AI Agent & Copilot Podcast: Microsoft's Dewain Robinson Defines AI's Shift from Hype to Business Value

Key Takeaways

• What to expect in 2026: The industry has moved from its previous point in the "hype cycle" into a more realistic phase, where limitations of AI and agents are clearer, and new methodologies are needed to extract real business value. Robinson adds that this year’s AI Agent & Copilot Summit serves as an important refresh to share what’s been learned, preview what’s coming, and features an exceptionally strong lineup of Microsoft AI leaders.
• Session selection process: Robinson, who serves on the event's Programming Committee Board, describes what he was looking for when selecting sessions: a balance of technical depth with business context, so attendees understand foundational concepts before advancing into more complex topics. The goal was to ensure attendees walk away with both the “cool” innovations and the practical know‑how needed to apply AI effectively without creating business issues.
• 2026 sessions: Robinson details the five sessions he'll be leading, including:

1. "From Future Proof to Future Agile," on March 18
2. "Copilot Studio 101 & Implementation Guide," on March 18
3. "Child Agents, Instructions, and Descriptions: A New Way of Building," on March 18
4. "Update to Understanding Component Collections Vs Multi-Agent," on March 19
5. "Multi-Agent AI Systems with Microsoft Foundry, Copilot Studio, Fabric, Microsoft Agent Framework," on March 19

He adds that "I would love to get your insights [on] where you're having problems, challenges you're seeing... so that'll just be additional value-add on top of these great learnings in the masterclass."

• Final thoughts: Robinson encourages attendees to fully engage with the event’s intimate, community‑focused format, noting that “these speakers are going to be available to you, so take the opportunity to interact with them.” He emphasizes following the full education track for maximum value and making time for social events to connect, learn, and share insights.

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