Where Chicago’s IT Leaders Shape the Future
The CIO Institute Chicago brings together 100+ senior IT leaders for a day of collaboration, strategic networking, and expert-led discussions tackling today’s most pressing industry challenges. This exclusive, end-user-driven platform equips digital leaders with the insights and strategies needed to enhance productivity, drive innovation, and accelerate growth.
Key topics include digital transformation, cybersecurity at scale, leveraging data for business impact, and fostering technology leadership and culture. The agenda features Keynotes, Panel Discussions, Interactive Boardrooms, and 1-2-1 meetings, delivering practical takeaways and high-value connections to shape the future of IT leadership.
Crafted by CIOs, for the Success of CIOs
Shaped by the expertise of top CIOs, this year’s CIO Institute in Chicago tackles the most pressing challenges defining the digital enterprise. Guided by our Advisory Board and Senior Faculty, each session delivers practical insights, fosters meaningful discussions, and equips IT leaders with the strategies to drive innovation and transformation.
A programme built by CIOs, for CIOs - ensuring every conversation is relevant, impactful, and aligned with the evolving demands of technology leadership.
Agenda
08:00 - 08:45
Registration & Networking Breakfast
08:45 - 09:45
Opening Panel
CxO
Future-Proofing Organisations Through Innovation in a Rapidly Evolving Technology Landscape
- Anticipating and adapting to emerging technologies by proactively identifying and leveraging disruptive technologies to stay competitive
- Building a culture of continuous learning by adopting strategies for fostering an agile, forward-thinking mindset within teams to encourage experimentation, adaptability and long-term growth
- Balancing risk and opportunity in future-proofing efforts and addressing challenges such as cybersecurity, ethical AI and regulatory compliance while pursuing innovation and scaling new technologies
Amol Bargaje
Global Chief Innovation Officer
Mayer Brown
Sugato Bose
Chief Enterprise Architect
Medline Industries, LP
Norman Fleming
Chief Information Technology Officer
Chicago Public Schools
Chiara Pandhi
Global Director Strategic Transformation & Operational Planning
Walmart
E.A. Rockett
Vice President, Office of the General Counsel
Adobe
Madhu Mukherjee
Vice President of Transformation
Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK
09:40 - 10:20
Strategy
Unlocking Strategic Advantage with AI-Driven ERP and Business Suite
In today’s dynamic business environment, CXOs must navigate rapid digital transformation, evolving customer expectations, and global supply chain complexity. This session explores how integrating Artificial Intelligence into modern ERP and business suite platforms can create a competitive edge. We’ll cover:
- The Evolution of ERP: From transactional systems to intelligent business platforms
- AI in ERP: Real-time insights, automation, and predictive analytics
- Next-Gen Business Suites: Unified data, cross-functional integration, and scalable innovation
- Use Cases: Finance, Compliance, Procurement, and customer experience optimization
- CXO Priorities: Driving agility, cost efficiency, and decision intelligence
Peter Creal
Senior Director, GRC, NA Finance & Spend COE, SAP America
SAP
Tom Bourke
SAP Principal Solution Advisor
SAP
Strategy
Pragmatic Approaches to Strategic Automation Practices in the AI Age
This session will explore how technology leaders are maturing their automation practices, including what defines a strategic automation practice in the emerging AI landscape. Automation thought leader and systems integrator BP3 Inc. will facilitate a discussion among attendees, with BP3 sharing its perspective on the journey from tactical to strategic automation, and where to start to introduce more maturity.BP3 will be joined by automated application generation platform provider OutSystems, for examples of real word strategic automation success and a perspective on pragmatic use of AI services embedded with platform technology.
Mark Hoffman
Strategic Account Manager
BP3
Matt Cammarata
Team Lead, Solution Architecture
OutSystems
10:25 - 11:05
Strategy
Powering the AI Future: How APIs Unlock Scalable Intelligence
- Explore how strategic API design accelerates AI integration and unlocks enterprise-wide scalability
- Discuss best practices for ethical AI orchestration through secure, transparent API ecosystems
- Examine real-world approaches to building AI-ready architectures that drive innovation and avoid common implementation pitfalls
Ahmed Koshok
Manager Solutions Engineering
Kong
Strategy
Maximizing IT Performance: AI-Powered Observability & Automation
- How AI-powered observability enhances real-time IT monitoring and decision-making.
- Leveraging automation to reduce downtime and accelerate incident resolution.
- The role of AI in optimizing cloud environments and ensuring scalability.
Bob Wambach
VP, Portfolio and Strategy
Dynatrace
11:10 - 11:50
Data
From Digital Transformation to Continuous Transformation – How to Build an Always-Evolving Organization in the era of AI
- Why continuous transformation is becoming the new imperative for staying competitive in a constantly evolving digital landscape
- How to embed a continuous transformation mindset into your organisation’s culture, processes, and leadership approach
- A practical blueprint for launching small, strategic initiatives that scale into long-term, enterprise-wide innovation
Narayanan Krishnan
VP Digital & Data Technologies
Athletico
Data
Fuel GenAI with AI-Ready Data
Data leaders worldwide are now being directed to pursue GenAI to drive innovation, top-line revenue growth and productivity, but without the right data, they’re set to fail. To be successful, data leaders need an AI-powered data management approach to deliver relevant, responsible and robust AI. This approach must be powerful and scalable enough to handle large-scale, global AI initiatives. Additionally, Informatica simplifies data management with natural language and GenAI, ensuring that organizations can leverage high-quality data for effective AI applications. Join Informatica at this Keynote Session to learn:
- AI and GenAI’s impact and common pitfalls
- Key considerations for AI-ready data
- Real-world AI-ready examples
Amy McNee
SVP, Solution Architecture
Informatica
11:55 - 12:35
Strategy
Reimagining Business in the Age of GenAI
In this thought-provoking session, E.A. Rockett, Adobe executive, charts the transformative journey of business efficiency paradigms and presents a revolutionary framework for leveraging Generative AI. As organizations grapple with mounting pressure to implement meaningful GenAI solutions, many leaders find themselves caught between delivering quick wins and driving genuine business transformation. Rockett traces the evolution from the decades-old mantra of "Do more with less"—born in the era of Six Sigma and process optimization—to today's GenAI-driven phase of "Do more with more." But is this really the endpoint we should be pursuing? This session introduces a powerful third phase: "Do less with more"—a counterintuitive approach that champions strategic focus over perpetual expansion. The presentation unveils how this paradigm shift, enabled by GenAI, creates space for "brain burst"—often originating from unstructured thinking time—crucial for human innovation and ideation. Attendees will learn how to identify and implement GenAI use cases that free human potential for higher-order activities, leading to truly transformative outcomes. The session concludes with a practical blueprint for selecting and implementing GenAI initiatives that deliver immediate value while laying the groundwork for business reimagination. CIOs will leave equipped with actionable strategies to move beyond surface-level GenAI applications toward meaningful transformation that merits genuine executive bragging rights.
E.A. Rockett
Vice President, Office of the General Counsel
Adobe
Data
From Data Silos to Intelligent Enterprise Analytics: Breaking the Integration Paralysis
Erik Bovee
VP Business Development
MindsDB
12:35 - 13:25
Networking Lunch
13:25 - 14:05
Data
Unlocking AI Potential: The Critical Role of High Quality Data for Success
- Explore how data quality cleanliness, completeness and consistency directly impacts AI model accuracy, reliability and effectiveness
- Examine methods for improving data quality such as robust data governance frameworks, data validation and continuous monitoring
- Address common data challenges in AI projects such as handling unstructured data, data bias and scalability issues
Tim Riddle
Senior Director, Enterprise Analytics
Premier Inc
Strategy
Data
AI Adoption: Enhancing Data Governance, and Leveraging Scalable Cloud Technologies
- Strategic AI Adoption: Matching Infrastructure to Business Realities
- Unified Data Governance: Consistent Controls Across Complex Environments
- Scaling AI Responsibly: Balancing Innovation Speed with Operational Excellence
Rameez Chatni
Global Director AI Solutions - Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences
Cloudera
14:10 - 14:50
Data
The Future of Data Security: Balancing Innovation and Risk
- Explore how can organisations leverage AI without compromising security and compliance
- Discuss strategies to ensure data security in an increasingly cloud-first world'
- How enterprises can gain visibility into sensitive data (at rest or in motion) across their environments, without slowing them down
Shane Coleman
Chief Data Security Evangelist
Cyera
Strategy
Managing Talent Through Effective Strategies to Attract and Retain Tech Professionals in a Competitive Market
- Discuss how targeted recruitment and strong employer branding can attract purpose-driven tech talent by showcasing a compelling company culture
- Explore how a growth-focused workplace featuring mentorship, upskilling and clear career paths keeps tech professionals engaged and loyal
- Examine the impact of flexible work models, from remote options to adaptable schedules, on improving retention and job satisfaction in tech
Jeff Kruger
VP of IT
Gallagher
14:55 - 15:35
Data
Data Governance in the AI Era: Balancing Security, Compliance, and Innovation
- Best practices for maintaining accuracy, consistency, and security in enterprise data
- Navigating evolving data privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA) and industry regulations
- Leveraging AI to automate data classification, policy enforcement, and risk management
Vijay Jakka
Head of Global Data Governance
Metlife
Strategy
Scaling AI in the Enterprise: Moving Beyond the Era of Experimentation
- How to deploy AI agents that expand human capacity and drive innovation across the workforce
- Scaling AI across the organization — from mapping business processes, to rebuilding workflows, to aligning IT and business teams through a shared platform
- Explore what a truly human-centric future of work looks like and how to lead organizations there
Tyler Rosenberg
Strategic AI Lead
WRITER
15:40 - 16:15
Closing Session
CxO
Maximizing Operational Efficiency with AI-Driven Innovation
- Automating processes for peak performance by streamlining workflows and reducing manual effort with AI powered solutions
- Enhancing decision making with AI insights by leveraging data driven intelligence to optimize strategy and operations
- Scaling efficiency across the organization by integrating AI to improve productivity, agility, and resource management
Soma Ghoshal-Diaz
Director of Enterprise IT Strategy and Management
Rush University Medical Center
16:15 - 17:15
Evening Drinks Reception
Event Speakers
Why Attend?
UNRIVALLED CONNECTIONS
Engage directly with IT leaders and industry experts who can provide valuable insights and solutions to your strategic challenges.
CUSTOMISED LEARNING PATHS
Choose the sessions, panels, and discussions that best align with your unique goals, enabling targeted and impactful networking.
TANGIBLE VALUE
Gain actionable insights and connections that translate directly into strategic initiatives and measurable progress for your organisation.
Location
Newberry Library: A Historic Setting for CIO Institute Chicago
Located in the heart of Chicago, the Newberry Library offers a unique blend of historic charm and intellectual prestige, providing an inspiring backdrop for thought leadership and executive networking at CIO Institute Chicago.
A Community of Leaders
The CIO Institute is the premier platform for IT leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges facing their organisations. Designed with delegates in mind, our events bring together CIOs, senior IT leaders and other key decision-makers to explore cutting-edge solutions, drive collaboration, and achieve impactful outcomes.
Event Chair
Amol Bargaje, Global Chief Innovation Officer
A seasoned C-suite technology leader known for driving complex, multi-regional initiatives that align technical execution with strategic business priorities. With deep expertise in change management, cross-functional leadership, and executive collaboration, Amol is recognised as a strategic thinker, mentor, and trusted advisor - valued by peers for his ability to lead with clarity, foster alignment, and deliver measurable outcomes.
Speakers
Featured Attendees
Delegates in Attendance
The list below showcases the esteemed IT leaders, executives, and decision-makers attending the event. These are the key individuals driving innovation, transformation, and strategy within their organisations.
To view the full list of delegates, please scroll and swipe down through til the end.
Engage with Top IT Decision Makers
The CIO Institute provides an exclusive platform for sponsors to connect with senior IT decision-makers actively seeking solutions to their most pressing challenges. Our events bring together CIOs, senior IT and other key technology leaders, offering a unique opportunity to engage, build relationships, and position your brand as a trusted partner.
Official Partners
HEADLINE PARTNER
Adobe
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OFFICIAL CATEGORY PARTNER
SAP
SAP is a global leader in enterprise software, helping businesses of all sizes streamline operations, drive innovation, and accelerate digital transformation.
ADVISORY PARTNER
ADVISORY PARTNER
INSIGHT PARTNER
INSIGHT PARTNER
INSIGHT PARTNER
INSIGHT PARTNER
INSIGHT PARTNER
INSIGHT PARTNER
INSIGHT PARTNER
SR. ENGAGEMENT PARTNER
SR. ENGAGEMENT PARTNER
ENGAGEMENT PARTNER
Why Sponsor?
LEAD GENERATION
Connect with Top IT and Senior Executives in a curated environment designed for meaningful conversations and long-term partnerships.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Showcase Thought Leadership through panel discussions, round tables, and tailored engagements that demonstrate your brand's expertise.
REPORTS & INSIGHTS
Gain valuable market insights by understanding the key challenges and priorities shaping IT investments and decision-making.
BRAND AWARENESS
Accelerate business growth by positioning your brand, solutions, and services in front of decision-makers and budget-holders with active projects and procurement needs.
Sponsorship Packages
Newberry Library: A Historic and Inspiring Venue for CIO Institute Chicago
Located in Chicago’s Gold Coast, the Newberry Library offers a unique blend of historic elegance and intellectual depth, making it an ideal setting for CIO Institute Chicago. With roots dating back to 1887, this renowned institution provides a refined yet intimate space that fosters strategic dialogue, focused thinking, and high-level networking.
Far from a typical corporate venue, the Newberry creates a setting that encourages genuine engagement and thoughtful exchange, perfectly suited to the calibre of CIOs and senior IT leaders in attendance. Its architectural charm and central location offer both prestige and accessibility, enhancing the overall experience for every delegate.
Whether in panel sessions, boardroom discussions, or one-to-one meetings, the Newberry Library supports the Institute’s mission to deliver meaningful connections and actionable insight—all within a venue that reflects the ambition and excellence of enterprise technology leadership.
An Exclusive Venue for the Top Leaders in IT
Carefully selected to match the prestige of its attendees, this venue offers a refined and high-impact environment designed for IT leaders, innovators, and decision-makers.
Seamless Accessibility with VIP Transport
Enjoy a hassle-free arrival with private car transfers, valet services, and priority access, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience from start to finish.
A Sophisticated Setting for Strategic Discussions
With dedicated spaces for networking and discussions, the venue fosters valuable connections and strategic conversations in an exclusive setting.
VIP Car Service
Arrive in style with our chauffeured executive transport, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey. With priority access and reserved drop-off, you’ll experience the ultimate convenience from door to venue.
Luxury Hospitality & Dining
Indulge in chef-curated meals, premium refreshments, and exquisite catering throughout the event. Our carefully selected menu ensures a world-class dining experience, perfect for refined networking in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.
Dedicated Concierge & Support
Enjoy a personalised service experience, with our dedicated concierge team assisting with event details, special requests, and VIP accommodations to ensure a smooth and productive visit.
Find the Venue
Get in Touch
Ready to connect with top IT decision-makers and elevate your brand? Whether you're looking to sponsor, attend, or learn more about our exclusive events, we're here to help.
More Ways to Connect
Select an option below to find the right opportunity and become part of the CxO Institute experience.

