Microsoft makes virtual Inspire event free

Digital event will take place in July

Microsoft's virtual Inspire event will be free for all partners to attend, channel boss Gavriella Schuster has said.

In a blog post and accompanying video, Schuster said the event will go ahead on 21 and 22 July as planned in a fully virtual format.

Microsoft had previously at the end of March that the in-person conference, set for Las Vegas, would not be taking place.

Schuster said: "Although we won't be gathering together in person this year, I'm still really excited about how this virtual event will be everyone together in new and innovative ways.

"We are now able to bring the Microsoft experience to everyone, anywhere in the world.

"Taking Microsoft inspire virtual is giving us the opportunity to reimagine how we do things."

Schuster said that partner organisations can have as many employees as they like ‘attending' the virtual Inspire event.

The conference draws around 18,000 people to Las Vegas in normal circumstances, with tickets costing upwards of $2,000.