Credit: Kelly Alexander Photography The room was abuzz. People were standing, talking intensely, mingling, and meeting new people. This was our first in-person conference in 2023, and it was going exactly as planned: Participants were engaged and networking. In all of our surveys, networking is always one of the top two reasons attendees come to our events (the other is the content), but often we don’t see them doing it. So we’d put a structured networking exercise on the agenda, introduced the session, and presented some sample questions they could use as conversation starters. Voila – off they went. Later, our survey results indicated it was a highlight of the event. Welcome to FutureIT, our new event brand debuting in five cities in 2023. We’ve focused on leveraging what’s special and important about meeting in person again, with keen attention paid to creating the best – and a memorable — attendee experience. A fresh take on content, networking and experiences means it’s not your father’s IT event – as one attendee enthusiastically told us. That’s right. Our focus covers three areas: leadership, technology and personal development. The program starts with a workshop to heed the call of deeper learning, networking and personal growth; features an inspirational, non-endemic keynote, followed by interviews with and panels of exceptional CIOs; and includes not just the aforementioned structured networking but active discussion groups led by our sponsors. The program also features content aimed at attendees’ careers, by looking at the latest job requirements for senior IT and security executives. This session includes information that will help managers recruit for open positions – a big pain point across so many and IT security teams – as well. As such, the agenda checks all the boxes regarding what recruiters and our research indicate are the most crucial skills for success in today’s volatile business environment. Sound exciting? We have programs coming up in Washington, D.C.; Toronto; Chicago; New York; and Southern California. Join us. Related content events promotion Two great reads (and one listen) to prepare for CIO’s Data, Analytics & AI Summit By Beth Kormanik Apr 03, 2024 3 mins Events Artificial Intelligence IT Leadership analysis Governance and Fighting the Curse of Complexity CIOs feel they are driving digital transformation to support business value By Charles Pelton Mar 20, 2024 5 mins Cybercrime IT Governance IT Strategy opinion Canadian CIOs discuss driving digital transformation at a rapid pace Canadian CIOs are leading the charge in digital transformation, shaping the future of business innovation and growth. Read on to take a look behind the scenes. By Lee Rennick Mar 15, 2024 3 mins Business Technology Industry Events opinion Innovate, Collaborate, Elevate: FutureIT Los Angeles Unveiled By Elizabeth Cutler Mar 06, 2024 2 mins Technology Industry Events Networking PODCASTS VIDEOS RESOURCES EVENTS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe