CASE STUDY

How Microsoft Ran Their First Virtual CAB Summit with EventBuilder

Introduction

When Microsoft needed to take their Customer Advisory Board (CAB) summit online, they faced a challenge: reimagine one of their most visible executive events for a virtual format, without losing the access, polish, or trust that defined it. With EventBuilder’s support, they did just that, using Microsoft Teams to host a seamless, professionally produced multi-day summit.

Microsoft’s Customer Advisory Board (CAB) gathers senior executives and strategic partners to exchange feedback, shape product direction, and align on long-term goals. These summits have always been in person: high-touch, tightly run, and built for real-time collaboration. But when global travel was off the table, Microsoft needed a new approach for their flagship CAB event. The goal was to deliver the same level of access and engagement entirely online. 

A calendar with blue pins in four days with the Microsoft logo to the top left corner.

Challenge

Needs and Wants

The Microsoft CAB team needed to translate a highly interactive, multi-day executive summit into a virtual format without losing the structure, energy, or access that defined their in-person events. This meant managing dozens of sessions across time zones, supporting senior presenters through virtual delivery for the first time, and delivering a consistent experience to a global audience, all within a tight timeline. 
 
Their key requirements included:
 
Limited Pitch Time a plain mid blue square
Event Coordination >>
A coordinated agenda across multiple days and time zones
A white laptop displaying a webinar with many guests. A persons hands are on a keyboard typing a plain mid green square
Live Technical Support >>
Real-time production oversight during sessions, including audio/video management, timing cues, and troubleshooting
A hand draws a flow diagram of a work engagement process against a blue background with the image of a professional woman holding and looking at an ipad with a smile on her face. a plain orange square
Engagement >>
12 Daily breakout sessions and 12 daily roundtable discussions
A metallic image of a circuit board with a lock icon in the center a plain orange square
Event Security >>
Ensure session access was streamlined, secure, and attendee-specific
Small white blocks with icons of people on them are interlinked to one another by white lines. a plain mid blue square
Informal Networking Opportunities >>
Casual virtual spaces for attendees to connect organically
A plain envelope on an orange background with handwriting reading 'Just for you' on the back a plain orange square
Consistent, Targeted Registrant Communications >>
Timely updates, reminders, and personalized details to keep attendees informed and engaged before, during, and after the event.

Solutions

Microsoft didn’t just need a platform—they needed full-spectrum support to plan, produce, and deliver a virtual summit at executive scale. EventBuilder stepped in as a strategic partner, providing both the technology and the hands-on expertise to make it happen.

Here's how we supported their success:

EventBuilder logo on blue background
Branded Registration and Scheduling

A customized portal made it easy for attendees to register, select sessions, and navigate the agenda.

EventBuilder logo on blue background
Microsoft Teams Integration with Live Production

Used Microsoft Teams as the delivery platform, enhanced with EventBuilder software and professional event producers.

EventBuilder logo on blue background
Presenter Onboarding and Live Support

Guided speakers through technical setup, platform use, and virtual session logistics—many of them delivering online for the first time.

EventBuilder logo on blue background
Enterprise-Grade Privacy and Security

Enabled secure access and protected sensitive discussions with privacy controls aligned to Microsoft standards.

EventBuilder logo on blue background
Accessible, On-Demand Content

Ensured the experience was accessible from registration through post-event viewing, with recordings available on demand.

EventBuilder logo on blue background
24/7 Attendee and Presenter Support

Offered around-the-clock help during the event to resolve issues quickly and maintain continuity. So no one was left waiting when time zones collided or tech issues popped up.

EventBuilder logo on blue background
Post-Event Reporting and Insights

Delivered customized analytics, including registration data, session engagement, and attendee feedback.

Results

EventBuilder helped Microsoft deliver a virtual summit that felt just as focused, accessible, and well-run as its in-person predecessor. With EventBuilder's support, the summit maintained high engagement levels, facilitated seamless interactions across various session types, and upheld the professional standards expected by global executives. 

Sustained Engagement
>>

Attendees remained actively involved throughout the multi-day event, participating in keynotes, roundtables, and breakout sessions.

Technical Reliability 
>>

The event proceeded without significant technical issues, ensuring a smooth experience for both presenters and attendees.

Positive Feedback 
>>

Participants noted the ease of access and the professionalism of the virtual format, reflecting the event's success in meeting its objectives.

Established Partnership  
>>

The successful execution of the summit reinforced Microsoft's confidence in EventBuilder, leading to a continued collaboration for future events.

The program has become a competitive advantage by accelerating adoption, building trust, and reinforcing the company’s reputation as a leader in enterprise technology.