Microsoft hosts its first metaverse event on a private island
A full-day partner kickoff on a private island, with live keynotes and five breakout paths
Webinar fatigue in full effect
95% of Microsoft’s revenue flows through partners, so Microsoft funds Channel Ambassadors, hired by partners to provide training and service support to sales teams. Each year an event brings ambassadors together to discuss the latest offerings. The previous virtual version was a series of connected webinars, and webinar fatigue set in.
The audience was Channel Ambassadors at Microsoft partners. They understood why the event needed to be virtual, and they were dreading another webinar experience. Research showed that less than 40% would attend, opting instead to watch a playback of the content. For efficiency and scalability reasons the virtual format had to stay. The goal was to meet or exceed the 40% webinar attendance benchmark, with a stretch goal of 75% live attendance.
An island in the metaverse
The event was hosted on a private island in the metaverse, with a state-of-the-art virtual conference center, a courtyard, meeting rooms, a private beach and waterfront views from almost every angle. Channel Ambassadors created avatars and joined the world.
A conference center for keynotes
The modern conference center hosted keynotes with a full stage and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Courtyards were placed to provide natural gathering spots for Channel Ambassadors in both professional and social capacities.
Five breakout paths across the day
Throughout the full-day experience, Channel Ambassadors attended live keynote sessions and selected one of five breakout paths. Meeting rooms gave them private spaces where voice and chat were limited to those present.
Games built for team bonding
Attendees worked in teams on scavenger hunts to find hidden clues and secret prizes. They played light-hearted games from Pictionary to dance-offs, and hopped on speedboats to race to remote parts of the island.
Email still did the inviting
The way the word went out did not change. Email remained the primary communication vehicle. What changed was the invitation itself, to a private island rather than a full day of webinars.
The first ever
It was the first metaverse event ever produced by Microsoft, and it contributed to a subsidiary of the year award based on top revenue performance.
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