Toronto to host Microsoft's Global Partner Conference in July, 2016

Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference to draw 15,000 attendees from more than 150 countries

TORONTO, July 13, 2015 /CNW/ - Microsoft announced today that an estimated 15,000 Microsoft technology partners and employees from around the world will converge into Toronto next July for the 2016 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC).

The Worldwide Partner Conference is Microsoft's single largest annual event, bringing together staff and valued partners from over 150 countries across a broad spectrum of technology businesses from July 10-14 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

"I am looking immensely forward to welcoming colleagues and valued partners from all over the world back to the great city of Toronto," said Microsoft Canada President Janet Kennedy, noting that Toronto previously held the Microsoft World Partner Conference in 2004 and 2012. "Canada is a very important market, and with our recent announcements such as the opening of the Microsoft Canada Excellence Centre in Vancouver, locally delivered cloud services via two datacentres in 2016 and now the return of the WPC to Toronto, it reflects Microsoft's dedicated commitment to this country."

Microsoft values it's partner community, in Canada it has over 12,000 technology partners that are helping Canadian businesses innovate, transform and accelerate their businesses in this mobile first, cloud first world. WPC provides an opportunity for partners to learn about new products, and services; make new connections and ultimately feel empowered to achieve more.

"Toronto is a world-class business and technology cluster and as one of Canada's biggest cities, it is an ideal location to host Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference in 2016," said Industry Minister James Moore. "Our government understands that there is great value in partnerships across all sectors to nurture the talent and new ideas that will help our businesses innovate, secure new markets and create well-paying jobs. Microsoft's decision to host its WPC in Toronto will provide participants with a great opportunity to engage with Canada's dynamic and growing digital technologies sector."

Premier Kathleen Wynne was also pleased with Microsoft's decision, noting that "Ontario's thriving technology sector has helped establish our province as a leader in today's knowledge economy. Our government is thrilled to welcome the WPC back to Ontario, but it is the people working in Ontario's tech sector who should be most proud to see Microsoft's biggest event of the year returning to Toronto once more. Above all else, it is a vote of confidence in their talents and skills and in the enormous growth potential of Ontario's tech sector."

Mayor John Tory hailed the selection of Toronto as host city for WPC 2016, "Toronto has become a global leader in technology development, and I am committed to growing the industry, which provides jobs of the future. The selection of our city as host of the 2016 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference is a testament to Toronto's strength as a centre for technology and innovation."

Andrew Weir, Chief Marketing Officer for Tourism Toronto, says the economic impact of the conference on the city will total an estimated $22 million.

"From the convention facilities to thousands of hotel rooms, restaurant meals and everything else attendees will enjoy during their stay, this will provide a significant boost to Toronto's tourism and hospitality businesses," Weir said. "Plus Toronto benefits from exposure to business leaders from over 100 countries and through the extensive worldwide media coverage of the event."

To learn more visit the Partner Network and to register visit http://microsoftpartnernetwork.com.

About Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference
Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference provides Microsoft's partner community with access to key marketing and business strategies, leadership, and information regarding specific customer solutions designed to help partners succeed in the marketplace. More information can be found at www.digitalwpc.com and on the Partner Network home page at http://microsoftpartnernetwork.com.

SOURCE Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference

Video with caption: "Video: Microsoft Canada President Janet Kennedy and Mayor John Tory announced today that Toronto will host the 2016 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) next July". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20150713_C8482_VIDEO_EN_444050.mp4&posterurl=http%3a%2f%2fphotos.newswire.ca%2fimages%2f20150713_C8482_PHOTO_EN_444050.jpg&order=1&jdd=20150713&cnum=C8482

For further information: Larysa Woloszansky, Veritas Communications, [email protected], 416-955-4571