One word to define the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference for partners is opportunity.

That's the word according to Microsoft, ahead of its Worldwide Partner Conference this week.

Microsoft CEO has Satya Nadella kicked of WPC in Toronto, addressing the packed auditorium with a rousing keynote about embracing digital transformation.

This year's event attracted more than 13,000 partners from 144 countries, with the aim of discussing the opportunities Microsoft will offer to help grow and change business.

“Businesses of all sizes in every country will not just use digital technologies, but become digital companies themselves,” Nadella says.

“Each company is attempting to digitally transform to achieve the same four outcomes – to engage customers, empower employees, optimise operations and transform products," he explains.

According to Gavriella Schuster, corporate vice president, Worldwide Partner Group, WPC was designed to help partners seize the opportunity “by inspiring new thinking, sparking new relationships and driving new business across our partner ecosystem.

Schuster says more than 145,000 meetings are scheduled onsite for partners.

The event will also include Microsoft's Partner of the Year Award winners, and new technologies and channel investments will be announced.

Check out our gallery below for some highlights.