Keynote Speakers

Monday | 27 October | 9:00 CET

Db2 Meets AI Agents: Your
Database's New Digital Workforce 

Featuring Haakon Roberts, Director, Db2 for z/OS & Tools, Distinguished Engineer, and CTO, IBM z Data & AI (pictured, left) and Martin Oberhofer, IBM Vice President and Distinguished Engineer, Data Core Products (pictured, right)

Reactive database administration simply can’t keep pace with today’s complex data environments. Enter agentic agents that transform Db2 into a self-managing database. These agents continuously monitor performance, predict bottlenecks, and optimize operations without human intervention. They tune queries, manage storage, and handle routine maintenance — freeing DBAs to focus on high-value, strategic work. Join this session where, Haakon Roberts, Director, Db2 for z/OS & Tools, Distinguished Engineer, and CTO, IBM z Data & AI and Martin Oberhofer, IBM Vice President and Distinguished Engineer, Data Core Products,, will show how AI agents diagnose issues in real time, implement corrective actions, and even learn from past incidents to prevent future problems. You’ll also gain a clear view of the architectural requirements, security considerations, and best practices for building confidence in autonomous database operations. Whether you’re responsible for a single Db2 instance or managing hundreds across diverse environments, this session delivers practical insight into making AI agents indispensable members of your database team. 

Presented by IBM

Tuesday
28 October | 9:00 CET

Unveil Db2's
Hidden Treasures

Featuring Greg Lotko, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Broadcom Mainframe Software Division, Namik Hrle, Retired IBM Fellow and VP, Development, IBM Software and Chris Muncan, Manager, Mainframe Database Modernization, Sun Life

Today's mainframe is at the center of modern hybrid IT, embracing cloud and AI. But as it evolves, a critical question emerges. "How are today’s technology trends shaping the future of the mainframe? What does the journey to AI look like for mainframers? Are mainframers equipped with the modern tooling to truly unlock the mainframe’s potential and meet future demands? Join industry leaders Greg Lotko (SVP & GM at Broadcom), Namik Hrle (retired IBM Fellow), and Chris Muncan (Manager, Mainframe Database Modernization at Sun Life) as they explore the essential tools, new skills, and open mindset required for mainframers to thrive.

Presented by Broadcom

Wednesday | 29 October | 9:00 CET

Women in Technology (WIT):
Db2's New Faces: Fresh Talent, Future Perspectives

Today's IT landscape has seen attrition of Db2 and domain-specific skills. In response, hiring managers are strategically investing in young talent, bringing in individuals with a strong aptitude to learn this critical technology. This panel brings together these new Db2 users to share their unique onboarding experiences, initial challenges, and fresh insights into mastering and evolving Db2 for the future. Be part of the conversation on how the next generation of Db2 professionals can reshape the Db2 ecosystem.

Sponsored by Broadcom

Thursday | 30 October | 12:40 CET

Fundamentals and Potential of Quantum Computers

Featuring Les King, Director, Hybrid Data Management Solutions, IBM

If you've ever been interested in what's really different about quantum computing that will cause this inflection point in the world of computer science - here's your chance to find out.  There are some really cool concepts in the world of particle physics which form the foundation of the power of quantum computing.  In this session we'll have some fun and take a look at the basic concepts of particle physics which are being leveraged in quantum computers and highlight where quantum computing can really be a game changer in space of solving real world problems. We will also look at some of the challenges that we still face to bring quantum computing to the point that it can be easily adoptable in a cost-effective manner.