Event Date
December 14, 2023
Time
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
About Event
Step into a magical evening with LISUG's Night of 1000 Stars, a December event that promises a captivating mix of short, engaging presentations and community camaraderie. The charm of this event lies in its spontaneity and diversity, as our members present a variety of topics in just 5-7 minutes each. The atmosphere is casual and lively, encouraging everyone to share their passion, whether it’s a quirky hobby, a brilliant idea, or a humorous anecdote.
From the moment you enter, you'll be immersed in a festive ambiance filled with laughter, learning, and a touch of holiday cheer. The event is structured to be interactive and inclusive, fostering meaningful discussions and connections among participants. It’s not just an event; it’s a community gathering where every voice matters.
Schedule
Pre-Session
Insightful presentations by our speakers.
5:00 PM
Networking & Cocktail Hour
Connect and enjoy our open bar.
6:00 PM
Dinner & Q&A
Interactive session over dinner.
7:00 PM
Main Session
Deep dive into advanced topics.
8:00 PM
Session Ends
Wrapping up with gratitude
9:00 PM
What Will You Learn?
Engaging Topics
Explore a variety of exciting and entertaining topics presented by our talented members.
Interactive Discussions
Participate in lively discussions, ask questions, and connect with fellow participants to enhance your understanding and experience.
Prize Opportunities
Learn about and have the chance to win from a pool of 50 amazing prizes, adding an element of excitement to the event.
Keynote Speakers
Charles Kaplan
Chairman at The Museum of Gaming History
Charles Kaplan is the Chairman of The Museum of Gaming History and a Senior Sales Executive at iTech Solutions, where he has excelled in reselling IBM Power Servers for over eight years. With an MBA from Baruch College and a B.S. in Computer Science from Stony Brook University, Charles has a rich background in technology and sales. He also teaches Web Database Development at Farmingdale State College and has held various leadership roles, including Past President of the Long Island System Users Group. His dedication extends to preserving gaming history through his work at the museum.
Justin Loeber
Owner / CEO at Kisco Systems
Justin is the CEO of Kisco Systems, a renowned developer of IBM i security and compliance software. At Kisco, he leads the mission to secure every IBM i system by prioritizing education within the IBM i community about security measures, consistently enhancing product offerings, and delivering unmatched value. With a profound history in the IBM midrange sphere, stemming from his family's establishment of Kisco Systems in 1984, Justin transitioned to Kisco in 2021 after a successful career in web applications and IT leadership, including various CIO roles. His decision to join Kisco reflects his commitment to steering the company towards an exclusive focus on IBM i security solutions.
Michael Jacobs
IBM i Architect at United HealthCare
Mike Jacobs brings a wealth of experience to IBM i Systems Management, tracing his journey back to the AS/400 era with V2R1. Over the years, he has lent his expertise to esteemed organizations such as Home Insurance, EMI-Capitol Records, JP Morgan Chase, and presently, United HealthCare, where he serves as their IBM i Architect. Mike's professional journey includes a myriad of accomplishments, from orchestrating OS upgrades and hardware migrations to leading Production/DR Role swaps and implementing advanced security measures like encrypted communications. Notably, he has played pivotal roles in industry groups, serving as a senior co-chair of the Large User Group (LUG) and president of LISUG, where he currently serves on the board. Beyond his professional pursuits, Mike shares his passion for creativity at craft shows with his wife, Joanne, showcasing her remarkable artwork.
Clark Heiser
Project Manager at PC Richard & Son
Clark Heiser is a Project Manager at PC Richard & Son, with over 30 years of experience in the retail industry. He has a robust background as a Senior Software Developer, skilled in IBM i, IBM DB2, and retail technologies. Clark holds both a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Mathematics from Herbert H. Lehman College. His career at PC Richard & Son includes roles as a Sr. Programmer/Analyst and Project Manager. Prior to this, he worked as an AVP, Programmer/Analyst at Marsh & McLennan Companies, and a Programmer/Analyst at Anistics, a division of Alexander & Alexander.
Lenny Thaw
Information Security Officer at PC Richard & Son
Leonard Thaw is the Information Security Officer at PC Richard & Son, with nine years of dedicated service. He has a strong background in IT, having served as an IT Specialist at the same company. Leonard's experience extends beyond IT, including roles as Operations Manager at The Lend A Hand Project and President of Easy Systems, Inc. He has also held several educational positions, such as Director of Education at various temples. Leonard's extensive expertise in information security and IT management makes him a valuable asset to any organization.
Dave Weissman
IT Project Manager at PC Richard & Son
Dave Weissman is an accomplished IT Generalist and leader in the planning, design, and development of corporate applications. Currently, he serves as an IT Project Manager at PC Richard & Son, where he has been instrumental for over 13 years. Prior to this, Dave worked as an IT Consultant for RCM Technologies and MSC Industrial Supply Co., amassing over a decade of experience. He also held a consulting role at Claremont Technology Group, enhancing his expertise in IT solutions. Dave's extensive background and leadership in IT make him a valuable asset in any technological endeavor.
Noel Persaud
Technical Support Engineer at Interactive Brokers
Noel Persaud is a Technical Support Engineer at Interactive Brokers, bringing over a decade of exceptional client service in IT support. With a comprehensive understanding of customized desktop, virtual, and networking solutions, Noel excels in hardware builds, upgrades, and special projects. He is a certified CompTIA A+ IT Professional and proficient in multiple operating systems, applications, and networking tools. Known for his effective communication skills, Noel adeptly collaborates with both technical and non-technical team members to support hardware, software, and virtual environments.
Binal Patel
Software Engineer at PC Richard & Son
Binal Patel is a Software Engineer at PC Richard & Son with over five years of experience in front-end development. Proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks like React.js, Vue.js, and Angular.js, Binal excels in creating responsive websites and web applications. His prior roles include Full Stack Developer at ARJ Smokes and Web Designer at Syntextech. Binal is known for his expertise in developing elegant user interfaces and custom CMS systems, enhancing the functionality and user experience of web platforms across various industries.