From AI Ambition to Enterprise Impact
Leadership, Trust and Transformation in the Age of the Autonomous Enterprise
As AI moves from experimentation to enterprise execution, leaders face a new challenge: turning AI ambition into measurable business outcomes while maintaining trust, governance and resilience.
CxO Institute Chicago brings together senior technology, security and data leaders to explore how organisations are operationalising AI, securing autonomous systems, building AI-ready foundations and delivering measurable business outcomes at scale.
Why Attend
- Join a select group of senior technology leaders navigating the transition from AI experimentation to enterprise execution
- Explore an agenda shaped by the priorities, investments and challenges shared by technology leaders across the Midwest
- Learn how organisations are scaling AI while balancing innovation, trust, governance and resilience
- Gain insight into the strategies, operating models and leadership decisions driving enterprise-wide AI success
What You'll Explore
AI at Scale • Agentic AI • Digital Resilience • AI Governance • AI-Ready Data • Workforce Transformation • Enterprise Value
Agenda
08:00 - 08:45
Registration & Networking Breakfast
08:45 - 09:35
Opening Panel
CxO
From AI Potential to Business Performance: Building the Intelligent Enterprise
- Scaling AI, automation and data initiatives from experimentation to enterprise-wide impact
- Embedding governance, trust and accountability into increasingly intelligent operations
- Redefining leadership, operating models and investment priorities for the next era of business transformation
09:40 - 10:20
Strategy
Building Enterprise AI Platforms for Scale
- Designing infrastructure that supports enterprise-wide AI adoption
- Balancing performance, cost and governance across AI workloads
- Building reusable foundations for agents, copilots and future AI capabilities
10:25 - 11:05
Strategy
Decision Intelligence: Transforming How Enterprises Make Decisions
- Embedding AI into operational and strategic decision-making
- Reducing latency between insight, action and business outcomes
- Building decision-centric operating models for the intelligent enterprise
Security
Identity in the Age of AI: Securing Humans, Machines and Agents
- Managing the explosion of machine, service and AI-agent identities
- Rethinking access controls and governance beyond traditional IAM
- Building identity-centric security strategies for autonomous environments
Data
Powering the AI Economy: The Future of Data Centers, Energy, Edge, and Digital Infrastructure at Scale
- How organisations are evolving their digital infrastructure, connectivity and data strategies to support the growing demands of AI, data-intensive workloads and real-time decision-making
- Addressing the increasing compute, energy and operational requirements of AI while maintaining security, reliability, cost efficiency and sustainability goals]
- Exploring the role of data centres, cloud, edge and interconnected ecosystems in enabling scalable AI adoption, data sovereignty and business innovation
11:10 - 11:50
Strategy
From Copilots to Agentic AI: Scaling Autonomous Execution
- Moving AI beyond isolated use cases into enterprise-wide execution
- Establishing repeatable delivery models, governance and measurement frameworks
- Scaling successful AI initiatives across business functions
Security
Securing the Agentic Enterprise: Trust, Control and Accountability
- Managing risk as AI agents gain autonomy across business processes
- Establishing governance and oversight for AI-driven actions
- Balancing innovation, security and compliance in autonomous environments
Data
Connected Data Ecosystems: Breaking Down Silos at Scale
- Connecting operational, customer and enterprise data across the organisation
- Improving accessibility, trust and consistency across business functions
- Enabling AI and analytics through modern data architectures
11:55 - 12:35
Strategy
Agentic AI and the Future of Enterprise Operations
- Combining AI, automation and process intelligence to transform business operations
- Improving efficiency, agility and decision-making across the enterprise
- Creating scalable operating models that support continuous optimisation
Security
Building Cyber Resilience as a Driver of Business Growth
- Aligning security investments with business priorities and growth objectives
- Communicating cyber risk and resilience effectively at board level
- Building security strategies that enable innovation and transformation
Data
Data Observability: From Visibility to Confidence
- Ensuring data reliability across increasingly complex environments
- Detecting quality, lineage and operational issues before they impact the business
- Building trust in AI and analytics through greater transparency
12:35 - 13:25
13:25 - 14:05
Strategy
Optimising Technology Investments in an Era of AI
- Aligning technology investments with business priorities and measurable outcomes
- Balancing innovation, operational efficiency and cost management
- Maximising value from cloud, AI and digital transformation initiatives
14:10 - 14:50
Strategy
Beyond Productivity: Creating New Business Models with AI
- Moving from efficiency gains to revenue growth and competitive advantage
- Identifying opportunities for AI-enabled products, services and customer experiences
- Balancing innovation with risk, governance and scalability
Security
Safe AI Adoption: Protecting Data, Models and Enterprise Trust
- Securing AI initiatives while enabling innovation and business value
- Protecting enterprise data, intellectual property and customer information
- Building trust through governance, transparency and security controls
Data Governance for the AI Era
- Creating governance models that enable innovation while maintaining trust
- Improving ownership, accountability and data quality across the enterprise
- Supporting responsible AI through stronger governance foundations
14:55 - 15:35
Strategy
Responsible Innovation: Scaling AI Without Losing Control
- Balancing innovation, governance and regulatory expectations
- Managing AI risk while accelerating adoption
- Creating accountability frameworks for enterprise AI
Security
The Autonomous SOC: Reimagining Security Operations with AI
- How AI is transforming detection, investigation and response
- Defining the role of human analysts in increasingly automated environments
- Building trust and governance around AI-assisted security decisions
From Data Assets to Business Value: Building Product-Led Data Strategies
- Moving beyond data management to create measurable business outcomes
- Establishing ownership and accountability for data products
- Scaling data initiatives that drive commercial and operational value
15:40 - 16:20
Strategy
Designing High-Performance Organisations for the AI Era
- Redesigning processes, teams and decision-making structures around AI
- Increasing organisational agility and operational effectiveness
- Creating environments where people and AI work together effectively
Security
Zero Trust in a Hyperconnected Enterprise
- Extending Zero Trust principles across cloud, AI and distributed environments
- Strengthening identity, access and data protection strategies
- Supporting secure innovation while reducing risk exposure
Data
Turning Information into Intelligence
- Connecting enterprise knowledge, analytics and AI to improve business outcomes
- Making critical information easier to discover, understand and use
- Supporting faster, more informed decision-making across the organisation
16:25 - 17:00
Closing Session
Strategy
Will Your Organisation Be Ready for 2027?
- Identifying the capabilities, structures and leadership approaches that will define future success
- Navigating the opportunities and risks of increasingly autonomous enterprises
- Preparing for a future where AI becomes embedded across every aspect of business operations
17:00 - 18:00
Closing Drinks Reception
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.
"You're not just having a random crowd for no reason. You're actually having a very targeted, focused audience."
Sophie Le Reste
Senior Manager, International / EMEA, Tangoe
It's a great opportunity to be really meeting new prospects. and not only meeting them, but have meaningful conversations about...
Adrian Koshiyama
Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Holistic AI
Big thanks to CxO for the invite, it was a great event. Some great conversations with peers to discuss the...
Shay Cooper
Group Director of Data & Engine, Reach PLC
Getting one to one time with stakeholders is invaluable to us and this event really gave us the opportunity to...
Max Rollinger
Head of Events & Marketing, Turing
A phenomenal organisation who deliver high quality events. The team produce conferences that are the perfect blend of keynotes, panels,...
Dave Davis
Senior Technical Director, ST Engineering iDirect
Thank you for your work and support throughout the pre-event process. Everything has been exceptionally well managed, and all deadlines...
Adelina Sarmiento
Chief Marketing Officer, Keepler Data Tech
Thank you, CxO Institute! It was an absolute pleasure to participate in two days of insightful discussions with industry leaders...
Sarah Perkins
Head of Product, National Grid
As a sponsor of a CxO event we had really good conversations with interested prospects and were able to join...
Greg Holmes
Field CTO, EMEA, Apptio
Location
Chicago
Chicago provides a powerful setting for the CxO Institute. As a leading centre for business, technology, and innovation in North America, the city brings together global enterprises, emerging innovators, and influential decision-makers, creating the ideal environment for executive networking and strategic collaboration.
Engage with Top IT Decision Makers
The CxO 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.
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
Chicago
Chicago stands at the crossroads of industry, innovation, and enterprise, making it an exceptional location for the CxO Institute. Home to a diverse community of Fortune 500 companies, global technology leaders, and a rapidly growing innovation ecosystem, the city continues to drive digital transformation across sectors ranging from finance and manufacturing to healthcare and logistics.
Known for its world-class business environment, iconic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Chicago offers delegates an inspiring setting to exchange ideas, build valuable relationships, and explore the technologies shaping the future of enterprise. Its central location and strong commercial influence make it an ideal destination for senior IT leaders to connect, collaborate, and lead meaningful change.
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.
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