COMMON POWERUp 2026

The fear is real. AI can now write code, generate documentation, and handle tasks that once required skilled developers. So what happens to your career? Here's the truth: AI won't replace developers who know how to leverage it - it will only make them more valuable. In this session, we'll show you exactly how AI can multiply your value rather than diminish it. You'll see live demonstrations of developers using AI to tackle work they've never done before, from writing RPG code without RPG experience to generating complete documentation in minutes to automatically generating regression test code. We'll share real stories from our team about the transition from skepticism to enthusiastic adoption, including the specific moment when everything clicked. You'll learn practical strategies for integrating AI into your workflow, understanding what AI does well versus where human expertise remains critical, and positioning yourself as the developer who bridges traditional systems with AI-powered innovation. Whether you're worried about job security or ready to embrace the future, you'll leave with concrete steps to make yourself more valuable than ever.

Learning Objectives:
Attendees will understand how AI tools enhance rather than replace developer value. They will see ways that AI can eliminate many of the boring and painful tasks (eg. documentation and writing test cases) while freeing them for more creative work. They'll learn specific techniques for leveraging AI while enhancing code quality, see real examples of productivity improvements, and develop strategies for becoming AI-proficient developers who are more valuable to their organizations.

We live in a world of endless distractions. Get distracted and you lose focus. According to research, it takes around 23 minutes to refocus after a distraction. Should we manage the distractions? Or let ourselves get distracted? Or learn to focus despite the distractions? If you can’t focus your attention, how can you accomplish anything? This session will teach you how to identify when and why you’re being distracted, what to do about it, and how to increase your focus.

Learning Objectives:

1) How to identify when you’re distracted 2) Understanding why you get distracted 3) How to avoid distractions 4) How to increase your focus

Organizations running IBM i environments are increasingly looking for ways to accelerate modernization, strengthen resilience, and maximize the value of their platform investments. IBM i subscription bundles include valuable services such as Advisory Connect and IBM Expert Labs assets, but many clients are not fully aware of how to take advantage of them. In this session, you will learn how to unlock the full value of these resources and incorporate them into your IT strategy. We will explore how Advisory Connect provides direct access to IBM experts for guidance on architecture, modernization, security, and operational best practices, while Expert Labs assets can help accelerate implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization projects. Join us to understand what services are available within IBM i subscription bundles, how to engage with these resources effectively, and practical examples of how organizations are using them to drive faster outcomes and stronger platform value.

Newcomers to the IBM i platform commonly find themselves with a lot of questions, and may not know where to turn. If you're new to this platform, whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced IT pro who has found yourself responsible for supporting the i, COMMON's N2i program exists to help you! In this session we'll introduce terminology and concepts, how to navigate the "greenscreen", and where to find additional resources. We'll draw parallels between IBM i and other technologies with which you may be more familiar.

Learning Objectives:

Learn about: 1. IBM i terminology and concepts 2. Navigating the system 3. Resources for newcomers

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.

Learning Objectives:

1) Understanding the process of submitting a session 2) Learning what you need to prepare to submit a session 3) Learning what resources are available to you as you prepare for speaking 4) Learning about the benefits of being a speaker at a COMMON event

Tired of all the hype surrounding AI? Would you like to be more productive using AI - today – but you’re not sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve scratched the surface with AI, but want to learn more? Either way, this is the session for you! Here we skip the theory and dive straight into real-world applications that boost productivity and streamline daily tasks using AI based tools. Join us for this session and leave with tangible skills to supercharge your productivity, while producing better results, with less effort!

Learning Objectives:

Join this session to learn to: - Understand the art of prompt engineering - Generate professional emails, reports, and letters in a fraction of the time - Dive into data analysis without the headache - Help you write code better and faster - Unlock your creative side to make art you’ll be proud of - even if you can't draw a straight line! - Use AI throughout your day for personal and fun tasks as well as at work - Get the most out of the many diverse AI tools available today for maximum productivity - Whether you’re new to AI or just looking for practical ideas, you’ll leave with real examples and skills you can start using immediately for both professional and personal tasks. Join us to learn how to put AI to use for you today!

What I wish I knew when I started my IBM i Career is a practical roadmap for early-career and aspiring IBM i professionals looking to build momentum within the ecosystem. Drawing from real-world experience, this session explores how conferences, mentorship, community involvement, and side projects can accelerate growth and create meaningful career opportunities.
Attendees will learn how to engage strategically at IBM i events, approach interviews with confidence, identify skill gaps, and build credibility within the community. The session also addresses common misconceptions about networking and professional development in the IBM i world.
Participants will leave with clear, actionable steps they can immediately apply to strengthen their career trajectory and become active contributors to the IBM i ecosystem.

Positive healthy relationships are vital to success in everything you do: whether it is excelling in your career, creating a vibrant and energetic work environment, or having a happy and rewarding personal life. Learning how to interact with others in a way that is respectful and constructive is essential.

Learning Objectives:

1) How to connect with others in a positive and proactive way 2) The impact of creating respectful and nurturing relationships 3) How to create long-term relationships that will accelerate your career 4) Tools and techniques to foster positive relationships

Now that virtual meetings have become the new normal for so many of us, it's vital that we learn to make the most of this approach to getting things done. Whether you use Zoom, Teams, Webex, or another product, come to this session to learn the secrets to supercharging your online meeting productivity and getting results!

Learning Objectives:

In just 20 minutes, you'll learn: - How to plan your meeting for success - How to run your meeting for maximum productivity - The best ways to take meeting notes - When and how to end your meeting - Tips and tricks to maximize your use of technology and supercharge your work from home environment

Do you dread the thought of negotiating on your own behalf? Are you unsure of the best ways to handle conflict in the workplace? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you need to attend this session! We'll cover time-tested techniques for negotiations and conflict resolution that could change your life!

Learning Objectives:

In just 20 minutes, you'll: - Learn to consider the value of an argument vs the cost - Find common ground to smooth the negotiation - Understand that all new ideas are great, and that we all make mistakes - Show respect and build a reserve of good will to allow everyone to leave the negotiation with their head held high

While many developers would love to never speak to another human being, it is inevitable that someday they will have to. When software engineers leave their cubicles or home offices or whatever dark cave they write code in, they'll need the skills to communicate effectively. Communication skills come in handy even if you're sending an email instead of just standing up and walking 10ft to a colleague's desk.

This is a session not just for developers, but for anyone who has to talk to another human being, because effective communication is the key to success in your relationships, careers, and everyday life. As a professional in marketing and sales (Anna) and a software engineer who recently joined the IBM i platform (Justin), we’ve had to learn strategies to access complicated information and make it accessible to ourselves and our customers.

Join us to learn some new strategies that you can not only take back to the office, but utilize the moment you walk out of the session room. We’ll have time to workshop with attendees at the end of the session. Attend this session to maximize your conference experience!

Learning Objectives:
- Learn the steps of a successful communication process and how to avoid common pitfalls.
- Learn communication strategies for conversations with those outside your area of expertise.
- Learn how an AI tool can assist you with communication.

Who today is helping you optimize your infrastructure? Do you have the right set-up for zero planned downtime and autonomous error resolution? How about fast visibility to any missing patches or upgrades on your inventory?
Come in for a discussion with Technology lifecycle support on what you can get from IBM maintenance. We will touch on the value you obtain through expert care, a technical account manager or the occasional health check of your inventory. We will also talk about the lifecycle of your inventory, what are the risks connected to having old inventory and how can IBM help mitigate those risks.
Lastly the transition to subscription for all IBM i user are here, so how do we embrace it in the best manner? There are lot’s of details and fine print to consider in this transition, and we know that several of you are asking for support from IBM in this transition. Technology lifecycle support offers help and has several proposals to you - and at the same time would like to engage in a discussion with you to understand more about the challenges. Come join the discussion with our IBM i specialists to get good ideas, pointers and give your own input. 

Whether you’re just getting your career in IT started, or you’ve been at it for a while, you probably hope that your job brings more than just financial stability; you’d like to feel a sense of fulfillment. After over 40 years at IBM, Steve Will, CTO and Chief Architect of IBM i, has some thoughts that might help. He’ll talk about fundamental behaviors and traits which promote a fulfilling career.

Worried about what artificial intelligence means for your job or your future? You’re not alone. As AI becomes capable of writing, coding, analyzing, and creating, it’s easy to wonder - what’s left for us humans? Join this session to learn exactly where your human edge lies - and how to use it to thrive in the AI era. You’ll discover how timeless human skills like creativity, empathy, communication, and judgment are not only irreplaceable, but also essential to getting the best results from AI - transforming it from a threat to an incredibly powerful ally!

Learning Objectives:

Through humor, relatable stories, and real-world examples, Steve will show you how to: - Apply human strengths to communicate better with people and AI - Collaborate effectively when your “teammates” include intelligent technology - Negotiate and resolve conflict with confidence and empathy using AI as your personal coach - Build stronger relationships with people – and yes, with your AI assistants! - Market yourself and your value in the age of automation - Stay adaptable, confident, and indispensable as work continues to evolve - Turn your human edge into your ultimate advantage!

Every new day arrives with fresh potential, yet it’s all too easy to slip into routine, delay important actions, or wait for the perfect moment that never seems to come. What if you could break that cycle and turn each day into something meaningful, productive, and energizing? This session will inspire you to take ownership of your choices, strengthen your relationships, and use practical systems and tools to manage your time, energy, and focus with confidence. Join us to explore what holds us back - from hesitation and missed opportunities to outdated habits and the myth of “one of these days.” You will learn how to create momentum, stay organized, build deeper connections, and make purposeful decisions that move you forward. With a blend of motivation, practical strategies, and real-world examples, this session will help you transform your typical day into one that counts.

Learning Objectives:

`- How to recognize the value of each day and live with intention and enthusiasm - Techniques to direct your focus toward what truly matters and boost your productivity - Ways to use simple tools and repeatable systems to stay organized and reduce the mental load