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!

10:00am PDT

AI Trends You Need To Know

Monday May 19, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

Room 7

Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries and reshaping how businesses operate, innovate, and grow. This session dives into a diverse mix of hot topics in AI, designed to spark ideas and foster discussion.

Speakers

Charlie Guarino

CEO & IBM Champion, Central Park Data Systems

Charles Guarino believes in the “power” of IBM Power Systems. His career reflects his dedication and interest in bringing the platform and its solutions to others and as a result has been recognized as an IBM Champion.He is a member of COMMON’s Speaker Excellence Hall of Fame... Read More →

Monday May 19, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

3:15pm PDT

Clean up your i

Monday May 19, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Room 7

How much disk storage do you have on your system? The most common answer is 'not enough!' Attend this session and find out where all that space went, what you can clean up, and what should be left alone.

Learn about ways to report and find disk usage as well as understanding how you use it.

Develop a deeper understanding of the tools IBM has built into IBM i, ESPECIALLY SQL Tools, and how to leverage them to help keep your system clean.

Walk away with a solid understanding of how to clean up your disk space, manage your IFS, and reorganize your files.

Speakers

Larry Bolhuis

Cloud and Datacenter Engineer, IBM Champion, Service Express Inc.

Larry has grown up with computers since his father became a CE in 1967. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Calvin College in 1982 and soon after began working on IBM midrange equipment with the S/34 and S/36. Larry began working on the As/400 at its introduction In 1988.After spending many years as a developer Larry began working on communications, networking, and systems management tasks. Years of... Read More →

Monday May 19, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Systems Management

4:30pm PDT

Contributing to Open Source

Monday May 19, 2025 4:30pm - 4:50pm PDT

Room 7

Open-source contributions are a great way to improve your skills and give back to the community. This session will walk attendees through the process of contributing to an open-source project on GitHub. We’ll cover forking a repository, working in a branch, pushing changes, and submitting a pull request for review.

Speakers

Joseph Wright

Owner / Consultant, Wright4i

Monday May 19, 2025 4:30pm - 4:50pm PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Programming: General

5:05pm PDT

What’s New in the World of AI

Monday May 19, 2025 5:05pm - 5:25pm PDT

Room 7

The field of AI is evolving at an unprecedented pace. This session will provide an up-to-the-minute look at the latest AI advancements, including OpenAI’s latest models, DeepSeek R1, and leading competitors. We’ll explore benchmarks like SWE, IBM’s upcoming RPG Coding Assistant, and key trends like AI Agents and Chain of Thought reasoning.

Speakers

Joseph Wright

Owner / Consultant, Wright4i

Monday May 19, 2025 5:05pm - 5:25pm PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

8:00am PDT

AI and IBM i: tying the worlds together

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

Room 7

AI has become an unstoppable and unavoidable force in the industry. When you integrate IBM i with a powerful AI stack, the potential is indescribable! In this session, we will learn about some key AI technologies and explore a couple techniques for integrating IBM i with them.

Speakers

Jesse Gorzinski

STSM and Senior Business Architect - AI and Open Source, IBM

Jonathan Zak

Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

9:15am PDT

The Ethical use of AI

Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Room 7

In the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, the ethical implications of AI systems have become a critical concern for developers, researchers, and policymakers alike. This session aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ethical challenges posed by AI and offer practical techniques to address hate, abuse, and profanity (HAP), biases, and violations of privacy or intellectual property.

Speakers

Charlie Guarino

CEO & IBM Champion, Central Park Data Systems

Jesse Gorzinski

STSM and Senior Business Architect - AI and Open Source, IBM

Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

10:45am PDT

The Practical Side of AI: Beyond the Hype, Real-World Applications for Business Value Today

Tuesday May 20, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am PDT

Room 7

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often portrayed as a panacea for the world's challenges, with futuristic depictions overshadowing its practical, present-day capabilities. This session aims to demystify AI by showcasing real-world use cases that drive tangible business value. We will explore how AI is being effectively deployed across various industries to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. By focusing on the here and now, this session seeks to empower businesses to harness the power of AI today, rather than waiting for the promises of tomorrow. Join us to learn how AI can be a practical tool for your business, delivering measurable results and a competitive edge.

Speakers

Sebastian Lehrig

WW AI on IBM Power Leader, IBM

As world-wide leader for AI on IBM Power, Sebastian is the main product manager to drive design, development, and market success of AI offerings & capabilities on the IBM Power platform. Previously, he has brought the open-source AI portfolio (including technology such as Kubeflow... Read More →

Jesse Gorzinski

STSM and Senior Business Architect - AI and Open Source, IBM

Tuesday May 20, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

3:15pm PDT

AI-Powered Development: Your IBM i Copilot (or Claude, or ChatGPT, etc.)

Tuesday May 20, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Room 7

AI is transforming software development across all platforms, and IBM i is no exception. But how do you effectively leverage these powerful tools while maintaining the high standards IBM i users expect? In this session, we'll cut through the hype and show you practical applications of AI in daily IBM i development. From code generation to documentation to testing to cool new AI-based application capabilities, you'll see real-world examples of how AI can enhance productivity while preserving code quality. We'll demonstrate best practices for AI integration and provide guidance for successful implementation in your environment.

Speakers

Mike Samboy

Chief Commercial Officer, Eradani

IBM i integrations, APIs, DevOps

Tuesday May 20, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

4:30pm PDT

Getting Started with Python on IBM i

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

Room 7

Python is becoming an essential tool in the IBM i ecosystem. This session will provide a beginner-friendly introduction to setting up and using Python on IBM i. Topics include calling Python from PASE, SSH access, development in VS Code, and methods for integrating Python with RPG and SQL.

Speakers

Joseph Wright

Owner / Consultant, Wright4i

Tuesday May 20, 2025 4:30pm - 4:50pm PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Programming: Python

5:05pm PDT

Using Github Copilot with RPG

Tuesday May 20, 2025 5:05pm - 5:25pm PDT

Room 7

This session will introduce IBM i developers to GitHub Copilot and demonstrate how it can enhance RPG programming. We’ll cover installation and setup within VS Code, including the Code for IBM i extension. Attendees will see how Copilot generates code, assists with debugging, and improves efficiency through inline suggestions and Copilot Chat.

Speakers

Joseph Wright

Owner / Consultant, Wright4i

Tuesday May 20, 2025 5:05pm - 5:25pm PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

8:00am PDT

Let's explore watsonx!

Wednesday May 21, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Room 7

You've probably heard a bit about watsonx lately. Between watsonx.ai, watsonx.governance, and watsonx.data, there's a full suite of tooling to deploy and manage AI workloads. In this session, get an introductory peek at what the toolsets look like, and explore how they might be used for your organization

Speakers

Jesse Gorzinski

STSM and Senior Business Architect - AI and Open Source, IBM

Wednesday May 21, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

9:15am PDT

Elevate your SQL Capabilities with Lateral Joins, Pivots, and Window Functions

Wednesday May 21, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Room 7

Take your SQL skills to the next level with this session on Lateral joins, Window functions, and Pivoting. Discover how LATERAL joins simplify complex queries, learn new insights with Window Functions, and master the art of pivoting data for dynamic reporting. Whether you're an SQL pro or beginner, join us to unlock the full potential of these powerful tools and techniques (and get free code).

Speakers

Mike Zaringhalam

Developer, PC Richard & Son

Have you ever wanted to meet someone who started Hawaiian Shirt Fridays at their work place? If the answer is 'Yes!', then feel free to reach out with any questions you have regarding Hawaiian shirts... Or IBM i related topics. My main focuses are RDi, DB2, Modernization, and D... Read More →

Wednesday May 21, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Database

10:45am PDT

Build a Watson AI Chatbot from Db2

Wednesday May 21, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am PDT

Room 7

One of the many features of the IBM WatsonX suite is WatsonX assistant, an interactive, AI-powered chatbot. This session will not only show you how to build your own intelligent chatbot, but also how to integrate this chatbot into Db2 data! This integration will even showcase how you can easily deploy a simple REST server running on IBM i which will be powered by Mapepire, the new open-source and cloud-friendly IBM i database access layer that was built with simplicity and performance in-mind.

Speakers

Sanjula Ganepola

Wednesday May 21, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

3:45pm PDT

DB2 Mirror -  Logistics for 400K trucks -  Driving Business Outcomes    

Wednesday May 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT

Room 7

  

The logistics company generates over 3.2M downloads to equip over 400,000  trucks 7 x 24 with all the AI features they need for their workday.  Near zero downtime was the only way to keep the fleets connected and moving. This CASE Study will present through the eyes of the customer a roadmap:  IBM lab DB2 Assessment, building a reference architecture, implementation, testing failover and day to day management for DB2 Mirror.

Learn how Transflo leveraged an  IBM Cloud On Net solution by staying on IBM  Power Technology connected to AWS and Azure.

Speakers

Richard Dolewski

VP, Enterprise Solutions, Connectria

Richard is a recognized SME and award-winning industry speaker specializing in, Cloud Computing Architecture, Business Resiliency, Disaster Recovery Planning and Backup & Recovery Program Design. He leads organizations through the new era of technology, achieving the desired, successful... Read More →

Wednesday May 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

High Availability Resilience

5:00pm PDT

IBM i Services for the Developer

Wednesday May 21, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Room 7

In the past you may have considered using CL or coding to system APIs to access and work with system information. Today there is a better option: IBM i Services. In this session you will learn how to use SQL to work with data areas and data queues, discover how easy it is to review your program and service program attributes, and much more.

Speakers

Ann Wilkerson

Software Developer, IBM

Ann Wilkerson is the technical team lead for Navigator for i and a developer for IBM i Services.

Wednesday May 21, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Programming: General

8:00am PDT

A Practical Guide to IBM i Authority Collection

Thursday May 22, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Room 7

This session explores practical applications for Authority Collection, including standard and creative use cases. Authority Collection can be used to reduce the security exposure of privileged user profiles and to lock down objects/libraries/IFS. We will cover these in detail, along with some “outside the box” ways of using this technology to answer questions and solve problems.

Speakers

Carol Woodbury

IBM i Security SME and Senior Advisor, Kisco Systems

With over 30 years' experience in the area of IT security, Carol is known world-wide as an expert in the area of computer security. During her career, Carol has architected security solutions for Fortune 100 companies as well as small and medium-sized organizations. Carol is passionate... Read More →

Steve Riedmueller

Certified IBM i Admin - IBM Champion, Speaker, Mentor, and Advocate, Kisco

Thursday May 22, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Security

9:15am PDT

Surfing the Net: The Neural Net

Thursday May 22, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Room 7

Embark on a journey to understand neural networks! This session takes a dive into the math behind neural networks. We will also explores their applications, and demonstrate how they power AI innovations across industries.

Speakers

Jonathan Zak

Thursday May 22, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

11:15am PDT

OS AND POWER SYSTEM UPGRADE TESTING

Thursday May 22, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Room 7

Upgrading an OS or Power system infrastructure can be daunting when approached. This session will review how to analyze needs, manage risk, assign testing tasks, track, and report.

Speakers

Yvonne Enselman

Owner, Yvonne Enselman Professional Services

Thursday May 22, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Program Testing

1:30pm PDT

Navigator for i from a Developer's Perspective

Thursday May 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Room 7

Do you think that Navigator for i is just for system administrators? Think again! Navigator for i is a powerful tool for all IBM i users, including developers. In this session, you will get an overview of how Navigator for i works and learn about specific functions that developers can use to make their day to day work easier.

Speakers

Ann Wilkerson

Software Developer, IBM

Ann Wilkerson is the technical team lead for Navigator for i and a developer for IBM i Services.

Thursday May 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Programmer Tools

3:00pm PDT

How Developers/Analysts Control the Expectations of What Can Be Done for the Organization with AI

Thursday May 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 7

Most organizations are intrigued by what AI can do, but what can actually be implements by programmers/Analyst. This session is focused on how to limit the expectations of management and leadership to what can actually be delivered by IT. The arguments and planning for AI are explored by this session.

Speakers

Michael McArdle

Instructor, Western Technical College

Though Mike McArdle has been involved in RPG programming since the 1970s, his career path has been through the ranks of leadership. He has been the CFO of Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the CFO of Desmond’s Formal Wear in LaCrosse Wisconsin, and Assistant Superintendent... Read More →

Thursday May 22, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

IT Strategy

5:00pm PDT

GROK Magic: Turning IT Problems into Possibilities

Thursday May 22, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Room 7

In this session, we'll explore how this AI tool from xAI can revolutionize your IT practice. We'll introduce GROK's core features, its unique approach to problem-solving, and its application in enhancing decision-making, data analysis, and technical communication. Learn best practices for integrating GROK into presentations, technical integration with IT tools, and how to navigate its limitations. The session will conclude with a recap, a call to action for practical application

Speakers

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 →

Thursday May 22, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 7 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Artificial Intelligence (AI)