Cloud Nirvana Columbus: Foundations & Fluency

Join us for Cloud Nirvana Columbus: Foundations & Fluency, at The Conference Center at OCLC from 2-6pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

About this Event

Join us on March 11, 2026, at The Conference Center at OCLC in Dublin, OH, for Cloud Nirvana Columbus: Foundations & Fluency — a conference designed to help teams build the clarity, confidence, and shared understanding needed to move faster the right way.

In a world where cloud and AI adoption is accelerating at breakneck speed, organizations are feeling the pressure to scale quickly — but real transformation doesn’t start with tools. It starts with strong fundamentals, aligned mental models, and organizational readiness across roles.

This event is about building the foundation before the fast-forward button gets pushed.

Throughout the day, we’ll explore Cloud and AI fundamentals, practical frameworks, and the common language that helps teams work better together — from engineers and architects to security, governance, and leadership. Expect sessions focused on governance, security, operating models, and readiness, all aimed at helping organizations align before scale, automation, or transformation begins.

Whether you're a cloud architect, platform engineer, security leader, IT executive, or early-career professional looking to level up, Cloud Nirvana Columbus: Foundations & Fluency will deliver actionable insights, real-world perspectives, and the connections you need to build fluency across your organization.

Come learn, connect, and leave with a stronger foundation — so your next phase of cloud and AI growth is built to last.

Let’s build the fundamentals — and move forward with confidence.

Since we have limited seating, this conference is reserved for practitioners. Sales and Business Development Registrants will be rejected. Thanks for your understanding.

A special thank you to our 2026 sponsors for making this event possible:

RackSpace Technology, Big Kitty Labs, Glean, Sigma Computing, ATC, Aztra, CBTS, Presidio, Rubrik, RWX, Veeva

See you there!

Cloud Nirvana Team

Code of Conduct for Cloud Nirvana

Purpose

At Cloud Nirvana , we are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and collaborative environment where all participants feel welcome and respected. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all attendees, speakers, sponsors, and staff to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Expected Behavior

1. Respect Others: Treat all participants with kindness, respect, and consideration. Avoid inappropriate, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and language.
2. Collaboration and Openness: Engage constructively with others. Share knowledge, ideas, and feedback in a respectful and professional manner.
3. Adhere to Venue Policies: Follow all rules and regulations set by the event venue and organizers.
4. Protect Privacy: Obtain explicit consent before photographing, recording, or publicly sharing information about other attendees.

Unacceptable Behavior

1. Harassment: Harassment of any kind, including but not limited to verbal abuse, intimidation, or inappropriate physical contact.
2. Discrimination: Any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or religion.
3. Disruption: Disruptive behavior that interferes with sessions, networking, or other event activities.
4. Unlawful Conduct: Engaging in illegal activities during the event.

Sharing of Contact Information

As part of our commitment to providing a valuable experience, Cloud Nirvana collaborates with sponsors to deliver relevant resources and opportunities to attendees. By registering for this event, you agree to share your contact information (e.g., name, company, email) with sponsors for follow-up communications unless you notify event organizers prior to the event. Additionally, by purchasing a ticket, you agree to receive marketing information from Cloud Nirvana.

If you prefer not to have your contact information shared, please email aW5mbyB8IGNsb3VkbmlydmFuYSAhIG9yZw==.

Attendance Policy

Cloud Nirvana events are reserved exclusively for technology practitioners and leaders. We strive to create a space for industry professionals to exchange knowledge and collaborate. Cloud Nirvana reserves the right to refund ticket purchases for non-practitioners at its sole discretion.

Reporting Violations

If you experience or witness any violations of this Code of Conduct, please report them immediately to the event organizers. You can:

• Approach any staff member wearing an official badge.
• Email us at aW5mbyB8IGNsb3VkbmlydmFuYSAhIG9yZw==.

All reports will be handled confidentially and with sensitivity.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Participants who are found to violate this Code of Conduct may face consequences including but not limited to:

• Verbal or written warnings.
• Expulsion from the event without refund.
• Referral to appropriate authorities.

The organizers reserve the right to take appropriate action to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

Acknowledgment

By registering for and attending Cloud Nirvana, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Thank you for helping us create an inclusive and respectful event experience for everyone!

Agenda


🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Welcome + Opening
Host: Sean Erikson, CEO & Co-Founder, Cloud Nirvana

🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
From Curiosity to Confidence: Building AI Fluency That Actually Scales
Host: Srini Koushik, CEO, Right Brain Labs

Info: As AI becomes embedded in cloud platforms and daily work, many teams feel pressure to act before they’ve built shared understanding. In this session, Srini Koushik breaks down what AI fluency really means—beyond tools and hype. Attendees will explore practical mental models, shared language, and key questions that help teams use AI thoughtfully across technical and non-technical roles. Walk away with clearer insight into where AI adds value, where it doesn’t, and why fluency is the foundation for trust, scale, and lasting impact.

🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Fireside Chat: The Era of Hidden Shifts
Host: Ben Blanquera, VP - AI & Sustainability, RackSpace

Info: As AI moves from experimentation to production, the real challenges shift from tools to operating models, governance, cost, trust, and organizational readiness. In this fireside chat, Ben Blanquera joins Michael Fulton to unpack insights from Ben’s Forbes article, “The Era of Hidden Shifts: Non-Traditional Tech Trends to Prepare For.” Together, they explore the structural forces shaping the next phase of Cloud & AI—data discipline, platform engineering, security, AIOps, and AI fluency across roles. This conversation cuts through the hype to focus on what it takes to scale responsibly, build trust, and deliver lasting impact.

🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Break + Networking

🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Panel Discussion
Host: Heather Cristina, SE Director SE, JPMorgan Chase

🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:00 PM
Silicon Heartland Sessions LIVE!
Host: Sean Erikson, CEO & Co-Founder, Cloud Nirvana

Info: Join us for a live recording of Silicon Heartland Sessions featuring Srini Koushik, exploring the human side of technology transformation. In this candid conversation, Srini and Sean discuss Srini’s transition from enterprise leader to founder of Right Brain Labs, what it takes to leave certainty and build something new, and how his perspective on AI fluency has evolved outside the enterprise. This session blends career journey, leadership insight, and practical AI perspective—offering an honest look at navigating uncertainty, reinvention, and rapid change. Recorded live in front of the Cloud Nirvana community, it reflects the spirit of shared learning and curiosity that defines the event.

🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Closing + Happy Hour
Host: Ben Blanquera, VP - AI & Sustainability, RackSpace

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