How Microsoft Ran Their First Virtual CAB Summit with EventBuilder

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.

Meet The Client (1000 x 100 px)Microsoft400x250JPEG

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.

 

Challenge

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:

Event Coordination

A coordinated agenda across multiple days and time zones

Engagement

12 Daily breakout sessions and 12 daily roundtable discussions

Event Security

Ensure session access was streamlined, secure, and attendee-specific

Live Technical Support

Real-time production oversight during sessions, including audio/video management, timing cues, and troubleshooting

Informal Networking Opportunities

Casual virtual spaces for attendees to connect organically

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:
  • Branded Registration and Scheduling: A customized portal made it easy for attendees to register, select sessions, and navigate the agenda.
  • Microsoft Teams Integration with Live Production: Used Microsoft Teams as the delivery platform, enhanced with EventBuilder software and professional event producers.
  • 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.
  • Enterprise-Grade Privacy and Security: Enabled secure access and protected sensitive discussions with privacy controls aligned to Microsoft standards.
  • Accessible, On-Demand Content: Ensured the experience was accessible from registration through post-event viewing, with recordings available on demand.
  • 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.
  • 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.