[1 CPE] The Current State of Virtualization in 2025

  Presented by Dave Fetters, Field CTO • EVOTEK

In 2025, the landscape of alternative hypervisors continues to evolve as organizations seek lightweight, secure, and high-performance virtualization solutions beyond traditional players like VMware and Hyper-V. Emerging hypervisors such as KVM, Xen, and newer options like Nutanix AHV, Firecracker, Proxmox and Opoenshift are gaining traction due to their minimal overhead and suitability for modern workloads, including microservices and serverless computing. The discussion around these alternatives highlights key considerations such as open-source flexibility, integration with container ecosystems, improved security through microVM architectures, and support for edge and cloud-native deployments. As enterprises prioritize efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Alternative hypervisors are playing a vital role in reshaping virtualization strategies in both public and private cloud environments.

[1 CPE] Architecture Matters: What You Need to Know When Evaluating SASE & SSE Solutions

  Presented by Jason Bellmont, Platform Solutions Architect • Netskope

SASE and SSE are more than just buzzwords; they represent the future of network and security. But before you entrust all your critical traffic to these cloud solutions, a deeper dive into their underlying architecture is essential. Not all clouds are created equal, and understanding the nuances of these solutions, which are built on the global internet, is paramount for success.

This session will empower attendees with the crucial architectural questions to ask your SASE/SSE providers, ensuring you make an informed decision. We’ll explore:

  • Public vs. Private Cloud: What are the implications for your data and performance?
  • Server Locations: Where are security services hosted, and why does proximity matter?
  • Network Architecture: How is the provider’s network built and managed for optimal reliability and speed?
  • Capacity Management: How do they scale to meet your evolving demands and ensure consistent performance?
  • Performance Measurement: What metrics should you track, and how do providers guarantee their SLAs?
  • Incident Response: What happens when something breaks, and how quickly can services be restored?

Arm yourself with the right questions to build a secure and high-performing SASE/SSE future.

[1 CPE] Cloud AI Ops: Changing the Network Management Paradigm

  Presented by Brian Matthews, Director, Sales Engineering  • Juniper Networks

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform every aspect of our lives, from agriculture to healthcare, autonomous vehicles and mobile internet. But, how is AI changing the way we design, operate, and manage networks?

In this session, we will explore the future of AI with a focus on networking applications. We will share the Mist journey to cloud AI, and how we leveraged machine learning and deep learning to create a cloud AIOp solution that simplifies and automates network operations, improves user experience, and reduces costs. We will also discuss the fundamental elements of a networking cloud AIOp solution, such as data collection, processing, analysis, and action. Finally, we will examine the impact of AI on networking IT and the broader economy, and how AI can create new opportunities and challenges for network professionals.

Join us for this exciting and informative keynote and learn how AI can help you take your network to the next level.

[1 CPE] Paradise Lost: Leave Hackers Stranded with Automated Microsegmentation

  Presented by Bryan Ward, Customer Engineer • Zero Networks

Flat networks and overly permissive accounts are paradise for cyber attackers. With defenses stuck on island time while hackers work overtime, traditional network security methods lag behind modern threats. This interactive session will outline the real-world strategies a top 10 US credit union leveraged to:

  • Proactively block ransomware and sophisticated threats
  • Streamline regulatory compliance for improve audit results
  • Eradicate manual tasks like tagging, grouping, and policy creation
  • Dynamically secure privileged ports
  • Accelerate microsegmentation and Zero Trust, avoiding a multi-year project

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore proven and practical applications of microsegmentation to modernize cybersecurity strategy. Turn your network from a beach vacation into a desert island for hackers – learn how to leave attackers stranded in record time with automated microsegmentation.

[1 CPE] Modern Data Demands Modern Storage: Unlocking Possibility

  Presented by Russell Pope, Solution Architect, Unstructured Data • Pure Storage

As organizations modernize their infrastructure to support cloud-native applications, AI/ML workloads, and ever-growing data volumes, traditional storage systems often become a bottleneck to innovation. In this session, we’ll introduce Pure Storage—a company purpose-built to meet the evolving demands of the modern data stack. We’ll explore how Pure’s unique architecture, API-driven approach, and evergreen model deliver consistent performance, scalability, and operational simplicity. Whether you’re managing mission-critical databases, enabling real-time analytics, or building AI pipelines, you’ll gain insight into how Pure’s solutions help you move faster, operate smarter, and future-proof your storage investments.

[1 CPE] How SASE Will Deliver Efficient and Cost-Effective Outcomes

  Presented by Johan Dupuis-Lund, Account Manager and Santhosh Suresh, Solutions Architect • Cato Networks

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is transforming networking and security by eliminating the complexity and costs of fragmented infrastructure. With SASE, organizations can eliminate the effort and costs required to maintain complex and fragmented infrastructure made of point solutions. Join Converge and Cato Networks as we explore how a strong SASE strategy drives business outcomes while reinforcing zero-trust security. This will be an informational and interactive presentation, including a brief demo of Cato’s SASE solution.

[1 CPE] Modernizing Application Delivery with the Enterprise Browser

  Presented by Island & Abnormal

In today’s dynamic business environment, organizations are increasingly seeking ways to modernize their application delivery infrastructure. The Enterprise Browser (EB) has emerged as a powerful solution that addresses the evolving needs of enterprises. This presentation explores the key features and benefits of the EB, highlighting how it can transform application delivery for enhanced security, productivity, and user experience while reducing IT infrastructure and support costs.

[1 CPE] Building a Fortress: Why Allowlisting Traffic is Key to Secure Networks

  Presented by Charles Killmer, Sr Security Analyst and Solution Architect • FRSecure

In this presentation, we’ll explore the critical role of allowlisting in enhancing network security. By focusing on controlling both ingress and egress traffic, allowlisting ensures that only trusted traffic is permitted, reducing the attack surface and minimizing vulnerabilities. Learn how adopting a comprehensive allowlisting strategy can help build a secure, resilient network fortress, protecting your systems from malicious threats and unauthorized access. Whether you’re implementing it for the first time or refining your approach, this session will highlight best practices and common pitfalls.

[1 CPE] Streamline IT Operations in a World of Hypervisor Uncertainty

  Presented by Dave Weber, Sr Systems Engineer • Nutanix

The IT landscape is undergoing a major transformation with new hypervisor technologies and evolving pricing models. This shift presents a wealth of opportunities, yet only a select few solutions are truly enterprise-ready. These standout options deliver a complete suite of tools designed to optimize your IT operations and drive your business goals forward. Join this session to learn more about the potential for innovation and efficiency to streamline your workloads while maintaining your bottom line.