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CTO conferences are great places to network, but they are also a melting pot of insights and industry trends. 

For Chief Technology Officers seeking to stay ahead of the curve or acquire a new tactic to enhance cybersecurity measures, these are the top conferences to attend in 2026.

Best CTO Conferences 2026 Shortlist

Here's a shortlist of the best CTO conferences I think are worth attending in 2026:

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  1. DevOps fwdays'26 Conference - Kyiv, Ukraine (February 28, 2026)
  2. CTO Craft Con: London - London, UK (March 9-11, 2026)
  3. Gartner Digital Workplace Summit - San Diego, CA (March 23-24, 2026)
  4. RSAC 2026 Conference - San Francisco, CA (March 23-26, 2026)
  5. Digital Transformation Summit - Multiple locations and dates
  6. TECHSPO Global Technology Expo - Multiple locations and dates
  7. Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ - Orlando, FL (October 19-22, 2026)
  8. DigiMarCon World - Las Vegas, NV (November 4-6, 2026)
  9. Web Summit - Lisbon, Portugal (November 9-12, 2026)
  10. The AI Summit - New York City, NY (December 9-10, 2026)

More details about each conference are below.

Overview of the Best CTO Conferences Of 2026

Below are my summaries of the best CTO conferences that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each event’s dates, location, pricing, and unique offering.

1. DevOps fwdays'26 Conference - Kyiv, Ukraine (February 28, 2026)

Oleksandr Makhomet, Cofounder of fwdays, speaking at the DevOps fwdays'24 Conference
The DevOps fwdays'24 Conference

The DevOps fwdays'26 Conference is a key event for technology leaders focused on DevOps practices and tools. Held annually, it brings together industry experts and enthusiasts in Europe. 

Speakers have included notable figures in DevOps and cloud computing, including Volodymyr Tsap, CTO at SHALB; Olexandr Shevchenko, DevOps Engineer at ONSEO; and Artem Hrechanychenko, Lead SRE Engineer at TemaBit.

Why attend? This technology event offers a unique blend of in-person and online participation. You and your team will benefit from insightful talks on continuous delivery, automation, and the role of artificial intelligence in DevOps.

Engage with experts, participate in panels, and explore the latest in DevOps tools and practices. It’s an opportunity to network and collaborate with like-minded professionals in a vibrant setting.

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2. CTO Craft Con: London - London, UK (March 9-11, 2026)

Patrick Kua, Former, CTO and Chief Scientist at N26, presenting at the 2025 CTO Craft Con London
The CTO Craft Con: London 2025

CTO Craft Con: London is a premier event for tech leaders, focusing on leadership in technology. It aims to create a community for CTOs and engineering leaders. The event gathers around 500 attendees for networking, workshops, and discussions on AI, team culture, and technology operations.

“Flawlessly organized, carefully curated, well-balanced content that can support hundreds of leaders of today and tomorrow. I thoroughly enjoyed the energy, the questions, and hearing from other experts in the field. Thank you!"

- Roxana Diaconescu, CTO

Why attend? At this CTO event, you'll dive into leadership challenges and innovations in tech. The AI Leadership Lab offers unique insights into AI's role in tech leadership. With talks and workshops from industry leaders, you'll gain valuable knowledge and network with peers.

The emphasis on community means you'll engage in meaningful discussions and activities, enhancing your leadership skills and expanding your professional network.

3. Gartner Digital Workplace Summit - San Diego, CA (March 23-24, 2026)

Inspiring session at the Gartner Digital Workplace Summit 2025 led by HP Workforce Experience Platform delegates
The 2025 Gartner Digital Workplace Summit

The Gartner Digital Workplace Summit is a focused gathering for CIOs, CTOs, and digital workplace leaders shaping the future of work. Held in California, it explores digital friction, GenAI in workplace tools, and employee experience strategies.

The 2026 edition will feature insights from Gartner’s research leaders and industry thought leaders shaping modern workplace design.

Why attend? You'll explore how to elevate digital employee experience, balance innovation with governance, and integrate GenAI into your strategy. Sessions dig into new models of hybrid collaboration and measurable workplace value.

The agenda blends peer interaction with analyst-led sessions and solution provider case studies. This isn’t just tech—it’s about aligning digital workplace investments with business outcomes.

4. RSAC 2026 Conference - San Francisco, CA (March 23-26, 2026)

Panelists of the RSAC 2025 Conference
The RSAC 2025 Conference

The RSAC Conference brings together cybersecurity professionals, researchers, engineers, and CTOs to address pressing security challenges. It’s one of the longest-running and most influential security events in the USA. The event focuses on sharing best practices, standards, and the latest trends in cyber defense.

Why attend? You'll engage with experts shaping global security policy, explore threat intelligence sessions, and join peer discussions on risk frameworks. The Expo Hall hosts vendors showcasing new technologies and frameworks.

The agenda includes hands-on labs, analyst briefings, and sector-specific programming tailored for large enterprise tech teams.

5. Digital Transformation Summit - Multiple locations and dates

Speaker of the 2025 Digital Transformation Summit in South Africa
The Digital Transformation Summit 2025
  • Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
  • Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
  • Pricing: Register to see current pricing
  • Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook

Digital Transformation Summit: Location & Dates

LocationsDates
Sandton, South AfricaMarch 11, 2026
Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaApril 23, 2026
Abu Dhabi, UAEApril 29, 2026
Manila, PhilippinesMay 21, 2026
Doha, QatarSeptember 29, 2026
Jakarta, IndonesiaOctober 14-15, 2026
Bangkok, ThailandOctober 28, 2026

The Digital Transformation Summit is a global series held in over 12 cities. It's designed for CTOs, CIOs, and senior executives looking to explore digital transformation strategies. Participants benefit from networking opportunities and insights into the latest technology trends.

Why attend? At the summit, you and your team will engage with thought leaders and innovators. The event focuses on emerging trends and offers a technology showcase, providing a platform for networking and brand visibility.

It's a chance to learn from experts and explore strategies that can drive your enterprise's digital transformation.

6. TECHSPO Global Technology Expo - Multiple locations and dates

Vendors networking at the TECHSPO Global Technology Expo
The TECHSPO Global Technology Expo
  • Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
  • Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
  • Pricing: Varied (see table below)
  • Social Media: LinkedIn

TECHSPO: Locations, Dates, & Pricing

LocationsDatesPricing
Los Angeles, CAApril 1-2, 2026From $620.88
Toronto, CanadaApril 15-16, 2026From CA$619.19
Vancouver, CanadaApril 20-21, 2026From CA$619.19
Houston, TXApril 29-30, 2026From $620.88
Boston, MAMay 12-13, 2026From $620.88
Chicago, ILMay 19-20, 2026From $620.88
Atlanta, GAJune 3-4, 2026From $676.14
Phoenix, AZJune 11-12, 2026From $620.88
Tokyo, JapanJuly 2-3, 2026From $497
London, UKSeptember 3-4, 2026From £478.66
Amsterdam, NetherlandsSeptember 17-18, 2026From €525.33
Dubai, UAESeptember 22-23, 2026From $497
Johannesburg, South AfricaSeptember 28-29, 2026From $397
Philadelphia, PAOctober 8-9, 2026From $620.88
Miami, FLOctober 14-15, 2026From $664.34
Jacksonville, FLOctober 22-23, 2026From $667.45

TECHSPO is a major event for tech enthusiasts and professionals. It showcases the latest technological innovations and attracts developers, brands, and marketers from around the world. The expo occurs annually in multiple cities worldwide, providing a platform for networking and learning.

Why attend? At this technology conference, you and your team will experience cutting-edge technology and connect with industry leaders. It features live demonstrations, product launches, and insightful sessions, making it a must-attend for those looking to stay ahead in tech innovation. TECHSPO is a unique opportunity to network and explore the future of technology in a dynamic environment.

7. Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ - Orlando, FL (October 19-22, 2026)

Panel discussion with UiPath FUSION delegates at the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ 2025
The Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ 2025

Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ is a long-standing gathering for CIOs, CTOs, and senior tech leaders. It covers enterprise IT strategy, leadership, and disruptive technologies. The conference blends research-backed sessions with leadership insights and innovation spotlights from tech executives across industries.

“You have all of these CIOs, all together at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo. It's a wealth of expertise and experience that I love to tap into and continue to stay connected with.”

- Damon Frost, CIO, P&G Beauty at Procter & Gamble

Why attend? You’ll spend four days exploring leadership strategies, tech investment priorities, and tech-driven business transformation. The agenda mixes boardroom-ready insights with sessions on emerging technology frameworks.

It’s built for leaders balancing tactical decision-making with long-term strategy—and it gives your team structured time to recalibrate with global peers and analysts.

8. DigiMarCon World - Las Vegas, NV (November 4-6, 2026)

Presenter of the DigiMarCon World 2025
The DigiMarCon World 2025

DigiMarCon World is a premier digital marketing conference for professionals seeking to stay up to date on the latest trends. It’s designed for senior executives, technologists, and marketers exploring growth and innovation through tech. Sessions cover topics such as AI, data science, big data, and digital transformation strategies.

Why attend? At DigiMarCon World, you and your team will gain access to cutting-edge digital marketing strategies and trends. The event offers a unique virtual experience, allowing you to connect with industry leaders without leaving your location.

With a focus on collaboration and innovation, you'll leave equipped with the tools and knowledge to enhance your digital marketing efforts.

9. Web Summit - Lisbon, Portugal (November 9-12, 2026)

CEO Paddy Cosgrave speaking at the Web Summit 2025
The 2025 Web Summit

Web Summit is a renowned global conference bringing together leaders from the tech industry, startups, and policymakers. It has grown into a major event known for featuring prominent speakers like Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

Why attend? At this summit, you and your team will engage with diverse topics ranging from AI to sustainability. With over 70,000 attendees, it offers unparalleled networking opportunities. The event includes panel discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches that provide insights into the future of technology and business.

It’s an excellent platform for gaining new perspectives and connecting with global innovators.

10. The AI Summit - New York City, NY (December 9-10, 2026)

Andrew Kemp, Head of Product Marketing at HP, shared the stage with Brian Kurn, Engine Simulation Analyst at HMS Racing at The AI Summit 2025
Informa: The AI Summit 2025

The AI Summit is a leading event focused on commercial AI, attracting over 5,000 attendees and featuring more than 350 speakers across 10 stages. It's designed for business leaders and tech innovators looking to explore AI's impact on industries.

The summit offers various experiences, including VIP options and a Start-up & Investor Village, providing a comprehensive look at AI advancements.

Why attend? This gathering allows you to delve into the transformative power of AI across industries. Engage with top-tier speakers, explore cutting-edge solutions, and expand your network in the heart of New York City.

The event's diverse sessions and specialized tracks ensure a rich learning experience tailored to your interests. It's a must-attend for those seeking to harness AI's potential.

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Katie Sanders

As a data-driven content strategist, editor, writer, and community steward, Katie helps technical leaders win at work. Her 15 years of experience in the tech space makes her well-rounded to provide technical audiences with first-hand operating wisdom so senior tech leaders can get clarity.

Tech leaders want to learn from peers who’ve been there. Katie surfaces hard-won lessons that help CTOs scale systems, teams, and strategy in the face of disruption.

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