Virtual Event
Welcome to ProConnect:
#ProCon25

PROCONNECT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON DEMAND:
Protera's exclusive event for client networking and collaboration
Join us for an exciting look at what’s new with Protera and what’s next in the world of innovation, AI, and business transformation. This dynamic event brings together industry visionaries and technology leaders to explore how organizations are breaking boundaries, reimagining what’s possible, and turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s breakthroughs. From fresh insights on human-centered AI to bold strategies for driving agility and growth, you’ll gain practical inspiration to fuel your next big tech project.
View On Demand
Welcome & Keynote: Innovating Beyond Limits
Protera CEO Mike BeDell opens the session with what’s new, what’s next, and how the human side of technology drives Protera’s vision. He’s followed by keynote speaker Chris Denson—multimedia host and bestselling author of Crushing the Box—who shares quick, powerful insights on using curiosity, collaboration, and bold thinking to spark creativity and drive meaningful change with the resources you have today.
Protera CTO Sean Donaldson and AWS Executive in Residence Jake Burns discuss how AI can boost workforce capabilities rather than replace them. They highlight practical ways to measure AI’s real ROI—from productivity and quality gains to stronger employee engagement—while emphasizing the importance of aligning AI initiatives with true business needs.
De-risk your merger divestiture or acquisition
Mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures are complex—and IT is often the biggest obstacle to realizing value. Protera helps turn these challenges into opportunities by simplifying every stage of the M&A journey, from due diligence to integration, separation, and modernization.
Mastering SAP Cloud Evolution: Cloud ALM & BTP Essentials
This session demystifies SAP’s evolving cloud ecosystem — focusing on Cloud ALM and the Business Technology Platform (BTP). We’ll unpack what’s new and what matters most: Cloud ALM’s expanded implementation and operations scope and BTP’s role as the integration and innovation hub for SAP landscapes.
Meet the Speakers:
Mike BeDell: Protera CEO
Mike has served as CEO of Protera since 2021, bringing over 30 years of IT executive experience. Under his leadership, Protera has expanded its modernization capabilities and achieved double-digit annual growth, with a strong focus on client satisfaction. He previously held executive roles at Secure-24, NTT, KPMG, Oracle, USInterworking, and AT&T.
Mandy Grabowski: Sr. Director, Client Success
Mandy Grabowski is Protera's Sr. Director of Client Success. She leads the team that handles technical operations and support services, and partners with clients to enhance service delivery, optimize performance, and align Protera solutions with business goals.
Chris Denson: Multimedia Host, Author, and Creator of Visionology
Chris Denson is a multimedia host, author, and creator of Visionology, a coaching method for innovators. With a career spanning entertainment, media, and tech, he’s worked with global brands like the UN, Fast Company, and Google, bringing creative insight to cultural and business transformation.
Binoy James: SVP, Applications
With 30 years in the SAP ecosystem as a customer, partner, and leader, Binoy James, SVP at Protera Technologies, brings deep expertise across SAP’s evolution—from R/3 and NetWeaver to SAP HANA, Cloud ERP, and BTP—combining experience and insight in all things SAP.
Eric MacDonald: VP of Cloud Transformation
Eric is a exceptionally skilled in cloud architecture, automation, and enterprise system administration. With certifications across Microsoft, Google Cloud, AWS, and VMware, he excels at mastering new technologies and delivering efficient, scalable solutions to meet client requirements.
Sean Donaldson, CTO
Sean has over 20 years of expertise ranging from data center build outs to solutioning 1,000+ server landscapes. As CTO, he ensures Protera clients realize the value from their IT investments.
Richard DeVore: Sr. Solution Architect
As a member of Protera’s Solution Architecture team, Richard leverages over 20 years of experience to help clients gain a clear understanding of their entire IT landscape. He develops practical, strategic solutions that bring structure to complexity—enabling modernization, optimization, and organization across their systems.
Jake Burns: Executive in Residence
While he was VP of IT Operations at Live Nation, he led a large data center consolidation project that was heavily focused on cost reduction and leveraging his own internal team to see the project through. Now he is an Executive in Residence at AWS, helping guide customers on their own IT transformation initiatives.
4 min read
How to Safeguard Your SAP Environment with a Layered Security Approach
Jatin Oza: Nov 26, 2025
4 min read
Do You Need DevOps as a Managed Service?
Eric MacDonald: Nov 14, 2025
12:00PM
Arrivals
Housed in a restored 1910 building, Cork & Gabel offers a distinctive rustic‑industrial charm. Parking in the private lot is included.
12:15PM
Lunch is served
Network with your peers as you enjoy lunch from gastropub that blends Irish, Italian, and German comfort food with a commitment to scratch‑made, Michigan‑sourced ingredients.
1:00PM
Panel Discussion
Reimagining your Cloud Roadmap: Strategies to Accelerate your SAP Transformation with Protera & AWS.
1:45PM
Private Tour
Head over to Michigan Central Station (3 minute walk) for a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic landmark's $1B+ renovation.
4:00PM
Wrap up
You're free to continue mingling in Michigan Central Station's public spaces or check out some of Corktown's historic attractions nearby.





