Microsoft CEO Summit
Fast Facts and Frequently Asked Questions
May 2012
FAST FACTS

The Microsoft CEO Summit was established in 1997 in response to growing interest in the
convergence of technology and business issues among corporate CEOs. Attendees have an
opportunity to hear leading industry experts analyze economic trends and technology
issues. The summit also offers a forum in which CEOs can discuss and debate business
challenges and share insights or experiences with their peers from around the world.

This year marks the 16th annual CEO Summit, which has evolved into a world-class forum
for business leaders to debate technology and innovation in the face of pressing global
business issues.

Microsoft CEO Summit 2012 will take place in Redmond, Washington, May 15–17.

More than 130 CEOs and leaders from leading companies and organizations representing 30
countries and 11.4 million employees will attend the Microsoft CEO Summit. They
represent companies with combined total annual sales of $4 trillion.

In addition to Microsoft Corp. executives, CEO panels and workshops will include a variety
of technology and business leaders such as the following:
Updated May 14 to reflect latest confirmed attendees:

Ursula Burns
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
Xerox Corp.

Mike Duke
President, Chief Executive Officer
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Arianna Huffington
President, Editor-in-Chief
Huffington Post Media Group

Fred Smith,
Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer
FedEx Corp.

Steve Schwarzman,
Co-Founder, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer


The Blackstone Group
Warren Buffett
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Alan Mulally
President, Chief Executive Officer, Director
Ford Motor Co.

Carlos Brito
Chief Executive Officer
Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V.

Jeff Immelt
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
General Electric Co.
2012 discussion topics will include the following:
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“Fighting for the Future” & “The Changing Global Construct:” Two separate sessions Across the world, middle- and lower-middle-class people now feel that the ‘future’ is
out of their grasp, and they are letting their leaders know. Why that is happening and
what it means.
“A New Era for Personal Computing: Implications for Business Leaders:” We’re moving
beyond the age of personal computers to an exciting new era of personal computing.
“The New China:” With new leaders assuming office, the rise of astonishing emerging
cities, a growing middle class with different sensibilities, and domestic consumption on
the rise, China is in the midst of dramatic changes that are shifting the dynamics for
multinational companies.
“Building Your Brands, 21st Century Style:” As traditional forms of marketing give way to
digital marketing—with rapidly evolving delivery systems, social media on center stage,
and new consumer sensibilities—the art of building and nurturing brands has changed
dramatically.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the purpose of the Microsoft CEO Summit?

The Microsoft CEO Summit brings together a distinguished group of more than 140 CEOs
and leaders from the world’s leading companies and organizations to explore the
emerging trends that are shaping the future of global business. The top objectives of the
summit are the following:



Enable an elite group of top-level executives to explore issues around managing
global corporations.
Drive awareness of new technology megatrends and their impact on business
and society.
Stimulate private and informal interaction among peers as a means of
strengthening professional and personal relationships.
Q: How did the event get started? Who at Microsoft championed its creation?

In 1997 Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates recognized a need for business leaders to
gather and exchange experiences around leading global corporations, and to learn
about new technologies that will have an impact on business in the future. Microsoft
delivers to participants a unique experience of discussion and interaction among
worldwide business leaders set in an intimate business environment.
Q: What is on the agenda? In what types of activities do the CEOs participate?

The tone of the event is highly conversational. The agenda features moderated panel
discussions and breakout workshops where CEOs have an opportunity to dive into deep
discussions on particular issues.
Q: What have been the subjects of some of the most interesting discussions or debates?

Some of the more interesting subjects likely to fuel discussion include:
o “Fighting for the Future” & “The Changing Global Construct:” Two separate
sessions - Across the world, middle- and lower-middle-class people now feel that
the ‘future’ is out of their grasp, and they are letting their leaders know. Why
that is happening and what it means.
o “A New Era for Personal Computing: Implications for Business Leaders:” We’re
moving beyond the age of personal computers to an exciting new era of personal
computing.
o “The New China:” With new leaders assuming office, the rise of astonishing
emerging cities, a growing middle class with different sensibilities, and domestic
consumption on the rise, China is in the midst of dramatic changes that are
shifting the dynamics for multinational companies.
o “Building Your Brands, 21st Century Style:” As traditional forms of marketing give
way to digital marketing—with rapidly evolving delivery systems, social media on
center stage, and new consumer sensibilities—the art of building and nurturing
brands has changed dramatically.
Q: Can you provide more details on Steve Ballmer’s speech at the CEO Summit?
Periodically, a company will break through with a new product or service and captivate
the hearts of the masses. Breaking through repeatedly requires focus coupled with
discipline, passion and tenacity. Steve will explore these principles and discuss
Microsoft's journey pursuing a new phase of growth.
For more information, press only:
Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, (503) 443-7000,
rrt@waggeneredstrom.com