Al 2026 Conference Sessions

Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ 2026 conference dives deep into key topics for CIOs and IT leaders around AI, executive leadership, cybersecurity, operating models and more to help you address your organization’s mission-critical challenges.

2026 Conference Theme

Ignite Intelligence

AI is no longer a differentiator — it’s now part of the foundation. CIOs must take the artificial out of intelligence, combining human ingenuity with AI to unlock value, drive agility and navigate disruption. A human-centered approach is key to leading the intelligent enterprise.

Explore our conference sessions below, all developed with this theme in mind.

Hear from long-term Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo attendees on why they keep coming back.
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There are hundreds of sessions happening each day. Filter to see sessions that align with your role and interests. After registering for the conference, craft your agenda and book priority sessions — all through Conference Navigator.

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Monday, 09 November, 2026

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM CET

Gartner Opening Keynote: Reaching Escape Velocity - Shaping an Effective Enterprise AI Economy
Daryl Plummer, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner
Kristin Moyer, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner
Hear Gartner’s unique "big picture" insights that will shape your perspective on your most critical priorities. Spark strategic discussions with your peers during the conference as well as with your colleagues throughout the year. ... Show More Show Less

10:45 AM - 07:00 PM CET

IT Xpo Open Hours
Visit IT Xpo to meet with solution providers and experience live product demonstrations. Attend a Stage session to see technology in action. Network with peers and executives from leading technology and service providers. ... Show More Show Less

11:30 AM - 01:30 PM CET

CIO Circle Research Discussion: Reinvent the Technology Operating Model for a World Beyond IT
Jaime Capella, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner
AI and democratized tech are breaking traditional IT operating models. Tech creation now extends beyond IT, but CIOs retain accountability, creating a leadership paradox as responsibility grows while control shrinks. Learn how CIOs can close this gap by redesigning operating models: shift from project- to product-centric delivery, focus on orchestrating enterprise capabilities via platforms, embedded governance, and clear human-AI decision models for safe, effective tech environments. ... Show More Show Less

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CET

Contract Negotiation Clinic: ERP Contracts Unlocked, Negotiation Clinic for Successful Implementation
Katarzyna Fonteyn, Director Analyst, Gartner
A practical, scenario‑based Clinic designed to help procurement, sourcing and IT leaders negotiate optimal commercial and contractual outcomes during an ERP implementation. Participants will learn how to manage ERP & SAP’s cloud licensing structures, navigate migration‑linked cost drivers, avoid lock‑ins and align contract terms with the organization’s long‑term architectural roadmap. ... Show More Show Less

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CET

Contract Negotiation Clinic: How to Negotiate With Oracle
Rob Wilkes, VP Analyst, Gartner
Oracle's complex licensing rules (for both software and cloud services) make it challenging for IT sourcing, procurement and vendor-management leaders to negotiate initial contracts and renewals effectively. In this interactive clinic, discover the strategies to employ and the pitfalls to avoid in order to maximize the value and reduce the risk of any Oracle contract you negotiate. ... Show More Show Less

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CET

Contract Negotiation Clinic: SHIELD: 6 Steps to Contract Cybersecurity Services
Joe Trejo, Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
Learn how to apply the SHIELD framework to contract cybersecurity services with confidence. This clinic shows CIOs how to align needs with strategy, choose the right providers, integrate services, negotiate stronger terms and protections and drive continuous security improvement. ... Show More Show Less

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CET

Decision Intelligence: Getting Value From AI Agents and Multiagent Systems
Pieter den Hamer, VP Analyst, Gartner
The AI operationalization phase is giving way to the next evolution of AI software based on composite AI and AI agents. AI agents need an enterprise view and a bigger picture to organize their collaborations. To build adaptable and resilient systems, organizations should explore this evolution — based on the decision intelligence discipline — to maximize the benefits brought by the AI agent wave. Join this session to learn more. ... Show More Show Less

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CET

Deliberately Position Yourself in the AI Era: Craft Brand, Earn Reputation
Rob O'Donohue, VP Analyst, Gartner
AI washed brands set an expectation for CIOs but can become liabilities and tarnish credibility, unless backed by a reputation for delivering on those promises. This session brings CIOs through a brand and reputation framework with actions and tactics to practice as they craft the brand and earn the reputation they want with intent. ... Show More Show Less

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CET

Higher Education: Top Campus Technology Trends Driving Student Experience
Paul Riley, Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
Technology plays a pivotal role in an institution's sense of place, shaping how students perceive and interact with the campus. This session will assess the top campus technology trends, and provide strategies and processes that enable institutions to drive, scale and govern these technology trends. Walk away with a framework of foundational, differentiated and innovative capabilities, outlining what actions the CIO must take to achieve critical institutional outcomes. ... Show More Show Less

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“I have found Gartner Symposium to be a fantastic way to update my knowledge base through information and networking. It’s a real crucial tool in developing my and my organization’s strategic direction.”

Ian Dickens
Director of  ITS, London Met

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