Legacy systems are slowing down innovation and draining resources. CIOs are under pressure to quickly modernize, consolidating platforms and updating foundations to support cloud, AI, and new business models. This session explores to rebuild for speed, scale, and security in a constantly changing landscape.

AI is no longer optional; it’s the competitive advantage. But many organizations are still stuck with manual processes and translating data into action. In this workshop, we’ll unpack how CIOs are embedding AI and automation into everyday processes to create efficiencies and drive better decisions.

An enterprise wins when its connected. Connected between partners, platforms, and ecosystems. This workshop explores how CIOs are breaking down silos, improving interoperability, and designing for collaboration across industries to unlock new opportunities and insights.

In a world of constant change, CIOs are now the architects of resilience. This session dives into how technology leaders are guiding transformation through volatility while adapting strategy, culture, and governance.

In Future on Fire: Igniting Innovation with Intent, Rob Piascik, SVP, Chief Information & Technology Officer, sets the stage for a candid and energizing exploration of what it means to lead technology organizations at a moment when the pace of change is accelerating faster than ever. As CIOs stand at the fire line, they are no longer simply stewards of systems—they are now the ignition source for innovation, resilience, and organizational reinvention. The keynote challenges technology leaders to rethink their role: moving from reactive operators to strategic firestarters who intentionally choose what to ignite, what to contain, and what to let burn. With artificial intelligence reshaping the boundaries of efficiency, creativity, and risk, the modern CIO must blend courage with discipline, pairing bold experimentation with clear-eyed governance. By examining these forces, Rob frames the urgent mindset shift required to lead through volatility—and positions AI-powered leadership as the cornerstone of competitive advantage in an era defined by both unprecedented opportunity and pervasive disruption.

As a continuation of the Catalyst Mission track, these sessions will establish a strategic blueprint to chart the pathway toward identifying a solution.

Track 1: Reinvent the Core
Track 2: The AI-Driven Enterprise
Track 3: Connected by Design
Track 4: Leading Through Disruption

AI has shifted from experimentation to essential enterprise infrastructure, redefining the CIO’s responsibilities and elevating the role to Chief AI Officer. This keynote explores how organizations can unlock real value by aligning AI with business outcomes, strengthening governance, and building a culture ready to embrace rapid change. Technology is no longer the barrier—people, skills, and trust are. CIOs must lead with clarity and purpose while preparing their teams for an AI driven future. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to scale AI responsibly, organize for impact, and meet rising board expectations with confidence and measurable results.

Three Audience Takeaways
1. How the CIO role evolves when AI becomes core infrastructure (CIOs must lead strategy, governance, value measurement, and cultural change—not just technology).
2. How to build an AI ready workforce and organization (Upskilling, change management, and shared accountability matter more than tools).
3. How to align AI strategy with board expectations and measurable outcomes - (Boards expect clarity on ROI, trust, risk, and impact—CIOs must communicate in outcomes, not algorithms).

Continuing your mission tracks, having built the blueprint we now enter the reckoning – a decisive phase where insights are rigorously challenged and crystallised into solution-led outcomes.

Track 1: Reinvent the Core
Track 2: The AI-Driven Enterprise
Track 3: Connected by Design
Track 4: Leading Through Disruption

What if everything you’ve been told about AI is missing the point?

In this closing keynote, Roush CIO Chris Pesola challenges the assumptions driving most AI conversations and zeros in on what leaders often overlook: the role of human judgment, control, and capacity as AI accelerates. Expect fresh insights and a perspective on AI that cuts through hype without dampening ambition. If you’ve ever wondered what truly matters when balancing AI’s potential with real‑world responsibility, this is the session you’ll want to attend.