COMMON POWERUp 2026: Full Schedule

Unlock the Power of IBM i at POWERUp 2026!

Join us in New Orleans, Louisiana for POWERUp 2026, 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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10:00am CDT

What is new on IBM Power Virtual Server

Monday April 27, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Studio 3-4

Evaluation Survey

During the last year a lot has happened. IBM Power Virtual Server has also made some major improvements. In this session we are going to discuss the updates and improvements that has been done on IBM Power Virtual Server, and how this helps you in archiving your business goals. This session is useful for current IBM Power Virtual Server customers, but also if you are currently not using IBM Power Virtual Server, this session can help you get a got impression of what IBM Power Virtual Server is, and why it is now a good moment to consider moving to IBM Power Virtual Server.

Learning Objectives:

what is new on IBM Power Virtual Server and how can this help IBM i customers

Speakers

Dan Sundt

IBM i Product Manager, IBM

Dan Sundt is an IBM i product manager. He has the responsibility for the IBM i business, including defining and guiding future directions and strategies. He works with the IBM i sales, marketing, and development teams as well as customers and partners to ensure that the IBM i operating... Read More →

Tonny Bastiaans

Product Manager IBM Power Virtual Server (PowerVS), IBM Netherlands

Monday April 27, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Studio 3-4

Virtualization, IT Leadership & Management, IT Strategy, Systems Management

11:15am CDT

BRMS First Steps

Monday April 27, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Studio 3-4

Evaluation Survey

This session will run through the installation, configuration, implementation, and some of the landmines in most BRMS installations. You can install and be up and running with a simple back up plan (most likely what you do now) in less than a day. Both BR2's GUI and BR1 configuration will be covered.

Learning Objectives:

1.Know how to install and maintain BRMS in a production environment 2. Know what advanced options are available and when to use them 3. Understand the differences between versions and how to work with both

Speakers

Sarah Jacob

VP of Customer Experience, Agile Technology Architects

Sarah Jacob is the Vice President of Customer Experience at Agile Technology Architects. She is a Subject Matter Expert in Power Systems Administration and a volunteer for COMMON. Sarah specializes in Backup and Recovery planning and recovery testing. Additionally, she acts as primary... Read More →

Monday April 27, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Studio 3-4

Systems Management, High Availability Resilience

Track Student

3:15pm CDT

Stepping through SQL Performance

Monday April 27, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT

Studio 3-4

Evaluation Survey

Every SQL statement has a predefined steps that it must go through before it can complete you data base requests. Each step taken can positively or negatively impact SQL performance - especially on transactional applications that are running the same set of SQL statements over and over again. This session will explain each step needed to run an SQL statement and the structures that Db2 creates that can impact performance. In addition, this session will review application design and settings that can impact the performance of the required steps.

Learning Objectives:

How Db2 manages the runtime execution of SQL. Differences between the 3 types of SQL: Static, Dynamic, and Extended Dynamic (ie, SQL Packages). Performance difference between SQL Full Opens & Pseudo Opens and the factors that determine when a Full Open must be performed.

Speakers

Kent Milligan

Senior Db2 for i Consultant, IBM

Kent Milligan is a Senior Db2 for i Consultant in IBM Technology Expert Labs. Kent has over 25 years of experience as a Db2 for IBM i consultant and developer working out of the IBM Rochester lab. Prior to re-joining the Db2 for i Expert Labs practice in 2020, Kent spent 5 years... Read More →

Monday April 27, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Studio 3-4

Database

4:30pm CDT

Intro to Modern Application Integration via API

Monday April 27, 2026 4:30pm - 4:50pm CDT

Studio 3-4

Evaluation Survey

We no longer live in a world where we have one system of record that is used for all business functions. IT is an everchanging blend of tools, applications, and platforms. Integration is top of mind for most businesses. If there is one common way to link all these systems, it is an API layer. Your IBM i should speak the language of APIs, both consuming and hosting. In this session, let’s look at the big picture with regards to APIs and IBM i.

Learning Objectives:

• Importance of APIs in modern architecture • Common API integration needs • Replacing legacy interfaces_ • Elements of a successful API implementation

Speakers

Brian May

Principal Technology Evangelist, Profound Logic

Professional IT Leader, Speaker and WriterSpecialties:Team Building, Development and RetentionTechnical SalesSolutions ArchitectureSoftware DevelopmentEnterprise Systems Manufacturing ProcessesApparel IndustryAccounting Principles

Monday April 27, 2026 4:30pm - 4:50pm CDT
Studio 3-4

General Programming, Programming: General, Technologies Integrated with IBM i

5:05pm CDT

SQL - Merge Statement

Monday April 27, 2026 5:05pm - 5:25pm CDT

Studio 3-4

Evaluation Survey

Add another tool to your SQL toolbelt with this session on the SQL Merge statement. Discover how a single SQL statement can handle Inserts, Updates, and Deletes. Learning Objectives:

Learn how and when to use an SQL Merge statement

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 →

Monday April 27, 2026 5:05pm - 5:25pm CDT
Studio 3-4

Database, Database, Programming: General

COMMON POWERUp 2026

10:00am CDT

Dan Sundt

Tonny Bastiaans

11:15am CDT

Sarah Jacob

3:15pm CDT

Kent Milligan

4:30pm CDT

Brian May

5:05pm CDT

Mike Zaringhalam

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