Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2026 Sydney: Day 1 Highlights

We are bringing you news and highlights from the Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2026, taking place this week in Sydney, Australia. Below is a collection of the key announcements and insights coming out of the conference.

On Day 1 from the conference, we are highlighting sessions on navigating AI on the data & analytics journey to value; the AI agent landscape; and AI for data governance.

Presented by Jorg Heizenberg, VP Analyst, and Georgia O’Callaghan, Director Analyst, Gartner

AI is accelerating new possibilities for data and analytics everywhere. Success isn’t always about being the fastest, but about finding your own path to value, while managing risk and cost. Jorg Heizenberg, VP Analyst, and Georgia O’Callaghan, Director Analyst at Gartner, discussed how a thoughtful approach to speed and direction helps D&A leaders derive value from AI.

• “While 60% of IT leaders are worried about AI agents running up unexpected costs, only 20% of data and AI leaders are concerned unpredictable costs might limit AI value.”
• “D&A leaders must realize they are responsible for delivering real value in the midst of all this AI hype and fears of an AI bubble that might burst.”
• “Getting to value is often measured using ROI, which D&A leaders need to think of as more than just a financial measure.”
• There are three different ways to derive value from AI:
  • Return on intelligence by setting AI ambition. "If organizations don’t lead AI, AI will lead them."
  • Return on integrity by strengthening AI foundations. "Without strong foundations, AI is just amplified ignorance."
  • Return on individuals by empowering people for AI transformation. "It isn’t about humans in the loop, but about humans in the lead."

Journalists can receive additional information and/or request an interview with Jorg Heizenberg and/or Georgia O’Callaghan by contacting Emma Keen at emma.keen@gartner.com.