Microsoft Build //localhost
Microsoft Build //localhost brings the best of Microsoft Build directly to your local community. As an official event redelivery, chapters receive a curated content kit from Global AI HQ and Microsoft, making it easy to host a high-quality evening event with minimal effort. Gather your local developers, play the special recorded opening and use the provided deck to present the highlights from Build, run a hands-on workshop, and connect over food and drinks.
Note
We are in the early stages of planning Microsoft Build //localhost, so not everything is ready.
Key things to know!
- Time frame: Directly after Build 2026 (June 4–30, 2026).
- Topic: Microsoft Build content redelivery
- Event Format: MeetUp
- Duration: 3–4 Hours (Evening)
- Content: Curated content kit provided by Global AI HQ / Microsoft.
- Audience: 25–50 attendees
- Cost: Free for all attendees
- Branding: Custom Build //localhost branding template (provided by HQ)
- Registration: Must use the Global AI Community event registration system
1. Registering Your Event
To register your event as part of Microsoft Build //localhost, follow the step-by-step guide on the Register page.
2. What You Receive
- Event in a box content — recorded opening, slide deck, branding assets, workshop materials, and talking points - Event Content
- Azure Subscriptions for hands-on labs — request credits here
- F&B credit ($600 USD) — reimbursement (the amount depends on the number of attendees and location.)
TIP
The content kit will be available on the Event Content page. You will get notified when it is ready.
3. Plan Your Event
Event Timeline (Example)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 17:00 | Doors open & registration |
| 17:15 | Welcome & introductions |
| 17:30 | Recorded opening video (15 min) |
| 17:45 | Build highlights presentation using provided deck (30 min) |
| 18:15 | Break + food & drinks |
| 19:30 | Hands-on workshop / lab (60 min) |
| 20:30 | Wrap-up & networking |
| 21:00 | Close |
Venue
Any location works for Build //localhost. Choose a space that fits your group:
- Co-working space — often free or low-cost with AV equipment
- Company office — ask a local partner or sponsor to host
- University or college — great for reaching student audiences
- Microsoft office — acceptable if available in your city
- Community center or café — keep it casual and accessible
Venue checklist
- [ ] Capacity for 25–50 people
- [ ] Screen or projector for the recorded opening and presentations
- [ ] Reliable internet connection
- [ ] Audio setup (speakers for video playback)
- [ ] Space for a hands-on workshop (tables, power outlets)
- [ ] Area for food, drinks, and informal networking
Food & Drinks
Since this is an evening event, plan for light catering:
- Pizza, sandwiches, or local equivalent
- Soft drinks, water, coffee/tea
- Budget estimate: check with local sponsors or use chapter funds
4. Promotion
Use the provided Build //localhost branding and promotion kit for all promotion.
Suggested timeline
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| 3 weeks before | Announce event on socials and open registration |
| 2 weeks before | Share on chapter Meetup, LinkedIn, and Discord |
| 1 week before | Send reminder email to registered attendees |
| Day of event | Post live updates on socials |
| Day after | Thank-you post with photos |
Channels
- Chapter LinkedIn Showcase page
- Meetup.com group
- Local Discord / Slack channels
- X (Twitter) with hashtags:
#MSBuild#Buildlocalhost#GlobalAI
5. On the Day
Quick checklist
- [ ] Arrive 60 minutes early to set up
- [ ] Test screen, audio, and internet connection
- [ ] Have the recorded opening and deck downloaded locally (don't rely on streaming)
- [ ] Set up registration desk (laptop or tablet with attendee list)
- [ ] Prepare food & drinks area
- [ ] Take photos during the event
- [ ] Collect attendee feedback (short survey or QR code)
Tips
- Assign one person for AV and one for registration
- Keep introductions short — attendees are here for the content
- Encourage networking during the break
- Have the recorded opening and deck downloaded as backup in case of connectivity issues
6. After the Event
- Fill out the event report at the event (don't wait — do it on the spot)
- Upload photos to the Chapter Dashboard
- Submit your F&B receipt for reimbursement
- Share photos and a short recap on your chapter's social channels
7. Support Available
- Azure credits for workshop labs
- Event content
- Build //localhost branding kit
- Questions? Connect with us on Slack or email support@globalai.community
Q&A
How does the F&B credit work?
Each Build //localhost event is eligible for an F&B credit of up to $600 USD. The exact amount depends on the number of attendees and your location. Here's how the process works:
- Pay upfront — You cover the food and beverage costs on the day of your event.
- Submit your receipt — After the event, submit your receipt through the event report. Only food and beverage expenses are eligible; other costs (venue, transport, swag, etc.) are not covered.
- Reimbursement — You will be reimbursed within 30 days after submitting your expenses.
- Payment methods — Reimbursement is available via PayPal or Wise only. Make sure you have an active account on one of these platforms before submitting.
TIP
Keep your receipt clear and itemized. Receipts without a breakdown of items may delay the reimbursement process.
I'm an MVP, can I use Global AI Community?
Yes! As a Microsoft MVP, you are welcome to organize your Build //localhost event through the Global AI Community. You'll get access to the full content kit, branding assets, Azure credits, and the F&B credit — just like any chapter organizer. Simply register your event on globalai.community and follow the steps on the Register page. If you're already a chapter lead, use your chapter account. If not, you can create a new account and register your event independently.
I'm an Azure Tech Group, can I use Global AI Community?
Yes! Azure Tech Groups are welcome to organize their Build //localhost event through the Global AI Community. You'll receive the same benefits: the content kit, branding template, Azure credits, and the F&B credit. Register your event on globalai.community following the Register guide. This is a great way to bring Microsoft Build content to your local Azure Tech Group community.
Can I claim my event for multiple offers?
No. Each event can only be claimed under one offer. If you are organizing a Build //localhost event through Global AI, you cannot simultaneously claim the same event through another program (e.g., Microsoft Reactor, MVP event support, or other community offers). Choose the offer that best fits your needs before registering.
Can I still register my event at Global AI if I'm using Microsoft Reactor for registration?
Yes, you can still list your event on the Global AI Community website even if you're using the Microsoft Reactor for event registration. To do this:
- Register your event on globalai.community as usual.
- In the event description, mention that registration is handled through the Reactor and include the Reactor registration link.
- Select Global AI Registrations as the registration option.
We will make sure your event shows up correctly on the Global AI website and calendar, so your event gets visibility across both platforms.