VMblog: Give us a quick overview of what the DISRUPT event is all about. And what should folks who haven't attended before know about the event?
Carl Gersh: IGEL DISRUPT is the only global event in 2024 that is solely focused on EUC. This event is the perfect opportunity for attendees to learn about the EUC trends transforming the industry. For example, IGEL is redefining the very essence of endpoint computing through its Preventative Security ModelTM, which has been designed to support the Zero Trust and SASE initiatives that eliminate endpoint vulnerabilities targeted by bad actors.
We are excited to welcome visionaries, technologists, and customers who will converge on IGEL DISRUPT 24 to gain insights that will help them secure and elevate end-user computing within their organizations.
VMblog: What's the theme for this year's event? Last year, we saw a lot of "YES!". What should we expect for 2024?
Carl Gersh: In January, IGEL announced its new brand and a game-changing approach to secure enterprises with the endpoint operating system (OS) that is redefining endpoint security. Our new company vision for "Now & Next" will be a central theme at IGEL DISRUPT 24.
"Now & Next" is all about solving the problems that the IT industry faces, with an eye toward the future. Over the past five years, significant changes have occurred. From the shift to hybrid and remote to the increase in cybersecurity threats that affect data, applications, and infrastructure to the rise of AI-driven technologies. This has created new challenges for businesses and IT leaders - challenges they must solve today to secure and elevate the end-user computing experience.
VMblog: The show had been in Nashville for a couple of years. This year, it's moving to Miami. What was the decision behind the move? What do you expect from Miami?
Carl Gersh: While we liked Nashville very much, we chose Miami to attract attendees from all the regions where IGEL does business. The beautiful weather, world-class dining and entertainment, and the fact that it is easy to get to, with three major airports within driving distance, make it a very attractive locale. Miami also has a flourishing technology hub.
Also, it's important to note that IGEL DISRUPT 24 in Miami is a global event for IGEL and our sponsors. In previous years, IGEL DISRUPT has consisted of two separate events held on different continents. Having a single event in Miami will allow us to focus all our time and resources on delivering the best possible IGEL DISRUPT experience to our sponsors and attendees. In September, we will hold a separate IGEL DISRUPT event in Munich tailored specifically for our partners and customers in the EMEA region.
VMblog: As the event host, what are you most excited about for IGEL DISRUPT 24?
Carl Gersh: IGEL DISRUPT 24 will provide attendees with an incredible opportunity to hear from and engage with more than 45 thought leaders and visionaries, including analysts and technology experts. Our keynote speakers for this event include Mark Templeton, Independent Board Director, Mentor, Consultant, and former CEO of Citrix, and Gabe Knuth, Senior Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group.
Attendees will also learn about the cutting-edge solutions revolutionizing work now and in the future through 35+ technical deep dives and breakout sessions. The jam-packed agenda will feature sessions on EUC transformation, healthcare IT, cybersecurity, and more, presented by IGEL's technology and channel partners.
VMblog: DISRUPT has become known as "The Ultimate EUC Event" - what do you see as some of the biggest challenges companies will face in 2024 in the EUC space?
Carl Gersh: Businesses and IT leaders struggle to keep up with new developments and opportunities. IGEL DISRUPT 24 is the only event of its kind that is solely focused on EUC. The event will bring together thought leaders from various industries to discuss the latest advancements in digital workspaces and endpoint protection. Attendees can expect to gain expert insights that they can take back to their organizations to help drive more meaningful conversations around solving the business and technology challenges they face today.
VMblog: Which companies in the IGEL ecosystem can we expect to see at IGEL DISRUPT 24?
Carl Gersh: IGEL DISRUPT 24 more sponsors this year than ever before. Diamond-level sponsors and exhibitors include HP, LG Business Solutions, and Lenovo. At the Platinum-level we have Microsoft, Citrix, and Broadcom's EUC Division. Gold-level includes ControlUp, Cherry, Island, Nerdio and Workspot. Our Silver-level sponsors and exhibitors are AWS, Certify Global-AuthX, ComputerVault, eG Innovations, Imprivata, Liquidware, LoginVSI, Parallels Alludo, Tricerat and World of EUC.
Distribution partners sponsoring IGEL DISRUPT are Arrow Electronics and Ingram Micro.
VMblog: What hot topics are being discussed on stage at IGEL DISRUPT this year? Who are some of the big names that will be presenting?
Carl Gersh: During IGEL DISRUPT 24, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from our partners and customers about endpoint security and how to future-proof their digital workspaces. We will also have content tracks on "modernizing healthcare IT" and cybersecurity, as well as a track for CXOs. Attendees also won't want to miss our Technical Certifications and Bootcamps with Microsoft, Citrix, and Broadcom's EUC Division.
Our presenters include Alex Thatcher, Director Cloud Clients, HP Inc.; David Cree, Executive Director, Lenovo Cloud & Software - GIC, Lenovo; Phillip Johnson, Sales Director, IT Endpoint Device Team, LG; Sridhar Mullapudi, EVP and General Manager, Citrix @ Cloud Software Group; Scott Manchester, VP, Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Microsoft; and Bharath Rangarajan, GM and VP of Products, Broadcom EUC.
VMblog: What do you want attendees to take away from IGEL DISRUPT 24?
Carl Gersh: Ultimately, we want attendees to leave IGEL DISRUPT 24 inspired with renewed energy and practical strategies for leveraging IGEL's technology and our partner ecosystem to enhance and safeguard the ever-changing modern work experience.
VMblog: IGEL always brings fun to DISRUPT. Can you talk about what fun activities you have planned this year?
Carl Gersh: Our attendees should prepare for education, inspiration, and market-leading insights to get you ready for the year ahead and beyond. They can expect exciting keynotes, breakouts, and announcements amid the buzzing backdrop of live music, local food experiences, and plenty of surprises. They also won't want to miss the industry's largest partner expo focused on EUC and endpoint security, and entertainment by Pablo Reyes, Founding Member of the Grammy award-winning Gipsy Kings.
VMblog: Where can someone find out more information about IGEL DISRUPT 24? And how can they sign up and register?
Carl Gersh: To learn more about IGEL DISRUPT 24, visit https://www.igel.com/disrupt24. Registration is available here.
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