MMS 2026 at MOA: Full Schedule

Please select your sessions ASAP as it helps us know which sessions to repeat.

10:00am CDT

AI Fundamentals: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence

Monday May 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT

Description:
Understand the essentials of AI through clear explanations and live examples that make complex concepts approachable. Explore different types of AI, common terminology, and the underlying technologies driving modern systems. Gain a solid foundation in key topics like machine learning and neural networks, empowering you to engage confidently in AI discussions and deepen your knowledge. This session is perfect for newcomers and those seeking to fill knowledge gaps.

What you will learn:

Gain a clear understanding of key AI concepts such as machine learning, neural networks, and generative models.
Differentiate between narrow AI, general AI, agents, operators, and various common categories.
Receive practical explanations of the technologies powering modern AI, from training data to inference mechanisms.
Build confidence to discuss AI accurately, enabling you to ask deeper questions in future discussions.

Speakers

Nathan Ziehnert

Microsoft MVP, Principal Engineer, 2Pint Software

I dig Windows systems from consumer to enterprise, I'm in an eternal love affair with PowerShell and C#, and I also like to play in Azure. I have a blog... you can read my blog... the link is above (or below? who knows?!). You might also find me doing karaoke whenever the opportunity... Read More →

Donnie Taylor

Microsoft MVP, Architect, GM

Donnie is an IT architect and leader with 25+ years in enterprise systems management and automation. He has led multiple systems-management user groups and delivered 400+ conference sessions and workshops. A eight-time Microsoft MVP (Cloud and Datacenter Management, Azure, PowerShell... Read More →

Monday May 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT
Minnetonka A

Other, Artificial Intelligence

10:00am CDT

Mastering Microsoft 365 Licensing

Monday May 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT

Cedar

Description:
Navigate the complexities of Microsoft 365 licensing to enhance productivity while ensuring compliance. Understand the foundational role licensing plays in implementing proper controls within your tenant. Explore which SKUs to avoid, discover new features included in existing licenses, and learn strategic product choices that maximize budgetary efficiency while extending security protections.

What you will learn:

Discover new features available within your existing Microsoft 365 licenses.
Understand the specific rules governing each main license type for informed decisions.
Identify key indicators of how Microsoft alters SKUs and product offerings.
Uncover strategies to optimize product choices for better budget utilization and enhanced protections.

Speakers

Lewis Barry

Principal Security Architect, inforcer

I usually work with SMB customers across Intune, Entra, Defender and M365 in an MSP setting.

Lee Schlipphak

Consultant, SVA System Vertrieb Alexander GmbH

I am Lee Schlipphak, Consultant and System Engineer with a focus on Microsoft Intune, Entra ID, Defender XDR, as well as topics related to Identity and Endpoint Security.

In my daily work, I help my clients develop and successfully implement tailored IT solutions.
In addition to my professional activities, I am actively involved in the Microsoft Intune and Windows communities. I regularly share my knowledge and experiences on LinkedIn to inspire others and foster exchange within the community... Read More →

Monday May 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT
Cedar

Other, Licensing Strategy

8:00am CDT

Hidden Secrets of the PowerShell Masters

Tuesday May 5, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am CDT

Cedar

Description:
Delve into the hidden secrets of PowerShell mastery, focusing on advanced troubleshooting techniques, uncovering and utilizing hidden .NET methods, mastering classes, and optimizing event-driven processes. Transform your PowerShell capabilities to streamline efficiency and enhance the performance of your scripts through best practices and effective organization.

What you will learn:

Discover methods to significantly enhance efficiency in your PowerShell scripts.
Learn techniques for improving script organization and maintaining cleanliness.
Implement effective troubleshooting and debugging approaches to resolve issues.
Adopt performance optimization tips and established best practices for PowerShell.

Speakers

Nathan Ziehnert

Microsoft MVP, Principal Engineer, 2Pint Software

Kevin Grossnicklaus

President, ArchitectNow

Kevin started developing software in 1985 at the age of 10, when his new Apple IIgs booted to a command prompt and he didn’t know what else to do with it. He went on to found ArchitectNow in 2008 after spending 11 years as the Chief Architect and Software Development Practice Leader... Read More →

Tuesday May 5, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am CDT
Cedar

Other, PowerShell

10:00am CDT

Securing Your Microsoft 365 Tenant: Essential Strategies

Tuesday May 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT

Minnetonka A

Description:
Is your Microsoft 365 tenant as secure as you think? Most breaches occur due to overlooked basics surrounding identity, devices, data, and governance. This 90-minute crash course dives into the Microsoft security stack, including Entra ID, Intune, Defender XDR, and Purview, focusing on critical controls and configurations that yield significant results. Gain actionable insights to effectively allocate your time and budget for preventing business compromises.

What you will learn:

Identity acts as the new perimeter in modern security.
Ensure business data remains accessible only on business devices.
Understand that Purview should not be your initial step in security strategy.
AI integration is underway; learn how to manage its implications.

Speakers

Lewis Barry

Principal Security Architect, inforcer

I usually work with SMB customers across Intune, Entra, Defender and M365 in an MSP setting.

Ewelina Paczkowska

Data Security & Governance Lead, Threatscape

MVP, Data Security & Governance Lead, Microsoft 355 Security & Compliance User group co-organiser, creator of welkasworld.com

Tuesday May 5, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT
Minnetonka A

Other, Identity

1:00pm CDT

PowerShell Hot Takes

Tuesday May 5, 2026 1:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Lakes A

Description:
Navigate the complex landscape of PowerShell with a critical examination of widely held beliefs and contemporary practices. Uncover why there's no universal approach to writing PowerShell scripts, highlighting varying expert opinions on debugging, error handling, performance optimization, and GUI/UI implementation, helping attendees navigate through outdated practices and gain insights into modern methodologies.

What you will learn:

Explore different techniques for debugging and effective error handling in PowerShell scripts.
Understand various perspectives on performance optimization to enhance script efficiency.
Examine diverse opinions surrounding GUI/UI implementation for better user experience.
Gain insights into modern PowerShell practices to elevate your scripting skills.

Speakers

Nathan Ziehnert

Microsoft MVP, Principal Engineer, 2Pint Software

Jeff Scripter

Staff Engineer, Recast Software

Tuesday May 5, 2026 1:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Lakes A

Other, PowerShell

1:00pm CDT

Prompt Engineering: Mastering the Craft Two Years Later

Tuesday May 5, 2026 1:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Cedar

Description:
Sharpen your prompt engineering skills by learning to ask smarter questions, structure context, and tailor prompts for chat, retrieval, and workflow agents. Discover effective patterns, anti-patterns, and safety measures through engaging demos and take-home templates designed for rapid deployment of reliable agents. Experience an exciting AI 'boss fight' to put your newfound skills to the test.

What you will learn:

Review diverse prompt patterns and techniques for optimizing performance across different AI engines.
Gain hands-on experience building a straightforward M365 agent tailored to your needs.
Uncover strategies to maximize the potential of Teams Premium and M365 Copilot tools.
Access essential take-home templates for efficient agent deployment and improved workflows.

Speakers

Jordan Benzing

Director, Security & IT, Patch My PC

Jordan has been working in the Industry since 2009. Since starting he’s worked with Active Directory, Group Policy, ConfigMgr, SCOM and PowerShell. Jordan has also had the opportunity to work in the healthcare industry as a ConfigMgr Infrastructure Team lead supporting over 150,000... Read More →

Sergey Chubarov

Ethical Hacker

Sergey Chubarov is a Security and Cloud Expert, Instructor with 15+ years' experience on Microsoft technologies.

His day-to-day job is to help companies securely embrace cloud technologies.

He has certifications and recognitions such as Microsoft MVP: Security, OSCP, OSEP, eCPPT, e... Read More →

Tuesday May 5, 2026 1:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Cedar

Other, Artificial Intelligence

3:00pm CDT

Ensuring Business Continuity: Challenges in Modern Endpoint Management

Tuesday May 5, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT

Lakes B

Description:
A robust and scalable strategy for endpoint recovery is essential for organizations to minimize downtime and streamline manual interventions. Examine the critical role of endpoint recovery and business continuity in combating cyber threats while adhering to regulatory standards. Uncover modern strategies and best practices to effectively recover Windows-based devices amidst evolving challenges in today’s digital landscape.

What you will learn:

Integrate endpoint devices into overall business recovery plans for enhanced resilience.
Align endpoint disaster recovery efforts with business continuity and regulatory compliance.
Discover tailored disaster recovery strategies specific to ‘modern’ Windows endpoints.
Explore the options and challenges associated with device recovery in modern endpoint management.

Speakers

Mike Terrill

Principal Engineer, Microsoft MVP, 2Pint Software

Mike is a Principal Engineer at 2Pint Software, specializing in the design and implementation of operating system deployments, operating system upgrades, peer-to-peer, bandwidth management, and PXE solutions as they related to various systems management platforms (Configuration Manager/Intune... Read More →

Carl Johan Hederoth

Product and Software Engineering, 2Pint Software

Carl Johan Hederoth works in Software Engineering and Product at 2Pint Software. He’s been in software engineering since 2000. Over the years, he’s worked across product development, software, databases, and large-scale platforms—surviving framework trends, rewrites, and more... Read More →

Tuesday May 5, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Lakes B

Other, Endpoint Recovery

format csv

3:00pm CDT

From Bluescreens to Scripts: Enhancing Troubleshooting with Microsoft Copilot

Tuesday May 5, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT

Minnetonka BC

Description:
Transform repetitive troubleshooting tasks with Microsoft Copilot, a powerful ally for IT administrators and architects. Learn how to leverage Copilot to generate scripts, analyze event logs, summarize complex error states, and interpret memory dumps—all in natural language tailored to your environment. Streamline your operational efficiency with practical applications directly relevant to daily IT challenges.

What you will learn:

Analyze bluescreen minidumps and receive actionable remediation guidance tailored to your environment.
Efficiently parse and summarize noisy event logs to eliminate critical troubleshooting noise.
Quickly create documentation, reports, and communication artifacts in seconds for faster issue resolution.
Easily generate PowerShell and automation scripts using simple prompts to enhance productivity.

Speakers

Johan Arwidmark

Technical Fellow, ViaMonstra Online Academy

Johan Arwidmark is a Technical Fellow with ViaMonstra Online Academy and Mirolus, specializing in Systems Management and Enterprise Windows Deployment Solutions. Johan also speaks at several conferences each year, including MMS and Ignite events around the world. He is actively involved... Read More →

Mikael Nyström

Microsoft MVP, Geek, Truesec

I am veteran of the industry and I can honestly tell you that I am not your regular consultant. I change wrong into right and explain the “why” behind it to make sure that you, my client, understands, trust, and buys-in to the path that we continue on. As a long time Microsoft... Read More →

Tuesday May 5, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Minnetonka BC

Other, Artificial Intelligence

8:00am CDT

Harnessing Git for Team Success: Automation Strategies

Wednesday May 6, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am CDT

Minnetonka A

Description:
Efficiently managing environments and code is vital for success. Dive into GitHub Actions and Azure DevOps Pipelines to streamline operations while addressing critical Git fundamentals. Elevate your team's skill set and foster collaboration and accountability. Discover automation techniques that minimize human error, enhance efficiency, boost disaster recovery, and ensure business continuity. Gain actionable tactics to transform your team's operations.

What you will learn:

Implement practical automation strategies that significantly reduce team workload.
Foster a culture of collaboration and automation to enhance team dynamics.
Leverage Git with Pipelines and Actions to standardize and improve operations.
Identify common pitfalls and acquire pro tips for seamless Git integration in daily tasks.

Speakers

Matt Zaske

Developer/Fleet Admin, University of Minnesota

Matt is an IT professional with over 25 years of experience who brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative flair to the table. His background bridges several IT disciplines including endpoint management, server administration (Linux and Windows), and applications architecture... Read More →

Hailey Phillips

Systems Engineer, The Pokémon Company International

Hi, I’m Hailey Phillips—a Microsoft MVP and Systems Engineer focused on automation, endpoint management, and modern workplace strategy. I’m especially passionate about bridging the gap between traditional IT and the DevOps world, helping organizations modernize in ways that... Read More →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am CDT
Minnetonka A

Other, Automation Strategies

8:00am CDT

Rethinking Network Security: Goodbye VPNs

Wednesday May 6, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am CDT

Harriet

Description:
Modern network security requires evolving beyond traditional approaches like VPNs, which can grant excessive network access. Entra Private Access revolutionizes secure access to internal resources without relying on legacy systems. Gerry and Dean will discuss the Security Service Edge, focusing on Entra Private Access and Entra Internet Access while providing a live demonstration of configuring this cutting-edge solution.

What you will learn:

Understand Entra Private Access and its role in Microsoft's Global Secure Access, enabling Zero Trust access to internal resources without legacy VPNs.
Discover how to implement highly available connectors that enhance the security and accessibility of your network infrastructure.
Gain insights on migrating from your current VPN solution to a more secure, modern alternative using Entra technologies.
Access practical guidance and hands-on experience in configuring a secure access solution that meets today's demands.

Speakers

Richard Hicks

President, Richard M. Hicks Consulting, Inc.

Richard Hicks is the founder and principal consultant at Richard M. Hicks Consulting, Inc. A Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) with more than 30 years of experience implementing secure remote access and public key infrastructure (PKI) solutions, he is a widely recognized... Read More →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am CDT
Harriet

Other, Network Security

10:00am CDT

Graph 301 and Beyond: Removing Barriers with MCP Agents and Power Platform

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT

Cedar

Description:
Elevate Microsoft Graph expertise by diving deeper into operationalizing its capabilities with AI. This advanced session builds on Graph 101 concepts, focusing on understanding the underlying mechanics of agentic AI in workflows. Explore the Microsoft MCP Agent, Lokka, and their integration with Power Platform to unlock innovative possibilities in your environment.

What you will learn:

Leverage MCP Agents in Visual Studio Code to accelerate learning, exploration, and development.
Utilize Custom Connectors in Power Platform for low-risk, low-code solutions that simplify AI entry.
Harness AI as a skill multiplier, enabling a focus on higher-priority tasks and strategic initiatives.
Discover practical strategies for integrating agentic AI to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Speakers

Steven Hosking

Customer Experience Product Manager - Windows, Microsoft

With over 20 years of experience in end use compute management, across internal, consultant, and now Vendor, Steven can provide a unique point of view. He is also one of the founding members of the highly popular Intune.training series.

Sean Bulger

Cloud Endpoint Solution Engineer, Microsoft

Sean is a Cloud Endpoint Technical Specialist at Microsoft. Prior to joining Microsoft, he was a consulting engineer at a large partner and an Enterprise Mobility MVP. Sean credits the community for empowering him to grow personally and professionally and seeks to encourage others... Read More →

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT
Cedar

Other, Artificial Intelligence

10:00am CDT

Mastering PowerShell Debugging: From Struggles to Skills

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT

Minnetonka A

Description:
PowerShell has revolutionized systems management and been a gateway for thousands to learn the basics of computer programming, but what do you do when it isn’t behaving as expected. When this happens, it can lead to hours of troubleshooting and a blinding rage, but is there an easier way to figure out what is happening? Fortunately, there are a lot of tools built into PowerShell that can make troubleshooting and debugging PowerShell a more pleasant experience. In this session, we will look at the PowerShell debugger and how to it locally and remotely.

What you will learn:

The basic commands and steps for debugging PowerShell.
Setup VSCode to allow integrated debugging of PowerShell scripts.
How to debug scripts running as system or on remote system.
Secure your scripts and prevent others from hijacking your PowerShell session.

Speakers

Matt Zaske

Developer/Fleet Admin, University of Minnesota

Hailey Phillips

Systems Engineer, The Pokémon Company International

Jeff Scripter

Staff Engineer, Recast Software

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT
Minnetonka A

Other, PowerShell

10:00am CDT

Onboard, Maintain, Destroy: The Secure Application Lifecycle

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT

Nokomis BC

Description:
Effective application management transcends packaging and deployment, serving as a vital security discipline. Implement a robust framework for Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) that encompasses strategic onboarding through to vigilant retirement. Streamline approvals involving Architecture, Security, and Legal, enforce clear application ownership, and utilize automated tools to identify and eliminate 'zombie apps'. Align your procedures with security objectives, ensuring each application is thoroughly vetted, actively maintained, or responsibly retired.

What you will learn:

Establish a tailored application onboarding framework that identifies key stakeholders (Security, Legal, Architecture) and automates the approval workflow for thorough vetting before deployment.
Ensure accountability by tracking application ownership, assigning business owners for every app to manage licensing, justification, and lifecycle decisions effectively.
Automate workstreams for packaging and publishing to ConfigMgr/Intune, bridging security and operations to manage vulnerabilities and updates throughout the application lifecycle.
Utilize a provided checklist for planning application end-of-life, leveraging automated tools to identify and retire 'zombie apps,' thereby minimizing your attack surface.

Speakers

Michael Escamilla

Customer Engineer, Patch My PC

I am a Customer Engineer at Patch My PC helping customers secure their environments by ensuring their third-part applications are patched. I have spent my career working heavily within Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager focusing on OS Deployment and Application Deployment... Read More →

Jim O'Neil

Customer Engineer, Patch My PC

Customer Engineer with Patch My PC and former Twin Cities Systems Management User-Group (TCSMUG) official. A two-time MMS speaker, Jim focuses on automating Application Lifecycle Management and Endpoint Management. He is passionate about bridging the gap between complex infrastructure... Read More →

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT
Nokomis BC

Other, Application Security

3:00pm CDT

Automating the Un-Automatable: Advanced PowerShell Techniques

Thursday May 7, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT

Minnetonka BC

Description:
Dive into advanced PowerShell automation techniques that extend beyond simple scripts and scheduled tasks. Uncover hidden operations in applications, both Microsoft and third-party, and learn to identify APIs and calls they use. Transform these insights into reusable PowerShell automations through practical demonstrations and techniques, unveiling automation opportunities where they are typically unseen.

What you will learn:

Discover hidden REST and API calls using tools like Graph X-Ray and browser developer tools.
Explore Windows internals effectively with WMI Explorer to enhance your automation capabilities.
Utilize SQL Profiler to identify and analyze database queries crucial for automation tasks.
Learn how to identify and leverage .NET assemblies within applications for advanced automation solutions.

Speakers

Nathan Ziehnert

Microsoft MVP, Principal Engineer, 2Pint Software

Jeff Scripter

Staff Engineer, Recast Software

Thursday May 7, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Minnetonka BC

Other, PowerShell

3:00pm CDT

No Code, Big Impact: Harnessing Copilot Studio for Admin Tasks

Thursday May 7, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT

Cedar

Description:
Transform AI hype into practical solutions with Microsoft Copilot Studio. Gain insights into its functionalities, connection to your environment, and utilization of connectors to manage and access data—all without writing a single line of code. Streamline support tasks with simple, actionable steps and explore the potential of Copilot-powered agents to inspire IT professionals in enhancing their workflows.

What you will learn:

Lower the barrier to AI entry with simple strategies using Copilot Studio.
Leverage low-code integration with Power Platform for seamless development.
Scale Copilot Studio agents through Microsoft MCP Server and custom connectors.
Discover practical examples of creating agents to assist IT professionals with daily tasks.

Speakers

Matt Zaske

Developer/Fleet Admin, University of Minnesota

Sean Bulger

Cloud Endpoint Solution Engineer, Microsoft

Thursday May 7, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Cedar

Other, Artificial Intelligence

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