It’s a busy, exciting time in IT, and we’re asking our speakers to present new and exciting sessions. While we’ve always had, and continue to maintain, a strong Microsoft focus, we recognize that business datacenters are increasingly embracing a range of vendors and technologies, so you’re welcome to present on anything that’s relevant to the current IT landscape.

The TechMentor agenda for August 2019 will consist of 75-minute breakout sessions, a small number of 8-hour opening hands-on labs and several closing workshops.

If you are submitting an 8-hour Hands-On Lab or 75-minute session that could be hands-on, please clearly indicate this (“HOL”) in your proposal. Be prepared to provide a PDF lab guide for students to use in class, as part of your session materials.

As always, TechMentor provides the real-world, independent alternative to the big first-part conferences. Our goal is to give attendees what they need today, while preparing them for tomorrow. Zero marketing-speak, a strong emphasis on doing more with the technology they already own, and solid coverage of what’s just around the corner. 

With that in mind, we’re asking you to propose topics in the following general tracks with sample session topics:

Client and Endpoint Management

Although apps are moving to the cloud and web more and more you still have to support, upgrade, migrate, and troubleshoot all of those client computers to use the apps. We’ve got you covered with a brand-new lineup of client-centric sessions from some of your favorite speakers. Windows client is evolving faster than ever even if Microsoft says Windows 10 is the last Windows ever. At TechMentor we cover currently used technologies so don’t be afraid if you are still on Windows 7 – we have content applicable to you as well.

• Windows 10
• Servicing and patching
• Microsoft 365
• SCCM / MDT
• InTune / MDM

PowerShell and DevOps

TechMentor brings the PowerShell, the automation, and the DSC. It’s all part of the new DevOps approach. Sessions in this track will teach you the tools and tech you need to make it happen inside your organization. You can’t excel in this business without learning PowerShell! We will cater your needs whether you are a seasoned PowerShell junkie or a newbie.

• PowerShell
• PowerShell Core
• DSC
• JIT
• JEA

Classic Infrastructure

TechMentor’s Infrastructure track covers the services that make the server, client, application, and services work together in an IT environment. The best instructors the industry has to offer are here to teach you hop topics such as Server 2016/2019 network services, Certificate Services, network troubleshooting, and Group Policy.

• Group Policy
• Windows Server 2019
• Windows Admin Center

Soft Skills for ITPros

Being a successful IT Pro requires more than just technology skills. Boost your career with a selection of sessions on the lighter side of technology from the industry’s most experienced speakers. This track teaches you how to be successful in your career and how to communicate your knowledge to others. Few of the most required skills today in IT are communications and networking. You can’t know everything, but instead, you should learn how to find out things and how to relay them to others.

• Presentation skills
• How to sell an idea to your boss
• Documenting

Security

Explore how attackers try to defeat your best security measures. Learn how to think like a hacker and prevent the black hats from getting anywhere near your electronic assets. TechMentor has assembled some of the best in the industry to be your guide in sessions on computer Securing Windows clients, server and assets in the cloud. We give you important information in forensics, Blocking Malware, and monitoring. In 2018, there were more than 1 million new malware samples found per day – Security has to evolve and so do you!

• Hacking techniques
• Security Baselines
• Proactive security
• BitLocker

Azure (Public/Hybrid)

At TechMentor, we leave the marketing presentations at home. Replacing them are real-world discussions on “the cloud” as you’re using it: Hybrid, connected, private, and absolutely real. From onsite Azure Stack to everything in the Cloud, we’ve got you covered!

• Azure IaaS
• Azure DevOPs
• Azure Zero to Hero
• Introduction to Azure Concepts
• Azure Labs
• Azure Backup
• Azure Site Recovery
• Azure Networking
• Azure Scripting and Automation

Office 365 for the IT Pro

Almost every person in IT needs to manage and support Office 365. Exchange servers are moving to the cloud, faster than anything else. You as an admin may no longer have physical servers to administer, but your job hasn’t gone anywhere! At TechMentor we will provide you with the up to date and real-life skills needed to manage all aspects of Office 365 from the administrator’s perspective.

• Migrating to Office 365
• Managing Office 365
• Troubleshooting Office 365
• Optimizing Office 365
• Teams
• Exchange Online
• SharePoint Online
• Backup and Recovery for Office 365
• Reporting for Office 365
• Office 365 Zero to Hero

Our audience consists of IT Professionals with years of experience, as well as a smaller number of developer IT pros, so we tend to focus on technically deep sessions. Feature overviews and the like will be given lower priority during session selection. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Dave Kawula and Sami Laiho, TechMentor Conference Co-Chairs

Speakers chosen to present at TechMentor Microsoft HQ 2019 will receive a stipend for each session they present. TechMentor Conferences will also cover hotel accommodations (room and tax only) for a pre-determined number of nights at the host hotel as outlined in the speaker agreement. Speakers are responsible for their own travel costs and incidentals.