The inevitable has happened: Microsoft has canceled Ignite and will embrace “digital-first experiences” for the rest of 2020.

News of this change was first reported by Mary Jo Foley.

“In light of the challenges presented by Covid-19, we are adjusting our event calendar and strategy,” a Microsoft statement explains. “For the remainder of 2020 we are embracing the opportunity to experiment with new platforms to provide our partners, customers, and developers the highest quality, digital-first experiences.”

The Microsoft Ignite website has been updated to include more specific information about that show, which is Microsoft’s biggest.

“The safety of our community is [our] top priority,” the site now reads. “In light of global health concerns due to COVID-19, we will deliver our annual Microsoft Ignite conference as a digital experience, in lieu of an in-person event. We look forward to bringing together our community to learn innovative ways to build solutions, migrate and manage your infrastructure, and connect with Microsoft experts and other technology professionals from around the globe. Stay tuned for more details to come.”

I appreciate Microsoft’s desire to host “all-digital experiences” in lieu of live events, and I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities for good content this year. But I think we can all agree that virtual events—live or pre-recorded—are no replacement for a real, in-person conference, especially one the size and scope of Ignite.

And for the pedantic who want to argue that Ignite is still happening in some way and is thus not “canceled,” please. Ignite was canceled. It is being memorialized by something different, no matter how Microsoft chooses to describe it.

Tagged with Microsoft Ignite