.png?width=1080&height=1080&name=DNI%20Microsoft%20Event%20Image%20(1).png "DNI Microsoft Event Image (1)")
Optimize Existing Resources & Embrace Innovation:
AI & IT Strategies for Education Leaders
May 6, 2025
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
6518 Meadowridge Road, Elkridge, MD 21075 | Microsoft Office STE 200
Join Microsoft and Data Networks on May 6, 2025 at the Microsoft Elkridge Office for an engaging event designed for K-12 and Higher Education IT leaders and administrators! This half-day event will explore the transformative role of AI, security, and modern IT solutions in education, featuring expert-led sessions on AI readiness, Microsoft Purview, Windows 11, and Microsoft Copilot. You'll gain actionable insights on securing educational data, enhancing productivity, and leveraging AI-driven tools to streamline workflows. The event includes networking opportunities, interactive breakout sessions, and a closing AI roundtable, where participants can share experiences and discuss AI implementation challenges. Don't miss this chance to connect with peers and industry experts to shape the future of educational technology!
Agenda
8:30 – 9:00 | Registration & Networking
9:00 – 9:45 | Opening Session: AI for Everyone
9:45 – 10:00 | Break & Transition to Breakout Sessions
10:00 – 10:45 | Breakout Session 1
10:45 – 11:30 | Breakout Session 2
11:30 – 12:15 | Lunch
12:15 – 1:00 | Closing Session
Agenda Details
Registration & Networking
8:30 - 9:00 AM
Parking is free at the Microsoft Elkridge office. After parking, please proceed inside and head to the registration table to get checked-in. Feel free to mingle with fellow attendees and enjoy a complementary light breakfast until we kick-off at 9:00!
Opening Session
9:00 - 9:45 AM
AI for Everyone
We'll kick off our event with an engaging session on AI readiness and how to leverage your existing tools effectively. Topics include:
• Assessing AI readiness: Identity and access management, data governance, and compliance.
• Leveraging existing tools like Microsoft Copilot Chat for enhanced productivity.
• Addressing common implementation challenges and prerequisites for AI adoption.
• Actionable strategies for IT teams and educators to maximize AI benefits.
Presenters:
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.
Chisom Omenyinma | Modern Work Specialist, Microsoft
As a Modern Work Specialist at Microsoft, Chisom leverages his expertise to drive the adoption of modern workplace solutions. In his role, Chisom focuses on integrating AI and security measures into educational frameworks, as evidenced by his involvement in initiatives like Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat. Beyond his professional duties, he is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the tech industry, actively participating in events such as the Minority Student Day organized by Blacks at Microsoft (BAM). Chisom's commitment to mentorship and community engagement underscores his passion for empowering the next generation of technology leaders.
Technical Breakout Sessions
Session 1: 10:00 - 10:45 AM
Session 2: 10:45 - 11:30 AM
Choose from the following sessions, which will each run twice to allow participation in two topics:
Session 1
Microsoft Purview: Securing & Managing Educational Data
Explore Microsoft Purview's capabilities in data security, compliance, and risk management for educational institutions. Topics include:
• Data governance best practices for K-12 and Higher Education.
• Protecting sensitive student and staff information.
• Compliance with educational data privacy regulations (e.g., FERPA).
Presenter:
Rob Strawley | Senior Technical Specialist, Microsoft
Rob is a retired Army Captain and former Enterprise Systems Manager at the Theater Network Operations Center in Kuwait. He has served as a Tier 2 SOC analyst, Cyber Security Consultant, and is currently a Principal Technical Specialist in Security, Identity, and Compliance Management at Microsoft. Since retiring from the Army in 2014, he has worked with McAfee and Microsoft and holds a Master's in Information Systems Management along with CISSP, SANS Institute, and Microsoft certifications.
Session 2
Microsoft Copilot: AI-Powered Productivity for Educators & IT Teams
Learn how Microsoft Copilot can streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and improve efficiency in an educational setting. Topics include:
• How AI-driven automation can assist educations and administrators.
• Real-world use cases in lesson planning, IT support, and student engagement.
• Hands-on demonstration of Copilot in action.
Presenter:
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.
Session 3
Windows 11: Enhancing Learning & IT Management
Discover how Windows 11 improves accessibility, security, and device management for educational institutions. Topics include:
• Benefits of Windows 11 for schools and universities.
• Streamlined device deployment and management for IT Teams.
• Security enhancements for protecting student and faculty data.
Presenter:
Scott Ellison | Principal Cloud Endpoint Technical Specialist - US Education, Microsoft
Scott Ellison is a Principal Technical Specialist focused on Endpoint and Virtualization technologies within US Education at Microsoft. Scott's goal is to ensure that all education organizations can manage and secure their endpoints, allowing them to concentrate on improving student outcomes. He is a frequent speaker at technical conferences that focus on education. His technical expertise includes Windows devices, device management, virtualization technologies, and endpoint security. Scott holds multiple Microsoft technical certifications and is currently enrolled in the Executive MBA program at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Lunch
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Closing Session
12:15 - 1:00 PM
AI Roundtable: Experiences, Challenges, and Insights
This interactive session will allow K-12 and Higher Education participants to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and reflect on insights from the event. Facilitated discussions will include:
• Key takeaways from breakout sessions and AI demonstrations.
• Challenges institutions face in implementing AI and digital tools.
• Success stories and lessons learning from AI adoption.
• Open discussion on concerns, barriers, and opportunities in AI integration.
• Collaboration opportunities between K-12 and Higher Education institutions.
Register Today!
Complete the registration form at the right to join us at our "Optimize Existing Resources & Embrace Innovation: AI & IT Strategies for Education Leaders" event. We look forward to seeing you!
Have any questions? Feel free to email us at info@datanetworks.com!
Plans changed? Click the button below to cancel your registration.