Executive Summit

Businesses stand to benefit from AI in unprecedented ways, but only if IT leaders overcome transformation challenges. This includes implementing a modern zero trust architecture to protect data and users, embracing AI while managing its risks, and handling the technical and financial implications of ever-expanding environments. A risk-based approach to security ensures CIOs deliver a secure, phased transformation.

Join this session to:

• Understand how zero trust and AI together, unlike firewalls, provide the strongest cyber defense by stopping threat actors from lateral movement within networks
• Learn strategies for protecting AI applications developed in data centers and the cloud, while preventing data leaks from public AI applications
• Discover how eliminating costly legacy hardware simplifies environments while cutting network and security costs

Rapid application change—from AI to cloud—tests CIOs’ ability to maintain resilient, compliant operations across legacy and cloud environments. Business leaders demand quick recovery, risk visibility, and audit-ready evidence amid evolving threats. Practitioner-tested strategies automate recovery, simplify compliance, and ensure continuous availability—empowering CIOs to meet enterprise goals.

Join this session to learn:

• Define metrics aligning resilience, compliance, and business goals
• Automate recovery workflows for hybrid environments
• Fostering executive alignment and change readiness for resilience

As AI and emerging technology disruption persists, CIOs are tasked with addressing skills gaps to build a more resilient and adaptable workforce capable of meeting future technological demands.

Join this session to discuss:

• Developing an IT talent strategy to address skills gaps
• Upskilling and reskilling to expand the IT talent pipeline and capabilities 
• Building an adaptable team to capitalize on emerging opportunities

CIOs are uniquely positioned to manage change through ERP transformation, ensuring that the implementation aligns with business objectives and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

Join this session to discuss:

• Engaging strategic change agents across the organization 
• Overcoming resistance and fostering ownership across teams
• Fostering a culture of communication and improvement through change

CIOs are uniquely positioned to unlock competitive advantage and drive transformative value for their organizations by identifying and leveraging relevant emerging technologies. The challenge lies in sifting through hype to determine potential for real impact.

Join this session to discuss:

• Evaluating emerging technology and identifying use cases
• Measuring risk and determining resources required to generate value
• Fostering a forward-thinking mindset to navigate disruption effectively

Connect with like-minded peers in a one-on-one setting through Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, no two leadership journeys are alike. Each path is shaped by pivotal moments, lessons learned, and game-changing decisions.

Join this session to explore:

• Overcoming personal and professional obstacles
• Turning challenge into opportunity for growth
• Building an authentic leadership legacy

Gartner reports that 64% of CIOs and technology executives anticipate a moderate or significant shift to outcomes in 2026, echoing 2025 when 82% made midyear pivots. Executives that proactively adapt to these shifts will be best positioned to navigate uncertainty and deliver sustained business value.

Join Bob Trotter, Senior Executive Partner at Gartner, to discuss:

• Anticipating disruption and building agility into your IT Strategy
• Proactive planning for budget and performance pressures amid global uncertainty  
• Demonstrating forward-thinking and business-driven leadership to build influence, trust, and credibility

Gartner research predicts that 30% of generative AI projects through 2026 will be abandoned after proof of concept, due in part, to poor data quality. CIOs play a critical role in ensuring data is AI-ready and the business is poised for innovation.

Join this session to discuss:

• Emphasizing data quality and maturity as a keystone of AI innovation
• Aligning data strategy with business objectives to maximize AI impact
• Collaborating with data management leaders and cross-functional stakeholders

As CIOs continue to position themselves as strategic enablers of business innovation, they must leverage their influence, engage effectively, and deliver presentations that resonate with their board members.

Join this boardroom session to discuss:

• Understanding and adapting to board responsibilities and priorities
• Preparing to engage the board effectively before, during, and after meetings
• Crafting a narrative around business-relevant IT metrics

 More details coming soon.

Finish the day sharing lessons learned with your peers over light fare and drinks at this closing reception hosted by the Gartner Atlanta CIO Governing Body.