Keynote Speakers
Ed Soo Hoo
CTO Worldwide Global Accounts - Innovation and Transformation Executive
Lenovo
Ed is a renaissance-styled asymmetrical thinker, crossing the intellectual and practical boundaries of enterprise and technology. Ed is known for stretching-the-box strategic thinking, allowing companies to expand from “Now, New, Next.” An Industry Fellow at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at UC Berkeley and executive coach, Ed brings unique insights coming from a diverse, eclectic set of rich experiences through a career that includes blue-collar teamster, global company leader, and eight-time startup executive.
Frank Sancho
Senior Vice President, Enterprise Solutions Group
Connection
Frank is a seasoned technology leader with over 27 years of experience in the IT industry. He is deeply committed to leveraging technology to drive positive change and improve the world around him. His career has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, driving transformations within organizations, and empowering teams to achieve exceptional results.
Rai Basharat
Senior Director Data Orchestration
Connection
As Senior Director of Data Orchestration at Connection, Rai Basharat spearheads multiple internal application development and data teams, overseeing data quality, management, analytics, and science. He’s at the forefront of offering comprehensive solutions revolving around data fabric, ML, and LLM transformers from various hybrid cloud providers and open-source frameworks.
Rai is an accomplished technologist boasting rich experience spanning over 22 years within both B2C and B2B domains. His journey commenced as an information management consultant, working closely with leading corporations and government bodies in Australia.
Fueled by an innate entrepreneurial zeal, Rai co-founded and assumed the role of CTO in two resounding Southeast Asian startups, EatOye (acquired by Rocket Internet) and Daraz (acquired by Alibaba).
Rai plays a pivotal role within the CNXN Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics, guiding customers on data strategy, governance, and the strategic application of ML and AI for optimal business outcomes. His extensive data-driven experience and AI expertise position him as an asset to drive transformative growth for organizations.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in computer science and software engineering from Deakin University, Australia, Rai seamlessly blends his academic foundation with practical expertise around leveraging data—small, large, or immense.
Ryan Spur
Senior Director Manufacturing
Connection
Ryan Spurr is the Sr. Director of Manufacturing Strategy and Business Development at Connection with 20+ years of experience in manufacturing, information technology, and portfolio leadership. He leads the Connection Manufacturing Practice, go-to-market strategy, client engagement, and advisory services focusing on operational technology (OT) and information technology that make manufacturers more digitally excellent.
Don McMillan
Founder and CEO
McMillan Research, Inc.
Author of “Tomorrow Is Not What It Used to Be.” Don McMillan is the CEO of McMillan Research, Inc. MRI’s charter is to envision future technology trends and then advise its clients on the best paths to realize that future. Don McMillan graduated from Stanford University with a master’s degree in electrical engineering. He went to work for AT&T Bell Laboratories where he was part of the team that designed the world's first 32-bit microprocessor. He then moved to Silicon Valley where, during his six years at VLSI, he designed more than 50 standard and ASIC designs—many of which are in use today.
Cam Bulanda
Vice President, Technical Sales Organization
Connection
Cameron Bulanda leads the Technical Sales Organization’s efforts to bring the latest data center technologies to customers. In this role, he develops and executes strategies to drive the growth of data center solutions across all business segments and verticals. Collaborating closely with the partner community and internal Sales and Product Management teams, Bulanda is responsible for growing revenue and market share for server, storage, and networking solutions.
Prior to his current role at Connection, Bulanda held multiple leadership roles at Insight, where he designed, built, and managed a technical overlay group of 150+ professionals. Bulanda has deep technical acumen around the data center and works closely with key partners, having served on multiple Partner and Technical Advisory Boards during his more than 20 years in the IT industry. He is a graduate of Illinois State University.
Empower IT Leadership: Drive Projects with Confidence and Consensus
Co-presented by Challenger, Inc. and Connection Sales Leaders
Join us for an exclusive workshop tailored for IT leaders. This event is inspired by the groundbreaking insights from the bestselling book The Challenger Customer and focuses on fostering stakeholder consensus within buying groups. As an IT leader, you will gain strategic insights and learn practical tactics to help you propel complex IT projects to successful completion, decode the communication dynamics of your team and leadership, and uncover new ways to effectively engage internal and external clients.
Thursday Breakout Sessions
Transforming Organizations with Microsoft Security: Advanced Protection and AI Integration
Co-presented by Microsoft, Fusion Connect, and Connection Subject Matter Experts
Join us for a session on the strategic benefits of Microsoft Security. Discover how advanced threat protection, identity management, and cloud security can safeguard your organization’s critical assets and bolster business resilience. Learn about Microsoft’s innovative AI-driven security strategy, which enhances threat detection, automates responses, and significantly improves your organization’s cybersecurity posture. Additionally, we’ll explore how Connection can assist with the planning, design, and implementation of these cutting-edge technologies, ensuring quick adoption and maximizing their value for your organization.
Modernizing Data Centers: Dell’s Innovative Solutions and AI‑driven Management
Co-presented by Dell Technologies and Connection Subject Matter Experts
Join us for a breakout session on Dell’s approach to data center modernization. Discover how Dell’s innovative solutions enhance performance, scalability, and efficiency. Learn how their strategies help organizations become more agile and efficient. Explore Dell’s APEX as a service solutions for flexible, scalable infrastructure. Understand how Dell uses AI to simplify management and boost productivity for IT teams. Transform your IT infrastructure and drive success in a competitive digital landscape.
Transforming IT with VMware Cloud Foundation: Scalability, Agility, and Simplified Management
Co-presented by Broadcom VMware and Connection Subject Matter Experts
Join us for an exclusive breakout session designed for technical executives, where we explore how VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) is transforming organizations. Discover how VCF integrates compute, storage, networking, and management technologies to streamline data center operations and enhance scalability. Learn about the benefits of VCF’s hybrid cloud capabilities, enabling seamless extension to public clouds and improving agility. Additionally, gain insights into how Connection Managed Services can help organizations simplify management and boost productivity for IT teams.
Innovate, Secure, Deploy: Apple’s Latest and Jamf’s Endpoint Management
Co-presented by Apple, Jamf, and Connection Subject Matter Experts
Join us for a technical session where we explore Apple’s latest innovations, including advancements in hardware, software, and Apple Intelligence. Discover how Jamf simplifies endpoint management, enhancing security and efficiency for Apple devices. Learn about Connection’s Technology Integration and Distribution Center (TIDC) services, designed to streamline your organization’s rollout experience with custom configuration and deployment solutions. Gain insights into how these cutting-edge technologies and services can transform your IT infrastructure and boost productivity.
Embracing the AI PC Era: Strategies for Seamless Windows 11 Adoption
Co-presented by Intel, Microsoft, Fusion Connect, and Connection Subject Matter Experts
Join us for an enlightening breakout session on how Intel and Microsoft are revolutionizing endpoint devices with the introduction of AI and Copilot+ PCs powered by Intel processors. Discover how these advancements enhance performance, security, and productivity, transforming the way organizations manage their IT infrastructure. Learn about best practices for preparing your organization for Windows 11 adoption, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition. Gain insights into leveraging AI-driven management tools to simplify operations and unlock new levels of efficiency.
Wireless Doesn’t Mean Wire-less
Co-presented by Juniper and Connection Subject Matter Experts
The breakout session will explore the advancements and implications of Wi-Fi 7 on modern wireless network infrastructure. Learn how Wi-Fi 7 enhances network speed, capacity, and reliability, addressing the increasing demand for high-performance connectivity. This session will also discuss strategic steps for integrating Wi-Fi 7 to future proof organizational networks and ensure seamless, scalable operations.
Barracuda’s AI-Driven Cybersecurity: Navigating Emerging Threats
Co-presented by Barracuda and Connection Subject Matter Experts
Join us for an insightful breakout session on Barracuda’s approach to cybersecurity in the age of AI. Discover how Barracuda leverages AI-powered solutions to enhance threat detection, automate responses, and protect against sophisticated cyberthreats. Learn about their comprehensive security platform that safeguards data across on-premises and cloud environments. Gain insights into best practices for integrating AI into your cybersecurity strategy to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Unboxing Success: Transforming Locations with Innovative Solutions Presented by Connection Subject Matter Experts
Connection Subject Matter Experts
CNXN's innovative Manufacturing in a Box professional service is designed to help clients streamline the process of deploying technology in manufacturing and warehouse locations. By providing a comprehensive solution that includes everything from prebuilt and staged solutions to custom delivery and setup, CNXN ensures that clients can overcome common challenges such as logistical complexities and resource constraints. This session will demonstrate how CNXN’s tailored approach can save time, reduce costs, and ensure a smooth, efficient transition for manufacturing establishments.
CNXN Helix Special Event: Maximizing ROI from AI: Security, Efficiency, and Strategic Approaches
Join us for an enlightening one-hour presentation where we dive deep into the transformative world of artificial intelligence and its profound impact on business value. This session is designed for leaders and professionals eager to understand and harness the potential of AI within their organizations effectively.
This presentation will not only equip you with the knowledge to implement AI more effectively but also inspire you to drive change within your organization, leveraging AI for maximum competitive advantage. Be part of this transformative discussion and discover how to turn AI investments into substantial business successes.
Key Highlights:
- A Security-first Approach to AI
- Measuring ROI in AI Deployments
- Structured vs. Unstructured Approaches to AI RO
- The Modern Organization and AI
- A Call to Strategic Transformation
Limited Seating Available
Connection’s Technology Summits are an exclusive, invite-only gathering with limited seating available. Register today to ensure your spot isn’t taken.
Phoenix, AZ • October 1–3, 2025
This invitation is non-transferable.
If you feel there is someone else that would be a good option to attend in your place, please reach out to your Connection Account Team.
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