Microsoft sent out invites to the press for a Surface related event for May 20th. Microsoft is expected to unveil a smaller version of the Surface tablet by mentioning ‘small’ word in the invite.The event will kick-off at 11am EDT / 8AM PDT on May 20th.

The text of the invite says “Join us for a small gathering,” hinting at the announcement of the rumored Surface Mini. While the event could really refer to a small gathering of attendees to witness the unveiling of the latest tablet that Microsoft has to offer, it seems more likely to be a tease for the company's latest product.

There have been rumors of a smaller sized Surface tablet and is expected to be called the Surface Mini. The Surface mini is expected to feature an 8 inch display and an active digitizer with Office pre-installed. In addition to its Surface event, Microsoft is gearing up to release Windows Phone 8.1 later this month.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is expected to host the event as he did for the unveil of native office apps on the iPad. Panos Panay should also be at the event and there is speculation that Stephen Elop may also be at the event since he is Executive Vice President of Devices and Studios.