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CIO conferences are a great place to network because they bring together industry leaders and innovators to share insights on the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of IT.

Whether you're looking to pick up a new tactic for your IT initiatives or keep up with the latest in AI and cloud computing, there's an option for you. Level up your IT leadership skills at these must-attend CIO conferences in 2025.

16 Best CIO Conferences Shortlist

Here’s my list of the best CIO conferences worth attending this year:

  1. IRL - Alberta, Canada (Oct 2025)
  2. CIO Leadership Forum - Multiple Locations and Dates
  3. Logicalis CIO Summit - Multiple Locations and Dates
  4. Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ - Multiple Locations and Dates
  5. Google Cloud Next - Las Vegas, NV (April 2024)
  6. CIO SoCal Summit - Los Angeles, CA (July 2024)
  7. Large City County CIO Summit - Chicago, IL (April 2024)
  8. CIO Institute: USA - New York, NY (May 2024)
  9. MIT Sloan CIO Symposium - Cambridge, MA (May 2024)
  10. Digital Enterprise CIO Transformation Assembly - Multiple Locations and Dates
  11. American CIO & IT Summit - San Francisco, CA (June 2024)
  12. CIO 100 Symposium & Awards - Colorado Springs, CO (August 2024)
  13. CIO Edge - Sydney, Australia (August 2024)
  14. Global CIO Executive Summit - San Diego, CA (September 2024)
  15. CIO/CISO Montreal Summit - Quebec, Canada (November 2024)
  16. Melbourne CIO Executive Summit - Melbourne, Australia (November 2024)

Find more details about each conference below.

Best CIO Conferences

1. IRL - Alberta, Canada (Oct 2025)

irl conference screenshot
The innovative IRL event is designed to help SaaS executives break free from the grind and build lasting connections with other leaders.
  • Dates: October 1-4, 2025
  • Location: Alberta, Canada
  • Pricing: From $2,950
  • WebsiteIRL

Overview:

The IRL 25 conference is an exclusive and immersive event for SaaS executives scaling their businesses from millions to billions in revenue. It's for leaders scaling up post-Series B, and the conference will cover challenges including as product-market fit, go-to-market strategies, customer retention, leadership hiring, and scaling infrastructure.

IRL is a conference designed for participation. Participants engage in tailored tracks, collaborative workshops, expert-led discussions and masterminds while enjoying outdoor adventures and gourmet dining experiences together.

Why You Should Attend:

The IRL conference stands out due to its unique approach to outdoor programming and building in-person engagement. It's also by application only to ensure a high quality of attendees. This one-of-a-kind event forgoes the typical conference format—it's participant-driven, with a carefully selected roster of SaaS executives who form an exclusive network that help each other take their business to the next level.

The IRL conference offers a rare chance to build relationships with like-minded leaders in a refreshing environment away from the usual hustle. If you’re part of an exec team at a SaaS company driving grow

2. CIO Leadership Forum - Multiple Locations and Dates

CIO Leadership Forum website screenshot
Gartner provides various comprehensive CIO conferences catering to different CIO needs.

Gartner CIO Leadership Forum: Conference Locations and Dates

LocationDate
CIO Leadership Forum Australia | Sydney, AustraliaApril 30 - May 1, 2024
CIO Leadership Forum | Tokyo, JapanJuly 9-10, 2024

Overview:
The Gartner CIO Leadership Forum offers a rich blend of keynote speeches, sessions, and peer networking opportunities, connecting you with experts and peers to share experiences, learn from engaging sessions led by Gartner experts, and explore practical solutions to industry challenges.

Why You Should Attend:
Attending Gartner CIO Leadership Forums is a chance to amplify your impact, leading IT beyond its traditional function and partnering with C-suite peers to propel digital business models, enable the future of work, and stimulate business growth. Topics range from strategic business outcomes to digital capabilities, focusing on how CIOs can provide leadership beyond IT to drive business impact.

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3. Logicalis CIO Summit - Multiple Locations and Dates

Logicalis CIO Summit website screenshot
The Logicalis CIO Summit is themed around "The Future Face of Tech Leadership," focusing on the evolving role of the CIO and the impact of emerging technologies.
  • Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
  • Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
  • Pricing: See the registration page for current pricing
  • Website: Logicalis CIO Summit
  • Social Media: Facebook | X | LinkedIn

Logicalis CIO Summit: Conference Locations and Dates

LocationDate
Logicalis CIO Summit | London, UKJune 20, 2024
Logicalis CIO Summit | Sydney, AustraliaTBD
Logicalis CIO Summit | Melbourne, AustraliaTBD
Logicalis CIO Summit | Frankfurt, GermanySeptember 13, 2024
Logicalis CIO Summit | Lisbon, PortugalTBD
Logicalis CIO Summit | Sao Paulo, BrazilTBD
Logicalis CIO Summit | SpainTBD

Overview:
The Logicalis CIO Summit discusses how CIOs can gain clarity on organizational priorities, harness technologies like AI and 5G, navigate the new era of security, and deliver sustainable IT.

Why You Should Attend:
Logicalis CIO Summit addresses the role of the CIO in the 4th industrial revolution, managing risk and reward, and the balance between profit and purpose. With a keynote speech from Robert Bailkoski, CEO of Logicalis, and a panel of global CIOs discussing key strategies for sustainable business outcomes.

4. Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ - Multiple Locations and Dates

Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo website screenshot
Gartner provides a variation of comprehensive CIO conferences that cater to different CIO needs.

Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™: Conference Locations and Dates

LocationDate
Symposium/Xpo™ | Gold Coast, AustraliaSeptember 9-11, 2024
Symposium/Xpo™ | Orlando, FLOctober 21-24, 2024
Symposium/Xpo™ | Tokyo, JapanOctober 28-30, 2024
Symposium/Xpo™ | Barcelona, SpainNovember 4-7, 2024
Symposium/Xpo™ | Kochi, IndiaNovember 11-13, 2024

Overview:
Symposium/Xpo™ focuses on business transformation, IT infrastructure, and operations.

Why You Should Attend:
Symposium/Xpo™ offers insights into strategic trends that shape IT and business, leveraging Gartner's industry-leading research. This event is ideal for IT leaders looking to better understand emerging trends and technologies that will shape the future of business and IT.

5. Google Cloud Next - Las Vegas, NV (April 2024)

Google Cloud Next website screenshot
Google Cloud Next offers three days of visionary keynotes, the latest tech innovations, and live discussions on generative AI and security.

Overview:
Google Cloud Next is a premier event that showcases the latest in cloud technology, including advances in generative AI, and innovative approaches to digital transformation and cloud infrastructure.

Why You Should Attend:
The focus on generative AI highlights the event's commitment to cutting-edge technology and innovation. Attendees can hear from leading voices in the industry, learn about the latest technologies and trends, and network with peers.

6. CIO SoCal Summit - Los Angeles, CA (July 2024)

CIO SoCal Summit website screenshot
The CIO SoCal Summit is tailored for CIOs and IT leaders in the Southern California region, focusing on the most current issues facing IT leaders today.

Overview:
The CIO SoCal Summit often covers topics like digital transformation, cybersecurity, data analytics, and cloud computing, among others. The event features insightful speakers like Nick Reva, Head of Information Security at Snap Inc.

Why You Should Attend:
Attending the CIO SoCal Summit provides a unique opportunity to connect with local IT leaders and discuss region-specific challenges and opportunities that are particularly relevant to the Southern California market.

7. Large City County CIO Summit - Chicago, IL (April 2024)

Large City County CIO Summit website screenshot
The Large City County CIO Summit is designed for CIOs and senior IT officials from large cities and counties nationwide.

Overview:
The Large City County CIO Summit addresses the unique technology challenges large municipalities face, with discussions on innovation in public sector IT, digital government strategies, data management, and cybersecurity.

Why You Should Attend:
The Large City County CIO Summit offers a platform for public sector IT leaders to share experiences, strategies, and best practices for navigating the complexities of IT management in large urban areas.

8. CIO Institute: USA - New York, NY (May 2024)

CIO Institute: USA website screenshot
The CIO Institute: USA conference speakers.

Overview:
The CIO Institute: USA in New York City is an event that addresses key challenges in technology leadership, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and customer experience. Notable speakers include the Head of Digital Transformation & Innovation at Novo Nordisk, and Mark Troller, CIO at Tangoe, among others.

Why You Should Attend:
This summit is crucial for tech leaders seeking insights into AI, digital transformations, and innovative strategies.

9. MIT Sloan CIO Symposium - Cambridge, MA (May 2024)

MIT Sloan CIO Symposium website screenshot
The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium's 2024 theme, "The Goldilocks Paradox," underscores the balance CIOs must find in digital strategy extremes.

Overview:
The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium brings together business and IT leaders to discuss how technology can address pressing business issues, focusing on innovation, leadership, and strategy.

Why You Should Attend:
This event is valuable for its interactive blend of academic insight and practical strategies from leading CIOs, providing a unique opportunity for networking and learning from the best in the field.

10. Digital Enterprise CIO Transformation Assembly - Multiple Locations and Dates

Digital Enterprise CIO Transformation Assembly website screenshot
The Digital Enterprise CIO Transformation Assembly hosts key meetings for CIOs and IT executives, focusing on industry trends and challenges at their assemblies.

Digital Enterprise CIO Transformation Assembly: Conference Locations and Dates

LocationDate
Digital Enterprise CIO Transformation Assembly | The Ritz-Carlton, New OrleansMay 22-23, 2024 & November 20-21, 2024
Digital Enterprise CIO Transformation Assembly
| The Omni Barton Creek, Austin
August 22-23, 2024

Overview:
Focusing on digital transformation, the Digital Enterprise CIO Transformation Assembly is designed for CIOs and IT leaders interested in shaping the future of enterprise technology and digital strategy.

Why You Should Attend:
From this CIO event, attendees will gain insights into managing digital transformation, with opportunities to connect with peers and leaders, an essential for those driving change in their organizations.

11. American CIO & IT Summit - San Francisco, CA (June 2024)

American CIO & IT Summit website screenshot
The 2024 American CIO & IT Summit featured speakers.

Overview:
This summit focuses on the pivotal role of IT and digital leaders in driving business innovation and transformation. It covers topics like digital strategy, cybersecurity, risk management, and technology trends.

Why You Should Attend:
The American CIO & IT Summit is a great opportunity for IT leaders to network, exchange ideas, and gain insights from peers and industry experts on navigating the digital landscape and leading.

12. CIO 100 Symposium & Awards - Colorado Springs, CO (August 2024)

CIO 100 Symposium & Awards website screenshot
The CIO 100 Symposium & Awards event aims to boost IT leaders with networking, keynotes, and award-winning projects, enhancing organizational readiness through expert engagement.

Overview:
This event celebrates excellence in IT leadership, showcasing 100 award winners and new CIO Hall of Fame inductees. The event offers networking, keynote speakers including Neuroscientist and Technologist, Dr. Poppy Crum, and award-winning project showcases.

Why You Should Attend:
The CIO 100 Symposium & Awards is ideal for IT leaders seeking inspiration and practical insights. It covers leadership, innovation, and technology adoption, including AI and quantum computing.

13. CIO Edge - Sydney, Australia (August 2024)

CIO Edge website screenshot
CIO Edge facilitates learning from experts and regional CIOs, sharing intelligence and next steps for similar journeys.

Overview:
CIO Edge is an invitation-only conference gathering for CIOs, CTOs, and IT leaders to discuss IT operating models, leadership, and technology value articulation.

Why You Should Attend:
CIO Edge is essential for IT leaders aiming to enhance business and leadership skills through global insights and peer networking. It features global speakers and focuses on collaboration, innovation, and technology strategy.

14. Global CIO Executive Summit - San Diego, CA (September 2024)

Global CIO Executive Summit
At the Global CIO Executive Summit, CIOs of global operations exchange ideas and strategies for complex organizations, facilitated by and for global CIOs.

Overview:
The summit assembles CIOs globally to discuss leadership, artificial intelligence innovation, and the impact of digital transformation on a global scale.

Why You Should Attend:
The Global CIO Executive Summit is ideal for CIOs looking to engage with global peers and explore strategic leadership insights within the evolving digital landscape.

15. CIO/CISO Montreal Summit - Quebec, Canada (November 2024)

CIO/CISO Montreal Summit website screenshot
The CIO/CISO Montreal Summit is an elite platform for exchanging digital transformation and security insights among top tech executives.

Overview:
This conference is a convergence point for IT leaders to navigate cybersecurity challenges and leadership dynamics in IT. The summit features notable speakers like Richard Rushing, CISO at Motorola Mobility, to share insights about protection against cyber threats.

Why You Should Attend:
The CIO/CISO Montreal Summit focuses on the intersection of CIO and Chief Information Security Officers roles, emphasizing cybersecurity strategies and leadership in IT.

16. Melbourne CIO Executive Summit - Melbourne, Australia (November 2024)

Melbourne CIO Executive Summit website screenshot
The 2024 Melbourne CIO Executive Summit invites leading CIOs for a day of peer discussions on shared challenges and priorities.

Overview:
The Melbourne CIO Executive Summit gathers IT leaders in Australia to discuss digital transformation, innovation, and leadership within the IT sphere.

Why You Should Attend:
This summit is great for IT executives in Australia and the APAC region to gain insights into global IT trends and network with peers.

Want More?

This list offers a glimpse into what each conference covers and why it is valuable for cybersecurity and CIO professionals. Many more resources exist to stay current with the latest IT trends and strategies. For one, subscribe to our newsletter for the latest insights for CTOs and aspiring tech leaders. We'll help you scale smarter and lead stronger with guides, resources, and strategies from top experts!

Katie Sanders

As a data-driven content strategist, editor, writer, and community steward, Katie helps technical leaders win at work. Her 14 years of experience in the tech space makes her well-rounded to provide technical audiences with expert insights and practical advice through Q&As, Thought Leadership, Ebooks, etc.