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!

8:00am CDT

Introduction to Python on IBM i

Tuesday April 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Galerie 4

Evaluation Survey

Come get your first look at Python and learn some of the basics! Also, learn about the product offerings that enable you to do software development with the language on the platform. Upon completing this class, you will be able to acquire, install, and use the language on IBM i, as well as extend its power using contributions from the larger open source community. We will also explore Db2 Data Access and IFS file system access as primary use cases for Python on IBM i.

Learning Objectives:

1) Installation of Python on IBM i. 2) Multiple methods of use and access 3) Db2 data access from Python

Speakers

Mike Pavlak

Solution Architect, Programmers.io

Mike Pavlak has been working with IBM midrange solutions since 1992 and IBM Mainframes before that. After years of developing applications using RPG, CL and PHP he managed IT development and IT for power protection manufacturer Tripp Lite. Later Mike was instrumental in developing... Read More →

Tuesday April 28, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Galerie 4

Python, Programming: Python

3:15pm CDT

Pythonic Containers for Module Management (VENV)

Tuesday April 28, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT

Galerie 4

Evaluation Survey

Dependency management when operating multiple python projects can get crazy without a solid plan. In this session we will explore the world of Virtual Environments on IBM i and also the application of Jupyter Notebooks. These tools facilitate stable development and production of Python implementations.

Learning Objectives:

1) Explore some of the complexities of Python Module version management. 2) Learn how int use Virtual Environments on IBM i and Jupyter Notebooks. 3) Live demo of virtual environments in action.

Speakers

Mike Pavlak

Solution Architect, Programmers.io

Tuesday April 28, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Galerie 4

Python, DevOps

10:45am CDT

Building a Quick Website on IBM i using Python?

Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

Studio 7-8

Evaluation Survey

There are many tools for building basic web content on IBM I and Python has a few options. We’ll explore Flask briefly and then do a deep dive on Flask and FastAPI.

Learning Objectives:

1) Consider complete solutions vs back end & front end models. 2) See Flask in action with jinja templates. 3) Explore FastAPI and how it can be used to hydrate JavaScript front ends.

Speakers

Mike Pavlak

Solution Architect, Programmers.io

Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Studio 7-8

Python

5:00pm CDT

Python Tips in 20 Minutes on IBM i

Wednesday April 29, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT

Studio 7-8

Evaluation Survey

Python on IBM i has been around for a while now. In this session we explore many of the various tips I’ve run across over the last few years. These tips apply to both Python and/or the IBM i environment running the Python scripts. Tips include best practices, IFS features, pathing and MUCH more.

Learning Objectives:

1) Little bit of everything to help the Python developer 2) Standards based code development and linting. 3) Features that improve Python performance

Speakers

Mike Pavlak

Solution Architect, Programmers.io

Wednesday April 29, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Studio 7-8

Python

Track Student

3:00pm CDT

Broaden Your Reporting Capabilities Using Python

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Galerie 1

Evaluation Survey

One can only imagine just how many Excel sheets or other reports are generated on a daily basis. Are these reports portraying information in the best way possible? Is there anything we can do to help make this information more easily understood? Over the recent years, there has been quite the craze over data analytics and the importance of data that we should question our reporting standards. In this session we will cover the usage of Python and its readily available open source modules that can help us improve our reports.

Learning Objectives:

1. How to create a Python script and call it (with parameters) 2. Learn of Python modules that may be of interest 3. How to generate/alter/merge Excel reports 4. How to generate PDF's, images, and graphs

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 →

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Galerie 1

Python, Programmer Tools, Programming: General, Programming: Python, Technologies Integrated with IBM i

COMMON POWERUp 2026

8:00am CDT

Mike Pavlak

3:15pm CDT

Mike Pavlak

10:45am CDT

Mike Pavlak

5:00pm CDT

Mike Pavlak

3:00pm CDT

Mike Zaringhalam

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