From headliners to hands-on learning, we’ve got your insider’s guide to a week full of can’t-miss moments in AI skilling.
I always say my top career tip is simple: stay curious and keep on learning.
Ask questions, try new things, follow what sparks your interest.
That’s what Microsoft AI Skills Fest is all about. This isn’t just another learning event, it’s a full-on virtual festival experience, taking place June 8–12, 2026, with something for every role, from IT to marketing to leadership. Different stages, different sessions, one goal: helping you build your AI skills.
And now, it’s time to reveal the AI Skills Fest lineup, packed with experts. Think of this blog post as your festival game plan for what to watch, try, and learn.
Start here: Real perspectives from AI experts at the Mainstage
The AI Skills Fest Mainstage is where the headliners will gather and the vibes will be electric, with honest conversations about where AI is going and the skills (both human and AI) that matter most. Join us at any time on June 8, 2026. It’s a can’t-miss event.
Jeana Jorgensen, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Global Skilling, sits down with two industry experts (who are also New York Times bestselling authors!) for a vibrant conversation about the critical role of human skills in the era of AI:
- Aneesh Raman, Chief Economic Opportunity Officer at LinkedIn and co-author of Open to Work: How to Get Ahead in the Age of AI.
- Gina Smith, PhD, Research Director at IDC and co-author of Powering Up: Human Skills for the AI Era.
Plus, hear about how Microsoft is approaching AI transformation from the inside with leaders like:
- Katy George, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Workforce Transformation.
- Pam Maynard, Microsoft Chief AI Transformation Officer.
In addition to this thought leaders, hear voices from people just like you from around the world. Because we all have something meaningful to share.
Make the Mainstage your first stop. It’s a great place to get context for everything else you do at AI Skills Fest, including what skills matter and where to focus next.
Go deeper: Live learning
This is where AI Skills Fest really comes to life. Join us online for expert-led live sessions via LinkedIn and get answers to your questions. Discover real AI workflows, prepare for Microsoft Certification exams, get career coaching and learn alongside a global community in real time—all with a focus on practical application.
I’m looking forward to watching the Reimagine AI Collaboration for Business session which includes real example prompts and workflows. Another one that caught my attention is Ask a Recruiter—a great session for students who want some honest advice on landing that first job in the era of AI.
If you’re focused on earning a Certification, we’ve got you covered. Tune into live exam prep sessions with expert guidance and real-time Q&A. Find clear direction, real answers, and the confidence to say, I can actually do this.
Build something: Compete for prizes in the hackathon
Some people learn by watching. Others learn by doing. If you fall in the second category, like me, or if you’re from the developer community, you won’t want to miss the hackathon.
Agents League Hackathon is the marquee experience for developers at AI Skills Fest, combining hands‑on building with an e-sports‑style competition. Create your own agent, compete against your peers, and watch live coding battles as you climb the leaderboard.
The hackathon is also a great chance to network with developers globally and get feedback from Microsoft product teams. Register now and submit your project through June 14, 2026, for a chance to win cash prizes, exciting swag, and category recognition.* And everyone who submits a project receives a digital badge.
Find your path: Role-based skilling playlists
After you’ve seen the mainstage lineup and joined a few live moments, build on your momentum with featured playlists—self-guided training curated for specific roles and organized so you always have a clear next step. Each unit builds on the learnings from those that came before. The result? You can focus on content built for you.
We’re planning a lot more, but here are a few skilling playlists you won’t want to miss.
|
If you’re a… |
Check out… |
And discover… |
|
Business professional |
Using Copilot Agents at Work |
A deeper understanding of how and when to use agents to boost productivity. |
|
Developer |
Develop your first agent with Microsoft Foundry |
A clear path to developing agents from model selection to publishing. |
|
Executive |
Leading at the Frontier: for talent and learning leaders |
Practical ways to lead AI transformation through people, skills, and business strategy. |
|
Educator or student |
Responsible AI in education |
Confidence applying responsible AI in real learning and academic scenarios. |
|
IT, data, or security pro |
Save time with Azure Copilot |
Helpful ways to use Azure Copilot to save time and improve workflows. |
Skilling playlists drop June 8, 2026, on AI Skills Navigator. Trust me, you’ll want to be the first to check them out.
Complete a featured playlist by June 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM (your time), to earn a Credly badge. Submit your voucher claim form by the same date and time for a chance at a free Microsoft Certification exam.*
Learn together: Partnerships that expand your experience
AI Skills Fest is a worldwide learning party, and we’re bringing along some friends to make it more accessible, practical, and relevant—wherever you’re learning.
- Through our global network of Microsoft Training Services Partners, you can join local, in-language AI Skills Fest events that bring the festival closer to you.
- With Pearson, we’re showing how AI learning turns into real impact, from working toward Certification-led adoption to building practical, job-ready skills.
- With Finding Mastery, we’re exploring the human side of AI with a session focused on the mindset and skills that help you adapt, lead, and stay grounded.
- Anthropic brings a dedicated session on AI applications and agent development using Foundry with Anthropic AI models.
- And MasterClass is joining with its new certificate, Lead With AI: Adapt, Implement & Transform Your Organization, plus a special offer for AI Skills Fest attendees.
See you (virtually) at the AI Skills Fest!
Because every great festival comes with perks, we’ve got a few worth getting excited about:
- Register and you’re automatically entered into a sweepstakes* for exciting prizes. You might even score a VIP experience at Microsoft Ignite 2026, complete with your very own pair of bedazzled shoes. (If you register before June 8, 2026, you’ll get two entries and double your chance of winning.)*
- Complete an AI Skills Fest featured playlist, and earn a Credly badge* you can share.
- Finish an eligible playlist and receive a voucher for select Certification exams.
Register now for AI Skills Fest. Mark your calendar for the mainstage moment. Pick a few live sessions. Commit to a skilling playlist. Try something hands-on.
The festival forecast looks good: the lineup is sunny, and the paths are clear. I’m looking forward to seeing you there!
*Friendly fine print: Terms and conditions apply. Sweepstakes, prizes, and Certification exam vouchers are subject to eligibility requirements and other restrictions.
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