Denver CIO Community
Inner Circle
September 3, 2026 | The Nickel
September 3, 2026
The Nickel
Collaborate with your peers
Join Denver's top CIOs for an intimate networking dinner and facilitated discussion on key business challenges. Enjoy a relaxed evening of dinner and drinks with your peers to share best practices, make new connections and build professional relationships.
Join your peers to discuss the most critical issues impacting CIOs today:
Real-World AI Success Stories
Governance Frameworks for Secure AI Adoption
Aligning AI Security with Business Priorities
Denver CIO Governing Body
The Governing Body Co-Chairs shape the discussion topics and agenda, ensuring that all content is driven By CIOs, For CIOs®.
Governing Body Co-Chairs
Trent Krause
Graebel
CIO
Jason L'Odense
Global Medical Response
Chief Information Technology Officer
Dolores Mears
Hensel Phelps Construction
CIO
Diego Silva
Gates Corporation
SVP, Chief Digital and Information Officer
Agenda
September 3, 2026
4:30pm - 5:30pm Executive Networking Reception
5:30pm - 6:30pm Discussion Topics
Securing AI in Practice — Use Cases, Governance, and Business Alignment
Artificial Intelligence has shifted from a theoretical risk to an operational reality for technology and security leaders. It’s now embedded in core business processes and security programs, influencing every strategic conversation. Organizations are deploying AI to automate workflows, strengthen threat detection, and accelerate compliance—creating both opportunity and accountability for CIOs and CISOs.
To ensure secure and successful adoption, leaders need more than technology—they need a strategic framework grounded in real-world experience. AI investments must not only mitigate risk but also advance business objectives, drive revenue growth, and align with enterprise priorities.
Discussion Questions:
- Which AI-driven use cases have delivered measurable improvements in cybersecurity posture or operational efficiency?
- How are you addressing resource constraints and third-party risk in AI-enabled security deployments?
- What governance models or best practices are proving effective for managing risk and accountability in autonomous or generative AI systems?
- How do you ensure AI implementations remain secure while supporting broader business goals?
6:30pm - 7:00pm Networking Break
7:00pm - 8:00pm Summary Discussion & Dinner
8:00pm - 9:00pm Social Hour
Apply to Participate
Each application is carefully vetted to ensure members meet established criteria, preserving the quality of the network and enabling meaningful, peer‑level discussions among leaders from the world’s leading organizations.
Once you submit your application, a Community Program Manager will schedule a conversation to understand your priorities and interests and complete onboarding, including access to year‑round community events.
Location
Venue
The NickelYour Community Sponsors
Global Thought Leader
Key Sponsor
Community Program Manager
For inquiries related to this community, please reach out to your dedicated contact.
