HFT Connect (HFTC)

Celebrating Sponsor Appreciation Month, we’re excited to extend our heartfelt thanks to one of HFTC's Gold sponsors, Thrive! Thrive has been one of the most active sponsors this year, attending and sponsoring numerous events that have significantly enriched our community. Their support has been instrumental in promoting vibrant discussions and valuable networking opportunities among our members. This year, Thrive played a crucial role in all our major dinner conferences, where they engaged with our members on the latest advancements in Hyperautomation, Applied AI and Cybersecurity. Thrive's commitment to sharing their wealth of knowledge with the community was further evident with their role of featured speaker at our Q3 Dinner Conference, our Leadership Breakfast and HFTC Live! sessions. They also fostered meaningful interactions at Beers & Bytes, Poker Night, and one of our favorite Bonfire events to date. We look forward to seeing them at our first HFTCON event this November! Special thanks to Jim Nekos , Daniel Bartucci , Scot Guido , Tim Kennedy, Alex Byrne, and Dave Sampson for representing Thrive and contributing to the dynamic discussions. Thrive is the leading partner in the financial services industry, delivering global technology outsourcing for cybersecurity, Cloud, networking, and other complex IT requirements. Thrive's NextGen platform enables customers to increase business efficiencies through standardization, scalability, and automation, delivering oversized technology returns on investment (ROI). They accomplish this with advisory services, vCISO, vCIO, consulting, project implementation, solution architects, and a best-in-class subscription-based technology platform. Thrive delivers exceptional high-touch service through its POD approach of subject matter experts and global 24x7x365 SOC, NOC, and centralized services teams. Thank you to Thrive for their incredible support and contributions to our community. Your partnership helps us elevate our events and provide unparalleled experiences for our members. We are excited to continue this partnership in the years ahead. Want to learn more about sponsorship opportunities? Connect with [email protected] #HFTC #ConnectWithUs #SponsorAppreciationMonth #AnnualSponsors #Sponsorship #TechnologyProfessionals #Cybersecurity #Cloud #Networking #ITOutsourcing" #ConnectWithUs

What an incredible session we had at our latest HFTC Live! on Zoom event "Scripting and Automation as an Infrastructure Professional". It was one of our highest-attended Zoom sessions this year, and we appreciate everyone who joined us. The discussion on the significance of automation in different infrastructure roles was enlightening, with valuable insights on essential automation. The session highlighted the evolving role of scripting and automation in modern infrastructure, with an engaging debate on Python vs. PowerShell, the impacts of cloud adoption, and API vs. SDK. Our panelists shared best practices for handling credentials in a cloud-based environment, emphasizing the use of access tokens and avoiding basic authentication. They also explored credential management tools such as Azure Key Vault, HashiCorp, and Keeper Security Manager. The discussion on code management and orchestration provided practical advice on storing code and building systems with a team, using tools like Azure Automation Accounts and Azure DevOps. Grant reiterated the importance of dedicated tests and creating workflows that are precise and well-documented, while Hayes recommended starting with simple tasks like building a user in Active Directory with PowerShell to get familiar with data types. Special appreciation goes to Paul Ponzeka for being an outstanding host and moderator. He created an event that was highly educational and engaging from end to end. A big thank you to Grant Bay, and Hayes Warner for their knowledgeable contributions, and to Abacus Group for sponsoring the event. If you would like to become an HFTC member, we welcome your application: https://lnkd.in/drgKpqwA #HFTC #HFTCLive #TechCommunity #EventRecap #Automation #Scripting #CredentialManagement #CodeOrchestration #ThankYou #AbacusGroup #ConnectWithUs

Celebrating Sponsor Appreciation Month, we’re excited to extend our heartfelt thanks to one of HFTC's Bronze sponsors, Aiden! We are immensely grateful to Aiden for their dedication to driving technological advancements and their participation in our events. Their involvement in the Q1'24 Dinner Conference on "Hyperautomation and the Technology Renaissance" brought a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the room. Additionally, Aiden's presence at the Leadership Dinner "Unleash your CTO Potential with MSP Collaboration" initiated valuable discussions and key takeaways on working together to strengthen the industry as a whole. Josh Aaron's contributions at both of these events were particularly noteworthy. We also appreciated having Jay Martin at one of our events and hope to continue meeting more of the Aiden team in the future. Aiden is a white-glove application packaging service that uses an AI bot to scale endpoint management across customers, efficiently handling Windows and software deployments and patch management. With AidenBot and their extensive software library, Aiden sets up and keeps your Windows computers up-to-date for their entire lifecycle, increasing cyber hygiene, efficiency, and end-user experience. We have enjoyed our partnership and all of the thought leadership Aiden has brought to the HFTC community. We look forward to continuing to explore how we can advance the industry together! Want to learn more about sponsorship opportunities? Connect with [email protected] #HFTC #SponsorAppreciationMonth #AnnualSponsors #Sponsorship #TechnologyProfessionals #Hyperautomation #DigitalTransformation #ConnectWithUs

Celebrating Sponsor Appreciation Month, we’re excited to extend our heartfelt thanks to one of HFTC's Bronze sponsors, Omega Systems! Omega Systems values the importance of building a strong community within the industry and supports everything HFTC stands for. Aside from contributing valuable content, we love how they appreciate the significance of networking and actively participate in our events. This year, Omega Systems sponsored a variety of key events, including our quarterly Dinner Conferences, Beers & Bytes, and Local Socials. Their consistent presence and engagement at these events highlight Omega Systems' commitment to the HFTC community and its growth. Special thanks to Warren Finkel , John Stroili , Andrew Schattman, Rick Mutzel, and Max Iles for their participation and for sharing their expertise with our members. Their involvement has significantly enhanced the quality of our events, encouraging meaningful discussions and valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, a heartfelt shout out to Kaleigh Alessandro for being such a pleasure to collaborate with. Her dedication and commitment have greatly contributed to the success of this partnership, and her longstanding history with HFTC is truly appreciated. As a multi-award-winning MSP and MSSP, Omega Systems is passionate about delivering the security and compliance expertise today’s businesses need alongside the responsive and reliable managed IT support they deserve. Omega’s service-driven IT solutions are designed to help customers leverage technology to fuel efficiencies, mitigate risk, and empower growth and success. They support that commitment by injecting trust, innovation, and service excellence into every engagement – delivering a superior and satisfying customer experience that stands out among other MSPs. Thank you to Omega Systems for their incredible support and contributions to our community. Your partnership helps us elevate our events and provide exceptional experiences for our members. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and growth with Omega Systems. Want to learn more about sponsorship opportunities? Connect with [email protected] #HFTC #ConnectWithUs #SponsorAppreciationMonth #AnnualSponsors #Sponsorship #TechnologyProfessionals #MSP #MSSP #Security #Compliance #ConnectWithUs

We are so happy to announce the esteemed sponsors for HFTCON 2024! This year's conference is set to be a remarkable event, thanks to the participation and contributions of our sponsors! Our Platinum Sponsor, Saberin Data Platform, will play a significant role at HFTCON 2024. They will be featured as a speaker, providing invaluable insights and knowledge. Additionally, Saberin will be hosting a Showcase Session, maintaining an Exhibition Table, and offering an Exclusive Event, for attendees. Among our Gold Sponsors, Thrive will be represented by two attendees who will be sharing their expertise and engaging with participants throughout the conference. eSentire, another Gold Sponsor, will be setting up an Exhibition Table and will also have two attendees actively participating and networking during the event. FinServ, our Silver Sponsor, will contribute to the conference as a panelist, offering their perspective on critical industry topics. They will also have an Exhibition Table and will be represented by two attendees, making it a fantastic opportunity for meaningful interactions. Chelsea Tech, also one of our Silver sponsors, will be sponsoring the music at HFTCON 2024. Their support will ensure a lively and entertaining atmosphere, providing the perfect backdrop for networking and socializing throughout the conference. Promenet Inc., our Ad-Hoc Sponsor, will be hosting a Showcase Session (SS) and will have an attendee present to engage with the conference participants. Their involvement is sure to add significant value to the event. Additionally, we are excited to have Nebulas.co joining us as a Silver sponsor! Join us at HFTCON 2024 to connect with these industry leaders and gain valuable insights from their sessions and exhibits. This conference promises to be an exceptional platform for networking, learning, and innovation. This event is exclusively for HFTC Members, who can register here: https://lnkd.in/eW86dCiR If you would like to become an HFTC member, we welcome your application: https://lnkd.in/drgKpqwA #HFTCON2024 #TechInnovation #Leadership #Networking #InformationSecurity #ContinuousLearning #EventAnnouncement #ConnectWithUs

We are excited to announce a special content segment at our upcoming HFTCON event: "Excellence in Community Leadership." This segment will honor and recognize the exemplary leadership and achievements of our HFTC Recognized Members from 2022 and beyond. Featuring industry leaders Paul Ponzeka, CISSP, Eric Madeson , Germán Ospina, Alexander Zhivov, and Michael Cafaro the discussion will focus on their unique contributions and insights into effective leadership and community impact in the modern era. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from some of the top leaders in our industry and to celebrate their outstanding achievements. Don’t miss this inspiring and informative session at HFTCON. Mark your calendars for November 21, 2024, and join us at Penthouse 45 for a day filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities. We look forward to seeing you there! This event is exclusively for HFTC Members, who can register here: https://lnkd.in/eW86dCiR If you would like to become an HFTC member, we welcome your application: https://lnkd.in/drgKpqwA #HFTC #HFTCON #Leadership #Innovation #Community #HFTC #IndustryLeaders #Event #Networking #LeadershipExcellence #ConnectWithUs

We are elated to announce that A. J. Fried, Head of Technology Operations at Bessemer Trust, will be joining us as a panelist at HFTCON 2024! A.J. Fried is an accomplished information technology professional with over 20 years of experience managing enterprise technology infrastructure and operations. Throughout his career, A.J. has worn many hats, serving as an infrastructure engineer, software developer, and project manager. He has participated in countless projects and witnessed numerous technology transformations over the years. With a rich background that began as a NetWare Certified Novell Engineer (CNE), A.J. has a deep understanding of the evolving IT landscape. His expertise spans across various domains, making him a versatile and knowledgeable leader in the field. Currently, A.J. oversees multiple security and technology vectors, ensuring the security, compliance, and reliability of IT systems. He excels at building and optimizing security programs, uncovering and mitigating risks, and leading large-scale initiatives. A.J. is also an expert in front-end and back-end physical, virtual, and cloud infrastructure, enabling secure and efficient environments for production, development, and testing. His mission is to leverage his skills and experience to empower teams, foster a security-aware culture, and deliver value to clients and stakeholders. Join us at HFTCON, where A.J. Fried will be a panelist in our "What Innovation Means in 2025" segment. A.J. has been at the forefront of managing and optimizing technology operations, particularly in the realms of security and compliance. He will share his insights on building robust security programs, uncovering and mitigating risks, and ensuring the reliability of IT systems in an era of rapid technological advancements. The panel will also explore real-world examples of early adopters and discuss how leveraging off-the-shelf systems can facilitate smoother integration of new technologies. Don't miss this chance to learn from his experiences and gain practical guidance for the future. This event is exclusively for HFTC Members, who can register here: https://lnkd.in/eW86dCiR If you would like to become an HFTC member, we welcome your application: https://lnkd.in/drgKpqwA #HFTCON2024 #TechInnovation #Leadership #Networking #InformationSecurity #ContinuousLearning #EventAnnouncement #ConnectWithUs

We are excited to announce that Stephen Norman, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Brandywine, will be a panelist at HFTCON 2024! Stephen joined Brandywine in 1998 when the company was a small team of just seven individuals. Over the years, he has demonstrated his technical prowess and leadership, ultimately rising to his current position as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. A self-taught programmer, Stephen has developed multiple critical applications for Brandywine, significantly enhancing the company's client reporting capabilities. His technical skills extend to networking, firewalls, and routers, making him a versatile and invaluable asset to Brandywine. Stephen's educational background, combined with his hands-on experience and self-acquired skills, has positioned him as a key player in Brandywine's technological advancements and strategic growth. His dedication and continuous drive to innovate make him an exemplary leader in the field. Join us at HFTCON, where Steve Norman will be a panelist in our "What Innovation Means in 2025" segment. Steve has made significant strides in preparing for advancements in generative AI and emerging technologies. He will share his insights on organizing data, implementing effective policies, and maintaining efficiency to stay ahead in the tech landscape. The panel will also explore real-world examples of early adopters and discuss how leveraging off-the-shelf systems can facilitate smoother integration of new technologies. Don't miss this chance to learn from his experiences and gain practical guidance for the future. This event is exclusively for HFTC Members, who can register here: https://lnkd.in/eW86dCiR If you would like to become an HFTC member, we welcome your application: https://lnkd.in/drgKpqwA #HFTCON2024 #TechInnovation #Leadership #Networking #InformationSecurity #ContinuousLearning #StephenNorman #Brandywine #EventAnnouncement #ConnectWithUs

We are thrilled to announce that Lee Schare, a founding partner of FinServ Consulting, will be joining us as a panelist at HFTCON 2024 on November 21 at Penthouse 45, New York, NY. Lee Schare is a thought leader and expert on systems and processes at investment firms. He has spent his career providing guidance and hands-on expertise to hedge funds, private equity firms, investment banks, and asset management firms. Mr. Schare has a strong combination of accounting, business, and technical knowledge, as well as broad exposure to most vendors that interact within the alternative and traditional asset management community. With over 20 years of experience as a Controller, he possesses deep knowledge of fund and management company accounting. In addition, Mr. Schare has led many projects across the front and back office, and can therefore offer clients guidance on improving efficiencies. Mr. Schare is an avid sports fan and loves attending events with his son, who has followed his passion for the Mets, Knicks, and Steelers. He has a goal of visiting a different stadium every year. His wife and daughter are fully supportive of this objective. Prior to establishing FinServ, Mr. Schare was a Director of Consulting Services for CGI-AMS, and a Vice President in Deutsche Bank’s CFO organization, where he led a global general ledger project. Earlier in his career, Mr. Schare worked as a Manager for Ernst & Young, where he led large teams within their SAP practice. Join Lee at HFTCon for an insightful session on "What Innovation Looks Like 2025." This segment will delve into the transformative impact of generative AI over the past year and a half and explore the next groundbreaking innovations on the horizon. Lee will discuss how organizations can prepare by organizing their data, implementing effective policies, and maintaining organizational efficiency. Learn from real-world examples of early adopters and discover how leveraging off-the-shelf systems can facilitate smoother integration of new technologies. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical guidance to stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape. This event is exclusively for HFTC Members, who can register here: https://lnkd.in/eW86dCiR If you would like to become an HFTC member we welcome your application: https://lnkd.in/drgKpqwA #HFTC #HFTCON #ForgingTomorrow #Innovation2025 #GenerativeAI #FutureTech #DataManagement #TechLeadership #AIIntegration #OrganizationalEfficiency #NextBigThing #TechPreparation #JoinTheConversation #ConnectWithUs

Celebrating Sponsor Appreciation Month, we’re excited to extend our heartfelt thanks to one of HFTC's Silver sponsors, Nebulas.co! Nebulas.co has been a long-time sponsor of HFTC, and we are immensely grateful for their unwavering support and dedication. The respect and admiration our community has for Nebulas.co is profound, as their team has seamlessly integrated into our HFTC family. Special thanks to Paul Poteat , Tony Cristiano, Veli Ogun, PMP?, and Germán Ospina for their active participation and for consistently sharing their expertise with our members. Their involvement has significantly enhanced the quality of our events, promoting engaging discussions and valuable networking opportunities. This year, Nebulas.co sponsored and actively participated in a variety of key events, including HFTC Live! sessions, Bonfire events, and our Quarterly Dinner Conferences. Their contributions, particularly at the Leadership Dinner "Unleash your CTO Potential with MSP Collaboration," and Quarterly Dinner Conference "Applied AI Redux" where Tony Cristiano served as a panelist, have shown their continued commitment to advancing our members insights into the industry. We are so thankful for Nebulas.co's consistent presence and engagement at our events, highlighting their dedication to fostering growth and collaboration within the HFTC community. Nebulas is an IT services company based in New York. We specialize in modernizing infrastructure and services using cloud and hybrid technologies. Our team of US-based experts build and support Microsoft (including Azure and Office 365), AWS, and Google Workspace. We are grateful for Nebulas.Co's incredible support and contributions to our community. Your sponsorship continues to provide exceptional experiences for our members. Want to learn more about sponsorship opportunities? Connect with [email protected] #HFTC #ConnectWithUs #SponsorAppreciationMonth #AnnualSponsors #Sponsorship #TechnologyProfessionals #Cloud #Cybersecurity #InfrastructureModernization #ConnectWithUs