COMMON POWERUp 2025: Full Schedule

Unlock the Power of IBM i at POWERUp 2025!

Join us in Disneyland, California, for POWERUp 2025, the premier conference for IBM i professionals. Whether you’re an experienced expert or just starting your IBM i journey, this event offers unparalleled education, hands-on workshops, and valuable networking opportunities. Stay ahead of the curve with insights from industry leaders, explore the latest innovations, and connect with a thriving community that shares your passion for IBM i. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge, grow your skills, and power up your career!

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8:00am PDT

Developing IBM i Talent: A Practical Approach to Power Up Skills Development

Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

South Ballroom A

60% of IT leaders have concern over IBM i skills. As IBM i professionals retire and IT talent shortages grow, organizations must find ways to help new talents grow their skills as they take on application modernization.

We will share a framework and resources for developing next-generation IBM i talent. Our expert panel will share a multi-faceted onboarding approach, exploring the impact of college programs with IBM, hands-on instructor-led courses, flexible self-study resources, business-focused workshops, and immersive new hire programs. Learn how to create a dynamic learning journey that empowers new hires to master core IBM i skills, understand business context, and contribute to project success from day one.

Speakers

Carmelita Ruvalcaba Cevallos

IBM i Product Manager, IBM

Marina Schwenk

Innovative Software Solutions inc.

Marina started her career in January 2015 at Everbrite LLC in Greenfield WI after graduating from Gateway Technical College in May of 2014 with an Associate’s degree in IT Software Development. Marina worked for over nine years as a Senior Programmer Analyst/IBM i admin at Everbrite... Read More →

Linda Alkire

Program Manager, IBM Power Skills Academy, IBM

Skills gap, academic initiatives, community engagement, and all things IBM Power content and learning related.

Jim Buck

CEO & Head Instructor, imPower Technologies

Jim Buck’s career in IT has spanned more than 35+ years, primarily in college education, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. Past president (13 years) of the Wisconsin Midrange Computer Professional Association (www.wmcpa.org) and has served on several teams developing IBM... Read More →

Steve Wolk

CTO, PC Richard & Son

Steven Wolk is the Chief Technology Officer for PC Richard & Son, a family owned and operated chain of 66 appliance and electronics superstores located throughout NY, NJ, CT, and PA. Founded in 1909, PC Richard has always been known for honesty, integrity, and reliability throughout... Read More →

Shelly Petty

Application Support, Profound Logic

I am a Full Stack Developer at Profound Logic. We run our production applications on the IBMi Power Server. Primary languages are CL, RPG, DB2 SQL and Java, and the UI: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Drupple, React, and Sencha.My position is a fast paced job and it includes Help Desk phone... Read More →

Yan Zhuo

IBM i Product Management Leader, IBM

Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
South Ballroom A 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Personal Development

4:30pm PDT

How to Become a Speaker at COMMON

Tuesday May 20, 2025 4:30pm - 4:50pm PDT

Monorail

You have a wealth of experience and expertise. Have you thought about sharing your know-how by speaking at COMMON? Speaking at COMMON is fun and a great way to get involved with other members as well as the organization at large.
Come join this session to learn how to submit a session for speaking at a COMMON event along with tips and tricks for putting together a session abstract and learning objectives, what the overall process is once you have submitted a session, how to prepare for giving your presentation, and what speaker resources that are available to you.

Speakers

Kim Greene

President, Kim Greene Consulting, Inc.

Kim Greene is president of Kim Greene Consulting, Inc. specializing in providing consulting services for the HCL Collaboration Solutions portfolio for IBM i, Windows, and Linux. Kim has over 20 years of experience with IBM Domino and 25 years of experience with the AS/400, iSeries... Read More →

Tuesday May 20, 2025 4:30pm - 4:50pm PDT
Monorail 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Personal Development

4:30pm PDT

N2i: One Year Roadmap for Getting Up to Speed in a 37 year old Industry

Tuesday May 20, 2025 4:30pm - 4:50pm PDT

South Ballroom A

While some IBM i developers may have been around for a while, there are plenty of ancillary business members who are working hard to get up to speed on the relatively complex industry like IBM i. From IBM i adjacent developers to IBM i services salespeople, joining this community can be intimidating. Here’s how I took my first 12 months on the job and integrated myself into this amazing community – and how you can too! This will be a talk and discussion so we can all learn from each other and create a sense of community around struggles and how to overcome them.

Speakers

Nate Schnieders

Tuesday May 20, 2025 4:30pm - 4:50pm PDT
South Ballroom A 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Personal Development