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FARGO, ND | VIRTUAL
Welcome
President's Address
Ben Carlsrud started at NCI as a service technician after college graduation. Not long after, he was promoted to service manager, and continued to work his way through the ranks. Now more than two decades later, he is the president of NCI.
John Iannarelli, Esq, CSP
FBI Special Agent (Ret.)
Cybersecurity
Why rob a bank when a criminal can steal far more with a computer? Beyond money, sensitive personal information is valuable to the cyber thief. Additionally, remote work technologies like mobile devices have provided cybercriminals with new ways to disrupt business and steal what is yours. Every year millions become victims because they did not know how to protect themselves from cybercrime.
Key takeaways will be:
John Iannarelli was an FBI Special Agent and the FBI’s national spokesperson. His investigative work included the Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11 Attack, shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the Sony hack. He is the recipient of the FBI Director’s Distinguished Service Award, as well as an Honorary Doctor of Computer Science. After retiring from the FBI, John was an NFL Security Representative, overseeing game-day security throughout the football season and during the Super Bowl, and has received two Super Bowl rings for his work with the Kansas City Chiefs. John is a former Police Officer, attorney, author of five books and a highly sought-after keynote speaker who has presented to Fortune 500 companies, domestic and international audiences, the United Nations, and the Vatican, where he has personally met on several occasions with Pope Francis.
BOARD ROOM
Lenovo
Peter Orban, AI Technologist
Explore how organizations can move from buzzwords to business value by applying AI through the lens of varied vertical use cases. The session highlights both internally focused applications—like process automation or productivity—and externally focused innovations that enhance customer experience and growth. Attendees will gain a clear, pragmatic roadmap for launching successful AI initiatives, leveraging Lenovo’s enterprise-grade infrastructure and Network Center’s trusted local expertise.
Explore how organizations can move from buzzwords to business value by applying AI through the lens of varied vertical use cases. The session highlights both internally focused applications—like process automation or productivity—and externally focused innovations that enhance customer experience and growth. Attendees will gain a clear, pragmatic roadmap for launching successful AI initiatives, leveraging Lenovo’s enterprise-grade infrastructure and Network Center’s trusted local expertise.
A seasoned technologist and GTM leader, Peter bridges AI innovation with business impact, particularly in Financial Services. His journey spans Big Data, Data Science, ML, Computer Vision, and physical AI, with a current focus on delivering low-latency inferencing solutions.At Lenovo, he helps customers to modernize their data estate and deploy AI at scale, turning complex infrastructure into a competitive advantage.
DIRECTOR’S ROOM
Cisco
Matt Ham, Network Solutions Engineer
Brian Giesen, Collaboration Solutions Engineer
Discover Cisco’s latest innovations in networking, cloud, devices, and collaboration. This session will recap highlights from WebexOne and showcase how Cisco’s integrated solutions can enhance connectivity, productivity, and customer experience for modern organizations.
Discover Cisco’s latest innovations in networking, cloud, devices, and collaboration. This session will recap highlights from WebexOne and showcase how Cisco’s integrated solutions can enhance connectivity, productivity, and customer experience for modern organizations.
Matt Ham is a Networking Solutions Engineer at Cisco, focusing on enterprise networking and cloud infrastructure advancements
Brian Giesen is a Collaboration Solutions Engineer at Cisco, specializing in advanced collaboration and cloud solutions for enterprise customers.
EXECUTIVE ROOM
NCI
Tate Helfenstein, Infrastructure Engineer
Mike Pagán, Sr Solution Architect and Azure Product Manager
Join us for a live briefing based on real-world scenarios where we’ll demonstrate how you can safely run your business from anywhere with a secure, comprehensive, AI-powered cloud solution that makes hybrid work, work. Expect:
Join us for a live briefing based on real-world scenarios where we’ll demonstrate how you can safely run your business from anywhere with a secure, comprehensive, AI-powered cloud solution that makes hybrid work, work. Expect:
Tate Helfenstein is an Infrastructure Engineer who’s all-in on Microsoft 365 and Intune. He is a professional nerd who loves solving tech puzzles and making systems run smoother. When he’s not deep in authentication configs or mobile setups, you’ll probably find him gaming or geeking out over new hardware. He likes things quick, direct, and dialed in—just like his work.
Over the past 25+ years, Mike has worked in many areas of information technology and uses this experience to design and install solutions for our customers. A majority of his experience is in server software and hardware technology such as VMware vSphere and Microsoft products such as Exchange Server, Windows Server, Active Directory, Remote Desktop Services, and virtual desktops. Along with his server experience, he works with Cisco networking, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, Veeam Backup & Recovery, and various server and storage hardware. Most recently, Mike has been designing and implementing cloud services including Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Azure Active Directory.
*Available in-person only
Windows 10 is Gone, Now What?
With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, this session covers key migration options and steps to Windows 11 including:
Christian Garland has over eight years of Windows Desktop and Server support and administration, he brings a versatile yet technical approach to IT environments. Known as the scripting guru, Christian can automate processes to drive coordinated and innovative solutions across IT organizations. His background in healthcare and manufacturing has fine-tuned his ability to deliver compliant and high-impact solutions to any complex problem.
BOARD ROOM
NCI
Tate Helfenstein, Infrastructure Engineer
Join Tate Helfenstein and discover how to simplify endpoint management, enhance security, and reduce operational costs through cloud-based strategies. Learn how our tools integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 to deliver scalable, efficient, and secure workplace environments tailored for today’s workforce.
Join Tate Helfenstein and discover how to simplify endpoint management, enhance security, and reduce operational costs through cloud-based strategies. Learn how our tools integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 to deliver scalable, efficient, and secure workplace environments tailored for today’s workforce.
Tate Helfenstein is an Infrastructure Engineer who’s all-in on Microsoft 365 and Intune. He is a professional nerd who loves solving tech puzzles and making systems run smoother. When he’s not deep in authentication configs or mobile setups, you’ll probably find him gaming or geeking out over new hardware. He likes things quick, direct, and dialed in—just like his work.
DIRECTOR’S ROOM
Verkada
Bryson Hirabayashi, Account Executive
Nick Crawshaw, Account Executive
Discover how Verkada’s unified security platform enhances safety across industries by seamlessly integrating video, access control, sensors, and alarms. In this session, learn how organizations create safer environments for employees, customers, students, and visitors through real-time insights, streamlined management, and proactive response—all within a single, cloud-based solution.
Discover how Verkada’s unified security platform enhances safety across industries by seamlessly integrating video, access control, sensors, and alarms. In this session, learn how organizations create safer environments for employees, customers, students, and visitors through real-time insights, streamlined management, and proactive response—all within a single, cloud-based solution.
Bryson Hirabayashi is a Security Consultant with Verkada, supporting corporate organizations across North and South Dakota. His goal is to make buildings safer by leveraging AI to simplify and strengthen modern security systems. Bryson works directly with businesses to put AI-driven tools into practice, helping them stay ahead of potential threats and build smarter, more proactive security. With a hands-on approach, he is dedicated to creating safer environments.
Nick Crawshaw is a Security Consultant at Verkada, specializing in State, Local, and Education (SLED) accounts across North Dakota and South Dakota. With a focus on helping public institutions modernize security, Nick partners with organizations to design unified solutions that enhance safety, streamline operations, and protect communities through cutting-edge technology.
EXECUTIVE ROOM
NCI
Jon Ryan, Technical Solutions Specialist
Roger Lund, Solutions Architect
Recent licensing shifts have forced many businesses to re-evaluate hypervisor decisions they thought were settled. This session offers a practical, vendor-neutral framework to choose what’s next—Nutanix AHV, Scale Computing, Microsoft Hyper-V, or Azure public cloud—with a focus on small and mid-sized organizations. Learn how to right-size and migrate with confidence.
Recent licensing shifts have forced many businesses to re-evaluate hypervisor decisions they thought were settled. This session offers a practical, vendor-neutral framework to choose what’s next—Nutanix AHV, Scale Computing, Microsoft Hyper-V, or Azure public cloud—with a focus on small and mid-sized organizations. Learn how to right-size and migrate with confidence.
Jon works as one of our Sales Engineers on our technical sales team. As part of the quoting and scoping process, Jon works with customers to identify technology opportunities to help solve problems and provide more efficient infrastructure solutions. Jon works closely with the Service Engineers to research and develop solution quotes and scopes of work for projects.
Roger evangelizes virtualization by night and is a Solutions Architect at Network Center Inc by day. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, specializing in Virtualization, Cloud, Disaster Recovery, Backup, Networking, and Storage. Roger has spoken at conferences such as VMworld and is a Tech Field Day Delegate. He is also a VMware vExpert and social media influencer and blogger at www.vbrainstorm.com.
*Available in-person only
Virtualization Q&A
Visit our lounge for open Q&A to get all of your questions on virtualization answered.
BOARD ROOM
Razor Consulting:
Andy Carr, Senior Business Intelligence Analyst
Red River Title:
Jessica Miller & Gwen McCartney, President/Director
Discover how two regional business partnered to modernize a critical application using Power Apps. This session explores how they replaced outdated & unsupported software with a jointly developed Canvas App. The new app is a cornerstone of their daily operations, delivering efficiency, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
Discover how two regional business partnered to modernize a critical application using Power Apps. This session explores how they replaced outdated & unsupported software with a jointly developed Canvas App. The new app is a cornerstone of their daily operations, delivering efficiency, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
Andy Carr is a Power BI and Power Platform specialist who partners with clients to transform data and processes into actionable insights. With Razor Consulting, he delivers tailored solutions in Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate that drive smarter decisions and more efficient processes.
Red River Title Services has provided abstracting and title research services since 1910, serving real estate clients throughout Cass and Clay Counties. Following a transition to local ownership, the company has focused on modernizing systems to manage more than 80,000 physical abstracts and safeguard extensive historical records.
DIRECTOR’S ROOM
Nutanix
Scott Prchal
Walk through the transformative value that Nutanix provides to organizations everywhere, and how it enables a hybrid multicloud operating model.
Walk through the transformative value that Nutanix provides to organizations everywhere, and how it enables a hybrid multicloud operating model.
In the industry for 30 years – Scott works with clients of all sizes helping them transform the way they conduct business on a day to day basis.
Outside of work he enjoys open-water fishing, motorcycling, sailing on Superior and backcountry snowmachine riding out West.
EXECUTIVE ROOM
NCI
Mike Pagán, Sr Solution Architect / Azure Product Manager
Explore the full lifecycle of a cyberattack—from initial breach to recovery—through real-world examples. Learn how threats unfold and how organizations respond at each stage.
Explore the full lifecycle of a cyberattack—from initial breach to recovery—through real-world examples. Learn how threats unfold and how organizations respond at each stage.
Over the past 25+ years, Mike has worked in many areas of information technology and uses this experience to design and install solutions for our customers. A majority of his experience is in server software and hardware technology such as VMware vSphere and Microsoft products such as Exchange Server, Windows Server, Active Directory, Remote Desktop Services, and virtual desktops. Along with his server experience, he works with Cisco networking, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, Veeam Backup & Recovery, and various server and storage hardware. Most recently, Mike has been designing and implementing cloud services including Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Azure Active Directory.
*Available in-person only
AI Q&A
Visit our lounge for open Q&A to get all of your questions on AI answered.
BOARD ROOM
Veeam
Kamal Labreche, Central Director Veeam Cloud & Service Providers
Object First
Vaibhav Desai, Sales Engineer
When paired with Object First’s Ootbi, Veeam Data Cloud Vault solution provides an ironclad approach to data protection that fulfills the criteria of the 3-2-1-1-0 backup policy. Ootbi ensures ransomware resilience with purpose-built on-prem immutable storage, while the Veeam Data Cloud Vault offers secure, managed off-site storage that simplifies scalability and cost management. Ensure Ransomware Recovery with a Tested 3-2-1-1-0 Solution.
When paired with Object First’s Ootbi, Veeam Data Cloud Vault solution provides an ironclad approach to data protection that fulfills the criteria of the 3-2-1-1-0 backup policy. Ootbi ensures ransomware resilience with purpose-built on-prem immutable storage, while the Veeam Data Cloud Vault offers secure, managed off-site storage that simplifies scalability and cost management. Ensure Ransomware Recovery with a Tested 3-2-1-1-0 Solution.
Kamal LaBreche is a forward thinking technology sales leader with Veeam Software. Currently, Kamal leads the Veeam Cloud Service Provider (VCSP) business for the Central US. In this role, he is tasked with leading all aspects of the service provider business and ultimately responsible for driving the best possible experience for end users and service providers across the ecosystem.
Prior to joining Veeam, Kamal has held increasingly senior roles across both sales and technical domains at Lenovo, Symantec/Veritas and Dell.
Kamal lives in Plano, Tx and with his wife Ruth Ann. When not at work, he can be found either on the golf course, his motorcycle or cooking meals for family and friends. He also loves travel, and is always looking for that good new restaurant.
Vaibhav Desai is a dynamic technology sales engineer with Object First, where he helps organizations modernize their backup and recovery strategies through ransomware-proof immutable storage built for Veeam. With years of experience in enterprise storage and data protection, Vaibhav works closely with customers to design secure, scalable infrastructures that simplify operations and improve resiliency.
Based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Vaibhav enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, and exploring the intersection of AI and data protection.
DIRECTOR’S ROOM
FBI (Retired), FBI John Iannarelli
Through story telling of FBI investigations, hear the lessons learned that are applicable in today’s business world. Beyond what you may have heard from the media, John shares what really happened leading up to September 11th, the shooting of Congresswoman Giffords, the Oklahoma City Bombing, and more. John not only shares stories that cannot be heard elsewhere, but offers valuable lessons from these investigations that apply to the business world. As is often the case with law enforcement stories, the audience will find John’s presentation both informative and entertaining.
Key Takeaways:
(1) Identify the traits that promote leadership and ethics.
(2) Hear effective strategies for expanding leadership capabilities.
(3) Leverage employee skills to enhance success.
This presentation references FBI John’s latest book, Disorderly Conduct.
Through story telling of FBI investigations, hear the lessons learned that are applicable in today’s business world. Beyond what you may have heard from the media, John shares what really happened leading up to September 11th, the shooting of Congresswoman Giffords, the Oklahoma City Bombing, and more. John not only shares stories that cannot be heard elsewhere, but offers valuable lessons from these investigations that apply to the business world. As is often the case with law enforcement stories, the audience will find John’s presentation both informative and entertaining.
Key Takeaways:
(1) Identify the traits that promote leadership and ethics.
(2) Hear effective strategies for expanding leadership capabilities.
(3) Leverage employee skills to enhance success.
This presentation references FBI John’s latest book, Disorderly Conduct.
John Iannarelli was an FBI Special Agent and the FBI’s national spokesperson. His investigative work included the Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11 Attack, shooting of congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the Sony hack. He is the recipient of the FBI Director’s Distinguished Service Award, as well as an Honorary Doctor of Computer Science. After retiring from the FBI, John was an NFL Security Representative, overseeing game-day security throughout the football season and during the Super Bowl, and has received two Super Bowl rings for his work with the Kansas City Chiefs. John is a former Police Officer, attorney, author of five books and a highly sought-after keynote speaker who has presented to Fortune 500 companies, domestic and international audiences, the United Nations, and the Vatican, where he has personally met on several occasions with Pope Francis.
EXECUTIVE ROOM
Arctic Wolf
Thomas Blade, Advisory Sales Engineer
Cybersecurity today is no longer about “if” but “when.” Attackers are evolving faster than ever, leveraging AI-driven phishing, ransomware-as-a-service, and supply chain vulnerabilities to exploit companies of all sizes. In this session, we’ll take you inside the raw, real-world threat landscape—what adversaries are doing right now, the tactics they’re using to bypass defenses, and the attack vectors most often missed by organizations.
But this isn’t just doom and gloom. We’ll share how leading companies are staying resilient—by shifting from reactive alerts to proactive operations. We’ll connect these lessons directly to the Arctic Wolf Aurora Security Operations platform, showing how unified visibility, threat detection, and expert response can help your organization stay secure in an unpredictable world.
Cybersecurity today is no longer about “if” but “when.” Attackers are evolving faster than ever, leveraging AI-driven phishing, ransomware-as-a-service, and supply chain vulnerabilities to exploit companies of all sizes. In this session, we’ll take you inside the raw, real-world threat landscape—what adversaries are doing right now, the tactics they’re using to bypass defenses, and the attack vectors most often missed by organizations.
But this isn’t just doom and gloom. We’ll share how leading companies are staying resilient—by shifting from reactive alerts to proactive operations. We’ll connect these lessons directly to the Arctic Wolf Aurora Security Operations platform, showing how unified visibility, threat detection, and expert response can help your organization stay secure in an unpredictable world.
Thomas has built a career exploring the worlds of IT and cybersecurity, driven by a genuine curiosity about how things work. From his early days of managing datacenter environments to his current role as an Advisory Sales Engineer at Arctic Wolf, he’s gained valuable experience in the field In his free time, Thomas hosts several podcasts in the technology and entertainment categories.
BOARD ROOM
NCI
Tate Helfenstein, Infrastructure Engineer
Discover how defense-in-depth strategies and application control can block ransomware, prevent unauthorized access, and give IT full command of your network.
Discover how defense-in-depth strategies and application control can block ransomware, prevent unauthorized access, and give IT full command of your network.
Tate Helfenstein is an Infrastructure Engineer who’s all-in on Microsoft 365 and Intune. He is a professional nerd who loves solving tech puzzles and making systems run smoother. When he’s not deep in authentication configs or mobile setups, you’ll probably find him gaming or geeking out over new hardware. He likes things quick, direct, and dialed in—just like his work.
DIRECTOR’S ROOM
Ingram Micro
Ken LeCastre, Microsoft AI Business Solutions - Copilot
Heather Lippard, Partner Development Executive
Discover how Microsoft Copilot and Teams transform collaboration through AI – Streamlining workflows, enhancing productivity, and unlocking smarter teamwork across your organization.
Discover how Microsoft Copilot and Teams transform collaboration through AI – Streamlining workflows, enhancing productivity, and unlocking smarter teamwork across your organization.
Ken is a Microsoft Development Executive specializing in Copilot for Ingram Micro. While Ken is focused on Copilot, he has experience across all 4 Microsoft Clouds.
Heather brings over 15 years of channel experience driving strategic growth within Hybrid environments. She is passionate about empowering partners to adopt AI-driven tools like Copilot Chat to accelerate business outcomes.
EXECUTIVE ROOM
NCI
Mike Pagán, Sr Solution Architect / Azure Product Manager
Explore how Microsoft Azure offers a stable, scalable, and cost-effective alternative—one that can help you future-proof your infrastructure while unlocking new efficiencies. Join to:
Explore how Microsoft Azure offers a stable, scalable, and cost-effective alternative—one that can help you future-proof your infrastructure while unlocking new efficiencies. Join to:
Over the past 25+ years, Mike has worked in many areas of information technology and uses this experience to design and install solutions for our customers. A majority of his experience is in server software and hardware technology such as VMware vSphere and Microsoft products such as Exchange Server, Windows Server, Active Directory, Remote Desktop Services, and virtual desktops. Along with his server experience, he works with Cisco networking, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, Veeam Backup & Recovery, and various server and storage hardware. Most recently, Mike has been designing and implementing cloud services including Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Azure Active Directory.
