All 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

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM CET

Magic Quadrant for Backup and Data Protection Platforms
Michael Hoeck, VP Analyst, Gartner
In this session, we will review the Magic Quadrant for Backup and Data Protection Platforms. A platform approach that now extends beyond backup of hybrid, multicloud and SaaS environments. It plays a critical role in cyber recovery, data protection, compliance, data insights and access use cases. Join this session to gain insights into which vendors are best positioned to meet these requirements. ... Show More Show Less

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM CET

Magic Quadrant for Security Service Edge
Charlie Winckless, VP Analyst, Gartner
Gartner’s recent technology adoption survey shows that security service edge interest and adoption are top of mind for many chief information security officers. This session will summarize the findings and materials of the latest security service edge Magic Quadrant and Critical Capabilities, providing insights for clients looking to invest in this technology. ... Show More Show Less

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CET

The CIO 2027 Cybersecurity Radar
Leigh McMullen, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner
Gartner's annual cybersecurity radar for CIOs; we examine the hottest trends and emerging threats for cybersecurity to give you the just in time insight you need for your agenda for cybersecurity for the coming year. ... Show More Show Less

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM CET

AI Agents: Cybersecurity Strategies for Enterprise Protection
Dionisio Zumerle, VP Analyst, Gartner
AI agents are emerging as organizations invest in customized generative AI applications for enterprise automation. This session will illustrate how CIOs can avoid cybersecurity failures by adapting identity management, secure development and runtime security practices to address new attack surfaces and risks from AI agents. ... Show More Show Less

03:00 PM - 03:45 PM CET

Ask the Analyst: Impact of Geopolitical Turmoil on Sovereign Cloud Strategies Across EMEA
Rene Buest, Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
Nader Henein, VP Analyst, Gartner
Ongoing geopolitical turmoil and uncertainty intensify sovereignty concerns across the EMEA region. Government bodies and organizations worry about their reliance on foreign digital technology vendors and the sovereignty of their data, infrastructure and operations. In response, governments have issued sovereignty mandates to decrease dependencies on foreign tech and increase overall independence. ... Show More Show Less

03:00 PM - 03:30 PM CET

Gartner's 2026 Cybersecurity Technology Adoption Roadmap for CIOs
Leigh McMullen, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner
CIOs, along with CISOs, are at the forefront of defending enterprise assets, including AI, from escalating cyberthreats. This session helps CIOs pressure-test their cybersecurity strategy against peer adoption trends from Gartner's 2026 Cybersecurity Technology Adoption Roadmap, benchmarking 40 cybersecurity technologies. Discover which solutions show proven value, which fall short and whether AI-related technologies are worth the hype. Learn how to make smarter investment decisions and overcome deployment obstacles. ... Show More Show Less

05:00 PM - 05:30 PM CET

Top Trends in Cybersecurity for 2026
Akif Khan, VP Analyst, Gartner
Cybersecurity leaders face unprecedented external forces — from geopolitical tensions to rapid AI growth — testing the limits of existing programs. This session details Gartner’s top eight trends for 2026, providing the strategic pivot needed to manage risk and build resilience across three core themes: transforming governance, securing new frontiers and empowering AI adoption. ... Show More Show Less
Tuesday, 10 November, 2026

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM CET

How to Increase Board Confidence in Cybersecurity
Paul Proctor, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner
Boards often lack confidence in their own cybersecurity capabilities and those of their CEO. This lack of board confidence creates challenges for CIOs as it can amplify pressure for unrealistic results, lower investment appetite and ultimately weaken business resilience. This session will guide CIOs on how to empower a confident, cyber-resilient board. ... Show More Show Less

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM CET

Ask the Analyst: Breaking the Reliance on Big Tech
Ted McHugh, Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
Dynamic geopolitical tensions and regulatory pressures are forcing many organizations to urgently evaluate their exposure to large technology providers. Yet, detangling years of accumulated dependencies across multiple technology domains requires a phased, low-risk and well-governed approach. Join this session to know more. ... 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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