Discover the AI-native networking advantage
If you’re in Amsterdam this February, please join HPE Networking at the Johan Cruijff Arena to experience what sets their secure, AI-native network apart, the strategic value it unlocks, and—crucially—why now is the time to accelerate your transformation journey by leveraging AI.
A special guest for the event is none other than Dutch football legend Edwin van der Sar, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of the game. In addition to playing for top clubs Ajax, Juventus, and Manchester United, amassing 130 clean sheets and helping win two UEFA Champions League titles, he served as Ajax Football Club’s CEO from 2016 to 2023.
From years at the top of European football to his leadership roles off the pitch, Edwin has always been focused on performance, preparation, and trust—values that resonate far beyond the sports world. He’ll share personal reflections on building resilient teams, navigating change, and making smart decisions under pressure.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear how the mindset of a champion can inspire confidence—and, most importantly, why now is the time to embrace change.
Agenda
Time | Session | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 - 11:00 | Registration and breakfast | ||
| 11:00 - 12:00 (optional) | Campus & Branch technical deepdive Elliot Townsend, Senior Director Sales Engineering, AI-Native Campus & Branch - HPE Networking | Datacenter technical deepdive Andy Ford, Global SE Director, Data Center - HPE Networking | Security & SASE technical deepdive Alex Hobson, Consulting Systems Engineer, SASE - HPE Networking |
| 12:00 - 13:00 | Registration and lunch | ||
| 13:00 - 13:10 | Welcome and opening Sally Bament, Global VP of HPE Networking Field Marketing - HPE Networking | ||
| 13:10 - 13:30 | Secure AI-native networking starts here Dobias van Ingen, EMEA CTO & Vice President, System Engineering - HPE Networking | ||
| 13:30 - 14:30 | No substitutes for action: Leadership lessons from the pitch to the enterprise Edwin van der Sar, Former Ajax Football Club CEO & Manchester United, Juverntus and Ajax goalkeeper | ||
| 14:30 - 15:00 | Networking break | ||
| 15:00 - 15:20 | Integral Security: Zero Trust or Bust Jaye Tillson, EMEA Field CTO, Security - HPE Networking | ||
| 15:20 - 15:40 | AI-native data center networks: Turning data into insights for great application experiences Sander Bakker, Head of Europe, Cloud Ready Data Center - HPE Networking | ||
| 15:40 - 16:00 | Discover how your peers are modernising their data centers to securely and seamlessly accelerate innovation | ||
| 16:00 - 16:20 | Networking break | ||
| 16:20 - 16:40 | AI for networking: Journey to self-driving Sudheer Matta, Senior Vice President, Product Management Campus & Branch - HPE Networking | ||
| 16:40 - 17:00 | Hear how industry leaders are harnessing AI to deliver measurable business impact | ||
| 17:00 - 17:10 | Closing remarks Sally Bament, Global VP of HPE Networking Field Marketing - HPE Networking | ||
| 17:10 - 18:30 | Networking and drinks | ||
Get inspired
![Edwin vandersar]()
Edwin van der Sar
Former Ajax Football Club CEO & Manchester United, Juventus and Ajax Goalkeeper
![Sally Bament]()
Sally Bament
Global VP of HPE Networking Field Marketing
HPE
![Sudheer Matta]()
Sudheer Matta
Senior Vice President, Product Management Campus & Branch
HPE
![Jaye Tillson]()
Jaye Tillson
EMEA Field CTO, Security
HPE
![Sander bakker]()
Sander Bakker
Head of Europe, Cloud Ready Data Center
HPE
![Dobias vaningen]()
Dobias van Ingen
EMEA CTO & Vice President, Systems Engineering
HPE
![Alex hobson]()
Alex Hubson
Consulting Systems Engineer, SASE
HPE
![Andy ford]()
Andy Ford
Global SE Director, Data Center
HPE
![Elliot Townsend]()
Elliot Townsend
Senior Director Sales Engineering, AI-Native Campus & Branch
HPE
Key takeaways
HPE Networking’s event in Amsterdam highlights why organisations are accelerating towards AI-native networking. The programme covers automated operations, integrated security, data-driven decision making, and leadership insights from Edwin van der Sar. Attendees can also book a one-to-one meeting with an HPE executive.
- AI-native networking moving from theory to practical deployment
- Zero Trust and SASE positioned as core design principles
- Data centre networks are becoming insight-driven
- Push towards self-driving network operations
- Leadership lessons on performance, preparation and adapting under pressure
Event details
Date:
11 February 2026
Time:
- 10:00 - 12:00 Technical Session (optional)
- 12:00 - 18:30 HPE Networking Day
Venue:
Johan Cruijf Arena
Johan Cruijf Arena
Johan Cruijff Boulevard 1
1101 AX
Amsterdam
Netherlands
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