Microsoft is moving its Build 2026 event out of Seattle after nearly a decade

Microsoft isn’t planning to host its Build developer conference in its home city of Seattle next year. The company has reportedly cancelled all upcoming events at the Seattle Convention Centre. The conference is being relocated, though its next venue or format remains unclear. The decision to move Build could be related to attendee experiences in downtown Seattle, according to a report by The Seattle Medium. An unnamed email cited by the publication claims Build attendees “cited the general uncleanliness of the streets, visible drug use, and the presence of unhoused individuals.” It’s currently unknown where Build will be held in 2026, or if Microsoft may opt to make it an online-only event.