IBM Z Customer Council – King of Prussia 2026
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April 29, 2026
9:00 AM EDT - 3:30 PM EDT
We are back!
We are excited to welcome you back for our annual in‑person IBM Z Customer Council in King of Prussia, PA!
The momentum across the IBM Z ecosystem has never been stronger. Organizations are navigating rapid shifts in modernization, data-driven innovation, and cyber resiliency, where IBM Z continues to serve as the foundation enabling these advancements. This year’s agenda brings together thought leaders and practitioners who will explore what’s new, what’s possible, and what’s next across the platform. From cutting‑edge z/OS enhancements and AI-infused container strategies to resilient operations, accelerated analytics, and real-world modernization journeys, today’s sessions are designed to spark ideas, share practical guidance, and showcase capabilities that help enterprises move forward with confidence.
To kick off our day, Steve Warren (IBM) will take us into The Latest and Greatest of z/OS: What’s in 3.2?
Explore the most impactful new functions in the latest z/OS release of v3.2 and how they can benefit your enterprise. We will also cover selected capabilities available through continuous delivery, so even if z/OS 3.2 is not on your near-term roadmap, you can still start taking advantage of key enhancements.
Next, Ahilan Rajadeva (IBM) will present IBM Z Container Extension (zCX) with Red Hat OpenShift AI for Spyre
This session will cover the newly enhanced IBM zCX with Red Hat OpenShift AI, which builds on IBM zCX, a capability that enables Linux container workloads to run directly on z/OS. You will learn how this enhancement allows zCX to leverage IBM Spyre Accelerator hardware for predictive and generative AI on z/OS, helping organizations run AI closer to critical data to reduce latency, speed insights, and improve security.
To continue, Rebecca Levesque (21CS) will lead Operational Excellence with Resiliency
Learn how to build a stronger, more resilient IT strategy by aligning resiliency efforts with business goals. This session will cover compliance, best practices, and use of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to better identify, manage, and recover from cyber risk.
After lunch, Keziah Knopp (IBM) will guide us through IDAA: Accelerations, Migrations, Salutations
The IBM Db2 Analytics Accelerator (IDAA) helps speed up complex Db2 for z/OS queries for reporting and analytics. In this session, we’ll cover what’s new in IDAA V8.1, including table copy between accelerators, large object support, and expanded monitoring, along with migration from V7.5.x and how IDAA V8 fits with Analytics Accelerator Loader for z/OS 3.1 and z17.
To end our day, Isabella Reyes (IBM) will help depict the Road to Modernization: Adoption and Support
Mainframe modernization is not a single path. It spans many initiatives, moves at different speeds, and may already be underway in your organization. If you are running IBM Z, you are already on one of today’s most modern platforms for business-critical workloads. Join us to explore what modernization can look like and how our team and Business Partners can help. Isabella will open the session and introduce our supporting Business Partners, who will share more about their work. We will take the remaining time to welcome VirtualZ Computing’s Jeanne Glass (Founder and CEO) and Mark Combs to discuss their work with enterprises modernizing their data access from IBM Z.
AGENDA
*Event takes place in the Eastern Standard Time Zone
| 09:00 AM | Arrival & Continental Breakfast |
| 09:30 AM | Opening Remarks Daniel Mikhail (IBM) – Northeast IBM Z Council Co-Lead Isabella Reyes (IBM) – Northeast IBM Z Council Co-Lead |
| 09:45 AM |
The latest and greatest z/OS: What’s in 3.2? Steve Warren (IBM WSC) – STSM & Principal Z Solution Architect |
| 10:45 AM | Break |
| 11:00 AM |
IBM zCX with Red Hat OpenShift AI for Spyre Ahilan Rajadeva (IBM) – STSM, z/OS Container Extensions (zCX) Chief Architect |
| 12:00 PM |
TechByte: Operational Resiliency Rebecca Levesque (21CS) – CRO |
| 12:30 PM |
Lunch |
| 01:30 PM |
IDAA: Accelerations, Migrations, Salutations Keziah Knopp (IBM) – zData and AI Technical Specialist – US FSM |
| 02:30 PM | Techbyte: Adoption & Support Featuring the Northeast IBM Z Council supporting Business Partners, including VirtualZ Computing and others Isabella Reyes (IBM) – Worldwide Solution Architect – Technology Expert Labs |
| 03:15 PM |
Departure |
Many thanks to 21CS, Pellera, and VirtualZ Computing for supporting this event.
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For more information, contact your IBM representative or Isabella Reyes at [email protected].
| * NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES AND REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT-OWNED ENTITIES At this IBM function, IBM is providing breakfast, lunch, and/or promotional items and considers this a normal business courtesy. U.S. Federal government regulations and some state or local government agencies do not permit their employees to accept food or refreshments from contractors doing business with them. IBM provides this notice to assist you in ensuring that your acceptance of the amenities is in compliance with your employer’s internal policies. If your receipt of the amenities during your attendance and participation in the event presents an issue, please advise IBM, and plan for alternate meal options. |
Venue: Maggiano's Little Italy - King of Prussia, PA
Venue Phone: (610) 992-3333
Address: