MENU
living classrooms

2025 Data Networks IT Summit

 

   September 24, 2025

   10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

   Living Classrooms' Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park

 

Join us for the 2nd annual 2025 Data Networks IT Summit at the picturesque Living Classrooms Venue for a unique blend of education, networking, and entertainment! Enjoy relevant, educational breakout sessions led by industry experts and end the day with a boat ride in the Baltimore Inner Harbor!

living classrooms

2025 Data Networks IT Summit

 

   September 24, 2025

   10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

   Living Classrooms' Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park

 

Join us for the 2nd annual 2025 Data Networks IT Summit at the picturesque Living Classrooms Venue for a unique blend of education, networking, and entertainment! Enjoy relevant, educational breakout sessions led by industry experts and end the day with a boat ride in the Baltimore Inner Harbor!

Meet our Sponsors:

About the Summit

The Data Networks IT Summit will feature an array of breakout sessions led by industry experts, an all-day expo for our presenting sponsors, and exclusive networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections. Plus, attendees will enjoy a fun twist with a happy hour to end the day, including a tour of the Lady Maryland or a boat ride on the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Read more about the summit's panel members, vendor presentation topics, and more in the Summit Details section below!

Date: September 24, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Location: Living Classrooms' Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park

   1417 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231

IMG_4344

Agenda

10:00 – 10:30 AM | Registration

10:30 11:30 AM | Welcome & Panel Discussion

11:45 12:45 PM | Lunch

1:00 – 1:45 PM | Technical Breakout Session 1

2:00 – 3:00 PM | Networking Break + Fun Activities

3:15 – 4:00 PM | Technical Breakout Session 2

4:00 6:00 PM | Happy Hour, Boat Ride and Tour

Check out the current line-up of Technical Breakout Sessions!

We'll be adding more Technical Breakout Sessions as the IT Summit date approaches—be sure to check back to see what we've got lined up! 

Agenda Details

Registration

10:00 - 10:30 AM

Parking is FREE at the nearby Thames St. Garage (1530 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD 21231). After parking, please proceed to Living Classrooms' Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and head to the registration table to get checked-in. Feel free to mingle with fellow attendees and check out the sponsor expo area until we kick-off at 10:30!


Welcome & Panel Discussion

10:30 - 11:30 AM

We'll kick off our second annual IT summit with a brief welcome from our President & CEO, Patrick Regan, and then a deep dive into the pivotal world of cybersecurity. This opening session is designed to set the stage for the day filled with insightful discussions, an expert-led cybersecurity panel, and collaborative learning focused on protecting and empowering your organization.

Moderator:

Amy headshot2

Amy Bateman

K-12 Account Executive

Data Networks

Amy joined Data Networks in 2012 and currently manages K-12 public and private school accounts across Maryland. With a background in Sales Management and experience as an Education Instructional Specialist, she is dedicated to providing transformative technology solutions to support and enhance learning environments.

 

Panel Discussion Speakers:

Mark Bentkower headshot - blue background

Mark Bentkower

Principal Technologist - Americas

Veeam Software

Mark Bentkower is a data protection and cybersecurity expert with over two decades of experience, currently serving as Principal Technologist, Americas, at Veeam Software. He helps organizations enhance data resiliency, security, and compliance in an evolving threat landscape. 

With international experience, including time with Veeam in Singapore, Mark has a broad perspective on IT challenges. He has played a key role in modernizing data protection strategies across Asia-Pacific and brings deep expertise in cloud and hybrid environments to help organizations implement resilient, scalable, and secure data solutions. 

As an active thought leader, Mark frequently speaks at industry conferences and roundtables. He recently participated in a discussion on ransomware resilience, addressing challenges like service-level agreements and recovery objectives in multi-vendor environments. 

A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Mark is committed to advancing cybersecurity and data resiliency best practices. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and enjoys traveling, live music, and theater. 

 

Gregory Smith headshot - blue background

Gregory Smith

Chief Information Security Officer

Frederick County Government

Gregory S. Smith is an internationally recognized IT executive with 30 years of experience managing complex IT and business systems. Mr. Smith serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for a Maryland organization. Previously, Mr. Smith served 20 plus years as the Chief Information Officer / Chief Technology Officer (CIO / CTO) for various world-class organizations including the American Kidney Fund, the Pew Charitable Trusts and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Mr. Smith’s for-profit experience combines IT and business acumen from a decade in U.S. national security, U.S. financial services 100, and consulting experience as a Principal at PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP. Gregory S. Smith is an honoree of several awards including: SmartCEO magazine Top 10 CIOs in Washington DC, Computer World magazine Premier 100 IT Leaders, CIO magazine CIO 100 and eWeek magazine Top 100 CIOs. Mr. Smith was also recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential CIOs by CIO Insight magazine. Mr. Smith received the Outstanding Faculty Tropaia award in 2017 and 2022 from Georgetown University for excellence in academic teaching.

Mr. Smith is the author of The New Normal in IT: How the Global Pandemic Changed Information Technology Forever (Wiley 2022), CIO 2.0 (Mandarin), Straight to the Top: CIO Leadership in a Mobile, Social, and Cloud-based World (John Wiley & Sons), How to Protect Your Children on the Internet: A Road Map for Parents and Teachers (Greenwood Publishing) and Straight to the Top: Becoming a World-Class CIO (John Wiley & Sons). Mr. Smith received a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Maryland at College Park and an M.S. in Business from The Johns Hopkins University. He served for over 20 years as an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University graduate programs. Mr. Smith currently serves as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University in Technology Management graduate program.

 

Dave headshot

David Hennel

Director of Client & Enterprise Services

Data Networks

David has over 25 years of IT and leadership experience, including 17 years in K-12. He has a strong background in managing technical operations and developing strategic technology goals. Previously, he served as a Network & System Administrator and Technical Analyst & Field Services, and studied Business Management and Accounting.

 

 


Lunch

11:45 - 12:45 PM

Enjoy a catered lunch during our break. Also, on the waterfront, explore the Dell Tech Rally Truck. Take a look inside to see Dell's latest equipment and upcoming products coming soon.

TechRallyMobile_GlassWall

Technical Breakout Session 1

1:00 - 1:45 PM

Choose from three technical breakout sessions and dive into the latest advancements in networking and storage cybersecurity, with exclusive sessions presented by Silverfort, Dell Technologies, and Veeam.


Silverfort Logo (White)

It's Not a Hack - It's a Login: Securing Invisible Identity Threats

In today’s threat landscape, Identity is the new perimeter - and attackers know it. Compromised credentials are the top driver of breaches, often enabling lateral movement across both cloud and on-prem environments. This presentation will explore how Silverfort helps proactively shut down these threats. By extending MFA protection to resources that couldn’t previously support it, enforcing least privilege with our authentication firewall, and securing non-human identities (NHIs) like service accounts, Silverfort delivers real-time identity threat prevention. Our agentless, proxyless platform integrates with Active Directory and cloud IdPs to provide unified visibility and control - deploying quickly and easily to stop breaches before they happen. 

Presenters:

Jason Shupp headshot - blue background

Jason Shupp

Director, Sales Engineering, Americas

Silverfort

Jason Shupp is a cybersecurity leader and Director of Solutions Engineering with over 20 years of experience protecting enterprise environments. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he specializes in defending against identity-based threats and enabling organizations to secure critical systems across hybrid infrastructures. Jason is a frequent speaker at industry events, known for translating complex security challenges into practical solutions. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Chuck Brantman headshot - blue background

Chuck Brantman

Sales Engineer

Silverfort

Chuck is currently a Sales Engineer for Identity Security company Silverfort. He has been working in information technology and cybersecurity for over 20 years. For much of that time he worked for a local County government organization, spending 9 of his years there as Deputy CIO and then CISO.

 

Mike McHugh headshot - blue background

Mike McHugh

Enterprise Sales Manager

Silverfort

Mike McHugh is an Enterprise Sales Manager based out of Philadelphia covering the Mid-Atlantic territory for Silverfort. Mike has 7 years of cybersecurity experience, helping to tailor solutions for organizations in all verticals, with a focus on Identity Security.

Greg Masiejczyk headshot - blue background

Greg Masiejczyk

Commercial Sales Manager

Silverfort

Greg Masiejczyk is a Commercial Sales Manager based out of Philadelphia for the Mid Atlantic territories. He has a decade of IT solution and service selling experience and is passionate about solving security issues in organizations, with a focus on identity and security.


DT_PlatinumPartner_Blue

Dell Azure Local: Why Hybrid Cloud is Essential

Hybrid cloud is essential for modern businesses because it offers the best of both worlds: the control and security of on-premise infrastructure with the scalability and agility of the public cloud. As digital transformation accelerates, companies need to rapidly adapt to changing demands, meet compliance requirements, and support innovation— all without overhauling their entire IT strategy. Hybrid cloud provides the flexibility to run workloads where it makes the most sense— on-premise, in the cloud, or at the edge. Dell Azure Local bridges the gap between on-prem and clou, bringing the capabilities of Microsoft Azure onto Dell infrastructure for on-premises use. 

 Designed to replace Azure Stack HCI, Dell Azure Local integrates tightly with Azure Arc, offering secure-by-default architecture, centralized management through familiar Azure tools, and advanced features like support for external PowerFlex storage, scalable machine configurations, built-in AI inferencing, and robust disaster recovery. Available as turnkey solutions—either as Dell Integrated System (AX) or the Apex Cloud Platform—Azure Local enables flexible purchase options and unified ProSupport for hardware and software, empowering organizations to deliver modern Azure experiences wherever needed, even in low-spec or disconnected environments. 

Presenter:

Michael Hunter blue background

Michael Hunter

Advisory Systems Engineer

Dell Technologies

Michael has been in the IT industry over 25 years. His time managing IT operations for the American Red cross during 9/11 was one of IT leads that helped build the first instance of the 1-800-GET-HELP call center in 2 weeks. At Dell Technologies, Michael is also an Ambassador with the Office of the CTO where he evangelizes the trends not only around storage but the industry at large. When he isn’t talking digital transformation and innovation in the industry, he will cut ties with technology all together and join Queen Elizabeth and her court at his local renaissance faire.


Veeam logo

Veeam Cyber Resilience

Veeam redefines data resilience with a platform that unites backup, AI-driven threat detection, cyber recovery, and secure storage. Veeam protects your valuable data assets from cyber threats by leveraging a proactive defense strategy, incident response services, and unmatched architecture flexibility and data freedom.   Recognized by Gartner for the sixth consecutive year in Ability to Execute, Veeam empowers modern organizations to adapt, recover, and thrive.

Presenters:

Chris Easterday headshot - blue background

Chris Easterday

Systems Engineer

Veeam Software

Chris Easterday is a Systems Engineer at Veeam with over 10 years of experience in IT. Prior to joining Veeam, Chris spent more than six years as a Veeam customer, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and priorities of modern IT environments.

He brings deep expertise in integrating data protection strategies into broader cyber resiliency plans—helping organizations strengthen their security posture and maintain business continuity. Chris’s hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and customer-first mindset make him a trusted advisor for companies aiming to enhance their data protection and resilience capabilities.

Craig Gambol headshot - blue background

Craig Gambol

Territory Manager

Veeam Software

Craig Gambol is a Veeam Territory Manager covering the Public Sector market in the Mid-Atlantic region. He joined Veeam in March 2023 and brings over 20 years of experience in data center solution sales, with a strong focus on data protection, backup, and cyber resilience technologies.

Before joining Veeam, Craig held key sales and leadership roles at Oracle, Lenovo, and HP, supporting both SLED and Enterprise accounts. His depth of experience and strategic approach help organizations modernize their IT environments and ensure the security and continuity of critical infrastructure.


Networking Break + Fun Activities

2:00 - 3:00 PM

There are multiple activities for you to enjoy during our break! Network with other attendees during our breakout sessions— find the group related to your field and discuss recent industry developments, new technologies, other best practices, and more! Throughout the day, be sure to check out the Vendor Expo on the 3rd floor in the Bearman Gallery. Meet representative from some of the industry leading sponsors and be sure to complete the Vendor Expo Passport. Stop by each table to receive a sticker, once completed turn in the page for a special prize!

During this break also don't miss 2 exciting opportunities outside the venue. Right outside on the waterfront enjoy the Baltimore favorite Miss Twist Ice cream truck, providing FREE ice cream for all attendees. The Dell Tech Rally Truck will still be around so if you haven't had the chance to explore that you still have time!

Miss Twist

Technical Breakout Session 2

3:15 - 4:00 PM

Choose from three technical deep dive sessions during our second Technical Breakout and explore the latest cybersecurity advancements with exclusive sessions presented by Juniper Networks, Kaseya, and your host, Data Networks.


Juniper_Networks-rgb-white

How Agentic AI Is Optimizing Network Operations via Juniper Mist

Juniper Mist is the AI-driven network platform built for the modern enterprise. It combines cloud agility, machine learning, and scalable automation to deliver exceptional user experiences and simplified IT operations. By leveraging Mist AI, it proactively identifies and resolves issues, provides rich network insights, and automates troubleshooting—freeing up your IT team and ensuring secure, reliable connectivity across your entire organization.

Presenter:

Nick Woods headshot - blue background

Nick Wood

Senior Mist AI Driven Account Manager

Juniper-Mist

Nick is an Account Manager with a proven track record of making complex networking tech sound like common sense. He has built his client relationships the old-fashioned way: by actually listening and delivering results. From LANs and WANs to Wi-Fi that actually works and data centers that don't implode, Nick has seen it all. As the Senior Mist AI Driven Account Manager with Juniper-Mist, Nick is a big fan of AI-driven networking, since nothing says "future-proof" quite like letting AI handle what humans keep messing up. 


Data Networks logo with tagline white

How AI Burns, Breaks, Fits, and Fixes Your Budget

AI is everywhere—but so are the misconceptions about what it really costs. This session dives beneath the hype to explore the financial realities of AI adoption in today’s IT environments. From licensing sprawl and underutilized tools to security blind spots and governance gaps, we’ll examine how AI often burns and breaks your budget before it ever fits or fixes anything.

Through live Power BI visuals, real-world metrics, and industry research, we’ll uncover what’s driving costs up, what most organizations fail to plan for, and how to structure a sustainable, value-driven AI strategy. Whether you’re a CIO, IT leader, or hands-on technologist, you’ll leave with a practical framework to evaluate AI investments, align them with business goals, and avoid costly missteps.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the hidden costs and organizational strain AI can introduce
Learn how to build a scalable AI budget tied to usage and outcomes
See where real-world AI projects succeed—and where they go off the rails
Get actionable guidance to right-size your AI investments for 2025 and beyond

Presenter:

joe headshot

Joe Green

Solutions Architect

Data Networks

Joe Green has been a pivotal figure at Data Networks since 2016, serving as our dedicated Data Center Solutions Architect. With more than 20 years in the IT field, Joe is a veteran in serving IT product lifecycles, specializing in the research, design, delivery, and support of comprehensive IT solutions tailored to Data Networks' wide range of customers within the public and private sectors. Joe's expertise primarily lies in Data Center Optimization, with a focus on enhancing data center infrastructure, cloud services, virtualization, data protection, and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). Parallel to his passion for AI, Joe is also a dedicated ambassador of Digital Transformation, eager to highlight the critical role of both in your IT ecosystem.


KaseyaLogo

Unmasking the Business Risks You Cannot Afford to Ignore

In today’s digital landscape, small and medium-sized organizations are increasingly targeted by cyber threats, often lacking the resources and expertise to defend against sophisticated attacks. We will explore the profound impact of cyber incidents on SMBs, emphasizing the need for robust cyber security measures. Attendees will gain practical insights into fortifying their cyber posture, mitigating risk, and protecting their organization in a hostile digital world.

Presenter:

Brian Doty headshot - blue background

Brian Doty

Channel Development Manager

Kaseya

Brian Doty is a tech sales professional with over 20 years of experience from retail to B2B and channel development. At Continuum he helped MSPs scale and grow their business with NOC, Helpdesk, and SOC support strategies and deliver cybersecurity strategies to their clients. After Continuum, Brian was the Director of Sales for a Managed Services Provider where he helped deliver cybersecurity strategies for their clients and increase monthly recurring revenue. Brian joined the Channel Development Team at Kaseya in 2020 to work with the MSP community.


Data Networks logo with tagline white

Title

Description

Presenter:

Patrick Traille headshot blue background

Patrick Traille

Solutions Architect, Data Networks

About Patrick:

With more than 20 years of IT industry experience, Patrick is a seasoned technology and business strategist with extensive experience across various IT roles. From building unified communications and cloud strategies for government agencies, to designing end-to-end networking solutions, to leading an IT consulting and operations hub, Patrick is known for pioneering process improvements and implementing secure, scalable IT solutions wherever he goes.


Happy Hour, Boat Ride & Tour

4:00 - 6:00 PM

Close out the day with a fun networking happy hour! Enjoy live music, drinks, fun games, a relaxing boat ride through the scenic Baltimore Inner Harbor aboard the Sigsbee and an engaging tour of the Lady Maryland docked nearby.  

Happy Hour sponsored by Schneider Electric

logo_se_white_screen
Sigsbee boat

Sigsbee

Lady Maryland boat

Lady Maryland


Register Today!

Complete the registration form at the right to join us at the 2025 Data Networks IT Summit. We look forward to seeing you at our event!

Please submit any questions to info@datanetworks.com.

Plans changed? Click the button below to cancel your registration.