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Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ 2026 conference

Join us at The World’s Most Important Gathering of CIOs and IT Executives™ to separate hype from reality. Get practical solutions to accelerate your organization’s technology strategy to adapt and withstand disruptions.

Why Gartner conferences?

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Insights you can trust

Attend the only IT conference shaped by data-driven insights and more than 200,000 annual conversations between Gartner analysts and the IT community.

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Validate your strategy

Our global team of 130+ on-site analysts helps you create and validate your game plan using actionable business and technology insights.

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Strengthen your network

Join a large and diverse group of CIOs and IT executives at a conference that prioritizes meaningful interactions and powerful connections.

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      2026 Conference Topics at a Glance

      We’re shaping the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ conference agenda around what matters most to CIOs, informed by our latest industry insights and direct feedback from technology leaders. While we finalize the sessions, explore the key topics we’ll be covering to get a preview of the insights and strategies you can expect at this year’s conference.

      Agentic AI

      Agentic AI is redefining automation and digital work with autonomous, learning agents. CIOs must pilot risk-appropriate use cases, build staged autonomy roadmaps, embed governance-by-design and upskill teams to ensure safe, measurable adoption with robust controls, observability and oversight.

      AI Technology and Infrastructure

      AI technology demands resilient data foundations, composable architectures and security-centric design. CIOs must balance buy/build decisions, invest in talent, and integrate observability and TRiSM to scale AI safely across platforms and domains.

      Cybersecurity and Enterprise Resilience

      Cybersecurity and resilience are business imperatives. CIOs must align security to outcomes, embed adaptive controls and governance, and elevate resilience to anticipate, withstand and recover from disruption. These actions protect innovation, sustain continuity and build lasting trust.

      Emerging Technologies

      Anticipating disruption means evaluating the impact of emerging technologies on your organization. CIOs must identify adoption timelines, assess business value and integrate technology trend insights into strategic planning to maintain a competitive edge.

      Operating Models

      IT operating models are the engine of digital transformation. CIOs must align models to enterprise ambition, balance governance with agility and AI, and empower cross-functional teams to ensure IT delivers measurable business outcomes, adapts continuously and drives growth.

      Strategic Planning and Execution

      Strategic planning and execution means more than setting direction. CIOs must unite IT and business, integrate AI for measurable outcomes, address change fatigue with structured management and orchestrate agile plans, governance and talent to deliver sustained business value.

      Looking back at last year’s key moments

      Review the moments that made 2025’s conference a success.
      Attendees engaging at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo

      Gartner Opening Keynote: Walking the Golden Path to Value

      AI isn’t everything, but it’s touching everything. Catch up on what you missed by watching the opening keynote from Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo Orlando.

      Watch Session
      Attendees in audience at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo in Orlando

      Gartner Top Strategic Technology Trends

      Learn what the trends are, why they matter and what to do so you can turn disruption, uncertainty and change into opportunity, growth and competitive advantage.

      Watch Session

      The CIO and Technology Executive Agenda for 2026

      Discover strategies shaping IT’s future drawn from a global survey of 2,500 CIOs. Benchmark your priorities, strengthen C-suite partnerships and apply actionable insights to deliver outcomes that matter.

      Watch Session

      Meet our speakers

      Get inspired by thought leaders slated to share big ideas and field-tested best practices.
      Featured Speaker

      Daryl Plummer

      Distinguished VP Analyst
      Gartner
      Featured Speaker

      Kristin Moyer

      Distinguished VP Analyst
      Gartner
      Featured Speaker

      Alicia Mullery

      VP Analyst
      Gartner
      Featured Speaker

      Gabriela Vogel

      VP Analyst
      Gartner
      Featured Speaker

      Tori Paulman

      VP Analyst
      Gartner
      Featured Speaker

      Jennifer Carter

      Sr Principal Analyst
      Gartner
      Featured Speaker

      Gene Alvarez

      Distinguished VP Analyst
      Gartner
      Featured Speaker

      David Furlonger

      Distinguished VP Analyst
      Gartner

      Discover what it’s like to experience #GartnerSYM

      Start your conference experience. Register today.

      Maximize your Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo experience by knowing what to expect at every stage.
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      Pre-conference

      Once registered, Gartner Conference Navigator acts as your home base so you can plan your personal agenda.
      View sessions and build your agenda.
      Sign up for interactive sessions like roundtables and workshops.
      Schedule your Gartner one-on-one meeting.
      Apply for exclusive programs with targeted content and sessions.
      Explore our solution provider directory and their product offerings.
      Show More Show Less
      Register Now

      02

      During the conference

      The conference offers exclusive insights, inspiring keynotes, technology exploration, networking opportunities and more.
      Download the Gartner Conference Navigator app to view your agenda and message your peers.
      Discover cutting-edge business and technology insights.
      Attend inspiring guest keynote presentations.
      Explore emerging technologies from leading solution providers.
      Visit the IT Xpo to experience personalized demos.
      Network with your peers in a relaxed setting.
      Show More Show Less
      Explore the Experience

      03

      Post-conference

      Revisit, share and implement your take-aways from the conference.
      Access session materials and conference take-aways on Gartner Conference Navigator.
      Share and implement key lessons with your team.
      Establish a lasting connection with peers in your network.
      Reach out to your shortlisted technology solution providers.
      Plan your next Gartner conference.
      Show More Show Less
      Get in Touch

      Special programs

      Enhance your conference experience with specialized programs.

      The CIO Circle Program

      This exclusive program is designed for CIOs to focus on delivering digital transformation, pivoting personal leadership and connecting with fellow CIOs. An application is required.

      Women in Technology

      The Gartner Women in Technology Program provides unparalleled access to an environment dedicated to helping women in technology leadership succeed and bring their brillance forward.

      Midsize Enterprise Program

      Enhance your on-site experience with exclusive Gartner-led and interactive sessions and networking opportunities, tailored to the size, scale and scope of midsize enterprise attendees.

      Industry Insights

      Dedicated industry content is woven throughout the week. Get the opportunity to contextualize the strategic technologies, insights and hot-button issues affecting different industries.

      Conference Venue

      Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts

      Prepare for your trip with venue details, accommodation options and transportation information.

      Ready to join us in Orlando?

      Register now to unlock a world of insights, networking and expertise at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ 2026 conference.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Have questions? We’ve got answers.

      How to prepare as a first-time attendee: 

      • Before you arrive, build your agenda using Gartner Conference Navigator (on your desktop or through our mobile app).

      • Make sure your profile is complete to get the best from our profile match feature. Share information about your interests and priorities to discover the sessions that are the best fit for you.

      • Be sure to register in advance for any roundtables, Gartner one-on-one meeting or workshops you’d like to attend. We also have networking breakfasts and breaks running throughout the conference to help you expand your network.

      • Join us in the Exhibit Showcase during daily receptions so you can meet with the technology leaders in the space and find the solutions you need.

      • Keep an eye out for emails from the Conferences team, with key updates, tips and tricks to getting the most out of your experience.

      About the Gartner Conference Navigator app:
      Gartner Conference Navigator is your hub for the conference. Here you can view and filter sessions, build your agenda, register for interactive experiences, schedule your meeting and more. We recommend using the app for an optimal conference experience. Search “Gartner Conference Navigator” in your app store to download. The app allows you to view and update your agenda, network with other end users, receive important notifications and more.

      Is my attendance limited if I am not currently a Gartner client?
      Absolutely not! As long as you have fully paid your registration fee, you have access to all conference activities, along with Gartner session documentation. If you’re interested in becoming a Gartner client, you can visit the Gartner Showcase to better understand the benefits you’ll receive.

      Signing up for limited seating sessions: 
      You will need to sign up in advance for some sessions, such as workshops, Meetups and roundtables. If you try to register for a session and it is listed as “full” or “closed,” there is still a possibility you can attend. Once at the conference, find the room for that session and arrive there about 15 minutes prior to the session start to have your name added to the waiting list. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

      Suggested dress code: 
      We suggest comfortable shoes — you’ll be doing a lot of walking from your hotel room to the conference space, from session to session and navigating the show floor. Business casual dress is what most attendees opt for, but we also recommend that you dress in layers as the conference rooms can get chilly.

      See the list of featured Gartner analyst speakers: 
      Please check our Speakers page.

      How to sign up for a Gartner analyst one-on-one meeting: 
      Gartner One-on-One meetings are available exclusively to paid registered full conference attendees. They are not available to exhibitors or exhibitor conference session passholders. Preregistration for One-on-One meetings and small-group sessions are available through Gartner Conference Navigator, our online agenda-building tool.

      How a Gartner analyst will be assigned to your meeting: 
      All registered attendees have the exclusive opportunity to speak directly with a Gartner analyst in a private 30-minute one-on-one meeting. Because of the high demand for particular analysts, speaker selection is on a first-come, first-served basis.

      The registration process for roundtables, workshops and other sessions requiring preregistration: 
      Interactive sessions such as roundtables, workshops and Meetups are available exclusively to paid registered conference attendees, excluding exhibitors and exhibitor conference session passholders. Because of high demand and limited availability, we recommend that you register in advance for these unique sessions. Preregistration will be available through Gartner Conference Navigator, our online agenda-building tool.

      Access to a list of Gartner analyst attending the conference:
      A Gartner analysts guide will be available soon and will include a complete list of available analysts, as well as their area of expertise. Please check our Speakers page.

      Restrictions for Gartner analyst one-on-ones: 
      Gartner analyst one-on-ones are not available for solution provider briefings or product demonstrations with analysts. The analyst reserves the right to stop the meeting if this occurs. Gartner clients interested in briefing analysts may contact the Vendor Relations department by emailing vendor.briefings@gartner.com to schedule a meeting following the conference.

      Gartner cultivates an inclusive experience for all attendees: 
      The Gartner Conferences team is committed to creating a respectful, friendly and inclusive experience for all participants. Inclusion and respect are core components of Gartner culture, and we take pride in bringing together a community that is welcoming and thoughtful of others. Gartner conferences include elements such as accessibility ambassadors, prayer/meditation rooms, and parent/mother rooms to help foster a deeper sense of inclusion and further enable attendees to bring their whole selves to the conference.

      Addressing accessibility needs:
      We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive conference experience for all participants. If you have an accessibility-related need for a conference, please let us know in your registration profile or email us directly at GlobalConferences@gartner.com, ideally at least three weeks prior to the conference. Once we receive your request, one of our accessibility ambassadors will contact you.

      Please email GlobalConferences@gartner.com with any additional questions or feedback on accessibility.
      Share your feedback on how we can further improve inclusivity at the conference:
      Gartner is committed to hearing all voices. Being inclusive and respectful are critical across all aspects of our business. Help us, challenge us, inspire us and share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions for how we can make our conference experience a more inclusive one. Please email GlobalConferences@gartner.com to share your feedback.

      Gartner cares about the health and safety of our community. If you are feeling unwell, please refrain from attending the conference. 

      At this time, Gartner does not have any health-related requirements in place for attendance. Should this change, we will follow up with updated guidance.