MMS 2026 at MOA: Full Schedule

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

8:00am CDT

Cure Script Fatigue: Achieve Reliable Endpoint State with DSC v3

Monday May 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am CDT

Description:
Tackle script fatigue and switch from brittle imperative scripts to reliable, self-correcting configurations using DSC v3, the modern, agentless runtime. A live coding break/fix demo will illustrate how to prevent drift, standardize logging, and manage reboots safely within Intune or ConfigMgr. Attendees will walk away with a comprehensive GitHub starter kit to transform unreliable scripts into robust, self-healing baselines.

What you will learn:

Adopt a 'two-layer' operating model that uses Intune/ConfigMgr for delivery while leveraging DSC v3 for reliable, self-correcting configuration state.
Implement a production-grade Execution Template to standardize exit codes, prevent 'false green' reporting, and capture durable evidence for troubleshooting.
Master practical techniques for offline packaging, reboot orchestration, and secrets management to replace brittle imperative scripts with reliable DSC v3 patterns.
Walk away with a complete GitHub starter kit containing runner templates, validation tools, and sample configurations ready to deploy in your environment.

Speakers

Frank Lesniak

Sr. Cybersecurity & Enterprise Technology Architect, West Monroe

Frank Lesniak is a Sr. Cybersecurity & Enterprise Technology Architect at West Monroe with 20+ years of experience leading consulting engagements involving Microsoft infrastructure technology. His expertise spans modern cloud platforms such as Azure, Microsoft 365, and Entra ID, as... Read More →

Blake Cherry

Principal in Cybersecurity & Enterprise Technology, West Monroe

Blake is a Principal in West Monroe's Technology practice, operating out of Chicago, IL. Known for accelerating the delivery of best practice infrastructure by leveraging infrastructure as code, his expertise lies in Azure, Microsoft 365, and Infrastructure Automation, with a specialized... Read More →

Monday May 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am CDT
Nokomis BC

Intune, Endpoint Management

10:00am CDT

Securing Your Azure Virtual Desktop Environment

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

Nokomis BC

Description:
A robust security posture is essential for Azure resources, including Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). Learn the importance of securing AVD and explore various tools and features offered by Azure to implement effective security measures. Understand best practices for safeguarding your AVD environment while identifying common pitfalls that can jeopardize security efforts.

What you will learn:

Understand the critical reasons for securing Azure Virtual Desktop.
Identify the tools and features provided by Azure to enhance AVD security.
Learn best practices for appropriately securing your AVD environment.
Discover common pitfalls and 'gotchas' when implementing AVD security.

Speakers

Chris Cavazos

Microsoft MVP, Principal Consultant/Practice Technical Lead, Quisitive

Adam Nichols

Senior Product Manager CAT/CxE, Microsoft

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

Azure, Security

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3:00pm CDT

Zero to Certificates in 5 Minutes with Cloud PKI for Microsoft Intune

Monday May 4, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT

Nokomis BC

Description:
Streamline certificate management in enterprise environments using Microsoft Cloud PKI with Intune. Explore best practices, deployment strategies, and key features that enhance IT operations. Live demos will illustrate efficient configuration and management techniques, while also addressing limitations for effective planning. Gain actionable insights, whether new to Cloud PKI or refining existing configurations, to bolster security and operational efficiency in your organization.

What you will learn:

Design and deploy Cloud PKI with proven security and configuration best practices.
Understand where Cloud PKI fits and identify its limitations for effective planning.
Acquire practical, actionable skills through live demonstrations from initial configuration to deployment.
Boost your organization's security and operational efficiency with streamlined certificate management techniques.

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 →

Adam Gross

Microsoft MVP, Co-Host of Intune.Training, A Square Dozen

Monday May 4, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Nokomis BC

Intune, Certificate Management

8:00am CDT

The PAW Survival Guide: Deploying Secure Admin Workstations in Real Environments

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

Nokomis BC

Description:
Design and deploy Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs) effectively within real-world settings. Focus on practical architectures, common pitfalls, and lessons from field implementations. Gain insights on integrating PAW into current identity and security frameworks while minimizing risks, especially within Zero Trust models. Real-world examples will empower attendees to scale their deployment strategies for enhanced security and usability.

What you will learn:

Understand practical PAW architecture and adapt it to real-world environments and constraints.
Integrate PAW into existing identity and security models, including Zero Trust approaches.
Gain real lessons from the field for designing, deploying, and operating Privileged Access Workstations at scale.
Identify common deployment pitfalls and learn proven strategies to avoid or mitigate them.

Speakers

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 8:00am - 9:45am CDT
Nokomis BC

Security, Endpoint Security

10:00am CDT

Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop: Recent Updates and Insights

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

Nokomis BC

Description:
Discover the latest advancements in Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop that transform virtual desktop design, deployment, and operations. Examine updates, including Windows App enhancements, AI-enabled Cloud PCs, and security improvements, grounded in real-world customer deployments. Gain practical insights into design patterns that succeed, common pitfalls to avoid, and proven strategies for building reliable, cost-effective virtual desktop environments.

What you will learn:

Understand the significant recent updates affecting Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop architecture.
Learn tactical design patterns and architecture considerations essential for successful virtual desktop deployments.
Identify and avoid common pitfalls encountered in production environments for smoother operations.
Receive best practices on identity, image management, profiles, autoscaling, and operational efficiency.

Speakers

Travis Roberts

MVP, MCT, Sr Technical Trainer @ Nerdio, Blogger and Enthusiast, Ciraltos llc

Chris Cavazos

Microsoft MVP, Principal Consultant/Practice Technical Lead, Quisitive

Adam Nichols

Senior Product Manager CAT/CxE, Microsoft

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

Windows, Virtual Desktops

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1:00pm CDT

Windows 365 Frontline: Unlocking Productivity with Cloud Solutions

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

Nokomis BC

Description:
Flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness define the needs of today’s frontline workers and hybrid teams. Windows 365 Frontline delivers tailored Cloud PCs, with Dedicated and Shared modes providing personalized or pooled access. Discover how Cloud Apps and Cloud Profiles simplify application deployment and enable seamless roaming user data. Enhance productivity and optimize resources in your organization with these innovative solutions.

What you will learn:

Learn about Dedicated mode, providing personalized Cloud PCs for users requiring consistent environments.
Explore Shared mode for task-based workers, leveraging non-persistent desktops to optimize resources.
Understand how Cloud Apps and Cloud Profiles enhance flexibility for seamless user experiences across devices.
Gain insights into best practices for deployment and management using Microsoft Intune.

Speakers

Harjit Dhaliwal

Robopack, MVP, MMS Staff

Adam Nichols

Senior Product Manager CAT/CxE, Microsoft

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

Windows, Cloud Solutions

3:00pm CDT

Unified Kiosk: Vision for LTSC 2027

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

Nokomis BC

Description:
Discover Windows Unified Kiosk Mode, a streamlined and secure solution that eliminates fragmentation while simplifying deployment. This approach supports multi-app scenarios, enhances modern management via Intune and PowerShell, and ensures a consistent user experience across all Windows editions.

What you will learn:

Unified Configuration: A single workflow simplifies multiple kiosk modes, reducing complexity and boosting scalability.
Modern Management: Leverage a brand new Kiosk CSP and PowerShell cmdlets for straightforward setup, diagnostics, and advanced customization.
Customer Benefits: Experience improved reliability, security, and flexibility for multi-user and multi-app scenarios, perfect for retail, healthcare, and public services.
Opportunities to support and participate in the insider preview scheduled for the second half of 2026.

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.

Dustin Roy

Sr. Technical Program Manager, Microsoft

About me
I’m a Senior TPM on the Windows team focused on Unified Kiosk—bringing all the fragmented kiosk experiences (Assigned Access, Shell Launcher, XML, etc.) into a single, simpler configuration model with first‑class Intune and Settings Catalog support, better diagnosti... Read More →

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

Windows, Kiosk Management

8:00am CDT

DevOps Foundations: Setting Up Your Environment for Success

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

Nokomis BC

Description:
Establishing a robust foundation is key to any DevOps journey. Learn essential steps for configuring Azure DevOps, including project creation, repositories, service connections, and branch strategies. Gain practical insights that ensure a secure, scalable environment ready for effective collaboration, whether you're new to DevOps or refining your existing setup.

What you will learn:

Understand the core components of Azure DevOps—Projects, Repos, Pipelines, and Service Connections.
Learn best practices for branch strategies that foster continual integration and delivery.
Discover how to configure secure service connections for seamless integration with external resources.
Gain actionable tips for organizing projects and repositories to enhance team collaboration and maintainability.

Speakers

Scott Corio

Microsoft MVP, Enterprise Cloud Architect, MMS Staff

Boasting over 20 years in IT, Scott is not only an esteemed Enterprise Cloud Architect for a major healthcare giant, but he's also a Microsoft MVP in the Azure category. With a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, non-profit, telecommunications, retail, and travel sectors, his expertise... Read More →

David Brook

Managing Consultant & Microsoft MVP, CloudXP Ltd

David, a distinguished Microsoft MVP in the Security category, brings a wealth of expertise in Microsoft Intune and Device Management capabilities. _x000D_
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Beyond his specialisation, David's versatility shines as he navigates the breadth of the Microsoft ecosystem, seamle... Read More →

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

Azure, DevOps Essentials

10:00am CDT

Rethinking Security Prioritization in Defender: A Tiered Risk Score Approach

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT

Nokomis BC

Description:
Facing an overwhelming volume of high and critical recommendations in Defender can hinder effective security management. This session presents a tier-based risk analysis model that integrates security impact with real-world consequences to generate a custom risk score, mapped into actionable priority tiers (Tier 0–3). Learn how relying solely on severity fails prioritization and how to align remediation efforts with business-critical assets for streamlined decision-making.

What you will learn:

Understand why relying solely on high and critical severity is insufficient for effective prioritization.
Learn to calculate risk using impact assessments and real-world consequences for more informed decisions.
Utilize Tier 0–3 to effectively rank and prioritize actionable security recommendations.
Align security actions strategically with business-critical assets to ensure focused remediation efforts.

Speakers

Morten Knudsen

Triple Microsoft MVP (Security, Azure, Security Copilot) | MCT | Security & Cloud Architect | Co-Founder Experts Live De, 2LINKIT

Morten is a Triple Microsoft MVP (Security, Azure, and Security Copilot), a Microsoft Certified Trainer, and holds over 17 active Microsoft certifications.

As a Cloud and Security Architect, he focuses on Azure infrastructure, Microsoft 365, automation, security, AI, and hybrid cl... Read More →

Blake Cherry

Principal in Cybersecurity & Enterprise Technology, West Monroe

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT
Nokomis BC

Security, Risk Assessment

1:00pm CDT

Transitioning to Zero Trust: Entra Private Access for Always On VPN Admins

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Nokomis BC

Description:
Microsoft Entra Private Access represents a robust identity-based Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution, enhancing security for both on-premises and cloud resources. Discuss the key similarities and differences between Always On VPN and Entra Private Access, alongside coexistence strategies and migration pathways for administrators aiming to implement this advanced service.

What you will learn:

Explore key use cases for Always On VPN and Entra Private Access to enhance your security strategy.
Identify practical coexistence scenarios and potential technology conflicts that may arise during the transition.
Acquire a clear migration roadmap that guides the transition to full Zero Trust Network Access, serving as a legacy VPN replacement.
Learn best practices for integrating Entra Private Access while leveraging existing VPN infrastructure for seamless adaptation.

Speakers

Richard Hicks

President, Richard M. Hicks Consulting, Inc.

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Nokomis BC

Security, Network Security

3:00pm CDT

Achieve Zero Trust Objectives with Defender for Cloud and EASM Integrated with Defender XDR

Wednesday May 6, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT

Nokomis BC

Description:
Implementing Zero Trust principles becomes seamless with Defender for Cloud's Security Posture Management, Cloud Workload Protection, and External Attack Surface Management integrated with Defender XDR. Learn to gain comprehensive insights into cloud misconfigurations and compliance risks while proactively scanning for vulnerabilities in your DevOps pipelines. Empower your security strategy by continuously monitoring cloud environments for enhanced protection and a robust security posture.

What you will learn:

Prioritize cross-platform security recommendations effectively using the Defender XDR portal.
Connect GitHub repositories for proactive code supply scanning, uncover findings, and enhance your security score.
Utilize Defender EASM to identify relationships among known assets and reveal previously unmonitored artifacts.
Extend CSPM and CWP protections to any cloud resource using multi-cloud connectors and/or Azure Arc.

Speakers

John Joyner

Microsoft MVP, Senior Director, Technology, Corsica Technologies

John is Senior Director, Technology at Corsica Technologies, an MSP/MSSP providing NOC & SOC services to organizations around the world. He's a Microsoft Azure MVP and a Security MVP, and has been awarded Microsoft MVP for 18 years (2007-2026). An author of five books on operations... Read More →

Morten Knudsen

Triple Microsoft MVP (Security, Azure, Security Copilot) | MCT | Security & Cloud Architect | Co-Founder Experts Live De, 2LINKIT

Wednesday May 6, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Nokomis BC

Azure, Cloud Security

5:00pm CDT

Creating 3D Models with Fusion: Build Your Own Firetruck

Wednesday May 6, 2026 5:00pm - 6:45pm CDT

Nokomis BC

Description:
Fusion 360 is a user-friendly CAD program that empowers creativity in 3D printing and woodworking. Discover the fundamental techniques to navigate Fusion as you collaboratively design and fabricate a model firetruck. Gain hands-on experience with essential tools and features that bring your ideas to life, making the intimidating aspects of CAD accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.

What you will learn:

Learn to navigate Fusion 360 without feeling overwhelmed, unlocking your creative potential.
Discover primitive shapes and how to find them, forming the building blocks for your designs.
Master the use of helpers, sketches, and timelines in Fusion to streamline your workflow.
Understand the nuances of Boolean operations and explore their various states for complex modeling.

Speakers

Scott Corio

Microsoft MVP, Enterprise Cloud Architect, MMS Staff

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 →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 5:00pm - 6:45pm CDT
Nokomis BC

Happy Hour, 3D Design

8:00am CDT

Cloud-native Server Management: Unleashing the Power of Azure Everywhere

Thursday May 7, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am CDT

Nokomis BC

Description:
Harness the power of cloud-native server management in Azure for seamless management of Windows and Linux machines across any environment. Gain insights into Azure’s features like patch management, monitoring, endpoint security, and OS configuration. Learn best practices for transitioning from ConfigMgr to Azure, empowering your organization with scalable and flexible server management solutions that are location-independent.

What you will learn:

Utilize Azure's cloud-native server management for centralized patching, monitoring, endpoint security, and OS configuration across Windows and Linux.
Transition your Group Policy Object (GPO) settings to cloud-native alternatives for increased insight and effectiveness.
Explore the capabilities of Azure’s cloud-native server management tools to optimize IT efficiencies.
Implement best practices for a smooth migration from ConfigMgr to Azure, enhancing server management processes.

Speakers

Andreas Sobczyk

Partner & Principal Consultant, twoday A/S

Andreas is a Principal Consultant at twoday, focusing Azure adoption, platform engineering and DevOps helping global customers accelerating there cloud journey and maximize the potential of the platform. Also being co-founder of Cloud and Datacenter User Group Denmark, Andreas has... Read More →

John Joyner

Microsoft MVP, Senior Director, Technology, Corsica Technologies

Thursday May 7, 2026 8:00am - 9:45am CDT
Nokomis BC

Azure, Cloud Management

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

The Hybrid Update Blues: Orchestrating Patches across Servers, VMs, and Clouds

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

Nokomis BC

Description:
Effective patch management is crucial for maintaining robust architectures. Learn strategies to orchestrate updates seamlessly across Azure Local, Hyper-V clusters, standalone servers, Arc-managed machines, and Azure VMs while avoiding disruptions that could jeopardize your environment’s stability. Equip yourself with actionable techniques to coordinate patching in complex hybrid setups.

What you will learn:

Implement effective update strategies for clusters and Azure Local environments.
Explore Arc-enabled update management patterns to enhance patching success.
Master coordinated patching techniques across hybrid infrastructure environments.
Discover best practices to avoid update-induced disruptions in your systems.

Speakers

Matthew Wetherell

Infrastructure Manager, USNR

Kristopher Turner

Microsoft MVP, Hybrid Cloud Solutions

Kristopher Turner is a Microsoft MVP in Azure, a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and a Product Technology Architect at TierPoint, where he focuses on delivering innovative cloud and infrastructure solutions. With expertise spanning Azure Local, Azure Arc, Kubernetes, and disaster... Read More →

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

Azure, Patch Management

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