ask the Expert” sessions taking place throughout the conference.
When: 3-5 days, usually taking place between late September and early November
Date of the next conference: TBC
Where: The location varies year by year; since 2015, Microsoft Ignite has been hosted in landmark cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Florida, Orlando, and Seattle across the US, with an enhanced digital experience for anyone looking to attend virtually.
Conference pass cost: In-person: $1,525 / Online: free (based on 2023 costs)
Where to find the agenda: Sign up on the Microsoft Ignite official website to get the latest news & updates as they are announced
Who is it for: Developers, Microsoft partners and customers, technical decision-makers, cloud specialists, information technology implementers, and more
Microsoft Power Platform conference
2023 saw the third-ever Microsoft Power Platform Conference being hosted. Building on the successful format of the Microsoft 365 Conference and other Microsoft events, this cloud computing event, produced by Power Platform Conf and sponsored by Microsoft, featured more than 150+ sessions, all dedicated to PowerPlatform. The main focus of the conference was on products including Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Power Pages, and Power Virtual Agents. The event brought together Microsoft’s senior thought leaders, software engineers, and community experts, who all have a shared vision: to unite humanity and technology. The event also featured real-life case studies and tips on how Power Platform users have solved real business problems, and how customers and Microsoft partners can use Power Platform to scale and accelerate their growth. A must-see for any organization that uses Power Platform.
When: Typically, 3 days in early autumn
Date of the next conference: 18-20 October 2024
Where: Las Vegas, NV
Conference pass cost: Starting at $1,699 for early bird bookings and going up to $3,299 for extended conference packages. Groups of 5 or more are eligible for a discount—simply email info@powerplatformconf.com to retrieve a special group discount code.
Where to find the agenda: Keep checking the event website for the latest details as they’re announced.
Who is it for: Though anyone can attend, this event is predominantly aimed at Microsoft customers and partners who use Microsoft Power Platform
Microsoft Azure + AI conference
Co-produced by Microsoft and TechIntersection, this three-day in-person event features over 100 speakers, more than 200 sessions, and 20+ workshops. In this exciting cloud computing conference, Microsoft Leaders share the latest innovations and their vision for where the power of technology is taking us. Microsoft engineers also present a deep dive into new releases and explore the full capability of Microsoft Stack, Azure, and more. The event is packed with actionable, real-world tips from leading experts on a range of topics, as well as opportunities for building professional relationships and getting all your questions answered.
This conference features two other Microsoft events, all taking place simultaneously:
- DevIntersection Conference, powered by Microsoft and NextGen
- Azure Data Conference, powered by Azure Data Community & Azure Data Conference
When: 3 days in early December
Date of the next conference: TBC
Where: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando, FL
Conference pass cost: $1,849 to $3,399, depending on the type of ticket you purchase and how many sessions you wish to attend (based on 2023 costs). Groups of 5 or more are eligible for a discount—simply email info@devintersection.com to retrieve a special group discount code. Find out more about the pricing.
Where to find the agenda: Head over to the event website.
Who is it for: Though anyone can attend this event, it is predominantly designed for Microsoft end-users and partners who use Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure User Groups
Whatever stage you may be at in your Microsoft Azure journey, joining a user group is a great way to learn more about this technology, discover the latest news, updates, and product releases, and network with others who work in the space. There are a number of user groups taking place all across the globe, and MeetUp is a good place to look for one that’s near you. To give you an idea, here’s an Azure user group for the North East of England.
When: Throughout the year
Date of the next conference: Ongoing
Where: Various locations around the globe
Who is it for: Predominantly designed for those using Microsoft Azure as part of their day-to-day
Salesforce
Dreamforce
Heralded as the world’s largest tech conference, with a healthy dose of magic, Dreamforce is an annual cloud summit for anyone working within the Salesforce ecosystem, or anyone thinking of joining it who wants to learn more about Salesforce products, cloud certifications, or potential career routes. More like a cloud festival than a conference, this iconic event is packed with insightful keynotes, exciting announcements, innovations, and brand-new Salesforce product launches.
Salesforce Dreamforce has acquired a real cult following since it first launched in 2003 with just 1,300 attendees, massively contributing to Salesforce’s reputation as the tech sector’s most supportive ecosystem. With a global audience of 140 million (thanks to the magic of Salesforce+), this fantastic conference offers a number of cloud networking opportunities and special events that celebrate Trailblazers, Salesforce Partners, and customers.
Technology aside, attendees can also catch inspiration and good vibes from celebrity speakers. From politicians to rockstars and celebrity athletes, over the years, the Salesforce Dreamforce stage has been graced by big names like Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama, Jane Fonda, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson. The cloud conference usually finishes with a bang, in the form of an exclusive music concert. Previous performers have included iconic bands and performers like Metallica, Fleetwood Mac, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alicia Keys, and Lenny Kravitz.
While the in-person experience is next to none, it can certainly be pricey with the conference pass and Silicon Valley rates for accommodation. To accommodate this, Salesforce has also been offering an on-demand service called Salesforce+ where you can catch a number of sessions from Dreamforce for free, many of which are live-streamed at the time.
When: 3 days in September
Date of the next conference: 17-19 September 2024
Where: San Francisco, CA
Conference pass cost: $1,899 to $2,299 (based on 2023 rates); online sessions are free to attend
Where to find the agenda: TBC. Register for Dreamforce now to get the latest updates as they’re announced.
Who is it for: This event is for anyone and everyone working with Salesforce products, including certified Trailblazers and those looking to cross-train in Salesforce, as well as Salesforce Partners, end-users, IT decision-makers, and business executives
Salesforce World Tour
Drawing inspiration from Dreamforce, Salesforce World Tour is a series of one-day events taking place in metropolises like New York, London, Paris, and Sydney. With tens of thousands of people joining in-person and remotely, the day is packed with inspiring keynotes and presentations where global IT leaders and tech pioneers share their success stories, as well as tips on how to innovate, leading to happier customers.
When: Several dates throughout the year
Date of the next conference: TBC
Where: Online and in-person in major cities, including New York, London, Paris, and Sydney
Conference pass cost: Free to attend
Where to find the agenda: Register for each individual event to access the agenda
Who is it for: Salesforce Partners, end-users, and Trailblazers
Salesforce Partnerforce and Partner Enablement Events
Designed exclusively for Salesforce Partners, this exciting event brings together consultants, implementers, and software vendors to share their insights and collectively discover what’s in store for the next 12 months across the ecosystem. Expect keynotes, presentations, seminars, featured guests and much more! The sessions are designed to help you stay in the loop with the latest Salesforce developments from a Partner and an end-user perspective, and plan for the year ahead.
Salesforce is also running a number of Partner Enablement Events throughout the year to help you grow your skills and knowledge to succeed.
When: The beginning of Salesforce’s new fiscal year (usually February/March)
Date of the next conference: TBC
Where: In-person with on-demand sessions
Conference pass cost: Free
Where to find the agenda: Head over to this page for full event details for Salesforce Partnerforce FY24. Head to this page to find out the latest Partner Enablement Event dates.
Who is it for: Salesforce Partners and customers
Salesforce Community events
It’s easy to see why the Salesforce ecosystem has earned itself the reputation of being the most supportive sector in tech. With a passionate community of Trailblazers, Salesforce actively encourages its professionals to come together, learn, network, and get inspired by each other. As such, there are plenty of community-led Salesforce events taking place all over the globe, including Salesforce Dreamin’, TrailBlazerDX, Cactusforce, and Forcelandia.
When: Throughout the year
Date of the next conference: Take a look at the Salesforce community conferences calendar and Salesforce Ben for upcoming events near you
Where: Various locations across the globe, including Austin, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Francisco, Kosovo, Belgium, and more
Conference pass cost: Price varies for each event, though usually fairly low-cost
Where to find the agenda: Since these events are organized individually, check out the website for each community event
Who is it for: Salesforce professionals, with plenty of cloud networking opportunities and events tailored for Salesforce Developers, Admins, Architects, Marketing Cloud consultants, and others across the ecosystem
Other cloud events and conferences
BUILD
Covering all things AI and data, BUILD offers a series of two-day region-specific virtual events, all free to attend. Expect product demos, hands-on sessions, and deep dives focused on generative AI and LLMs, including how to build apps, data pipelines, and ML workflows. There’s also a brand-new LLM bootcamp for anyone who’s looking to gain some extra skills and add a new badge to their résumé.
When: Several regional conferences planned for early 2024. Stay tuned for more dates and regions to be added later in the year.
Date of the next conference:
Where: Online
Conference pass cost: Free to attend
Where to find the agenda: Head over to the BUILD event website for full regional event details and to sign up.
Who is it for: Predominantly designed for developers, data scientists, and engineers, this event will also provide cloud partners and end-users with valuable intel and updates on the latest from Snowflake.
GitHub Universe
While not strictly a cloud event, GitHub’s annual conference GitHub Universe has plenty to offer for cloud developers and GitHub customers. Devs can register to attend both in-person and online, to listen to insightful keynotes, learn, and discover the latest updates across cloud, security, community, and AI.
When: 2 days in November
Date of the next conference: TBC
Where: TBC / online
Conference pass cost: Free to attend virtually with the price for in-person tickets TBC. In 2022, there was a limited number of tickets for the in-person event, priced at $450 for a Community Pass and $1,100 for a two-day pass
Where to find the agenda: Head over to the GitHub Universe website for full event details and sessions as they’re announced.
Who is it for: Developers and GitHub customers
The European Cloud Summit
As the leading cloud business and technology event in Europe, the European Cloud Summit features a host of keynotes and sessions, set to share best practices, industry insights, and learnings across five trending core topics:
- Security & Compliance
- Data & AI
- Infrastructure
- Cloud Development
- Cloud Platform
This exciting event brings together leading cloud vendors, expert speakers, industry experts, and tech giants, with plenty of opportunities for the event’s thousands of delegates to network, exchange ideas, develop connections, and take part in immersive, full-day tutorials. This is the go-to event for any business operating within Europe that’s looking to stay on the cutting edge of both business and technology.
When: The dates vary each year
Date of the next conference: 14-16 May, 2024
Where: Wiesbaden, Germany
Conference pass cost: €450 or €850, depending on the type of ticket you wish to purchase. Add-ons are available for additional sessions. Find out more about the differing ticket prices on the event’s website.
Where to find the agenda: Keep checking the European Cloud Summit website for the latest news & updates
Who is it for: Business leaders, developers, tech professionals, IT decision-makers
From large vendor events (that could double as festivals!) to small community events organized by cloud enthusiasts, the cloud offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a techie, vendor Partner or end-user, business leader, IT decision-maker, or a cloud enthusiast—don’t miss out and join one of these events to expand your network and discover how to make the most of your cloud applications.
