Loading…
Thursday, February 8
 

9:00am CST

Keynote and Welcome
Limited Capacity seats available

After a few opening announcements, Microsoft's own Michael Niehaus will offer a look into the future of enterprise client deployment and management, in a special keynote address titled: The Modern Desktop Revolution

Description: Quite a few of us have been in IT for what can safely be described as “a long time.” In that time, there have been a steady stream of changes to the way Windows devices are deployed, serviced, and managed – evolutionary changes. Now, we’re looking at more of a revolution. Let’s talk about what that means to your organization – and to you.

Speakers
avatar for Michael Niehaus

Michael Niehaus

Principal Program Manager, Microsoft
Michael Niehaus is a director of product marketing at Microsoft, responsible for helping enterprise IT pros with Windows deployment, servicing, and store. Prior to joining the Windows Commercial team, Michael was a longtime program manager and developer for the Microsoft Deployment... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Waterway 1

10:30am CST

*Cancelled* - Creating Awesome Reports with Power BI Desktop
Limited Capacity seats available

Microsoft Power BI Desktop is a tool that allows data analysts, data scientists, business analysts, and BI professionals to create interactive reports that can be published to Power BI. Dataset creation, third-party connectors, data exploration, and data visualization are elements of your self-service IT data analysis platform.  Join us for this session where we travel through the PowerBI services with a view on IT related (cloud) data. This session includes lots of demos, including what's new in Power BI Desktop and see how you can share you package in the organization.

Speakers
avatar for Stijn Callebaut

Stijn Callebaut

Solution Architect, itnetX
Stijn is an experienced IT professional, focusing on Microsoft technologies and specializing in Automation, Azure and System Center Service Manager with love for PowerShell.
avatar for Kurt Van Hoecke

Kurt Van Hoecke

Country Manager, MVP, itnetX
Kurt is a Azure/PowerBI/System Center specialist and Cloud & Datacenter Management MVP. He has many years of experience as a consultant in various System Center & automation implementations. Azure, Service management and service automation is the main focus for the moment. The large... Read More →


Thursday February 8, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Waterway 6

10:30am CST

Advanced Analytics in Azure
Limited Capacity seats available

We recently got a powerful new query language that allows you to analyze data collected in Log Analytics and Application Insights in ways that were previously impossible without external tools. In this session, we'll have a look at some of the more advanced features of the new language and go through some interesting examples. We're not content with just ad-hoc queries and basic data though. We're going to look at some methods for collecting data from alternate sources and then get creative in the way that we perform our analysis.

Speakers
avatar for Brian Wren

Brian Wren

Principal Content Developer & Monitoring Guru, Microsoft
Brian Wren is a Principal Content Developer with Microsoft focusing on cloud management technologies including Azure Monitor. He has produced extensive documentation and training materials for System Center, most notably management pack authoring in Operations Manager, and is carrying... Read More →


Thursday February 8, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Alden Bridge

10:30am CST

Azure Site Recovery: Tips from the Trenches
Limited Capacity seats available

ASR is well known for being perhaps the most economical cloud DR solution on the planet. It's also a jack of many trades that should be in your toolkit for a variety of IT scenarios. 'From the trenches' best practices for Hyper-V, VMware, and physical server protection, test, and migration.

Speakers
avatar for John Joyner

John Joyner

Microsoft MVP, Senior Director, Technology, AccountabilIT
John is Senior Director, Technology at AccountabilIT, an MSP/MSSP providing NOC & SOC services to organizations around the world. He's a Microsoft Azure MVP and has been awarded Microsoft MVP for 15 years (2007-2023). An author of five books on operations management, his latest book... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
College Park

10:30am CST

Docker for Ops: Deep Dive Part 1
Limited Capacity seats available

In the first installment in this 2-part series, we'll tackle the core concepts including Docker architecture, creating and managing container images, container hosting and orchestration options. If you're not running Docker in production today, this session will provide the foundation necessary to prepare you for the real-world considerations we'll cover in part 2.

Speakers
avatar for Keiko Harada

Keiko Harada

Senior Program Manager, Microsoft
Keiko has 10+ year track record of success in software design and engineering, and a broad range of expertise from Docker to Big Data, including design of cloud services on Microsoft OMS for VMware and Docker Containers Monitoring (Linux and Windows). She has extensive experience... Read More →


Thursday February 8, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Creekside Park

10:30am CST

Architect a Post-Breach Cyber-Defense Strategy
Limited Capacity filling up

Session description coming soon.

Speakers
avatar for Jake Mowrer

Jake Mowrer

Cyber Threat Managment Global Blackbelt, Microsoft
Throughout his career, Jake’s experience and research, fueled by his passion for all things security, enabled him to have wide and deep security conversations with IT professionals ranging from SOC analysts to CIO/CSOs. Jake is a Technical Specialist for Windows Defender Advanced... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Sterling Ridge

10:30am CST

How much is enough Mac management?
Description coming soon.

Speakers
avatar for Danny Knox

Danny Knox

Sr. Sales Engineer, Parallels Software, Inc
Danny Knox is a Senior Sales Engineer for Cross Platform Sales with Parallels Software. Having been engaged with IT support and sales for over 25 years, Danny has worked in a number of technical and sales positions as a consultant and senior systems administrator, supporting enterprise... Read More →


Thursday February 8, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Cochrane's Crossing

10:30am CST

Creating a successful Windows 10 Project Plan, part 1
Limited Capacity seats available

This session touches on what admins need to do in their environments to get ready for Windows 10, covering both modern and traditional deployment solutions. You will learn about the latest updates for the Windows 10 ecosystem and related services.
Topics covered include:
• Making a case for windows 10
• Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager
• Communication plans and strategy
• Selecting the right Windows 10 edition
• Assessment, Deployment and Readiness Tools
• Application Management
• The Insider Preview for Business program
You also learn about planning the infrastructure needs to stay supported, as well as all aspects of Windows 10 servicing.

Speakers
avatar for Johan Arwidmark

Johan Arwidmark

Microsoft MVP, Technical Fellow, 2Pint Software
Johan Arwidmark is a Technical Fellow with 2Pint Software and Mirolus. He is a consultant, author and all-around geek specializing in Systems Management and Enterprise Windows Deployment Solutions. In addition to his consulting role, Johan present trainings and speaks at several conferences... Read More →
avatar for Ami Casto

Ami Casto

Technical Evangelist, MVP, Adaptiva
Ami Casto is Adaptiva’s technical evangelist and Microsoft MVP who is responsible for leading the company’s efforts to engage with and contribute to the technical systems management community. Ami is a featured speaker at numerous ConfigMgr and Windows 10 related user groups and... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Waterway 1

11:45am CST

Navigating Microsoft Automation - Who, What, When, and Why
Limited Capacity seats available

SCOrch, Flow, Logic Apps, Azure Automation, Azure Functions - Microsoft offers a plethora of options when it comes to automation. Learn which to use, tips and tricks to get the most out of your investment, and what to plan for. Demo heavy, with plenty of examples for each technology. Don't get left behind - automate before you are automated!

Speakers
avatar for Donnie Taylor

Donnie Taylor

Microsoft MVP, Architect, GM
Donnie is an IT Architect with 20+ years experience, Microsoft MVP in Cloud and Datacenter Management, and is currently working for a large enterprise in Texas. He is a board member of the Central Texas Systems Management User Group, an avid PowerShell scripter, a novice woodworker... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
Waterway 6

11:45am CST

Azure IaaS State of the Union
Limited Capacity seats available

In this session the current key aspects of IaaS will be examined as they stand today including compute, storage and networking fabric elements.  All the latest advancements will be explored including new connectivity capabilities, new types of VMs, new storage options and much more.

Speakers
avatar for John Savill

John Savill

Chief Technical Architect, Microsoft
John Savill is an 11-time MVP, and he holds many Microsoft certifications including Azure Infrastructure and Azure Architecture specialist. John is the author of the popular FAQ for Windows and a senior contributing editor to Windows IT Pro. John has written eight books on Microsoft... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
Creekside Park

11:45am CST

Operations Manager (SCOM): Today & Tomorrow
Limited Capacity seats available

In this session we will dig into what is new in System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) and we will discuss the interactions between the Microsoft Operations Management Suite and SCOM. Then we will tackle the tough questions which SCOM administrators needs to know including: Is SCOM a dead product? Is there a development team for SCOM? And What is the future of SCOM.

Speakers
avatar for Cameron Fuller

Cameron Fuller

Solution Director, Quisitive
Former System Center MVP for Cloud and Datacenter Management, is a Solution Director for Catapult Systems and serves as an evangelist for monitoring and automation technologies. He has over 20 years of infrastructure experience, focused on management solutions. Cameron coauthored... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
Alden Bridge

11:45am CST

What's new in Configuration Manager Current Branch?
Limited Capacity seats available

As you are probably aware, Microsoft has moved to System Center Configuration Manager, the Current Branch release, for over a year now. It is now on its 6th edition as the newest update was just released. Are you up to date in your implementation of Configuration Manager Current Branch? Even if you are already on the latest and greatest version, are you aware of all the cool new features that have been added to all the various releases? In this session, you'll learn some of the cool updates in each version of Configuration Manager Current Branch, and may even have time to chat about what could be coming in the next public release.

Speakers
avatar for Wally Mead

Wally Mead

None, Former Microsoft MVP, Retired
Wally has retired from the business world, and will not be keeping up with the ever changing world of Configuration Manager, so will be no longer doing any public speaking, not even MMS. However, since he loves the event, and the people he's met over the years, he volunteers at MMS... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
Waterway 1

11:45am CST

10 hidden Hyper-V features you should know about!
Limited Capacity seats available

In this session Thomas Maurer will talk about 10 hidden Hyper-V features everyone should know about. This covers different features for Hyper-V on Windows Server as well as on Windows 10.

Speakers
avatar for Thomas Maurer

Thomas Maurer

MVP / Executive, itnetX
Thomas Maurer works as a Cloud Architect and Technology Lead at itnetX AG, a consulting and engineering company located in Switzerland. Thomas helps companies to transform their business to the Cloud. Thomas is focused on Microsoft Technologies, especially Microsoft Cloud Platform... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
Sterling Ridge

11:45am CST

Azure Governance: Lessons from the Field
Limited Capacity seats available

Looking to the cloud but worried about security? Enterprises need proper controls and measures in place to embrace the cloud. This session dives into the array of Governance controls implemented within Microsoft Azure from both the customer's and Microsoft operations' perspectives. You will learn how you leverage Account Provisioning, Subscription Management, Resource Policies, Role Based access controls many more to regulate your next cloud datacenter in Microsoft Azure.

Speakers
avatar for Janaka Rangama

Janaka Rangama

Microsoft MVP, Dell
Janaka Rangama is a Microsoft Azure Most Valuable Professional, Microsoft Certified Trainer and an Open Source geek. Originally hailing from Sri Lanka "The Pearl of The Indian Ocean", he is an expat living in Melbourne, Australia. Janaka is a Senior Principal Engineer - Product Technologist... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
College Park

11:45am CST

Enhancing SCOM Data Visualization and SLA Reporting
Limited Capacity seats available

System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) Reporting is one of the least used feature of SCOM, which can provide some of the most useful information for different stakeholders in your company. Come see how you can generate a wide range of reports, including application performance, service health and SLA...and more effectively then SCOM alone.
We'll also reveal a little something new! Join to be the first to see what's next!

Speakers
avatar for Bob Cornelissen

Bob Cornelissen

SCOM Specialist, MVP, Savision and BICTT
 Bob is a 6-time Microsoft MVP in Cloud and Datacenter Management and Managing Consultant for BICTT. He focuses heavily on the monitoring and automation space, working frequently with System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) and Microsoft OMS. Bob loves connecting the business to... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
Cochrane's Crossing

12:45pm CST

Lunch
Thursday February 8, 2018 12:45pm - 1:45pm CST
Waterway 4 & 5

1:45pm CST

Meet the Experts
You just saw the experts deliver some amazing sessions! Now come by the Expo area and meet the experts to discuss your challenges!

Thursday February 8, 2018 1:45pm - 2:15pm CST
Expo Hall

2:15pm CST

Cloud Shell: Your Admin Machine for Azure
Limited Capacity filling up

Azure Cloud Shell is an interactive, browser-based shell for managing Azure resources.
It improves productivity by enabling automatic and secure access to a preconfigured workstation on Azure.
Cloud Shell offers PowerShell and Bash experience today. You don't need to worry about installation of your tools and authentication to Azure. Microsoft maintains and updates Cloud Shell on your behalf with commonly used CLI tools. You can work in Cloud Shell from everywhere; all you need is a browser and access to Azure. Join us to learn about this new and exciting way to interact with Azure resources. Cloud Shell makes working in Azure Portal cool again.

Speakers
avatar for Aleksandar Nikolic

Aleksandar Nikolic

Microsoft MVP, Trainer, PowerShell Magazine
Aleksandar Nikolic is a Cloud and Datacenter Management MVP, a Microsoft Azure MVP, a co-founder of PowerShellMagazine.com, and a community manager of PowerShell.com. Aleksandar is also a Microsoft Azure Advisor and Insider. Aleksandar is experienced presenting and speaking to Microsoft... Read More →


Thursday February 8, 2018 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Cochrane's Crossing

2:15pm CST

SCOM – Better together with OMS
Limited Capacity seats available

Many companies live daily in SCOM but there is a lot of buzz about Microsoft OMS - especially around Log Analytics. In this session you will learn how you can leverage these two solutions together to truly prove something which is better together.

Speakers
avatar for Cameron Fuller

Cameron Fuller

Solution Director, Quisitive
Former System Center MVP for Cloud and Datacenter Management, is a Solution Director for Catapult Systems and serves as an evangelist for monitoring and automation technologies. He has over 20 years of infrastructure experience, focused on management solutions. Cameron coauthored... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
College Park

2:15pm CST

Demystifying Windows 10, Windows Update for Business and ConfigMgr
Limited Capacity seats available

Keeping Windows up to date with the latest security patches has been a focus for ConfigMgr admins since (and even before) the software updates feature was first introduced. Windows 10 has introduced a new software update cadence and also feature update cadence that changes the update approach. Windows Update for Business is a tool that is external to ConfigMgr but an integrated additional option to help with keeping systems updated. Windows Update for Business works whether systems are on-prem or on the internet. This session will focus on Windows Update for Business – what it is, scenarios as to how it can be leveraged and how it integrates with ConfigMgr.

Speakers
avatar for Steve Rachui

Steve Rachui

Premier Field Engineer, Microsoft
Steven has supported System Center products at Microsoft for 18 years and currently works in the premier field engineering group. He hosts a popular System Center blog, has served as an author and technical editor for several System Center books and has been an active participant... Read More →


Thursday February 8, 2018 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Waterway 6

2:15pm CST

Containers for IT Operations: A Hands-On Tour
Limited Capacity seats available

Containers are the new kid on the block for application management. Do you want to better understand the impact of containers on IT Operations? We will take a hands-on by deploying a containerized application, including demonstrating orchestration and deployment with Docker and Kubernetes...with a strong IT operations focus. If learning Docker is on your 2018 to-do list, then this session is for you!

Speakers
avatar for Stijn Callebaut

Stijn Callebaut

Solution Architect, itnetX
Stijn is an experienced IT professional, focusing on Microsoft technologies and specializing in Automation, Azure and System Center Service Manager with love for PowerShell.
avatar for Kurt Van Hoecke

Kurt Van Hoecke

Country Manager, MVP, itnetX
Kurt is a Azure/PowerBI/System Center specialist and Cloud & Datacenter Management MVP. He has many years of experience as a consultant in various System Center & automation implementations. Azure, Service management and service automation is the main focus for the moment. The large... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Creekside Park

2:15pm CST

Add Software Asset Mgmt, 3rd Party Patching and Privilege Mgmt to SCCM with Ivanti
Limited Capacity seats available

Come learn how to extend your SCCM environment to include business critical features like…
  • Software Asset Management – Leverage your SCCM inventory data to better control Over Spend / Risk presented by licensing compliance.
  • 3rd Party Patch – Extend the capability of your SCCM/WSUS environment to patch beyond Microsoft with no additional infrastructure or consoles.
  • Privilege Management – Utilize SCCM to deploy Privilege Policies to remove admin rights and elevate user’s permissions where necessary.

Speakers
avatar for Beau Wells

Beau Wells

Ivanti Account Manager, Ivanti
Beau Wells has spent the past 18 years working in IT with a focus on managing large sale enterprise environments. Throughout his career he has performed large scale OS Migrations, Developed & Implemented Patch Management Strategies for fortune 100 companies, 50+ AD Migrations, 7 Data... Read More →


Thursday February 8, 2018 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Sterling Ridge

2:15pm CST

It Is All About the Application Uptime
Limited Capacity seats available

Monitoring infrastructure is important but getting an understanding of how it is impacting the applications is critical. IT may not always be aware of which components are used for which applications and how problems might impact the application. Are they getting early warnings of issues that may impact the health and availability of their critical business applications? Monitoring individual components is necessary but it is usually in isolation (e.g. SCOM MPs). There isn’t a perspective of the application. 
The challenge is how to give IT the insight and early warnings they need to keep the applications up and running. Join us to see how Comtrade Software is using SCOM to monitor F5, Nutanix and correlate information from other SCOM solutions to advance application uptime.

Speakers
avatar for John Lee

John Lee

Director of Sales Engineering, Comtrade
As the Sales Engineering Director at Comtrade Software, John works with our customers and partners to deliver our technology solutions as well as to develop and evolve the technology relationship.  He has more than 30 years of experience in the software industry with the past 15... Read More →


Thursday February 8, 2018 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Alden Bridge

2:15pm CST

For those about to Deploy (We Salute You)
Limited Capacity seats available

Despite the somewhat cryptic title, this is a session on all things Windows 10 deployment using ConfigMgr Current Branch. Covering imaging, Windows 10 customizations, task sequence tips, modern BIOS/driver handling, WinPE customizations, Windows Setup engine, troubleshooting and lots more.

Speakers
avatar for Johan Arwidmark

Johan Arwidmark

Microsoft MVP, Technical Fellow, 2Pint Software
Johan Arwidmark is a Technical Fellow with 2Pint Software and Mirolus. He is a consultant, author and all-around geek specializing in Systems Management and Enterprise Windows Deployment Solutions. In addition to his consulting role, Johan present trainings and speaks at several conferences... Read More →
avatar for Ami Casto

Ami Casto

Technical Evangelist, MVP, Adaptiva
Ami Casto is Adaptiva’s technical evangelist and Microsoft MVP who is responsible for leading the company’s efforts to engage with and contribute to the technical systems management community. Ami is a featured speaker at numerous ConfigMgr and Windows 10 related user groups and... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
Waterway 1

3:30pm CST

Understanding Identity with Azure AD
Limited Capacity seats available

This session dives into exactly what Azure AD is and how it can be used by organizations. This session will explore how to populate Azure AD, authentication options and enhancing security with capabilities such as MFA, Privileged Identity Management and Identity Protection.

Speakers
avatar for John Savill

John Savill

Chief Technical Architect, Microsoft
John Savill is an 11-time MVP, and he holds many Microsoft certifications including Azure Infrastructure and Azure Architecture specialist. John is the author of the popular FAQ for Windows and a senior contributing editor to Windows IT Pro. John has written eight books on Microsoft... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Waterway 6

3:30pm CST

How Cloud Integration Sneaked in and Played a Key Role in our Enterprise Client Management Infrastructure
Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers
avatar for Kent Agerlund

Kent Agerlund

Microsoft Regional Director | MVP, CTGlobal
Love to talk about anything related to Enterprise Client Management, cycling, running and football :-)Microsoft Enterprise Client Management MVP and Microsoft Regional Director


Thursday February 8, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Alden Bridge

3:30pm CST

MACs aren’t supposed to do that - full management in System Center Configuration Manager
Limited Capacity seats available

Description coming soon

Speakers
avatar for Danny Knox

Danny Knox

Sr. Sales Engineer, Parallels Software, Inc
Danny Knox is a Senior Sales Engineer for Cross Platform Sales with Parallels Software. Having been engaged with IT support and sales for over 25 years, Danny has worked in a number of technical and sales positions as a consultant and senior systems administrator, supporting enterprise... Read More →


Thursday February 8, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Sterling Ridge

3:30pm CST

Azure Stack - Everything you need to know!
Limited Capacity seats available

Microsoft released Azure Stack as a Azure appliance for your datacenter. Learn what Azure Stack is, what challenges it solves, how you deploy, manage and operate a Azure Stack in your datacenter. Learn about the features and services you will get by offering Azure Stack to your customers and how you can build a true Hybrid Cloud experience.
In this presentation Thomas Maurer (Microsoft MVP) will guide you through the highly anticipated innovations and experience during the Azure Stack Early Adoption Program and Azure Stack Technology Adoption Program (TAP).

Speakers
avatar for Thomas Maurer

Thomas Maurer

MVP / Executive, itnetX
Thomas Maurer works as a Cloud Architect and Technology Lead at itnetX AG, a consulting and engineering company located in Switzerland. Thomas helps companies to transform their business to the Cloud. Thomas is focused on Microsoft Technologies, especially Microsoft Cloud Platform... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Creekside Park

3:30pm CST

Infrastructure-as-Code with Azure Resource Manager
Limited Capacity seats available

Infrastructure-as-Code rewrites the reality of deployment & management of resources in Azure. The focus of this session is to explore the tips, tricks & lessons learned by building real world solutions with Azure Resource Manager templates. We will also discuss the advanced capabilities of ARM that allows you to tame the resource management in Azure.

Speakers
avatar for Janaka Rangama

Janaka Rangama

Microsoft MVP, Dell
Janaka Rangama is a Microsoft Azure Most Valuable Professional, Microsoft Certified Trainer and an Open Source geek. Originally hailing from Sri Lanka "The Pearl of The Indian Ocean", he is an expat living in Melbourne, Australia. Janaka is a Senior Principal Engineer - Product Technologist... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Sterling Ridge

3:30pm CST

How to Deploy Windows 10 Quickly with Adaptiva’s Windows 10 Accelerator Program
Limited Capacity seats available

Are you excited about Windows 10? So is Adaptiva! We created the Windows 10 Accelerator Program to help enterprises rapidly plan and test, deploy, and maintain Windows 10. In this session, we will show you some of the Program’s exclusive Microsoft MVP videos, training and guides and provide techniques for using Adaptiva OneSite, Adaptiva Client Health for Windows 10 and community tools to speed your Windows 10 migrations. Let Adaptiva take the stress out of moving to Windows 10 today.

Speakers
avatar for Adam Bresson

Adam Bresson

Director of Product Marketing, Adaptiva
Adam Bresson is director of product marketing at Adaptiva. Adam joins the company with more than 20 years of experience working on technology solutions coupled with sales and marketing responsibilities. Prior to Adaptiva, Adam was at Microsoft as a technical and solution sales professional... Read More →
avatar for Ami Casto

Ami Casto

Technical Evangelist, MVP, Adaptiva
Ami Casto is Adaptiva’s technical evangelist and Microsoft MVP who is responsible for leading the company’s efforts to engage with and contribute to the technical systems management community. Ami is a featured speaker at numerous ConfigMgr and Windows 10 related user groups and... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Cochrane's Crossing

3:30pm CST

Windows AutoPilot: Setup, Roadmap, Troubleshooting
Limited Capacity seats available

Interested in imageless deployment with Windows AutoPilot? In this session, we’ll talk about how to set it up (and prerequisites of course), how it continues to be enhanced, and how to troubleshoot if you run into any issues.

Speakers
avatar for Michael Niehaus

Michael Niehaus

Principal Program Manager, Microsoft
Michael Niehaus is a director of product marketing at Microsoft, responsible for helping enterprise IT pros with Windows deployment, servicing, and store. Prior to joining the Windows Commercial team, Michael was a longtime program manager and developer for the Microsoft Deployment... Read More →



Thursday February 8, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Waterway 1

5:00pm CST

Networking Mixer (Drinks & Appetizers)
Come join the experts and your friends in the Expo area for drinks, appetizers, and some fun!

  • Mardi Gras theme party
  • Sponsor giveaways
  • Quality time with speakers and friends

Thursday February 8, 2018 5:00pm - 7:00pm CST
Expo Hall
 
Friday, February 9
 

8:00am CST

AMA Discusison Panel: Hybrid Cloud
Limited Capacity seats available

Bring your questions on Azure Stack, Windows 2016, Hyper-V and Disaster Recovery in this "ask me anything (AMA) panel discussion.

Speakers
avatar for John Joyner

John Joyner

Microsoft MVP, Senior Director, Technology, AccountabilIT
John is Senior Director, Technology at AccountabilIT, an MSP/MSSP providing NOC & SOC services to organizations around the world. He's a Microsoft Azure MVP and has been awarded Microsoft MVP for 15 years (2007-2023). An author of five books on operations management, his latest book... Read More →
avatar for Thomas Maurer

Thomas Maurer

MVP / Executive, itnetX
Thomas Maurer works as a Cloud Architect and Technology Lead at itnetX AG, a consulting and engineering company located in Switzerland. Thomas helps companies to transform their business to the Cloud. Thomas is focused on Microsoft Technologies, especially Microsoft Cloud Platform... Read More →
avatar for Janaka Rangama

Janaka Rangama

Microsoft MVP, Dell
Janaka Rangama is a Microsoft Azure Most Valuable Professional, Microsoft Certified Trainer and an Open Source geek. Originally hailing from Sri Lanka "The Pearl of The Indian Ocean", he is an expat living in Melbourne, Australia. Janaka is a Senior Principal Engineer - Product Technologist... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Cochrane's Crossing

8:00am CST

AMA Discussion Panel: ConfigMgr & Windows 10
Limited Capacity seats available

In the first installment in this 2-part series, we'll tackle the core concepts including Docker architecture, creating and managing container images, container hosting and orchestration options. If you're not running Docker in production today, this session will provide the foundation necessary to prepare you for the real-world considerations we'll cover in part 2.

Speakers
avatar for Johan Arwidmark

Johan Arwidmark

Microsoft MVP, Technical Fellow, 2Pint Software
Johan Arwidmark is a Technical Fellow with 2Pint Software and Mirolus. He is a consultant, author and all-around geek specializing in Systems Management and Enterprise Windows Deployment Solutions. In addition to his consulting role, Johan present trainings and speaks at several conferences... Read More →
avatar for Shaun Cassells

Shaun Cassells

Microsoft MVP, 1E / CTSMUG
I am a Microsoft MVP (Windows Insider) and executive at Central Texas Systems Management User Group (CTSMUG). I am a Principal Solutions Engineer for 1E. I specialize in analysis, optimization, and design of Tactical Solutions to Strategic Business Goals.I have been working in IT/OT... Read More →
avatar for Wally Mead

Wally Mead

None, Former Microsoft MVP, Retired
Wally has retired from the business world, and will not be keeping up with the ever changing world of Configuration Manager, so will be no longer doing any public speaking, not even MMS. However, since he loves the event, and the people he's met over the years, he volunteers at MMS... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Waterway 1

8:00am CST

AMA Discussion Panel: DevOps & Automation
Limited Capacity seats available

Bring your questions on DevOps and process automation in this "ask me anything (AMA) panel discussion.

Speakers
avatar for Lee Berg

Lee Berg

Microsoft MVP, STEALTHbits
Lee is a Microsoft MVP in Cloud and Datacenter Management and a Techincal Product Manager for STEALTHbits Technologies. When Lee is now building CyberSecurity Monitoring Software in his day-job, He is active in managing and presenting at user groups, meetups, and conferences around... Read More →
avatar for Kurt Van Hoecke

Kurt Van Hoecke

Country Manager, MVP, itnetX
Kurt is a Azure/PowerBI/System Center specialist and Cloud & Datacenter Management MVP. He has many years of experience as a consultant in various System Center & automation implementations. Azure, Service management and service automation is the main focus for the moment. The large... Read More →
avatar for Aleksandar Nikolic

Aleksandar Nikolic

Microsoft MVP, Trainer, PowerShell Magazine
Aleksandar Nikolic is a Cloud and Datacenter Management MVP, a Microsoft Azure MVP, a co-founder of PowerShellMagazine.com, and a community manager of PowerShell.com. Aleksandar is also a Microsoft Azure Advisor and Insider. Aleksandar is experienced presenting and speaking to Microsoft... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Creekside Park

8:00am CST

AMA Discussion Panel: EMS & Office 365
Limited Capacity seats available

Bring your questions on cloud productivity and security in this "ask me anything (AMA) panel discussion.

Speakers
avatar for Jake Mowrer

Jake Mowrer

Cyber Threat Managment Global Blackbelt, Microsoft
Throughout his career, Jake’s experience and research, fueled by his passion for all things security, enabled him to have wide and deep security conversations with IT professionals ranging from SOC analysts to CIO/CSOs. Jake is a Technical Specialist for Windows Defender Advanced... Read More →
avatar for Peter Zerger

Peter Zerger

Microsoft MVP, Lumagate, Inc
Pete is an author, speaker, and 13-time Microsoft MVP, focusing on cloud security, architecture, process automation and DevOps. Pete has been a speaker at popular technical conferences around the world including Microsoft Ignite and Experts Live. He has authored several books, including... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Waterway 6

8:00am CST

AMA Discussion Panel: Identity, Security & Compliance
Limited Capacity seats available

Bring your questions on in this "ask me anything (AMA) panel discussion.

Speakers
avatar for Wes Kroesbergen

Wes Kroesbergen

CTO & Managing Partner, Lumagate
A former Security Global Black Belt at Microsoft focusing on cloud identity and security for large enterprises, Wes has a keen interest and focus on hybrid cloud identity and infrastructure, striving to employ standards, processes, and optimization models in his daily work. He believes... Read More →
avatar for Duncan McAlynn

Duncan McAlynn

Chief Cyber Strategist, Cyberskills Coach
As a 20-year veteran of Information Technology with a laser focus on Systems & Security Management, Duncan McAlynn is a driven and passionate IT professional. He is a contributing author/editor to several books, magazine publications, security journals and websites, as well as a popular... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Alden Bridge

8:00am CST

AMA Discussion Panel: Monitoring, Insights & Analytics
Limited Capacity seats available

Bring your questions on monitoring and management in this "ask me anything (AMA) panel discussion.

Speakers
avatar for Cameron Fuller

Cameron Fuller

Solution Director, Quisitive
Former System Center MVP for Cloud and Datacenter Management, is a Solution Director for Catapult Systems and serves as an evangelist for monitoring and automation technologies. He has over 20 years of infrastructure experience, focused on management solutions. Cameron coauthored... Read More →
avatar for Brian Wren

Brian Wren

Principal Content Developer & Monitoring Guru, Microsoft
Brian Wren is a Principal Content Developer with Microsoft focusing on cloud management technologies including Azure Monitor. He has produced extensive documentation and training materials for System Center, most notably management pack authoring in Operations Manager, and is carrying... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 8:00am - 8:45am CST
College Park

9:00am CST

Automate Now – ConfigMgr, OpsMgr, OMS and the Microsoft Automation Suite
Limited Capacity seats available

You got ConfigMgr and OpsMgr on Prem - maybe you have OMS helping out in the cloud.  Now it's time to put Azure Functions, Flow, and PowerApps to work on them.  We will show you how to make OMS talk to Azure Functions, SCOM talk to Flow, and ConfigMgr talk to everyone.  Integrate, facilitate, and automate - give your users more autonomy, give yourself more time, and make everyone happier.  When you leave this session, we want to have the understanding of how easy it is to get these automation suites integrated with your existing on-prem and cloud solutions, and the immediate value you can achieve.

Speakers
avatar for Donnie Taylor

Donnie Taylor

Microsoft MVP, Architect, GM
Donnie is an IT Architect with 20+ years experience, Microsoft MVP in Cloud and Datacenter Management, and is currently working for a large enterprise in Texas. He is a board member of the Central Texas Systems Management User Group, an avid PowerShell scripter, a novice woodworker... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Creekside Park

9:00am CST

Building Integrated Process Automation with Azure Logic Apps
Limited Capacity seats available

Looking to step-up your process automation strategy? Azure Logic Apps is a serverless technology that allows you to create business processes and workflows visually and integrate them with your SaaS and enterprise applications. In this session we will explore how to build custom integration solutions with Azure Logic apps to automate, integrate and manage your on-premises and cloud applications by leveraging the more than 100 enterprise connectors for Logic Apps. We will also focus on combining the power of Azure Event Grid with Logic Apps to provide integration with event-based architectures in Azure.

Speakers
avatar for Janaka Rangama

Janaka Rangama

Microsoft MVP, Dell
Janaka Rangama is a Microsoft Azure Most Valuable Professional, Microsoft Certified Trainer and an Open Source geek. Originally hailing from Sri Lanka "The Pearl of The Indian Ocean", he is an expat living in Melbourne, Australia. Janaka is a Senior Principal Engineer - Product Technologist... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 9:00am - 10:00am CST
College Park

9:00am CST

Tesla Management 360 (Controlling Tesla with the Microsoft Cloud)
Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, Microsoft Regional Director (RD) and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Marcel Zehner shows who how to manage, monitor and control real Tesla vehicles with current cloud solutions, including Microsoft OMS. Let Marcel inspire you and join him for this fun session!

Friday February 9, 2018 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Waterway 6

9:00am CST

Docker of Ops: Deep Dive Part 2
Limited Capacity seats available

Building on part 1, this session will delve into advanced topics from the real world, including common architecture patterns, clustering, orchestrating containers with Kubernetes (the most popular orchestration engine), advanced networking, as well as how to determine if your existing applications can move from VMs to containers.

Speakers
avatar for Keiko Harada

Keiko Harada

Senior Program Manager, Microsoft
Keiko has 10+ year track record of success in software design and engineering, and a broad range of expertise from Docker to Big Data, including design of cloud services on Microsoft OMS for VMware and Docker Containers Monitoring (Linux and Windows). She has extensive experience... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Alden Bridge

9:00am CST

Top 5 learnings from implementing Azure Stack in the real world
Limited Capacity seats available

With bringing Azure Services to your own datacenter, lots of tasks and preparation comes along. In this session, we will look at how to connect Azure Stack into your network, explain what endpoints and ports needs to be open in order to start consuming Azure Services. We will also look at how name resolution can be configured and the certificates that are required when running Azure Stack in your datacenter.

Speakers
avatar for Mark Scholman

Mark Scholman

Consultant, MVP, InSpark
Mark Scholman, Cloud and Datacenter MVP, works as a consultant for InSpark, a Dutch cloud/system integrator, where he is a member of the CloudOS team. He focuses on Cloud technology including Azure, Azure Stack, and Windows Azure Pack along with the System Center components that are... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Sterling Ridge

9:00am CST

Do More with Microsoft Configuration Manager and Gain Control of Your Microsoft License Estate
Limited Capacity seats available

Are you a Configuration Manager Administrator? Do Microsoft licensing headaches and software sprawl keep you up at night? Are you tired of using Excel spreadsheets to track key license and usage data? You're not alone. Up to 25% of deployed software is not being used, costing organizations thousands every year. And with nearly 70% of organizations being audited annually, how can you prepare for an audit or Microsoft EA renewal without visibility into your current software license estate? 
One of the best ways to optimize an IT budget is to make sure you're fully utilizing the software you already have. Join System Center experts, Cireson, to learn how you can easily spot under-utilized software licenses and reclaim them for use elsewhere in your organization to reduce software spend.  We’ll explore how cloud automation through Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager, Service Manager, and Cireson's True Software Asset Management solution work together to deliver an end-to-end solution that will turn you into a budget-saving warrior for your organization.

Speakers
avatar for Seth Coussens

Seth Coussens

Product Manager and Practice Lead, Cireson
Seth has been immersed in information technology since he was 8, crashing and rebuilding his fathers business machines. At 16 he took his first IT job, and continued this path through college. After 9/11 and graduating he spent time as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army... Read More →
avatar for Kris Tibbets

Kris Tibbets

Senior Product Manager, Cireson
Kris has a passion for understanding customers’ problems and solving them in new and innovative ways. After an initial career in management consulting, she made the switch to product management and has spent the last 20 years focused on enterprise software product management in... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Cochrane's Crossing

9:00am CST

Creating a successful Windows 10 Project Plan, part 2
Limited Capacity seats available

In this part 2 session you get a technical drilldown to the components and scenarios of the modern and traditional solutions discussed in part 1, such as:
• Windows Analytics and Upgrade Readiness
• Using the telemetry data for application rationalization
• Windows 10 system requirements and hardware support
• Step-by-step guidance for infrastructure setup
• Windows 10 Deployment Scenarios
• Windows Autopilot
• Driver Management
• Windows 10 Security Configurations
This session is filled with notes from the field, best practices, and much more.

Speakers
avatar for Johan Arwidmark

Johan Arwidmark

Microsoft MVP, Technical Fellow, 2Pint Software
Johan Arwidmark is a Technical Fellow with 2Pint Software and Mirolus. He is a consultant, author and all-around geek specializing in Systems Management and Enterprise Windows Deployment Solutions. In addition to his consulting role, Johan present trainings and speaks at several conferences... Read More →
avatar for Ami Casto

Ami Casto

Technical Evangelist, MVP, Adaptiva
Ami Casto is Adaptiva’s technical evangelist and Microsoft MVP who is responsible for leading the company’s efforts to engage with and contribute to the technical systems management community. Ami is a featured speaker at numerous ConfigMgr and Windows 10 related user groups and... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Waterway 1

10:30am CST

OpsMgr Deep Dive into Security and Performance
Limited Capacity seats available

This session is for Operations Manager (SCOM) administrators, who like to learn new tricks and tips for our daily work. Both Christian Heitkamp and Jochen Renner are SCOM veterans developing and architecting SCOM solutions. We will discuss customer use cases and give hands-on example on how to troubleshoot management server and console performance issue, how to analyze workflow issue and use the OpsMgr Database as information base for SCOM performance assessment. Further, we will dive into SCOM security to review what you should be aware when using RunAs Accounts both on Linux and Windows. To maximize the value of this session for you we will go over some best and worst practices about SCOM MP authoring.

Speakers
avatar for Christian Heitkamp

Christian Heitkamp

Director Solutions, NiCE
Christian Heitkamp (@Chris_Heitkamp) is director at NiCE IT Management Solutions, leading the product and global business development. As an ardent professional, he designs and develops extensions to Microsoft System Center and HP Software for more than 7 years and has specialist... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 10:30am - 11:15am CST
Creekside Park

10:30am CST

Modernizing Business Processes: Moving beyond PowerShell
Limited Capacity seats available

In this session we discuss leveraging Azure AD and the Microsoft Graph API, together with server-less offerings such as Logic Apps and Azure Functions to enable flexible, powerful automation of business process. Learn how you can leverage these server-less capabilities to manage your Azure resources, update SharePoint lists, and send email notifications on completion. As a bonus, see how we can leverage PowerShell to automate configuration of EMS via Microsoft Graph API.

Speakers
avatar for Wes Kroesbergen

Wes Kroesbergen

CTO & Managing Partner, Lumagate
A former Security Global Black Belt at Microsoft focusing on cloud identity and security for large enterprises, Wes has a keen interest and focus on hybrid cloud identity and infrastructure, striving to employ standards, processes, and optimization models in his daily work. He believes... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
College Park

10:30am CST

Data visualization techniques with SCOM & OMS
Limited Capacity seats available

Session description coming soon.

Speakers
avatar for Bob Cornelissen

Bob Cornelissen

SCOM Specialist, MVP, Savision and BICTT
 Bob is a 6-time Microsoft MVP in Cloud and Datacenter Management and Managing Consultant for BICTT. He focuses heavily on the monitoring and automation space, working frequently with System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) and Microsoft OMS. Bob loves connecting the business to... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Alden Bridge

10:30am CST

Adding Interactivity to OSD using a Frontend
Limited Capacity seats available

OSD Frontends provide interaction at OS deployment time soliciting input from users, providing feedback to users, or performing other activities that built-in tasks cannot handle (or at least cannot handle well). User input include whatever is needed for the OS deployment to successfully complete and that cannot be automatically determined. Examples include things like time zone, computer name, Active Directory OU, and software. Frontends can also provide pre-flight checks, provide feedback to the interactive user, and basically anything that is needed. This session will cover all the aspects of getting started and using an OSD frontend in your OS deployment efforts and task sequences.

Speakers
avatar for Jason Sandys

Jason Sandys

Senior Program Manager, Microsoft
Jason is a Senior Program Manager at Microsoft for the Experience & Devices Customer Acceleration Team (CAT). Jason has 25+ years of experience in a wide range of technologies, environments, and industries and extensive knowledge in implementing and supporting all things Windows... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Waterway 6

10:30am CST

What's New in the World of Enterprise Client Management?
Limited Capacity seats available

The technology world is constantly evolving with new hardware, new requirements, end users who ‘know’ more, and new threats to your environment. How do you keep your environment up to date, ensuring that you are taking advantage of the resources at your disposal to successfully manage your environment? System Center Configuration Manager, and all of its capabilities, some old, some brand new, provide great capabilities that allow you to manage your enterprise with confidence and security. In this session we'll explore what’s new and trending in the world of enterprise client management and how you can maximize your Configuration Manager investment.

Speakers
avatar for Wally Mead

Wally Mead

None, Former Microsoft MVP, Retired
Wally has retired from the business world, and will not be keeping up with the ever changing world of Configuration Manager, so will be no longer doing any public speaking, not even MMS. However, since he loves the event, and the people he's met over the years, he volunteers at MMS... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Waterway 1

10:30am CST

Mapping Microsoft Cybersecurity to the Cyber Kill Chain
Limited Capacity seats available

The network perimeter as you once knew it is history, and your sensitive information must be protected from wherever it is accessed. The stakes can add up to tens of millions in losses. In this one-of-a-kind session, we will examine a high-profile security breach of an industry giant, examining how the attack could have been thwarted at each step with the Microsoft Cybersecurity Stack.
Prepare for a session filled with drama, intrigue, scapegoats and demos!

Speakers
avatar for Peter Zerger

Peter Zerger

Microsoft MVP, Lumagate, Inc
Pete is an author, speaker, and 13-time Microsoft MVP, focusing on cloud security, architecture, process automation and DevOps. Pete has been a speaker at popular technical conferences around the world including Microsoft Ignite and Experts Live. He has authored several books, including... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Sterling Ridge

10:30am CST

WaaS requires Intelligence, Automation, Change, and Reporting. Get it done in seconds. Get out of the slow lane and join the HOV
Limited Capacity seats available

Shine a light on the unknown, scope the problem, then accelerate business. One of the biggest challenges until Jan 2020 is getting your IT Business up to the speed of Windows as a Service (WaaS). Use the 1E Service to tame the WaaS beast. Ad hoc queries at the speed you can think of them. Then ask again, again, again… until it is scoped. Make intelligent decisions based on near real time data. Make environmental changes without network impact or huge infrastructure. Migrate and replace remote worker machines with an Easy button - 1E Windows Servicing Agent new in 2018 changes the game again. Designed for scale, easy to use, works in your environment

Speakers
avatar for Shaun Cassells

Shaun Cassells

Microsoft MVP, 1E / CTSMUG
I am a Microsoft MVP (Windows Insider) and executive at Central Texas Systems Management User Group (CTSMUG). I am a Principal Solutions Engineer for 1E. I specialize in analysis, optimization, and design of Tactical Solutions to Strategic Business Goals.I have been working in IT/OT... Read More →
avatar for Cameron Fuller

Cameron Fuller

Solution Director, Quisitive
Former System Center MVP for Cloud and Datacenter Management, is a Solution Director for Catapult Systems and serves as an evangelist for monitoring and automation technologies. He has over 20 years of infrastructure experience, focused on management solutions. Cameron coauthored... Read More →
avatar for Matthew Hudson

Matthew Hudson

Systems Engineer, Schlumberger, Microsoft MVP
Matthew Hudson has been involved in IT for almost 30 years.  He has worked as a computer consultant, in Public Universities and most recently in the Energy Sector.  He began working with Configuration Manager in 2005 and is currently a Microsoft MVP in Enterprise Mobility, awarded... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Cochrane's Crossing

11:45am CST

Game of Automation Thrones
Limited Capacity seats available

Azure Portal is a great management tool for your Azure resources. People like clean, modern-looking, and easy-to-use graphical interface. However, when you start working on more complex solutions that involve a number of Azure resources, you will quickly realize that GUI wizards don't scale. Automation is a key to fully embrace what Azure offers in a consistent and optimal manner. Various automation technologies exist to provision and manage Azure resources, but how to pick the right one? Azure PowerShell or Azure CLI 2.0? Use imperative commands or provision using the powerful, declarative ARM templates? Maybe best practice defaults with Azure Building Blocks are the right choice? Or, you would like to deploy complex topologies in an easy way with Terraform? Join us to learn more about these automation technologies and pick your winner.

Speakers
avatar for Aleksandar Nikolic

Aleksandar Nikolic

Microsoft MVP, Trainer, PowerShell Magazine
Aleksandar Nikolic is a Cloud and Datacenter Management MVP, a Microsoft Azure MVP, a co-founder of PowerShellMagazine.com, and a community manager of PowerShell.com. Aleksandar is also a Microsoft Azure Advisor and Insider. Aleksandar is experienced presenting and speaking to Microsoft... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
Creekside Park

11:45am CST

Understanding ConfigMgr Co-Management
Limited Capacity seats available

Historically, making the choice to move to modern management was an all or none decision. Co-management makes the transition easier by allowing a Windows 10 device to be managed by both ConfigMgr and Intune simultaneously. This session will focus on setting up Co-Management and also presenting specific scenarios where setting up Co-Management makes sense and is beneficial for organizations.

Speakers
avatar for Steve Rachui

Steve Rachui

Premier Field Engineer, Microsoft
Steven has supported System Center products at Microsoft for 18 years and currently works in the premier field engineering group. He hosts a popular System Center blog, has served as an author and technical editor for several System Center books and has been an active participant... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
Waterway 1

11:45am CST

Building Microsoft Cloud Solutions: A DevOps Perspective
Limited Capacity seats available

Automation is a key element in creating valuable services in the cloud and on-premise. Different tools and engines are available, each with a specific target usage. The integration makes automation valuable for the organization is a mindset/approach that goes in line with DevOps principles. During this session, we will demonstrate key DevOps tooling and concepts, like continuous integration & deployment, in developing and deploying solutions on Microsoft Azure.

Speakers
avatar for Stijn Callebaut

Stijn Callebaut

Solution Architect, itnetX
Stijn is an experienced IT professional, focusing on Microsoft technologies and specializing in Automation, Azure and System Center Service Manager with love for PowerShell.
avatar for Kurt Van Hoecke

Kurt Van Hoecke

Country Manager, MVP, itnetX
Kurt is a Azure/PowerBI/System Center specialist and Cloud & Datacenter Management MVP. He has many years of experience as a consultant in various System Center & automation implementations. Azure, Service management and service automation is the main focus for the moment. The large... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
Sterling Ridge

11:45am CST

Digital Transformation with Modern ITSM
Limited Capacity seats available

This session will discuss and demonstrate how the latest evolution of cloud technologies are affecting IT Service Management. This will include demonstrations of real world process engineering to automation implementations on a variety of cloud platforms. We'll discuss how new advancements in consumer and enterprise cloud are affecting ITSM Processes and technology to truly enable IT to better meet the transformation and optimization needs of today’s businesses. Whether your ITSM platform is Service Now or SCSM, this session brings something for everyone!

Speakers
avatar for Lee Berg

Lee Berg

Microsoft MVP, STEALTHbits
Lee is a Microsoft MVP in Cloud and Datacenter Management and a Techincal Product Manager for STEALTHbits Technologies. When Lee is now building CyberSecurity Monitoring Software in his day-job, He is active in managing and presenting at user groups, meetups, and conferences around... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
College Park

11:45am CST

Securing BYOD Mobility with EMS & Intune MAM
Limited Capacity seats available

Session description coming soon.

Speakers
avatar for Jake Mowrer

Jake Mowrer

Cyber Threat Managment Global Blackbelt, Microsoft
Throughout his career, Jake’s experience and research, fueled by his passion for all things security, enabled him to have wide and deep security conversations with IT professionals ranging from SOC analysts to CIO/CSOs. Jake is a Technical Specialist for Windows Defender Advanced... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
Alden Bridge

11:45am CST

Synthetic Office 365 Monitoring for Hybrid Deployments
Limited Capacity seats available

This breakout session is for those Office 365 users and administrators who want to gain insight into Office 365 beyond generic Service Health Dashboards focused on the Microsoft Global Datacenter availability information. 
 
We cover detail information on Exchange Online and other Office 365 services, like
- Synthetic monitoring of your Office 365 Subscription 
- Report on your cloud adoption. 
- Mailbox, Free/Busy, and many more checks in our hybrid deployment. 
- Alert on large mailbox activities within the Microsoft Datacenter
- Hints and details on how to analyses outages in Exchange environments. 
 
This session will explain the NiCE Active O365 MP plus gives you free tips and tricks, helping you to analyses and troubleshoot your Office 365 deployment. 

Speakers
avatar for Christian Heitkamp

Christian Heitkamp

Director Solutions, NiCE
Christian Heitkamp (@Chris_Heitkamp) is director at NiCE IT Management Solutions, leading the product and global business development. As an ardent professional, he designs and develops extensions to Microsoft System Center and HP Software for more than 7 years and has specialist... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
Cochrane's Crossing

11:45am CST

Put Your Windows 10 Driver Packages on a Diet
Limited Capacity seats available

Let's face it...size matters. The largest part of any Corporate OSD is the size of the Driver Packages, which can balloon to over 30GB in size. In this session we will detail how to minimize Windows 10 Driver Packages to less than 5GB (YMMV) by using proper organization, and de-deduplication (of a fashion). When we're done, you'll have a map to building an optimized driver repository that can be used in SCCM or MDT. And proper management will allow OSD from a 32GB USB drive!

Speakers
avatar for Shaun Cassells

Shaun Cassells

Microsoft MVP, 1E / CTSMUG
I am a Microsoft MVP (Windows Insider) and executive at Central Texas Systems Management User Group (CTSMUG). I am a Principal Solutions Engineer for 1E. I specialize in analysis, optimization, and design of Tactical Solutions to Strategic Business Goals.I have been working in IT/OT... Read More →
avatar for David Segura

David Segura

IT Technical Analyst III, Baker Hughes
David is an Windows Imaging Professional with 20+ years of experience, primarily focused OS Customization and Deployment for a large Enterprise of 40,000+ Workstations. With 15 years of experience in his current role, David has been able to Design and Implement Configuration and Upgrade... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 11:45am - 12:45pm CST
Waterway 6

12:45pm CST

Lunch
Friday February 9, 2018 12:45pm - 2:00pm CST
Waterway 4 & 5

2:00pm CST

System Center in the Real World: Automating Onboarding & Offboarding with Microsoft Service Manager
Limited Capacity seats available

In 2013, American National began efforts to implement an automated onboarding process for their organization. They quickly encountered problems, as their initial attempt used a service management system that was outdated and did not accommodate the custom needs of various users and departments. Additionally, the strict security and compliance requirements of their diverse financial industry could not be met and maintained with their existing systems. In 2016, American National migrated to System Center Service Manager, providing capabilities not previously seen in their environment. Service Manager provides a more flexible and mature onboarding process as well as integration with their Application Change Management systems.
Join American National’s Director of Service Support, Jennifer Flores, and James Deem, Director of Distributed Computing to explore how you can leverage Service Manager to automate your onboarding efforts, including:
  • Automation possibilities with Service Manager including virtual server builds
  • Audit compliance with Service Manager
  • Integration with other SQL applications and Active Directory

Speakers
avatar for James Deem

James Deem

Director of Distributed Computing, American National Insurance
James Deem is the Director Distributed Computing at American National Insurance Company. James began his focus in Desktop Support and technologies more than 20 years ago and now oversees the implementation, maintenance and security surrounding the distributed infrastructure.
avatar for Jennifer Flores

Jennifer Flores

Director of Service Support, American National Insurance
Jennifer Flores is the Director Service Support at American National Insurance Company. In her 20 years with the company she has focused her career on Service Management and customer service, focusing on the implementation of the companies ITIL based service management infrastructure... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Cochrane's Crossing

2:00pm CST

The OMS Solutions Bakery - how to build a custom solution in 60 minutes
Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, Microsoft MVP and RD Marcel Zehner demonstrates how to build a brand new custom solution for the Microsoft Operations Management Suite. Marcel will cover the process from A to Z: starting with collecting data from a source, aggregating and visualizing the data, configuring alerts for immediate notification and remediation and finally forwarding data to Power BI for creating nice and shiny reports. For the big finale, all components will be baked into a delicious solution that can be easily deployed to any OMS workspace on the planet – enjoy!

Friday February 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Creekside Park

2:00pm CST

Not Your Father's Boundaries
Limited Capacity seats available

Boundaries in Configuration Manager haven't changed much since SMS 2003 but how and when boundaries are used have changed and evolved significantly. This session will discuss these changes right up to the most current version of Configuration Manager Current Branch. Major topics will include boundary groups, site role location and usage, and peer content distribution. All of these hinge on proper boundary creation and configuration -- do it wrong and risk the wrath of your networking team, do it right and never hear from them again.

Speakers
avatar for Jason Sandys

Jason Sandys

Senior Program Manager, Microsoft
Jason is a Senior Program Manager at Microsoft for the Experience & Devices Customer Acceleration Team (CAT). Jason has 25+ years of experience in a wide range of technologies, environments, and industries and extensive knowledge in implementing and supporting all things Windows... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Sterling Ridge

2:00pm CST

What can possibly go wrong in a Client Enterprise Management environment and how to mitigate
Limited Capacity seats available

This session will focus on client health and how to reach the famous 100% compliance.

Speakers
avatar for Kent Agerlund

Kent Agerlund

Microsoft Regional Director | MVP, CTGlobal
Love to talk about anything related to Enterprise Client Management, cycling, running and football :-)Microsoft Enterprise Client Management MVP and Microsoft Regional Director


Friday February 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Waterway 6

2:00pm CST

Windows Server – What is next for Windows Server
Limited Capacity seats available

A little less than one year ago Microsoft released Windows Server 2016. In Fall 2017 Microsoft has updated Windows Server to the next Semi-Annual Channel release with new features and improvements and Microsoft will now release new SAC and LTSC releases. Join this session for the best of Windows Server, learn how the new Servicing Model of Windows Server works and what does it mean to use SAC or LTSC releases, and what new improvement and features Microsoft offers in the latest releases such as 1709 and 1803. You’ll get an overview about the new, exciting improvements that are in Windows Server and how they’ll improve your day-to-day job.


In this presentation Thomas Maurer (Microsoft MVP) will guide you through the highly anticipated innovations including:
· Windows Server Containers
· Hyper-V features
· Nano Server
· Storage
· Networking
· Security
· Windows Server Containers
· And more!

Speakers
avatar for Thomas Maurer

Thomas Maurer

MVP / Executive, itnetX
Thomas Maurer works as a Cloud Architect and Technology Lead at itnetX AG, a consulting and engineering company located in Switzerland. Thomas helps companies to transform their business to the Cloud. Thomas is focused on Microsoft Technologies, especially Microsoft Cloud Platform... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
College Park

2:00pm CST

Enterprise Cybersecurity: No Endpoint Left Behind
Limited Capacity seats available

Today’s exploit kits simplify cyberattacks for even the most inexperienced hackers. Combine that with the sophisticated hacking tools to available to anyone on the dark web... and this is our new reality.
Perhaps Windows 10 advanced features like Protected Folders, Credential Guard and Defender ATP are not yet options for you. What can you do to improve your security posture on the cheap? Come get a look at how recent headline-making attacks entered systems, spread rapidly, and wreaked havoc on a global scale. More importantly, learn about the "quick wins" you can implement native Windows operating system defenses, System Center and free Microsoft solutions in a matter of minutes or hours to defend against these and similar attacks.

Speakers
avatar for Duncan McAlynn

Duncan McAlynn

Chief Cyber Strategist, Cyberskills Coach
As a 20-year veteran of Information Technology with a laser focus on Systems & Security Management, Duncan McAlynn is a driven and passionate IT professional. He is a contributing author/editor to several books, magazine publications, security journals and websites, as well as a popular... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Alden Bridge

2:00pm CST

Ready for Takeoff with Windows 10 Autopilot
Limited Capacity seats available

Imaging systems to make them ready for production use is an activity that is common to Enterprises of all size. Often, significant time is invested to develop and maintain an imaging approach. Imagine a world where users are able to receive their devices directly and ‘image’ them according to corporate standards just by turning them on. Welcome to autopilot. This session will detail autopilot, how it works, how it can be configured and scenarios also involving ConfigMgr.

Speakers
avatar for Steve Rachui

Steve Rachui

Premier Field Engineer, Microsoft
Steven has supported System Center products at Microsoft for 18 years and currently works in the premier field engineering group. He hosts a popular System Center blog, has served as an author and technical editor for several System Center books and has been an active participant... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Waterway 1

3:00pm CST

Meet the Experts
You just saw the experts deliver some amazing sessions! Now come by the Expo area and meet the experts to discuss your challenges!

Friday February 9, 2018 3:00pm - 3:30pm CST
Expo Hall

3:30pm CST

Management in Azure, the Big Picture
Limited Capacity seats available

Let's take a step back and look at the big picture. Microsoft has a variety of Azure services that work together to provide complete management of your cloud and enterprise resources. We'll start this session by categorizing those services and discussing how they interact with each other and with other tools before we look forward to where Azure management is headed. We won't keep our heads too far in the clouds though as this will include practical guidance on the types of scenarios that each of the services can best address.

Speakers
avatar for Brian Wren

Brian Wren

Principal Content Developer & Monitoring Guru, Microsoft
Brian Wren is a Principal Content Developer with Microsoft focusing on cloud management technologies including Azure Monitor. He has produced extensive documentation and training materials for System Center, most notably management pack authoring in Operations Manager, and is carrying... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Waterway 6

3:30pm CST

ITSM Reporting with the 'Power' of BI
Limited Capacity seats available

There are many ITSM solutions available today with the adoption of the cloud and the explosion of ticketing systems, but regardless of the technology you use, tracking customer issues, visualizing the trends, and forecasting future issues are universally important. Using the power of Microsoft Power BI, we will show how to create useful metrics from a static dataset that could come from any enterprise ITSM solution as well as a dataset pulled live from Microsoft Service Manager.

Speakers
avatar for Seth Coussens

Seth Coussens

Product Manager and Practice Lead, Cireson
Seth has been immersed in information technology since he was 8, crashing and rebuilding his fathers business machines. At 16 he took his first IT job, and continued this path through college. After 9/11 and graduating he spent time as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Alden Bridge

3:30pm CST

Business Continuity & the Microsoft Cloud
Limited Capacity seats available

This session will help you eliminate the fear of a career-ending ransomware incident! Learn what’s new from Microsoft in Windows Server, SQL Server, Office 365, and Azure offerings. Build a customized Business Continuity portfolio of services that will keep business data safe and network administrators employed!
• Viable solutions for backup, restore, and disaster tolerance missions using just the right set native Microsoft technologies
• Features and price points favorable to the solutions architect
• Tips and tricks for deploying Azure Site Recovery and VPN in the new Azure Resource Manager model

Speakers
avatar for John Joyner

John Joyner

Microsoft MVP, Senior Director, Technology, AccountabilIT
John is Senior Director, Technology at AccountabilIT, an MSP/MSSP providing NOC & SOC services to organizations around the world. He's a Microsoft Azure MVP and has been awarded Microsoft MVP for 15 years (2007-2023). An author of five books on operations management, his latest book... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Sterling Ridge

3:30pm CST

Supercharge your IT Pro workflow with Visual Studio Team Services
Limited Capacity seats available

You don't have to be a developer to use and get some great value out of VSTS. "Your language. Your platform. Tools for every member of your team." is the catch-phrase of VSTS - let's apply this to the IT Pro audience! This session is all about using some of the great functionality of VSTS including: Code/Script Management, Continuous Integration & Delivery, Testing, Collaboration, and a plentiful serving of useful tips and and tricks for the Experts Live audience! You'll likely see VSTS in use in many demos and sessions at Experts Live - this session will arm you with the capability to start using the platform today!

Speakers
avatar for Lee Berg

Lee Berg

Microsoft MVP, STEALTHbits
Lee is a Microsoft MVP in Cloud and Datacenter Management and a Techincal Product Manager for STEALTHbits Technologies. When Lee is now building CyberSecurity Monitoring Software in his day-job, He is active in managing and presenting at user groups, meetups, and conferences around... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Cochrane's Crossing

3:30pm CST

Updating & Servicing Microsoft Azure Stack
Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, you will learn about the servicing policy for Azure Stack integrated systems, and what you must do to keep your system in a supported state. We'll also discuss the release cadence and package types for updating Microsoft and OEM components.

Speakers
avatar for Justin Incarnato

Justin Incarnato

Principal PM - Azure Stack, Microsoft
Justin is a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, focusing on Private Cloud Solutions Azure Infrastructure Management (AIM), Azure Stack, Microsoft Azure



Friday February 9, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Creekside Park

3:30pm CST

Modernizing Authentication: Eliminating Extranet Passwords
Limited Capacity seats available

In this session we discuss and demonstrate approaches to eliminating passwords from the extranet with modern authentication capabilities. See how Microsoft 365 components like Azure AD, Intune, and Windows 10 with Apple DEP and Windows Store for Business work together to enable a frictionless extranet experience for your users in this demo-packed session.

Speakers
avatar for Wes Kroesbergen

Wes Kroesbergen

CTO & Managing Partner, Lumagate
A former Security Global Black Belt at Microsoft focusing on cloud identity and security for large enterprises, Wes has a keen interest and focus on hybrid cloud identity and infrastructure, striving to employ standards, processes, and optimization models in his daily work. He believes... Read More →


Friday February 9, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
College Park

3:30pm CST

Modern and traditional Windows 10 deployment - A geeks guide to the Galaxy
Limited Capacity seats available

Join a technical drilldown in both modern and traditional ways of doing Windows 10 Deployment. In this session you learn about ConfigMgr OSD, Provisioning Packages, Windows Autopilot, and Windows 10 Management (ConfigMgr and Intune).

Speakers
avatar for Johan Arwidmark

Johan Arwidmark

Microsoft MVP, Technical Fellow, 2Pint Software
Johan Arwidmark is a Technical Fellow with 2Pint Software and Mirolus. He is a consultant, author and all-around geek specializing in Systems Management and Enterprise Windows Deployment Solutions. In addition to his consulting role, Johan present trainings and speaks at several conferences... Read More →
avatar for Ami Casto

Ami Casto

Technical Evangelist, MVP, Adaptiva
Ami Casto is Adaptiva’s technical evangelist and Microsoft MVP who is responsible for leading the company’s efforts to engage with and contribute to the technical systems management community. Ami is a featured speaker at numerous ConfigMgr and Windows 10 related user groups and... Read More →



Friday February 9, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Waterway 1

4:45pm CST

Closing Session & Prize Drawings
Friday February 9, 2018 4:45pm - 5:45pm CST
Waterway 1
 
Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.