Microsoft is moving its annual Build developer conference from its longtime Seattle home to San Francisco this summer. CEO Satya Nadella announced the June 2-3 event at Fort Mason, marking the first Build outside Seattle since 2016. The conference targets AI developers, technical leaders, and enterprise developers with workshops, demos, and speakers, charging $1,099 for in-person attendance.

Microsoft's decision follows its choice of San Francisco for its flagship Ignite conference last November. Despite being headquartered in Redmond, Washington, the company maintains significant Bay Area operations through subsidiaries LinkedIn and GitHub. GitHub COO Kyle Daigle framed the location shift as a "test" to evaluate what works with developer audiences in different markets.

The move strengthens San Francisco's position as a tech conference hub. The city already hosts numerous major tech events including Game Developers Conference, RSAC, and Dreamforce. Microsoft's presence adds to a crowded calendar that reflects the Bay Area's enduring appeal as a gathering place for technology professionals, even as many companies reconsider their physical office footprints.