In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication and collaboration, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Microsoft, a pioneer in the realm of virtual meetings and live events, has an important update for its customers. If you’ve been using Stream (Classic) to host live events, it’s time to take note. Stream live events will be officially retired on January 31, 2024. But fear not, as Microsoft Teams is here to usher in a new era of live event hosting. In this blog post, we’ll explore this transition and how it will impact your organization.

The Announcement

The announcement regarding the retirement of Stream live events was initially made on February 9, 2023, and was reinforced on September 12, 2023, in the Message Center post MC513601 titled “Stream live events replacement service.” This decision reflects Microsoft’s commitment to providing its users with cutting-edge and streamlined tools for their virtual communication needs.

Introducing Teams Live Events and Town Halls in Teams

So, what’s the plan for the future of live events within the Microsoft ecosystem? Teams Live Events and Town Halls in Microsoft Teams are stepping up as the new platforms to host and run live events. These robust platforms offer a plethora of features that are sure to meet your live event needs:

1. Encoder Support: Teams Live Events and Town Halls in Teams come with encoder support, ensuring a smooth and professional streaming experience.
2. Large-Scale Events: You can create, host, and produce large-scale events with similar functionality to Stream. Whether it’s an all-hands meeting, a product launch, or a virtual conference, these platforms have got you covered.
3. RTMP Input: Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) input support enables you to create highly polished events. This includes combining live streams, screen overlays, on-screen data, and more, to provide your audience with an immersive and engaging experience.

When Is this Transition Happening?

Mark your calendars! The Stream live events service will officially retire on January 31, 2024. It’s important to prepare for this transition in advance to ensure a seamless shift to Teams Live Events and Town Halls.

How Will This Affect Your Organization?

Here’s what you need to know about how this transition will impact your organization:

• Recommendation: Microsoft strongly recommends that you begin using Teams Live Events or Town Halls in Teams to schedule and host your live events.
• Reschedule Existing Events: If your organization has Stream live events scheduled beyond January 31, 2024, it’s essential to reschedule those events. Any Stream live events scheduled after this date will be automatically removed.

Additional Resources

To help you make a smooth transition and take full advantage of Teams Live Events and Town Halls, Microsoft has provided some useful resources:

• Get started with Town Halls in Microsoft Teams
• Stream live events replacement service FAQs
• How to set up a Teams Live Event
• Teams Live Events capabilities and limitations

In conclusion, change is the only constant, and Microsoft is dedicated to providing its users with cutting-edge tools and services. As Stream (Classic) live events ride into the sunset, Teams Live Events and Town Halls in Teams are poised to take center stage. Embrace these powerful platforms to continue hosting engaging and impactful live events in the digital age. The future is here, and it’s in Teams.