The Kiwi tech industry is moving at a rapid pace

Cloud infrastructure and management; cross-platform cloud and app development; big data, unified communications ... Every day there are more technologies available that will help business do things smarter, cheaper, and faster.

Like never before, IT Professionals and Developers need to be up to speed with the very latest and greatest in business technology if they are to keep their organisations competitive.

So where do the professionals go to keep on the cutting edge of their industry? For the past 21 years, one conference has been the must-attend event for Kiwi techies to get their annual top-up of knowledge, inspiration and industry networking to help keep them on their game.

Microsoft Ignite NZ (formerly known as Microsoft TechEd) is for anyone who's a 'techie' or works with technical people to connect with the brightest minds in the industry.

The three-and-a-half-day conference is New Zealand's largest annual technology event, drawing more than 2,500 techies into one place to connect, and learn about innovations in their dynamic and ever-changing industry.

IT Professionals and Developers encapsulates a wide variety of roles - they can be Software Engineers, Data Scientists, Infrastructure Specialists, System Administrators and Engineers, Database Administrators/Architects, Opps Managers, IT Managers, IT Technicians, Service Delivery Managers, BI Consultants, Solutions Specialists and Network Managers.

Returning in 2016 in its 21st year, from October 25 - 28 at SKYCITY, Microsoft Ignite NZ features an opening keynote event that brings together influential technologists and futurists from around the world, followed by more than 160 breakout sessions, exhibitions, face-to-face networking events and sponsor functions.

Microsoft New Zealand's Director of Developer Experience, Nigel Parker, says that the conference continues to draw more people in every year. Attendees at Microsoft Ignite NZ sessions have a real opportunity to go beyond industry buzzwords and genuinely boost their technical skills and on many occasions make the most out of Microsoft tech that they already have access to.

"Microsoft Ignite NZ is for sharing knowledge, problems and rubbing shoulders with the experts. Attendees usually come with an armload of questions for which they are seeking solutions, and inevitably they leave equipped to meet the challenges of the dynamic IT environment," says Parker.

"This event will challenge what you know, reveal opportunities, and boost innovation as you mingle with the brightest minds in the industry. It will spark ideas that make a powerful difference to how you do your job more efficiently and effectively. As we say, inspiration and brilliance start here!"

Of course, the conference is not just about work. Every day after the sessions there is a 'Hub Happy Hour', where attendees can recap the day's learnings with colleagues and fellow thinkers over a drink and a bite. Also, Thursday evening hosts the annual Microsoft Ignite NZ party where attendees can connect and re-connect with peers, listen to good tunes and enjoy some wholesome entertainment.

Throughout the week, attendees can also continue discussions online via the Twitter hashtag #MSIgniteNZ and follow @MSIgniteNZ

"The brightest minds are welcomed at Microsoft Ignite NZ regardless of gender identity or expression, race, religion or any other part of your unique identity," says Parker.

For more information, or to register, visit http://msignite.nz