Microsoft Agent Framework is positioned as the next generation of Semantic Kernel and AutoGen—but moving from an existing Semantic Kernel application raises practical questions. Which concepts carry over? What changes in the code? And when does adopting the new framework make sense?

In this practical, demo-driven session, we compare the core development models of Semantic Kernel and Microsoft Agent Framework, including agent creation, tool registration, conversation state, and migration patterns. Through a series of C# demos, we build a streaming agent with function tools, extract structured data from an unstructured meeting transcript, persist and resume conversations, work with an Azure AI Foundry managed agent, and add on-demand RAG backed by a vector store.

We then move beyond individual agents to graph-based workflows. A customer-support example combines deterministic preprocessing and policy rules with agent-based classification and response generation, conditional routing, human fallback, and workflow tracing.

You will leave with a practical understanding of Microsoft Agent Framework, the capabilities it adds beyond basic agent interactions, and the trade-offs involved in starting a new project or migrating from Semantic Kernel.

Format: 45–60 minute technical lecture with live C# demos and code walkthroughs. Adaptable to a 40-minute conference slot.

Target audience: .NET developers, AI engineers, and software architects using Semantic Kernel or evaluating Microsoft Agent Framework.

Level: Intermediate (Level 200), with deeper material in the workflow and migration sections. Familiarity with C# and basic AI agent concepts is helpful; prior Semantic Kernel experience is not required.

First public delivery: Agentic Architecture Day 2025, Microsoft Reactor Tel Aviv, December 16, 2025.

Technical requirements: Stable internet connection for Azure OpenAI and Foundry demos, plus a projector or large screen suitable for displaying code clearly.