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On May 1–2, something extraordinary happened on the Microsoft Redmond Campus. Over 200 top leaders in the partner ecosystem came together for a high-impact, highly immersive experience—Ultimate Partner LIVE. 

This wasn’t just another conference. This was a strategic accelerator designed for the 0.01% of partners ready to lead through the next wave of transformation. 

 “We’re doubling down on our Cloud Solution Provider partners—70% of incentives now go to those serving SMBs. With new capabilities, strategic offers, and AI-aligned priorities, CSPs are empowered to scale, retain customers, and lead the AI transformation.” 
— Nicole Dezen, Microsoft, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President Global Partner Solutions 

More details here: 👉🏻https://lnkd.in/gA-zT_EW 

Ecosystem-Led Growth Is No Longer Optional—It’s Imperative 

The message from Microsoft leadership was clear: the future belongs to those who embrace ecosystem-led growth. Hyperscalers like Microsoft are reshaping the playing field, and the partners who align, adapt, and lead will own the future. It’s no longer about going it alone—it’s about orchestrating value at scale. 

“Organizational agility and technical intensity aren’t just strategies—they’re imperatives. To lead with innovation, partners must build unique IP, pivot fast, and align deeply with customer needs. At Microsoft, we don’t just keep up with change—we drive it.” 
— Lori Borg, Microsoft, VP Americas GTM, GPS 

AI and Marketplace: Your Growth Engines for FY26 and Beyond 

If there was one dominant theme, it’s this: AI and Marketplace are the unstoppable growth engines for what’s next. 

From building AI-powered solutions that drive real business outcomes, to tapping into the explosive momentum of Microsoft’s commercial marketplace, this is where opportunity lives. 

Visionary insights from leaders at Tackle.io, WorkSpan, and Suger delivered clear guidance: move fast, align to Microsoft’s evolving Cloud GTM, and win where the market is headed. 

“Marketplace is no longer optional—it’s the engine for scale, speed, and monetization. With doubled revenue, co-sell incentives, Azure retirements, and embedded commerce, it’s clear: this is the future of go-to-market at Microsoft.” 
— Cyril Belikoff, VP Microsoft, Azure and Industry Clouds 

Empowering the Future of AI Through Bold Partnerships 

Incredible fireside chats with leaders like Sandy Gupta, VP at Microsoft, and Pat Lee from NVIDIA, spotlighted how our ecosystem is the catalyst for the next wave of Agentic AI. Microsoft’s strategic alliance with NVIDIA isn’t just a partnership—it’s a platform for innovation at massive scale. 

“In the era of Agentic AI, our partnership with NVIDIA is accelerating a system of intelligence that is reshaping how enterprises operate—from reimagining employee and customer experiences to redefining business processes. With the democratization of AI through lower token costs and reduced hallucinations, the opportunity for partners to drive innovation, cloud migration, and responsible AI adoption has never been greater.” 

 — Sandy Gupta, Microsoft, VP, leading Microsoft Ecosystems of Global Software Companies 

Workshops That Build, Not Just Teach 

Forget the passive panels and endless slide decks. Ultimate Partner LIVE was built for action. 

Attendees rolled up their sleeves in workshops on smarter co-selling, high-conversion GTM plays, and marketplace motions that accelerate growth. Experts like Erin Figer, Reis Barrie, and Ashleigh Vogstad didn’t just share theory—they helped partners build strategies they could apply immediately. 

Proven Frameworks You Can Put to Work Now 

Every attendee left with real tools—the 7 Principles of Successful Partnerships, actionable co-sell strategies, and marketplace success frameworks designed for this exact moment in time. 

These aren’t abstract concepts. They’re battle-tested playbooks for achieving your greatest results in a rapidly changing landscape. 

High-Trust Networking That Moves the Needle 

This wasn’t a vendor hall—it was a curated room of decision-makers. 

Real conversations. Real connections. Real opportunities. 

From Microsoft leaders to top ISVs, GSIs, and the elite of the partner ecosystem, this was where deals were sparked and futures were shaped. 

Every Detail Designed for Impact 

From the moment you stepped on campus to DJ #MarcoPolo’s evening celebration, every experience was crafted to maximize connection, clarity, and action. This event wasn’t built for passive attendance—it was built to help you lead with confidence into FY26. 

We Are at a Critical Inflection Point 

AI is moving faster than anyone imagined. Microsoft’s strategies are evolving in real time. And the marketplace is poised for explosive growth. 

As Microsoft leaders Nicole Dezen, Lori Borg, and Cyril Belikoff made clear: the partners who stay agile, aligned, and ecosystem-first will lead the next era of transformation. 

Why Ultimate Partner LIVE Might Be the Shortcut You’re Looking For 

• Hear directly from Microsoft decision-makers—on stage and across the table


• Build your GTM and co-sell strategy in the room with ecosystem experts


• Engage in workshops that deliver action, not just insight


• Connect with the people who can unlock your next big opportunity


• Experience an event intentionally built for the pace of today’s change

This wasn’t just an event. It was a launchpad for the leaders who will define what’s next. 

If you couldn’t join us in Redmond—or just want to revisit the powerful insights shared from the Microsoft stage—the full livestream recording from Ultimate Partner LIVE is now available to you today. 
 
Access the replay here: https://lnkd.in/e6sntk9T 

This is your opportunity to catch up, stay ahead, and lead through the change. 

Please subscribe to our channel to stay ahead as we plan to bring you more from UP and Ultimate Guide to Partnering 

 
Are you ready to lead? 

Contact me directly at vincem@theultimatepartner.com.