All 2026 Conference Sessions

Gartner Finance Symposium/Xpo 2026 dives deep into key topics for finance leaders around cost optimization, growth, AI and more to help you address your organization’s mission-critical challenges.

2026 Conference Theme

Autonomous Finance: Building Resilient, AI-Driven and Value-Centric Enterprises

CFOs are under pressure to deliver a more autonomous finance function, but that future won’t arrive on its own. This year’s agenda focuses on what it really takes to build that kind of finance organization where insights lead to faster decisions, automation supports more of the close and forecast, and finance teams engage with the business without becoming a bottleneck.

Autonomous finance is not a destination. It is a discipline. And CFOs must lead the way. Explore our sessions below, all developed with this theme in mind. 

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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 Conference Navigator.

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Wednesday, May 27, 2026

09:30 AM - 10:15 AM EDT

Gartner Opening Keynote: Finance at the Forefront: Winning When AI Is Changing (and Breaking) Everything

Clement Christensen, Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
Tamara Shipley, VP Analyst, Gartner
As organizations adapt to AI, many early efforts fall short. Yet, some companies unlock extraordinary value from their AI investments. In this keynote at Gartner’s 2026 Finance Symposium, discover the strategies and mindsets that set such leaders apart. Learn how CFOs become architects of AI-driven transformation, driving innovation, efficiency and competitive advantage in an AI-first enterprise. Join us to explore actionable insights and the pivotal role finance will play in shaping the future of business. ... Show More Show Less

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT

Leadership Greatest Hits: A Playlist of Actions for CFOs to Lead Better in the AI Era

Rob O'Donohue, VP Analyst, Gartner
CFOs face pressure to lead through extreme change at a time when norms are being shattered. In this session, CFOs will discover a set of leadership tactics shaping executive success in 2025. These targeted actions will help CFOs adapt their leadership approach, helping them lead better up to the CEO and board, across the C-suite, outside and down into their organization, and, most crucially, help them lead better from within. Ideal for CFOs aiming to stay ahead, this session offers practical tools to elevate your leadership game. ... Show More Show Less

12:30 PM - 01:00 PM EDT

Succeeding as a New-to-Role CFO

Dennis Gannon, VP Analyst, Gartner
Taking on a CFO role is an exciting and rewarding career milestone, but the skills that help you succeed as a CFO aren't always the same ones that helped you achieve the role. This session will look at success factors that accelerate a new CFO's time to impact and best practices in ensuring a successful first few years as a CFO. ... Show More Show Less

12:30 PM - 01:15 PM EDT

Ask the Expert: Strategies to Drive Collaboration and Openness Within the C-Suite

Jennifer Carter, Sr Principal Analyst, Gartner
Only a third of C-suites are united. This lack of cohesion isn't sustainable in an era of AI and business transformation. CFOs are one of the top three most trusted executives, according to their C-suite peers. It's up to CFOs to leverage this position and inspire openness and collaboration within the executive team. This Q&A session explores strategies for CFOs to accomplish this dynamic. ... Show More Show Less

02:30 PM - 03:15 PM EDT

CFO Circle Ask the Expert: Liquidity Under Pressure: Rethinking Working Capital Management for Strategic Advantage

Paul Quinn, Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
This interactive Q&A session examines how in today’s volatile environment, CFOs are challenged to unlock liquidity, but the most forward-thinking leaders are moving beyond blanket cash conversion cycle (CCC) reduction. This session explores how selective optimization or even extension of CCC components can drive agility, supplier resilience and customer loyalty, while enhancing return on capital. ... Show More Show Less

04:00 PM - 04:45 PM EDT

CFO Circle Roundtable: The Art of Delegation

Dennis Gannon, VP Analyst, Gartner
CFO effectiveness is driven primarily by the influence they wield outside of the finance function. However, too many CFOs are weighed down by day-to-day finance tasks, preventing them from fully capitalizing on the opportunity to lead the broader enterprise. This CFO roundtable will foster peer-to-peer discussion and the sharing of advice on how CFOs can delegate more aggressively and effectively, prepare direct reports to take on more challenging work, and continuously reallocate their time to higher-value activities. ... Show More Show Less

04:00 PM - 04:30 PM EDT

Building a Better Relationship With Your CIO

Mallory Bulman, Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
CFOs are increasingly collaborating with CIOs, but the relationship has not always been as productive as possible. We will discuss tactics and strategies for a more productive relationship with your CIO that drives cost-efficient digitization. ... Show More Show Less

04:00 PM - 04:30 PM EDT

Unlocking Efficient Growth: CFO Secrets From the Frontlines of Financial Leadership

Randeep Rathindran, Distinguished VP, Research, Gartner
Although CEOs, boards, and investors expect simultaneous top-line growth, bottom-line expansion, and capital efficiency (i.e., efficient growth), no more than 5% of companies are able to achieve it. This session teaches replicable lessons from efficient growth company CFOs on how to manage costs, capital, cash, and AI investments for delivering long-term value. ... Show More Show Less
Thursday, May 28, 2026

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM EDT

Ask the Expert: How to Navigate Risk-Centric Board Discussions for “Big-Bet” Growth Opportunities

Janel Everly, Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
Discussing risk with the board as a CFO feels inherently risky. The best CFOs recognize that risk-related topics require an adapted approach — pinpointing opportunities for taking calculated risks that offer favorable results within the organization’s risk tolerance. This session provides guidance on how risk-focused board discussions differ while empowering the business to make informed “big bets” essential for growth. ... Show More Show Less

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“This conference is a great opportunity to gain insights into the industry trends that will be key to your finance organization’s health and success in the near and long term.”

Matt Mozdziez
Senior Finance Director, Chemours

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