When and where is Microsoft Ignite 2026?

Microsoft Ignite 2026 takes place November 17–20 at Moscone Center in San Francisco, California, with a digital attendance option.

How do I register for Microsoft Ignite 2026?

Registration is available through the official Microsoft Ignite registration site at register.ignite.microsoft.com.

What sponsorship opportunities are available at Microsoft Ignite 2026?

The 2026 sponsorship opportunities guide will be available in the coming weeks. No significant year-over-year changes are planned for package levels, inclusions, and engagement opportunity add-ons. Register your interest to receive the guide. To participate as a sponsor, partners must be active in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program. Contact the team at sponsor@microsoft.com.

What pass types are available for Microsoft Ignite 2026?

Pass options include an in-person Conference pass, a Hub-only pass, and a free digital pass. The in-person Conference pass includes keynotes, breakout sessions, interactive labs, Hub access, networking, evening events, meals, and digital content. The Hub-only pass covers Hub access from November 17–19, 2026. The digital pass provides free online access to livestreamed keynotes and sessions.

Is there a digital attendance option for Microsoft Ignite 2026?

Yes. Microsoft Ignite 2026 offers a free digital pass with online access to livestreamed keynotes, select sessions, and technical content from November 17–20, 2026.

Microsoft Ignite 2026 | TradeShowIntel

Event overview

Overview

Microsoft Ignite 2026 will take place November 17–20 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, with a pre-day on November 16. The event offers in-person and digital attendance options.

As Microsoft’s flagship technical conference, Ignite brings together IT professionals, developers, business leaders, and partners. Attendees can join expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, immersive experiences, and networking opportunities designed to build skills and discover innovations.

Key focus areas include AI and Copilot innovation, cloud and infrastructure, security and compliance, and developer deep dives. The Hub provides booths, theater sessions, and access to Microsoft experts and partners.

TL;DR

1Dates: November 17–20, 2026; pre-day November 16.
2Location: Moscone Center, San Francisco, with digital attendance.
3Focus: AI, Copilot, cloud, security, and developer innovation.
4Audience: IT professionals, developers, business leaders, partners.
5Passes: in-person conference, Hub-only, and free digital options.

Why visit

- Attend keynotes and breakout sessions covering AI, cloud, and security innovations. Participate in hands-on labs and workshops to build practical skills. Network with Microsoft experts, partners, and peers from around the world. Access the Hub for booths, theater sessions, and product demonstrations. Choose from in-person, Hub-only, or free digital pass options. Explore the latest Microsoft product roadmaps and enterprise technology.

Why exhibit

- Showcase your solutions to a global audience of IT professionals and decision-makers. Connect with Microsoft experts and potential customers in the Hub. Generate leads through meeting and networking programs. Align your brand with Microsoft’s AI, cloud, and security messaging. Participate in theater sessions and booth activations. Reach developers and enterprise architects building on Microsoft platforms.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

IT professionals and enterprise decision-makers

Software developers and cloud architects

Business leaders and technology partners

Security and compliance professionals

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Microsoft partners and technology vendors

Solution providers in AI, cloud, and security

Companies offering developer tools and platforms

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

AI & Copilot Innovation

Cloud & Infrastructure

Security & Compliance

Developer & IT Deep Dives

Networking & Community Engagement

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Halls & areas

Moscone NorthMoscone SouthMoscone West

Moscone Center

747 Howard Street, 94103 San Francisco, USA

Facilities

Parking

Moscone Center does not have on-site public parking. Several publicly owned parking garages offering more than 7,000 parking spaces are in the immediate neighborhood, and valet parking service is offered at most nearby hotels. No parking is permitted in the South Driveway, North or West Cutouts, curbs, ramps, or docks.

Accessibility

Moscone Center is ADA compliant with wheelchair-accessible entrances, designated seating areas in all halls, assistive listening devices, elevator access to all levels, and designated areas for handicapped pickup and drop-off during events. The venue does not maintain an inventory of wheelchairs, but a list of vendors in the area is made available to show managers. Nursing suites (Mamava pods) are located in Moscone South (Lower Mezzanine, near Room 50) and Moscone West (Level 2, near Room 2024).

Prayer rooms

A Quiet Room is available at Moscone Center North Lobby, Level 1, Room 115, and at Moscone West Level 2. The Quiet Room is intended for silent meditation, reflection, or prayer. No mobile device or computer use, and no food or beverages are allowed.

Cloakroom

Moscone Center partners with Guest Services of America to provide coat and luggage check-in services. This service can be arranged for attendees through the venue's guest services partner.

Luggage storage

Coat and luggage check services are available through Guest Services of America at Moscone Center. Third-party luggage storage options are also available nearby starting from approximately $2.25-2.50 per day.

On-site shuttle

Medium and large events at Moscone Center generally provide complimentary bus shuttle transportation for attendees between designated hotels outside of walking distance and the venue. Event shuttle buses typically run throughout the day from around 6:00 AM when registration opens to around 8:00 pm. when programming ends. Moscone South Driveway can accommodate up to 5 shuttle buses, North Cutout up to 3, and West Cutout up to 5.

Food options

Moscone Center food outlets, Nearby dining in SoMa

On-site dining

Parking: The Moscone Center does not offer on-site parking. Several publicly owned parking garages offering more than 7,000 parking spaces surround the venue. No parking is permitted in the South Driveway, North or West Cutouts, curbs, ramps, docks, or any other areas within the center.

Attend

Entry & tickets

In-person Conference Pass
Includes keynotes, breakout sessions, interactive labs, Hub access, networking, evening events, meals, and digital content.
$2,325.00
Hub-only Pass
Access to the Hub from November 17-19, 2026, including booths, theater sessions, and networking.
$1,625.00
Digital Pass
Free online access to livestreamed keynotes and sessions from November 17-20, 2026.

Ticket info

Ticket notes

In-person Conference pass: $2,325. Hub-only pass: $1,625. Free digital pass available for online access.

Who runs the show

Organisers

Microsoft

Organiser

Website

Sponsorship Team

Sponsorship and Partnership Enquiries

Email Website

What's on

Programme

Breakout

Theater

Event days

5:30 AM–8:15 AM

Typical time

Official agenda

This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.

Speakers

Anthony Nocentino

Senior Principal Field Solution Architect @ Pure Storage

SQL Server, Kubernetes, public cloud infrastructure

Raji Rajagopalan

Vice President @ Microsoft

Edge AI, Azure AI Foundry

Joe Berger

VP, Digital Experience @ Microsoft

Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, AI agents

Craig McQueen

VP, AI Solutions @ Softchoice

AI strategy, data governance, adoption and change management

Heather Cook

Principal Customer Experience Manager @ Microsoft

Microsoft 365, customer advocacy, community engagement

Akosua Boadi-Agyemang

Sr. Creator Engagement Manager @ Microsoft

Human connection, technology advocacy, creator engagement

Adam Ames

Director, Data, Risk, and Privacy @ PwC

Data security, governance, risk, and compliance

Peng Geng

Director of Digital Transformation @ Lenovo

AI-driven service transformation, enterprise platforms

Mathew George

Vice President of Software & AI Technology Enablement @ T-Mobile

Data engineering, AI-driven automation, cloud modernization

Changing business workflows with Microsoft Copilot and agents

Breakout

Thursday, Nov 19, 2026

5:30 AM – 6:00 AM

Power intelligent data management from on-premises to the Cloud

Theater

Saturday, Nov 21, 2026

7:30 AM – 8:15 AM

From cloud to edge: Building and shipping Edge AI apps with Foundry

Breakout

Topic tracks

AI & Copilot InnovationCloud & InfrastructureSecurity & ComplianceDeveloper & IT Deep DivesNetworking & Community Engagement

Co-located events

Microsoft Frontier Transformation Week

Separate ticket

Microsoft Discovery Sessions

Separate ticket

Awards

Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards (POTYA)

Annual

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize partners who deliver exceptional customer outcomes across solution areas, industries, and regions. Winners and finalists are announced in November 2026, timed to celebrate with the global partner ecosystem at Microsoft Ignite. New awards for 2026 include Frontier Transformation and Commercial Device Channel. Each award now requires its own nomination.

Frontier TransformationCommercial Device ChannelCloud & AI PlatformsAI Business SolutionsSecurityIndustryPartner InnovationBusiness TransformationSocial ImpactRegional Partner of the Year (SI)Regional Partner of the Year (ISV)Regional Partner of the Year (Channel)Regional Partner of the Year (Device)

source

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

2026 · 20,000 visitors · 100 exhibitors

Microsoft has not published official attendance forecasts for Ignite 2026. A third-party event page (K2 University) states an audience of over 20,000 in-person attendees and 200,000+ joining digitally, with 830+ sessions and 2,100+ speakers. (2026 data, third-party source)

Forecast — not final

Visitors

20,000

Growth over time

Edition recap

Microsoft Ignite 2025 was held November 18–21 at Moscone Center in San Francisco, drawing more than 20,000 in-person attendees and over 200,000 online registrations across 400+ sessions, demos, and expert-led labs. The event centered on Microsoft's "Frontier Firm" vision, with major announcements including Agent 365, Work IQ, Agent Mode in Office apps, Agent Factory, and Windows 365 for Agents. The keynote emphasized the shift from Copilot experimentation to a governed agent ecosystem, with over 1.3 billion agents projected by 2028. Microsoft also announced a Copilot price reduction to $21 per user per month for Business, effective December 1, 2025. The event generated an estimated $68 million in economic impact and 68,000 hotel room nights for San Francisco.

New this edition

1
Agent 365
A unified enterprise registry to observe, manage, and secure AI agents across Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and ServiceNow platforms, with integration into Defender, Purview, and Entra ID.
Source
2
Work IQ
An intelligence layer that enables Microsoft 365 Copilot to understand how users work, who they collaborate with, and the content they engage with.
Source
3
Agent Mode in Office Apps
Specialized AI agents inside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that collaborate iteratively with users to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Source
4
Agent Factory
A unified metering and orchestration layer that helps organizations build, deploy, and monitor automated agent workflows with transparent ROI.
Source
5
Windows 365 for Agents
A new type of Windows 365 cloud PC optimized for running computer-use AI agents in a secure environment.
Source
6
Copilot price reduction
Starting December 1, 2025, Microsoft 365 Copilot for Business costs $21 per user per month, down from $30, making AI adoption more accessible.
Source

Testimonials

Ignite 2025 showcased that AI is no longer a technology conversation, but an operational imperative. We are uniquely positioned to help customers turn intelligence into measurable impact.
Melissa Mulholland · Co-CEO · SoftwareOne · 2025

Next edition outlook

estimated

Microsoft Ignite 2027 is expected to return in November 2027 at a US venue, with San Francisco as the likely host city based on Microsoft's multiyear commitment to the city announced at Ignite 2025. Microsoft has not yet published official dates or a venue for the 2027 edition. The programme is expected to deepen its focus on agentic AI governance, industry-specific AI solutions, and hybrid cloud infrastructure, following the trajectory set by Agent 365 and the Frontier Transformation framework.

Expanded agent governance and security tracks aligned with evolving AI regulation Deeper industry-specific AI sessions for healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing Growth in partner-led sessions and Microsoft Marketplace integrations Potential expansion of digital attendance options based on 2026 hybrid format

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

Microsoft Ignite 2025 brought more than 20,000 in-person attendees and over 200,000 online registrations to San Francisco, generating an estimated $68 million in economic impact and 68,000 hotel room nights for the city. The event featured 400+ sessions, demos, and expert-led labs across four days at Moscone Center. Microsoft used the stage to unveil its agentic AI strategy, including Agent 365, Work IQ, Fabric IQ, and Foundry IQ, positioning enterprises to transition from AI experimentation to governed, production-scale deployment. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and Microsoft Commercial CEO Judson Althoff jointly announced that Ignite would return to the city in 2026, reinforcing San Francisco's role as a global technology hub.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Ignite 2025 drew more than 20,000 in-person attendees and over 200,000 online registrations, including over 14,000 Microsoft partners and customers on site. The audience spans IT professionals, developers, cloud architects, business leaders, and enterprise decision-makers with budget authority and vendor selection influence. Approximately 30-40% of attendees registered in the final two to three weeks before the event, and attendees represent software, management consulting, finance, and other technology-intensive industries.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Microsoft Ignite provides exhibitors with direct access to enterprise decision-makers actively evaluating AI, cloud, and security solutions. Valorem Reply reported an overwhelmingly positive response at their Ignite 2025 booth, with interactive demos like the Copilot AI-Scape Room and Digital Human Concierge drawing strong engagement and valuable new contacts. Partner testimonials emphasize the quality of conversations with customers sharing firsthand challenges around AI adoption, modernization, and operational efficiency. The event's scale, with 20,000 in-person attendees and 200,000 digital participants, offers partners significant brand visibility and lead generation opportunities across the Microsoft ecosystem.

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

North America / Global Enterprise Technology

Why it matters

Microsoft Ignite 2026 sits at the intersection of the fastest-moving forces in enterprise technology: agentic AI adoption, cloud infrastructure expansion, and tightening AI governance. With Copilot surpassing 30 million paid seats and Azure crossing $100 billion in annual revenue, Ignite is where Microsoft's commercial ecosystem converges. For buyers, it is the single venue to evaluate the full Microsoft agent stack — from Agent 365 governance to Microsoft IQ context layers — before committing budgets. For exhibitors, it offers direct access to enterprise decision-makers actively procuring AI, cloud, and security solutions at scale. The event's San Francisco location places it at the center of the venture capital and technology ecosystem driving AI investment.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Agentic AI moves from pilot to production

Gartner projects 40% of enterprise applications will embed task-specific AI agents by the end of 2026, up from less than 5% in 2025. The global AI agents market is projected to reach $10.9–12.1 billion in 2026 at a 44–46% CAGR, with 83% of organizations already running AI agents and 19% doing so autonomously at scale.

Source

Cloud infrastructure spending surges on AI demand

TrendForce reports that the top nine cloud service providers are projected to spend approximately $830 billion in capital expenditure in 2026, with year-over-year growth rising from 61% to 79%. Microsoft Azure passed $100 billion in annual revenue for the first time, with Azure revenue growing 43% year over year.

Source

AI governance tightens as regulation takes effect

The EU AI Act's high-risk system obligations take effect in 2026, while the proposed US Senate AI AGENT Act would require custodial user agent providers to register with the FTC. Only 8% of over 3,000 US companies reviewed disclosed board-level AI oversight, and Singapore launched the world's first model AI governance framework for agentic AI.

Source

AI agent security risks demand new governance models

OWASP released its first Top 10 risks for agentic AI use in January 2026, covering prompt-based attacks, identity and access management weaknesses, and software supply chain exposures. CISA published an Agentic AI Secure Adoption Guide in May 2026 to help enterprises manage agentic security risks.

Source

Enterprise AI adoption accelerates with Copilot expansion

Microsoft 365 Copilot surpassed 30 million paid seats as of July 2026, with net seat additions more than doubling quarter-over-quarter. India's TCS, Infosys, and Wipro collectively crossed 300,000 Copilot users, each scaling deployments beyond 100,000 seats.

Source

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

Microsoft 365 Copilot passes 30 million paid seats as Azure crosses $100 billion annual revenue

Read

US Senate AI AGENT Act could reshape enterprise AI governance

Read

TCS, Infosys, and Wipro collectively cross 300,000 Microsoft Copilot users

Read

TrendForce raises 2026 cloud service provider CAPEX forecast to $830 billion

Read

NVIDIA announces GTC 2026 in San Jose with 30,000+ attendees from 190 countries

Read

Enterprise Technology Conference Circuit 2026–2027

6–12 months for exhibitor/sponsor decisions; 3–6 months for attendee travel and hotel bookings.

Microsoft Ignite 2026 (November 17–20, San Francisco) anchors the fall enterprise technology season. It follows Google Cloud Next (April, Las Vegas), NVIDIA GTC (March, San Jose), and Oracle AI World (October, Las Vegas), and precedes AWS re:Invent (November 30–December 4, Las Vegas) and KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America (November 9–12, Salt Lake City). For teams evaluating multi-cloud strategies, attending both Ignite and re:Invent within a three-week window offers a comprehensive view of the two largest cloud ecosystems. Dreamforce (September, San Francisco) and Microsoft Build (June, San Francisco) round out the developer and CRM-focused circuit.

16–19 Mar 2026

NVIDIA GTC 2026

San Jose, USA

Held at San Jose McEnery Convention Center. More than 30,000 attendees from over 190 countries. Keynote by Jensen Huang.

website

22–24 Apr 2026

Google Cloud Next 2026

Las Vegas, USA

Held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Attracts approximately 30,000 attendees.

website

2–3 Jun 2026

Microsoft Build 2026

San Francisco, USA

Moved back to San Francisco for 2026. Focused on AI agents, Copilot expansion, and developer platform updates.

website

15–17 Sep 2026

Salesforce Dreamforce 2026

San Francisco, USA

Held at Moscone Center in San Francisco. Streams free on Salesforce+.

website

25–28 Oct 2026

Oracle AI World 2026

Las Vegas, USA

Formerly Oracle CloudWorld. Held at The Venetian Conference and Expo Center. Approximately 25,000+ attendees.

website

9–12 Nov 2026

KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America 2026

Salt Lake City, USA

Held at Salt Palace Convention Center. Estimated 9,000–12,000 attendees. New AI Inference + Agentic track added for 2026.

website

30 Nov – 4 Dec 2026

AWS re:Invent 2026

Las Vegas, USA

Held across. The Venetian, Wynn, Caesars Forum, and MGM Grand. Estimated 55,000–65,000 attendees.

website

Spring AI & Cloud Window

NVIDIA GTC 2026Google Cloud Next 2026

March–April window for foundational AI and cloud announcements. GTC covers AI infrastructure; Cloud Next covers Gemini and Vertex AI.

Fall Enterprise Window

Oracle AI World 2026Microsoft Ignite 2026KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America 2026AWS re:Invent 2026

October–December window for enterprise procurement decisions. Ignite and re:Invent are three weeks apart, enabling multi-cloud evaluation. KubeCon runs the week before Ignite.

Developer & CRM Window

Microsoft Build 2026Salesforce Dreamforce 2026

June and September windows for developer and CRM-focused audiences. Build covers Microsoft's developer platform; Dreamforce covers Salesforce's Agentforce ecosystem.

Event dates sourced from official event websites and organiser announcements. Attendance figures are estimates from third-party trade sources and should be verified with organisers for planning purposes.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

SFO

San Francisco International Airport

The primary gateway airport for Ignite attendees. BART's Yellow Line runs directly from the SFO station (International Terminal) to Powell Street and Montgomery Street stations, both a two-block walk from Moscone Center. Taxis and rideshares operate from the arrivals level of each terminal. The AirTrain connects all terminals to the BART station.

Approximately 21 km (13 miles) south of downtown San Francisco

to venue

15-25 minutes by car or taxi; about 30 minutes by BART

by car

OAK

Oakland International Airport

A viable alternative when SFO fares are high or direct routes are unavailable. BART connects OAK to downtown San Francisco via an 8-minute connector train to Coliseum Station, then a San Francisco-bound train for a 21-minute ride to Powell Street or Montgomery Street. Trains depart every 6 minutes during most hours.

Approximately 30 km (19 miles) from Moscone Center

to venue

30-40 minutes by car; about 45 minutes by BART

by car

SJC

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport

A less convenient option, generally used when SFO and OAK routes are unavailable. Caltrain offers service from nearby stations to San Francisco's 4th and Townsend Streets station, within walking distance of Moscone Center. Rideshare and taxi transfers cost approximately USD 94-202.

Approximately 75 km (46.5 miles) south of San Francisco

to venue

About 45-60 minutes by car depending on traffic

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Budget

SoMa / Union Square

USD 120–250 / night

Compact rooms in older buildings within walking distance of Moscone Center. Examples include. The Mosser Hotel, Inn On Folsom, and The Pickwick Hotel. Prices are estimates and can spike during Ignite week.

Mid-range

SoMa / Yerba Buena

USD 200–400 / night

Full-service hotels with reliable amenities, often within a 10-minute walk of the venue. Examples include Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMa, Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA, and The Clancy Autograph Collection. Prices are estimates.

Premium

SoMa / Market Street

USD 350–700 / night

Luxury properties closest to Moscone Center with full-service amenities, spas, and multiple dining options. Examples include San Francisco Marriott Marquis, W San Francisco, The St. Regis San Francisco, InterContinental San Francisco, and Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. Prices are estimates.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

Estimated cost$11.80 per person one way from SFO

Best forSFO Airport to Powell Street or Montgomery Street Station

The most reliable option for airport transfers and regional travel. The Yellow Line runs directly from SFO to downtown in approximately 30-40 minutes. Powell Street Station serves Moscone West, while Montgomery Street Station serves Moscone North and South. Both are about a two-block walk from the venue. Clipper cards and contactless payment accepted.

MUNI Metro

Estimated cost$2.85 per adult ride; $5.70 day pass

Best forYerba Buena/Moscone Station and Powell/Montgomery stations

San Francisco's light rail and bus network. The Yerba Buena/Moscone Station is directly across the street from Moscone Center. Powell and Montgomery stations also serve the venue. Fares can be paid with Clipper card, contactless bank card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or the MuniMobile app.

Caltrain

Estimated costOne-way fares range from $3.75 to $15.00 depending on zones traveled

Best for4th and Townsend Streets Station to Moscone Center

Commuter rail service connecting San Francisco with the Peninsula and San Jose. The 4th and Townsend Streets station is within walking distance of Moscone Center. Useful for attendees staying south of the city or arriving from San Jose. Trains run approximately every 30 minutes on weekdays.

Taxi and Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Estimated costSFO to Moscone area: approximately $39 (rideshare) or $58-$81 (taxi); intra-city trips vary

Best forDoor to door across San Francisco and from SFO

Rideshare pickup zones are designated at SFO and near the venue. Expect surge pricing during peak conference hours and evening events. Taxis can be hailed on the street or at hotel stands. Waymo autonomous ride-hailing also operates in San Francisco.

Parking (nearby garages)

Estimated cost$20-$35 per day depending on garage

Best forPublic parking garages surrounding Moscone Center

Moscone Center does not offer on-site parking. More than 7,000 public parking spaces are available in garages around the venue, including Fifth & Mission Garage ($25/day), Howard Street Garage ($28/day), and Moscone Center Garage ($30/day). Parking is not permitted in the South Driveway, cutouts, curbs, ramps, or docks. Most attendees find public transit or rideshare more convenient.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
B-1 Business Visitor Visa	Citizens of countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program who are traveling to the United States for business activities such as attending conferences, meetings, consultations, or negotiations. Applicants must demonstrate that they are visiting temporarily, have a residence abroad they do not intend to abandon, and are not seeking employment in the US.	$435.00	Varies by consulate and appointment availability; interview wait times can range from a few weeks to over 12 months depending on the post. An optional $750 expedited interview service (available through December 31, 2026 at select posts) offers appointments within 10 business days.
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries traveling to the United States for business or tourism for stays of 90 days or less. VWP countries include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand, Israel, Qatar, Chile, and others.	$40.00	Apply at least 72 hours before departure; most applications are processed within minutes to hours.

Citizens of 42 countries participate in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and can travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a traditional visa by obtaining an approved ESTA. European countries account for the largest share, with 33 nations participating, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. The Asia-Pacific group includes Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and New Zealand. Chile is the only South American country in the VWP, while Israel and Qatar represent the Middle East. Citizens of VWP countries are subject to the same activity limits as B-1 visa holders and cannot engage in employment while in the United States. The VWP list is subject to change; travelers should verify their eligibility on the official US Department of State website before planning travel.

The United States accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary duty-free importation of commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for exhibitions and fairs. The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows travelers and businesses to temporarily import goods for commercial purposes without paying duty or value-added taxes, provided the goods are re-exported within the one-year validity period. The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) has been designated by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as the US guaranteeing association. ATA Carnet processing fees range from $255 to $545 depending on the value of goods. As of June 1, 2026, the global transition to digital eATA Carnets has commenced in 30 countries; however, US ATA Carnet holders should continue to travel with their paper Carnet until USCIB confirms the US launch date for eATA. Samples intended to be consumed or given away at a trade show are not allowed under an ATA Carnet.

Official visa page

Weather

November in San Francisco is mild and cool, with average high temperatures around 17-18°C (63-64°F) and lows around 10-11°C (50-52°F). Rainfall is moderate, averaging roughly 43-77 mm across the month, with rain expected on about 2-5 days. Skies are clear or sunny on roughly 60-66% of November days. Evenings can feel damp and breezy, and the city is known for microclimates, so temperatures can vary noticeably between neighborhoods. Layers and a medium-weight jacket with a hood are strongly recommended.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Moscone Center is exceptionally well connected by public transit. BART offers regional rail service with two stations — Powell Street and Montgomery Street — each about a two-block walk from the venue. MUNI Metro light rail serves the Yerba Buena/Moscone Station directly across the street. Caltrain stops at 4th and Townsend Streets, a short walk from the venue. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is connected to downtown via BART in approximately 30 minutes. The venue is within walking distance of more than 20,000 hotel rooms and major landmarks including Union Square, Yerba Buena Gardens, and SFMOMA.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Tipping expectations

Tipping 18-20% at restaurants is standard in San Francisco, and some establishments now automatically add an 18-22% service charge, so check your receipt before adding an additional tip. The city has the highest minimum wage of any major US city at $18.67 per hour with no tip credit, meaning workers earn this rate before tips. Cash is useful to keep on hand for tipping, though contactless card payments are widely accepted.

Local communication style

San Francisco's technology ecosystem favors direct, peer-to-peer communication over formal hierarchy. Founders and executives often engage in question-driven conversations rather than scripted exchanges, making networking at Ignite feel approachable and collaborative. Locals generally prefer the terms 'SF' or 'The City' over 'San Fran'.

Neighborhood dining and networking

The SoMa district surrounding Moscone Center has a dense concentration of restaurants suited for client dinners and informal meetings, ranging from upscale dining to casual lunch spots within walking distance. Popular nearby options include Harrington's Bar & Grill for classic pub fare, MKT Restaurant & Bar in the Four Seasons for business lunches, and SOMA Restaurant & Bar for Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

November weather and attire

San Francisco in November is mild and cool with temperatures ranging from about 10°C to 19°C. Rainfall is moderate and evenings can feel damp and breezy. Layers and a light jacket are recommended for the conference week. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the Moscone Center campus spans three buildings and attendees typically log significant mileage.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: SFO

Book flights into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for the most convenient access to Moscone Center via BART. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is a viable alternative served by Southwest and other carriers. November is a shoulder season for San Francisco tourism, so fares may be moderate, but booking 4-8 weeks in advance is recommended given the conference demand. The event falls in mid-November, before the Thanksgiving holiday travel peak.

Visa

Most foreign nationals traveling to Microsoft Ignite 2026 in San Francisco need either a B-1 business visitor visa or an ESTA approval under the Visa Waiver Program. US citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a visa. Citizens of VWP countries can obtain ESTA, while citizens of non-VWP countries must apply for a B-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate. Both B-1 and ESTA explicitly cover attending professional or business conferences, making Ignite attendance permissible.

Processing: B-1 visa: varies by consulate, ranging from a few weeks to over 12 months depending on the post. ESTA: apply at least 72 hours before departure, most processed within minutes to hours.

The B-1 visa total cost is $435 ($185 MRV fee + $250 Visa Integrity Fee). The ESTA fee is approximately $40. Starting July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, an optional $750 expedited interview pilot program allows eligible B-1/B-2 applicants at select consular posts to secure an interview within 10 business days. The $750 fee is in addition to the standard $435. Applicants should apply for their visa or ESTA well in advance of the November 2026 event.

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Check-in (recommended)

2026-11-16

Check-out (recommended)

2026-11-21

Areas to stay

SoMa (South of Market) — closest to Moscone Center, walkable to all three halls · Yerba Buena / Union Square — 10-15 minute walk, more dining and shopping options · Financial District / Embarcadero — 15-20 minute walk or short transit ride, quieter evenings

Budget

$120 - $250 per night

Mid-range

$200 - $400 per night

Premium

$350 - $700 per night

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: BART Yellow Line from SFO to Powell Street Station takes approximately 30-40 minutes and costs $11.80 per person one way. From Powell Street, Moscone West is a two-block walk. For Moscone North and South, use Montgomery Street Station. Taxis and rideshares from SFO to the Moscone area cost approximately $32 and take 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.

Hotel → venue: Most hotels within the SoMa and Yerba Buena districts are within a 5-15 minute walk of Moscone Center. Hotels near Union Square or the Financial District are 10-20 minutes on foot or a short MUNI ride to the Yerba Buena/Moscone Station, located directly across the street from the venue.

Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate throughout San Francisco. Rideshare pickup and drop-off areas are designated near the venue. Expect surge pricing during peak conference hours and evening events. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or at hotel stands.

Public transit: BART provides regional rail service with Powell Street and Montgomery Street stations each about two blocks from Moscone Center. MUNI Metro light rail stops at Yerba Buena/Moscone Station directly across the street. Caltrain serves the 4th and Townsend Streets station, a short walk from the venue. A Clipper card or contactless payment is accepted on BART and MUNI.

Parking: Moscone Center does not have on-site parking. Several publicly owned garages with more than 7,000 spaces surround the venue, typically costing $20-35 per day. Parking is not permitted in the South Driveway, North or West Cutouts, curbs, ramps, or docks. Most attendees find public transit or rideshare more convenient and cost-effective.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: November

Temperature: 10-19°C (50-66°F)

Seasonality: Moderate rainfall, averaging 43-77 mm across the month. Rain is expected on approximately 2-5 days. Skies are clear or sunny on roughly 60-66% of November days. Evenings can feel damp and breezy.

Packing: Pack medium-weight sweaters for layering, a medium-weight jacket with a hood, long-sleeve shirts, jeans or casual pants, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a scarf or light gloves if you are sensitive to wind. Sunscreen is advisable for sunny daytime hours. Avoid shorts and light summer clothing.

Itinerary builder

Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

Add side trips

Default day plan

08:00Badge pickup and registration
09:00Opening keynote and core session tracks
11:00Breakout sessions and hands-on labs
13:00Lunch and partner networking
15:00Technical deep dives and expert-led sessions

Plan your trip

Planning

T-90

Book conference pass and confirm registration — Registration is open at register.ignite.microsoft.com. In-person Conference pass is $2,325; Hub-only pass is $1,625; digital pass is free. Guidance timing.

T-90

Book flights and hotel — Hotel prices near Moscone Center spike during Ignite week; book 1-2 months ahead to save hundreds per night. BART from SFO to downtown takes 30-40 minutes. Guidance timing.

T-60

Apply for visa or ESTA if traveling internationally — B-1 visa total cost is $435 ($185 MRV + $250 Visa Integrity Fee). ESTA costs approximately $40. Apply well in advance; processing can take weeks to months. Guidance timing.

T-30

Build your session schedule and reserve labs — Cap your agenda at 3-4 sessions per day and leave gaps for hallway conversations. Hands-on labs have limited capacity and fill up quickly; reserve early. Guidance timing.

T-14

Download the Microsoft Ignite mobile app and set up your profile — The app provides interactive venue maps, session details, and networking tools. Log in with the Microsoft account associated with your registration. Guidance timing.

T-7

Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, and business-casual attire — November in San Francisco: 10-19°C (50-66°F), moderate rainfall, breezy evenings. Moscone Center spans three buildings; expect significant walking. Guidance timing.

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day