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!

5:00pm CDT

IBM i Security with an SQL Chaser, Next Round!

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

Galerie 3

Evaluation Survey

In this award-winning session, be prepared to hear Scott Forstie and Carol Woodbury shake up the world of IBM i Security, mixing up new SQL features that allow you to completely do away with the old way you've been investigating and managing your IBM i Security environment. They will also shake up your mind with thoughts of finding vulnerabilities in your code and debate various methods of resolving the issues. Come prepared to have your IBM i Security world a bit shaken.

Learning Objectives:

Understand how SQL can be used to help you secure IBM i Learn why staying current is important Have the knowledge to use the Run SQL Scripts file provided with the session in your workplace

Speakers

Scott Forstie

Senior Technical Staff Member, IBM

Scott Forstie is a Senior Technical Staff Member within IBM i development and spends most of his time working as the Db2 for i Architect. He has worked on IBM operating system development since joining IBM in 1989.
Scott is a frequently published author, speaker at industry events... Read More →

Carol Woodbury

IBM i Security SME and Senior Advisor, Kisco

Wednesday April 29, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Galerie 3

Security, Database

3:00pm CDT

Locking Down Your Data: Best practices for Encryption on IBM i

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

Studio 9-10

Evaluation Survey

Encryption is your last line of defense against data breaches but implementing it effectively on IBM i requires the right knowledge and strategy. In this session, we’ll go beyond the “why” and dive into the “how.” We’ll cover what is sensitive data and what data you should be encrypting. We’ll cover the technical methods for encrypting sensitive data on IBM i, from disk level encryption to integrated encryption solutions. We’ll also explore key management, performance trade-offs, compliance considerations, and practical scenarios where one approach might be more effective than another. Attendees will walk away with actionable knowledge to evaluate encryption methods and sustainable encryption strategy for their IBM i environment.

Learning Objectives:

Understanding of the available encryption methods on IBM i How to evaluate your encryption requirements Actionable list of next steps to start your encryption implementation

Speakers

Sandi Moore

Sr. Solutions Engineer & IBM Power Champion, Fortra LLC

Sandi Moore is a Senior Solutions Engineer at Fortra with over 20 years of experience supporting systems monitoring and security software. She works extensively with IBM i environments and has been involved in product demonstrations, implementations, support, training, research, and... Read More →

Megan Olson

Software Developer and Product Manager, Fortra

Megan Olson is a Software Engineer and Product Manager at Fortra. Megan began her career at Fortra in 2021 as a Software Engineer Intern after earning her degree in Software Development in 2020. She has a strong technical focus on system security, product development, and driving... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Studio 9-10

Security, Database, Programming: General, Security