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Request for Event Invitation: University of Pennsylvania Class Demo

Abhik 0 Reputation points
2026-04-22T13:38:22.1+00:00

Hello Azure Community and Advocates,

I am a student and staff member at the University of Pennsylvania, and I'm currently coordinating an upcoming class demonstration. We are actively looking to connect with an Azure Technical Architect, Cloud Advocate, or a representative from the local Philadelphia/Malvern team to participate.

Our work, particularly within the UPenn IOT Lab, focuses heavily on embedded systems and Edge Computing . We are highly interested in featuring a technical discussion or demo on how Microsoft Azure integrates with and scales these types of low-level hardware and edge/IoT applications. (ESE 5160 IoT Edge Computing)

We believe having an Azure representative share their insights would be a fantastic, engaging opportunity for our engineering students.

Could anyone here point me in the right direction, tag a relevant Cloud Advocate, or advise on the best official channel to formally request this type of university event collaboration?

Thank you in advance for your time and guidance!

Azure IoT Edge
Azure IoT Edge

An Azure service that is used to deploy cloud workloads to run on internet of things (IoT) edge devices via standard containers.

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-04-22T13:38:45.9266667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    For arranging an Azure-focused guest session or demo for a university class, the most appropriate path is to engage Microsoft through official programs and support channels rather than via forums alone.

    Use these approaches in parallel:

    1. Microsoft for Startups / technical engagement
      • If any UPenn project, lab, or startup initiative is eligible, submit through the Microsoft for Startups portal and open a support ticket describing the event, audience size, and requested Azure topics (IoT, edge, embedded/SoC integration).
      • In the ticket, explicitly request connection to a local Azure technical resource (Architect, Cloud Advocate, or similar) for a university demo or talk.
    2. Microsoft for Startups + Azure AI / IoT scenarios
      • If the demo involves Azure AI on edge/IoT devices, first register for any required Limited Access Azure AI features as described in submitting your official registration.
      • If the request is not auto-approved, sign in to the Microsoft for Startups portal and open a support ticket including the Azure support request number so the startups team can coordinate with the right technical teams. This same ticket can be used to describe the university event and ask for a speaker or technical contact.
    3. Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE) and academic programs
      • If UPenn faculty are part of the Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE) program, they can leverage that relationship to request guest speakers or guidance on integrating Azure IoT/edge content into the curriculum. MSLE is designed to help educators integrate Azure and AI content and certifications into courses and often connects institutions with Microsoft Training Services Partners and technical experts.
      • Faculty can also explore the MSLE AI Technical Foundations Bootcamp, which is delivered via Microsoft Training Services Partners. Those partners are often able to provide or connect to Azure experts who can support class demos or guest lectures on Azure, AI, and related topics.
    4. Event and demo logistics
      • For large or public-facing sessions (for example, a big demo or hybrid event), consider using Microsoft Teams live events or webinars. If the event is significant enough, the Microsoft 365 Live Event Assistance Program (LEAP) can help with setup and live support. This does not directly provide a speaker, but it ensures the event runs smoothly once a Microsoft contact is engaged.

    In summary, the most direct “official” channels to request collaboration and a technical representative are:

    • Open a support ticket via the Microsoft for Startups portal (if eligible) and describe the university event and desired Azure IoT/edge focus.
    • Use existing academic relationships through Microsoft Learn for Educators or related programs to route a request for an Azure technical guest.

    References:

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