Talking gets the team on the field, but solving hard problems is where the really interesting work happens. Step into these Emerging Tech Dialogues breakout sessions and see how colleagues across Information Technology at Cornell are advancing the ball on some of the university's most complex challenges, from scaling services and strengthening cybersecurity to rethinking how IT teams work together.

Like the most successful breakout sessions, these conversations are less about polished presentations and more about sharing approaches, lessons learned, and practical solutions that others can adapt in their own environments. This year's operationally focused sessions offer a behind-the-scenes look at the work required to deliver consistent, effective technology services across a large and highly federated university.

Scaling in a Distributed Environment: Effects of Modular AV Control Logic and Universal User Interface on Cornell's Campus

How do you create a consistent technology experience across hundreds of classrooms, meeting spaces, and auditoriums while supporting the diverse needs of schools and units across Cornell? Jeff MacDonald, Michael Broughton, and Ryan Engels will share how AV professionals from across the university collaborated to develop common user interface and control standards. By replacing room-by-room customization with a scalable architecture and familiar controls, the team is working to create more predictable experiences for both support staff and the people who rely on these spaces every day.

Evolving the IT Operating Model: Reimagining Strategy, Structure and Flow

Cornell's highly federated IT environment was built for a very different technology landscape. Sean Walsh will explore how modern IT organizations are reducing friction, improving service delivery, and aligning technology capabilities more closely with institutional needs. Participants will examine emerging frameworks designed to break down silos, streamline service flow, and help Information Technology at Cornell adapt to an increasingly complex operating environment.

IT Security Trivia

Cybersecurity may be serious business, but learning about it doesn't have to be. In this interactive game show-style session, Tom Davko will challenge participants to test their security knowledge while exploring real-world cybersecurity topics and risks. The session highlights an important reality: creating a strong security culture depends not only on technology, but also on informed and engaged people. "We created our annual IT Security Trivia to increase awareness in October, which is national cybersecurity awareness month," said Davko. "The goal is to bring people together around IT Security in a fun way."

Building Better Services Through Collaboration

Together, these sessions demonstrate that successful technology services require much more than technology alone. They depend on collaboration, shared standards, informed decision-making, and a willingness to continuously improve how work gets done. Whether participants are interested in creating more consistent experiences across campus, strengthening security awareness, or reimagining how IT teams work together, they'll find opportunities to learn from colleagues tackling some of Cornell's most interesting and important challenges.