About Event
Night of 1000 Stars is a festive evening where our vibrant tech community gathers to celebrate creativity, knowledge, and the holiday spirit. Unlike traditional events, this night is shaped entirely by you—the attendees! 15 of our own have volunteered to present short, engaging sessions on any topic of their choice, spanning just 5–7 minutes each. From fascinating tech tidbits to unexpected personal stories, every presentation adds a unique sparkle to the night. You never know what you’ll learn, but you’re guaranteed to leave inspired.
This casual and welcoming event is all about fun and celebration. With nearly 100 exciting prizes up for grabs, including some worth up to $150, everyone has a chance to win! Trivia questions throughout the evening give you the opportunity to select a prize, while our special raffles for the very best prizes add an extra layer of excitement. Earn raffle tickets at registration, by answering trivia, or even by promoting #LISUG on social media. It’s a chance to share, connect, and embrace the season’s joy while discovering new ideas. Come for the stories, stay for the surprises, and make memories that will shine brightly long after the night ends!
Schedule
Starlit Spotlights
Kick off the evening with dazzling presentations and intriguing ideas.
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
Shooting Stars
Close out the night with even more captivating and inspiring talks.
8:00 PM
Session Ends
Wrapping up with gratitude
9:00 PM
What Will You Learn?
Unexpected Insights
Discover unique ideas and perspectives as speakers share fascinating topics of their choice, from tech trends to personal hobbies.
Community Connection
Experience the warmth of the tech community in a casual, festive setting that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
Holiday Inspiration
Soak in the holiday spirit while gaining fresh knowledge, celebrating achievements, and enjoying lively presentations.
Keynote Speakers
Steve Riedmueller
IBM i (AS400) Tech Lead at Wiley
Steve has been working on the IBM i platform in a System Administration/Engineering role since 2001. He has developed an expertise in system security, performance, communications, and various IBM and 3rd-party software packages including WAS, MQ, Apache, OnDemand, LANSA, Zend, Synon, and more. Steve holds a B.S. from Rutgers University. In recent years Steve has become a COMMON and WMCPA speaker, an N2i mentor, and taken a leadership role in the N2i committee. In the world of IBM i technology, Steve is passionate about process improvement. He enjoys leveraging IBM i SQL Services for administration/operations tasks such as security and performance, as well as automation. In his free time Steve enjoys StarCraft 2, weight lifting, and RVing.
Chris Gomez
Software Developer at PC Richard & Son
Christopher Gomez is a dedicated Software Developer at PC Richard & Son and the president of LISUG. Known for his exceptional work ethic and deep knowledge of IBM i systems, Christopher excels in modern web app development, utilizing technologies like ODBC and Next.js. As a leader in the IBM i community, Christopher orchestrates events that empower professionals with cutting-edge insights and practical skills. His expertise in integrating IBM i programs and enhancing system performance through tools like hardware replication and Live Partition Mobility has made him a respected and influential voice in the tech world.
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.
Dan Magid
CEO at Eradani
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Mitch Hoffman
Chief Door Knocker at Eradani
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Luke de Armas
Software Engineer at PC Richard & Son
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Kelly Berish
Director of Business Development at Programmers.io
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Davan Harvey
IT Ops Specialist at AdoreMe
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Ryan Taussig
Software Developer at PC Richard & Son
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Peggy Figliuolo
Computer Programmer at PC Richard & Son
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Mark Giordano
System & Security Manager at Jamaica Bearings Group
Mark Giordano brings over 20 years of expertise and innovation to the table as a seasoned information technology professional. With a proven track record of success in systems engineering within the aerospace distribution industry, Mark excels in navigating dynamic IT environments to deliver impactful results. His technical prowess, combined with exceptional project management and analytical skills, has driven cost reductions, enhanced efficiencies, and seamless systems implementations. A natural leader and communicator, Mark is skilled at directing teams, troubleshooting complex challenges, and mastering cutting-edge technologies. His dedication to consulting, training, and optimizing processes makes him a valuable asset to any organization.
Cathy Farrell
IT Manager at PC Richard & Son
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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.