2026 Applications Conference Sessions

The 2026 agenda dives deep into key topics for enterprise application and software engineering leaders around AI, leadership, modernization, cost optimization and more to help address your organization’s mission-critical challenges.

2026 Applications Conference Theme

Deliver the Future: Innovate, Lead, Act.

Applications and software engineering leaders are at a turning point where foresight must meet execution and business disruption is forcing dramatic changes. The 2026 conference empowers you to go beyond admiring the AI-enabled promising future — it's about actively building and delivering it. Learn how modern technology, visionary leadership and decisive action can transform your organization’s aspirations into reality. 

Explore our conference sessions below, all developed with this theme in mind. Join us to grow the skills and insights needed to deliver an adaptive and autonomous transformation journey.

Hear why senior leaders invest their time at #GartnerAPPS — plus why networking at this conference is a game changer!
Find Applications Conference Sessions

There are hundreds of sessions happening each day. Filter to see sessions that align with your role and interests. After registering for the conference, craft your agenda and book priority sessions — all through Gartner Conference Navigator.

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Tuesday, June 02, 2026

09:30 AM - 10:15 AM PDT

Gartner Opening Keynote: Unlock the Human-AI Multiplier to Go From Pilot to Payoff
Jason Wong, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner
Brent Stewart, VP Analyst, Gartner
In the race to operationalize AI across applications, workflows, and development tools, most technology leaders struggle to scale deployments, drive adoption, and show ROI. The goal is to get tangible value without creating “AI slop,” accelerating tech debt, or undermining user trust. We’ll provide insights and examples for practical transformation that emphasize human-AI partnership as a force multiplier for delivering AI solutions that get results. ... Show More Show Less

05:15 PM - 06:00 PM PDT

Guest Keynote: The Uncertainty Principle: How to Lead in the Never Normal
Peter Hinssen, Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker and Author, Nexxworks
In a world where disruption has become the default setting, uncertainty isn’t the exception — it’s the new operating system. The role of data and analytics leaders has never been more critical, nor more complex.
In this keynote, Peter Hinssen explores how applications and software engineering leaders can thrive in the Never Normal — an era defined by relentless change and exponential opportunity. Drawing on his latest book, The Uncertainty Principle, he shows how applications and software engineering leaders can turn volatility into a source of innovation, build organizations that adapt at the speed of technology, and shape a future where AI augments leadership, foresight, and creativity. The question isn’t how to survive the storm — but how to lead when the storm becomes the climate. ... Show More Show Less
Thursday, June 04, 2026

09:00 AM - 09:45 AM PDT

Guest Keynote: Leading with Levity: How to Harness the Competitive Advantage of Improv and Humor, Seriously
Naomi Bagdonas, Executive advisor, bestselling author, and leading expert in the intersection of humor and business
In today’s fast-changing world, the most agile leaders are those who can think on their feet, lead with authenticity, and use humor as a competitive advantage—seriously. In this provocative and entertaining keynote, Stanford lecturer and bestselling author Naomi Bagdonas explores the behavioral science of humor and the principles of improvisation to reveal a powerful, often-overlooked leadership edge. Humor isn’t the opposite of seriousness; it’s a fast track to trust, an antidote to fear, and a spark for creativity when the stakes are high. Drawing from professional comedians and cutting-edge research, Naomi offers practical tools leaders can use to cultivate more agile teams, more joyful cultures, and more human organizations. ... Show More Show Less

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“Very informative and insightful sessions with the current trends and where the industry is headed. The team was professional, attentive and truly cared about delivering the best possible experience for me. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for attending industry trends conferences.”

Aneez Zakaria
Product Manager, Blue Shield of California

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