First look at the Gartner Finance Symposium/Xpo™ 2026 Conference agenda

2026 Agenda Preview

While the agenda is being finalized, we would like to give you a preview of some of the sessions we’ve already selected.

We are covering the most pressing topics, such as AI in finance, autonomous finance, finance technology, business process outsourcing, digital growth, planning, budgeting and forecasting, talent management, and so much more. 

Below is a sample of the sessions we’ve currently selected for the 2026 agenda.*

Track A. Leadership Influence: Leading with Conviction, Speed, and Influence

CFOs must be the decisive voice in the room or they’re not in the room. This track sharpens the CFO’s edge on enterprise leadership, board engagement, time discipline, and influence across the C-suite. We’ll tackle how to lead through ambiguity, assert strategy in a fog of data, and drive action, not just insight.

Sessions

  • Redefining the CFO: Three Strategic Roles for Maximizing ROI in Enterprise Data & Analytics
  • How to Fight Emotional Response to Challenges in Finance Transformation
  • Adaptive & Always-On Change Management in a VUCA World

The macro may stay uncertain, but your capital strategy can’t. This track centers on how CFOs reallocate capital, structure flexible partnerships, fund innovation under pressure, and stay agile in the face of geopolitical, supply chain, and policy risk.

Sessions

  • From Cuts to Strategy: Rethinking Cost Structures for the Long Term
  • Navigate Economic Uncertainty With Adaptive Scenario Planning
  • Mobilizing the C-Suite on Cost: CFO-Led SG&A Cost Optimization Strategies

By 2026, boards won’t tolerate AI theater. This track moves CFOs past experimentation to results: where to double down, where to pull back, and how to scale AI with measurable value. We’ll break down AI ROI, tech stack integration, ERP transitions, and what it really takes to win the talent and technology race.

Sessions

  • 2026 Trends in the Finance Technology Market
  • Smarter Models for AI Investment and Strategic Growth
  • Cracking AI's Value Code: From Uncertain Cost Driver to Value Engine

CFOs need a finance function that runs lighter, moves faster, and delivers sharper insight. This track is about future-ready operating models, talent with digital fluency, and transformation that sticks. From ERP vendors to shared services to cloud controls, we’ll cut through complexity and get to what works.

Sessions

  • 5 Data Science Skills Every Finance Professional Should Know
  • Super-Charging Forecasting: A New Data Paradigm for Transformative Insights
  • A CFO’s Guide to Insightful Dashboards That Engage

*Agenda subject to change

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      Join us at Gartner Finance Symposium/Xpo™ 2026 Conference

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