Speakers, Tracks, and Session Descriptions
Attend “the best conference in the industry!"
Pink has the undisputed reputation for developing an unsurpassed line-up of speakers and meaningful subject matter. As a result of our unwavering commitment, we are very proud to present what is widely acknowledged as the most content-rich IT service management program in the industry.
An Extraordinary Education Experience
Others try, but no other industry event comes close to matching Pink’s amazing content.
The cutting edge conference program includes all things ITSM including Pink Elephant’s industry-first concepts for integrated service management, thought-provoking case studies presented by progressive, forward thinking IT practitioners, the latest business trends from subject matter experts for Lean IT, Agile, Scrum, DevOps, business relationship management, organizational change management, and much more…
ITSM: You Can Check Out, But You Can Never Leave!
Over the past 28 years, Pink has developed very spirited and fun themes to help convey meaningful and relevant messages about IT and business in general. Many themes have been music based because, well, we Pinkers love music and everyone knows that music has universal appeal and helps bring people together!
For Pink25, we once again embrace the world of music - we borrow the next conference theme from rock ‘n roll and the Eagles, one of the greatest bands of all time.
In the Eagles’ song, Hotel California, the line, “ you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave” is often interpreted as referring to a sense of entrapment. In the context of IT service management, the line can relate to the idea that many IT organizations have felt trapped within the confines of particular frameworks and so-called best practices, and they have never fully grasped how to positively and seamlessly engrain the needed management approaches and processes into the organization’s operations and culture. There may be some success, but there are many organizations who have felt entangled in theory. At the same time, these same organization also recognize that if addressed in a different way, the needed processes can be deeply integrated into the organization with successful outcomes … but, how?
Pink25’s program, with help from the Eagles, will showcase what you need to know…
Spirited, Engaging, and Highly Educational
ITSM is here to stay. If managed effectively there are many business gains. But what can you learn from music and the Eagles about how to do it right? Rock bands and ITSM can be likened in many ways. Just as a band consists of members with different roles and skills (singer, guitarist, drummer, etc.), the field of ITSM includes professionals with diverse expertise (process owners, support analysts, ITSM leaders, project managers, etc.) who collaborate to achieve the department's goals. In both setups, teamwork, communication, and coordination are essential for success. Just as a band needs to synchronize their instruments and vocals to create harmonious music, ITSM professionals must coordinate efforts to ensure smooth operations and innovative solutions. Both the band and ITSM thrive on creativity, adaptability, and the ability to think quickly to handle unexpected challenges and changes in the environment.
Attend this not-to-be-missed, spirited, engaging and highly educational event to learn from one of the greatest rock bands of all time, how to stay “checked in” to ITSM!
Pre-Conference Sunday Workshops – for Executive VIP and Platinum Premium Passholders
Presented on Sunday, February 2, 2025, these are three-hour masterclass sessions exclusively for Executive VIP and Platinum Premium passholders. To learn more about Executive VIP and Platinum Premium passes, click here.
The workshops are invaluably rich in content and discussions and are led by Pink Elephant’s highly talented and experienced consultants. Executive VIP attendees may choose from seven workshops that include two leadership-focused ones, while Platinum passholder attendees may choose from five that are focused on process maturity and process improvements.
To maximize participation, all workshops are presented twice: Sunday morning (8:30am – 11:30am) and Sunday afternoon (1:00pm to 4:00pm).
Understanding, Applying, and Implementing the IT/Business Model as an Organizational System
Jack Probst, Ed. D., Principal IT Management Consultant (retired), Pink Elephant
The Evolving IT Service Organization
Troy DuMoulin, VP, Research & Development, Pink Elephant
Process Maturity Assessments: What It Really Takes to Establish and Manage Highly Effective ITSM Processes
Pink Elephant Consultants:
George Spalding, VP & Executive Consultant
Jennifer Wels,
Senior IT Management Consultant
Charlie Miles, Principal IT
Management Consultant
Graham Furnis, IT Management
Consultant
Matthew Bowles, Principal IT Management
Consultant
Keynote & Power Hour Presentations
The world is full of people who make a difference! Truly courageous and inspirational people. Uninhibited, no-holds-barred progressive thinkers. Revolutionary idea-generators. Each year, we bring you the best of the best!
Find a Way
Diana Nyad, Author, Journalist, Long-Distance Swimmer
What I Learned from 100 Days of Rejection
Jia Jiang, Author, Ted Talk Speaker, Entrepreneur
Murder on the Change Management Express: Is Change Management Killing Your Culture?
Anthony Casablanca, Co-Founder and President, GriefLeaders LLC
Out of the Frying Pan – Diagnosing, Preventing, and Curing Burnout
Denise Ryan, Firestar
Establishing a Service Management Office
Troy DuMoulin, VP, Research & Development, Pink Elephant
Learning From Failure…Is It Possible? YES!
Jack Probst, Ed.D., Principal IT Management Consultant (retired), Pink Elephant
The Jelly Effect
Jack Probst, Ed.D., Principal IT Management Consultant (retired), Pink Elephant
How to Level Up Your Organization with GenAI
Gaurav Shekhar, Senior Assistant Dean, Professor and Program Director, The University of Texas at Dallas
Track 1 – Peaceful Easy Feeling: Organizational Change Management
When change initiatives fail (and according to research, they do often!), they rarely fail because of the technical side of change; they fail on the people and culture side. Change is constant and organizational change management (OCM) is a must-have skill that leaders need to manage the all-important people and culture side of change. Whether the change is small or radical, resistance and disruptions are often encountered which can create very messy situations. Learn what it takes to get a “peaceful easy feeling” and avoid the consequences of poorly managed changes in your IT organization.
Keys to Powerful Leadership Communication during Organizational Change
Robin Hysick, Senior IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
and
Charlie Miles, Principal IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
The 7 Pillars of Culture
Robin Hysick, Senior IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
and
Charlie Miles, Principal IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
Using the Change Fingerprint Framework© to Create Change Capacity
Jacqueline Kappers, Associate – Capillary Consulting
Using the 20/20 Change Model to Lead Successful Organizational Change
Robin Hysick, Senior IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
Navigating an ITSM Transformation Journey: Part 1 – ‘New Kid in Town’
Betsy Watts, Client Services Manager, Enterprise Services, and
Ericka Westphal, Process and Controls Manager, North Dakota University System
Navigating an ITSM Transformation Journey: Part 2 – ‘From Life in the Fast Lane’ to a ‘Peaceful Easy Feeling’
Betsy Watts, Client Services Manager, Enterprise Services, and
Ericka Westphal, Process and Controls Manager, North Dakota University System
The Service Management Office and OCM – Why We Can’t Be Successful without Each Other
West Richter Jr., Director, Global IT Service Delivery, Moog, Inc.
Track 2 – New Kid in Town: integratedITSM™
Everybody is talking about, ‘The New Kid in Town’! IntegratedITSM™ co-developed by Pink Elephant and PDC represents a relatively fresh approach that is gaining increased attention in the industry. Like a new kid in town, it brings excitement and potential disruption to the established order. The teachings of this new body of knowledge are based on Pink’s consultants’ many decades of helping CIOs and IT practitioners and yes, even tool vendors, implement real-world, practical solutions, not theory. It offers progressive and innovative ideas and perspectives for IT service management.
The Long Run – Realizing IT Value Using IT Fiscal Management
Mark A. Freed, IT Service Management Maturation Project Director, State of Oregon and
Melissa Gloor, IT Director of Business Operations, State of Oregon
Take It to the Limit – Service Management as a Service
Mark A. Freed, IT Service Management Maturation Project Director, State of Oregon
The 9 Essential Building Blocks for ITSM Process Management Success (In the Real World!)
Pink Elephant Consultants:
Graham Furnis, IT Management Consultant
Jennifer Wels,
Senior IT Management Consultant
Charlie Miles, Principal IT
Management Consultant
Maximizing IT Performance and Driving Continuous Improvement: Key Concepts and Strategies
Matthew Bowles, Principal IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
Information Session: The integratedITSM™ Designation Scheme
Felipe Villegas, Managing Director, Professional Designations Corp.
Enabling integratedITSM™ with DevOps, Agile, and Lean
Troy DuMoulin, VP, Research & Development, Pink Elephant
Experience Management (XM) and ITSM
Matthew Bowles, Principal IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
The integratedITSM™ System
Troy DuMoulin, VP, Research & Development, Pink Elephant
The 9 Essential Building Blocks for Successful ITSM Process Management – An Overview
Matthew Bowles, Principal IT Management Consultant, Pink
Elephant
Jennifer Wels,
Senior IT Management Consultant
A Day in the Life of a Business Relationship Manager
Chauma Smith Guss, IT Business Relationship Manager II, Texas A&M University
Track 3 – One of These Nights: AI and Emerging Trends
The future is now! Attend these sessions to learn about the most important trends shaping today’s business world and IT service management, including AI.
AI and Service Management – the Changing Landscape of IT Services
Gaurav Shekhar, Senior Assistant Dean, Professor and Program Director, The University of Texas at Dallas
The Next Generation of Service and Experience Management
Alan Nance, Strategic Technology Leader, Pioneer of ITSM, Digital Experience Expert
At the End of the Day, It’s All about How I Feel – Experience Management!
Mike Vikdal, Author, President – Auslyn Group
Maximizing AI's Impact: Five Ways to Energize ITSM Workflows across Your Digital Enterprise
Kumaravel Ramakrishnan, Product Marketing Director, ManageEngine
From What the? to World Class: A Journey in Experience Management for IT Excellence
Dr. Josh Nelson, Director of Technology Experience, Power Design, Inc.
How to DO Experience Design
Matt Beran, Sr. Product Marketing Specialist, InvGate
AI Augmented ITSM
Troy DuMoulin, VP, Research & Development, Pink Elephant and
Robin Hysick, Senior IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
Top Emerging Business and IT Trends, and Considerations for ITSM
David Ratcliffe, President, Pink Elephant
Troy DuMoulin, VP, Research & Development, Pink Elephant
Charles Betz, VP and Research Director, Enterprise Architecture, Forrester Research
Alan Nance, Strategic Technology Leader, Pioneer of ITSM, Digital Experience Expert
Elaine Lauritzen, Managing Director, HR and ID Center, Office of IT – Brigham Young University
Gaurav Shekhar, Senior Assistant Dean, Professor and Program Director, The University of Texas at Dallas
Top Trends in Enterprise Architecture 2025
Charles Betz, VP and Research Director, Enterprise Architecture, Forrester Research
Communication – A Key Skill to Remaining Productive and Relevant in the Age of Generative AI
Jack Probst, Ed. D., Principal IT Management Consultant (retired), Pink Elephant
Unveiling AI's Heart and Brain: An ITSM and AI Journey Inspired by "The Wizard of Oz"
Katrina Macdermid, Co-founder & Director, HIT Global and
Wesley Eugene, SVP, HIT Global North America (former CIO & Partner IDEO)
Transform Tier 1 Support with GenAI – Lessons and Best Practices
Travis Greene, Senior Director of ITOM Product Marketing, OpenTEXT
Track 4 – Best of My Love: IT Leadership
It takes a lot of knowledge and skills to be a good IT business leader – including the ability to show gratitude, know how to cultivate strong cultures, and be an effective communicator and influencer – just to name a few! Heavy duty and progressive case study practitioners and industry experts are on hand to share lessons learned and how to add business value.
‘C’ Is for Culture: The Recipe for Creating a Winning Workplace Culture
Maggie Layfield, VP US and LATAM Sales, NetSupport
From Bureaucracy to Breakthroughs: Lessons in IT Transformation and Innovation
Christopher Flanagan, Chief Information Officer, Vault Insurance
Metrics for the Long Run
Elaine Lauritzen, Managing Director, HR and ID Center, Office of IT – Brigham Young University
Lessons in Leadership from Rock and Roll
Joseph Hayes, Sr. VP & COO, Marsh McLennan Agency
Leadership Decision Making in an Era of Uncertainty
Jack Probst, Ed. D., Principal IT Management Consultant (retired), Pink Elephant
Communication and Power for Women
Denise Ryan, Firestar
Defining, Modeling, and Costing IT Services
Troy DuMoulin, VP, Research & Development, Pink Elephant
Track 5 – Life in the Fast Lane: Tools and Technology
Automation and tools help support IT service management processes and continuous improvement initiatives. This track includes product demos and thought leadership from some of the world’s leading suppliers and subject matter experts.
Product Demo: PinkATLAS
Robin Hysick, Senior IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant and
Brian Curry, Senior Account Manager, Pink Elephant
Product Demo: PinkSCAN
Jennifer Wels, Senior IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant and
Brian Curry, Senior Account Manager, Pink Elephant
Product Demo – Unlocking Change through Gamification: New Tools for Transforming Organizational Culture
Kristin Bryce, Founder and CEO, Managed Chaos Innovations
Better IT Decision-Making with Experience Data
Sakari Kyrö, Product Strategy Lead, HappySignals
How Do I Go about Selecting an ITSM Tool for My IT Organization?
Charlie Miles, Principal IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
The Secret to Recruiting, Hiring, Training, and KEEPING Great Level 1 Help Desk Technicians
J. Colin Petersen, Founder and CEO, HelpDesk.tech
Track 6 – The Long Run: IT Service Management
Pink’s conference profiles the best of the best! Power-packed ITSM case studies, authors, industry and subject matter experts, and mavericks making a difference! We bring them all to you including success stories that provide you-can-do-it-too inspiration.
Humanising IT™
Katrina Macdermid, Co-founder & Director, HIT Global and
Wesley Eugene, SVP, HIT Global North America (former CIO & Partner IDEO)
Continuous Improvement: Changing Your Service Management Mindset
Dee Dee Gober, Director, IT Business Operations, Rotary International
Demystifying the Mythical CMDB – the Unicorn of Efficient IT Management
Dominic Megens, IT Service Management Solution Architect, Standard Bank of South Africa
ITSM Jam Sessions
Facilitated by Pink Elephant Consultants
Designing an Effective & Scalable Categorization Structure
Troy DuMoulin, VP, Research & Development, Pink Elephant
Track 7 – Take It Easy: Lean, Agile, DevOps
All IT professionals should know about Lean, Agile, and DevOps best practices, approaches, and methodologies. These are must-haves and key ingredients to your overall IT service management successes!
Lean Doesn’t Mean Do Less
Gary Case, Senior Manager, Vintun LLC
The Impact of Agile and Product Centricity on the IT Operating Model
Charles Betz, VP and Research Director, Enterprise Architecture, Forrester Research
Holistic Problem Solving with Lean/Six Sigma
Troy DuMoulin, VP, Research & Development, Pink Elephant
A Leader’s Guide to Value Stream Mapping
Jennifer Wels, Senior IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
and
Graham Furnis, IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
The Lean IT Leader
Troy DuMoulin, VP, Research & Development, Pink Elephant
How to Accelerate Speed and Business Value Using Agile Scrum
Matthew Bowles, Principal IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
Lean Thinking: Why It’s a Must-Have for IT Practitioners
Graham Furnis, IT Management Consultant, Pink Elephant
15 Essential Practices for DevOps Success
George Spalding, VP & Executive Consultant, Pink Elephant
Networking
Pink25 has numerous opportunities to network and gather with like-minded professionals. Engage in live, in-person, thought-provoking and interesting discussions – while enjoying the highly spirited and fun, one-of-a-kind electric energy of Pink’s annual event.
Sunday Welcome & Networking Reception
Sunday Executive VIP Networking Dine Arounds
Monday & Tuesday Networking Receptions
Wednesday Networking Reception