In a notable shift from tradition, Microsoft has announced that its annual Build developer conference will move from its usual May schedule to 2 & 3 June 2026 and relocate from the Seattle area to San Francisco. The event will be hosted at the Fort Mason Center.
The company had earlier decided to move the conference out of Seattle due to concerns around homelessness and cleanliness. Build has historically been associated with the Seattle region.
Kyle Daigle, COO of GitHub, commented on the relocation while speaking to a publication. “Build has been in many different locations over the years, but it clearly has an identity with the Seattle area, but like with everything in software, it’s a little bit of ship to learn.”
“Let’s ship it to San Francisco and see what we learn this year with that audience that can come and join us, and see about the years following,” he added.
Around 2,500 developers are being invited to register this year. In previous editions, attendance ranged between 3,000 and 5,000 developers.
What to expect from Build 2026?
In past years, Microsoft has used Build to announce updates related to Windows and Microsoft Azure. However, this year the focus is expected to shift more strongly toward developers.
“We just need to show you what we’ve been doing, what you’ve been building on top of it, and how you can use it,” Daigle said.
The official event description reads: “At Microsoft Build, you’ll go deep on real code, real systems, and real workflows with the teams building and scaling AI. Two days. Hands-on sessions. No fluff.”
Microsoft confirmed that the keynote and select sessions will be live-streamed. Developers can request to attend through the official registration page. The in-person ticket price is $1,099.
CEO Satya Nadella will deliver the keynote and present new developments. He posted on X, “Counting down to a new Build in San Francisco. Hope you’ll join us!”
Confirmed speakers include Simon Willison, Priyanka Sharma, Shawn Wang and Chip Huyen.
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