JULY 16, 2024
CISOs in Evanta communities across North America have spent the last 6 months connecting with each other to network, share best practices and validate their cybersecurity strategies. Evanta CISOs have gathered 66 times at Evanta programs since January, including 19 Executive Summits, 21 Inner Circle Dinners, 25 Town Halls and one Reer Roundtable.
Like all Evanta events, each gathering was driven by data from our Leadership Perspective Survey and crucial input from the Governing Body Members of each community. This ensures that the content is as relevant and timely as possible for the CISOs across our communities.
In addition to these topics, CISOs continue to focus on securing the implementation of new technologies, like AI, communicating about risk and the value of security investments and improving operational resilience.
Take a look at a few of the highest-rated sessions on our agendas at the CISO Executive Summits this spring:
- You Speak, They Swarm — The Power of Story in Reaching Your Audience at the Atlanta CISO Executive Summit
Arthur Zards — an expert on storytelling, TEDster and provocateur — led Atlanta CISOs through an opening keynote that provided a simple framework that taught executives how to connect with any audience and elicit real change. CISOs learned how to take their presentation to the “next level” and hone their influence.
After the session, one CISO at a healthcare company said: “It was a brilliant idea to lead off the summit with a session to help our community enhance our practical communication and emotional intelligence. Fantastic!”
- The Realities of a Board Position at the Dallas CISO Executive Summit
As CISOs are looking at the next step in their careers, board positions come up as a valuable option, but they’re asking how they can set themselves up for success. In Dallas’ closing keynote, Michael McNeil, Global CISO and Board Member, and Sara Andrews, Global CISO at Experian, shared the significance of certifications, education and networking, while highlighting how to cultivate a broad skill set.
A security leader at an investment banking firm had this to say: “Great topic to discuss. I am happy to see the various levels of responsibilities and skill sets being discussed during the day today.”
- Proactive Cybersecurity — A Strategic, Relationship-Based Approach at the Seattle CISO Executive Summit
Cybersecurity today demands proactive and strategic planning. Alexandra Landegger, CISO at Collins Aerospace, discussed encouraging early collaboration with legal and other cross-departmental teams to strengthen your security posture.
A CISO at a software company had this to say: “Alexandra’s inclusion of real-world examples drove her points home and provided the audience with actions and guidance to take back to our areas.”
- Embracing Innovation Through GenAI Use Cases at the Calgary CISO Executive Summit
The present moment is unlocking GenAI's transformative power, but maturity across organizations varies. A cybersecurity leader at Cenovus Energy and technology leader at DIALOG Design sat down for a fireside chat about practical use cases of the technology that has been dominating headlines.
One security executive had this to say: “Good session, especially discussion of AI and privacy.”
- Navigating Procurement — Best Practices in Vendor Selection and Contracts at the Florida CISO Executive Summit
CISOs need to come equipped with the critical knowledge of vendor partners to make informed decisions that ensure value and security. Brian Fricke, CISO at City National, presented on navigating the process of procurement.
Executives said insights from the session helped give them a platform to start with. One participant had this to say: “Six stars if I could! Incredible presentation with tons of useful information. Fantastic discussion with the audience. Definitely want a copy of that PowerPoint.”
- More Inclusion, More Innovation at the Chicago CISO Executive Summit
An esteemed panel of CISOs — Robin Clarke at ITW, Sara Schmidt at US Foods, and Angela Williams at UL Solutions — had a candid conversation on how inclusion is a critical pillar in building a resilient and well-rounded security team.
One CISO gave this feedback: “Great panel — creative ideas in collaboration and team building!”
As our spring programs for 2024 wrap up, Evanta CISO community members shared this feedback on their Executive Summit experiences:
This was probably the best industry conference style event I've been to. The content was very targeted and well delivered.”
– Atlanta CISO
Overall, this has been one of the most productive conferences I’ve attended in cybersecurity. It not only broadened my understanding of key issues, but also provided actionable takeaways that I can implement in my work. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity”
– Minneapolis CISO
I really enjoy the collaborative nature of these events. It allows for meaningful conversations and the topics are relevant.”
– Toronto CISO
Evanta CISO Community members are already planning relevant and innovative agendas for Executive Summits starting in October, with more opportunities to connect virtually and in-person taking place over the summer.
To find and register for your community’s upcoming event, sign in to MyEvanta, or if you have not yet joined an Evanta CISO Community, apply to join here for access to Evanta community gatherings throughout the year.
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