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Microsoft Build localhost: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Molly edited this page Jun 4, 2026 · 14 revisions

Build //localhost — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A combined reference for community hosts running Build //localhost 2026 events.

Program Overview

When is Microsoft Build 2026?

June 2–3, 2026, in San Francisco.

When is Microsoft Build //localhost 2026?

Events take place between June 4–26, 2026.

What is Microsoft Build //localhost?

A community-led, in-person extension of Microsoft Build where global community leaders host events after Build using a Microsoft-provided content package (keynote video, breakout sessions, workshop materials) plus support for hands-on labs.

Who is the audience for Build //localhost?

Developers — particularly enterprise and AI developers — with a focus on hands-on learning.


Key Dates

Application Status

Closed (April 24 – May 20).

Key Dates for Hosts

  • Know Before You Host: June 8
  • Event delivery window: June 4–26
  • Reimbursement paperwork due: June 30
  • Debrief: July (TBD)

Marketing Toolkit


Host Responsibilities

What am I committing to as a host?

  • Secure a June venue and date
  • Promote your event (target: 30+ attendees)
  • Deliver the provided content
  • Use the Reactor registration link
  • Complete post-event steps (receipts, photos, attendance)

What’s the minimum attendance requirement?

At least 30 in-person attendees registered via Reactor registration page.

Are virtual or hybrid events allowed?

No — in-person only.

Do events have to be in June?

Yes — the program window closes June 26.


Funding & Reimbursements

Is travel support provided for hosts or speakers?

No.

MVP-led event reimbursement

Subject to availability and local FTE support, MVP Jumpstarts may support:

  • A Microsoft venue (when feasible)
  • F&B reimbursement up to $500

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 30 attendees (registered via Reactor registration page)

If Jumpstart cannot help with a venue:

  • Reimbursement of up to $300 may be available

Non-MVP-led event reimbursement

  • Venue reimbursement up to $300
  • F&B reimbursement up to $200

What if I don’t hit 30 attendees?

You can still run the event, but the full $500 reimbursement isn’t guaranteed.

Can I get more than the standard cap?

Not guaranteed.
Email: atc@microsoft.com (handled case by case).

Is there an annual limit on how many Jumpstarts an MVP can access?

No.

How does reimbursement work?

Organizers pay up front and submit the following through PlainSight:

  • Receipts
  • Photos
  • Attendance data
  • Post-event survey

Deadline: June 30


Skillable Labs

What platform are the labs on?

Skillable — a third-party lab platform. No Azure credits or Microsoft/Azure account required.

Do I have to run a lab?

No.

How are lab seats allocated?

Based on the estimated attendee count entered on the host form (not Reactor registrations).

Can I update my attendee count?

Yes. Email atc@microsoft.com with your event ID and updated attendee count.

When will I get my Skillable account?

The week of June 8. You’ll receive an email from do-not-reply@skillable.com (check spam/junk).

What emails will I receive from Skillable?

  1. Access credentials
  2. Class assignment (class name, date, time zone, training key, access info)
  3. 24-hour reminder before your class

Can I log in before my event date?

Yes — you can log in and launch labs as soon as your instructor account is created.

How many times can I launch a lab?

No limit.

Why does the lab take 40+ minutes to load during testing?

Cold launches outside scheduled class times may take up to 40–45 minutes due to provisioning delays. Labs are pre-instanced during your event.

How do I find my assigned labs?

  • Sign in
  • Go to Admin page
  • Select Find Course
  • Search for your lab

What are the steps for attendees?

  1. Open the access link
  2. Enter the training key
  3. Create a Skillable account
  4. Launch the lab
  5. Wait for provisioning
  6. Complete the lab

Day-of Event

Should attendees bring their own laptops?

Yes — highly recommended.

Notes:

  • No on-site computers
  • Personal laptops work best
  • Corporate laptops may have firewall issues

Troubleshooting & Support

Who do I contact if I or an attendee can’t log in?

Skillable support (phone number provided in final deck).
(SLA pending.)

What if a lab is broken on the day of the event?

Have a contingency plan:

  • Use your own Azure subscription to demo
  • Deliver slide-based content
  • Run a demo-led session

Content & Agenda

What content is provided?

  • Keynote video
  • Build breakout decks
  • Workshop materials

When is content available?

Starting June 4 (cannot be released earlier). Build content

Can I customize the content?

Yes — tailor it to your community.

Is there a fixed agenda?

No — sample agendas are provided.

Will lab guides be shared?

Yes — covered in the Know Before You Host session (June 8).


Reactor Registration & Promotion

What is Microsoft Reactor?

The platform for event registration and attendance tracking.

Is Reactor required?

Yes — required for registration, tracking, and reimbursement.

When does Reactor registration close?

The page stays live until the end of your event.

Note: Registration may close earlier if security requires a registrant list.

Can I promote on Meetup or other channels?

Yes — but all registrations must go through Reactor.

My Reactor page has incorrect details — what do I do?

Email atc@microsoft.com with your event ID.


Registrant Communications

What emails are sent automatically?

  • Registration Confirmation — immediately
  • Reminder Email — 72 hours before
  • Reminder Email — 24 hours before
  • Thank You Email — 48 hours after

What do registrants need to know?

  • No unregistered guests allowed
  • Cancel registration if unable to attend
  • May need to show confirmation email at entry

Can people register on the day of the event?

Yes — if space is available and there are no security restrictions.


Attendee Lists, Privacy & Venue Security

Can I get the attendee list ahead of my event?

No — due to privacy and legal restrictions.

Microsoft venue — can security receive the list?

Yes — sent directly to Microsoft Security.

Non-Microsoft venue — can the list be shared?

No — not permitted.

How do I track headcount?

You will receive two registration updates per week.

What if my event is in a Microsoft facility?

You will receive a security confirmation email from atc@microsoft.com.

You must confirm:

Option 1 — No list required

  • Attendees show confirmation email

Option 2 — List required Provide:

  • Security contact name and email
  • Required attendee information
  • Submission deadline

Note: Registration may close early depending on security deadlines.


Venue Support

Do I need to find my own venue?

Yes.

Can Microsoft help with a Microsoft venue?

For MVP-led events only (via Jumpstarts) — not guaranteed.

Is a Microsoft FTE required at a Microsoft venue?

Yes — for the full event.

Do I have to host in a Microsoft office?

No.

Can I use a third-party venue?

Yes — reimbursement rules vary (see Funding & Reimbursements section).

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