Agenda
Thursday, June 25, 2026
All times are listed in Mountain Standard Time.
AI & Data Summit Calgary
One Day Event
Registration and Networking Breakfast
Informal networking and welcome, setting the tone for a strategic day.
IDC Greetings and Welcome
Summit Chair introduces the event’s strategic themes and objectives
IDC Keynote: Agentic AI at Scale: Accelerating Innovation While Managing Risk
How organizations are deploying agentic AI to drive rapid innovation, while navigating complex regulatory requirements around data privacy, security, and ethical AI
Shari Lava | IDC
Group Vice-President, AI, Data, and Automation
Shari Lava
Shari Lava is Group Vice-President, AI, Data, and Automation. Ms. Lava’s core research coverage includes the fast-evolving AI software market, as well as the Automation and Data foundations essential for deploying AI at enterprise scale. This includes deep analysis of market dynamics, adoption trends, and how these technologies converge to deliver superior business outcomes. She is based remotely in Toronto, Canada.
Previously at IDC, Shari led the integration and AI enablement research program within the AI, Data and Automation group, alongside the Small and Medium Business (SMB) program, enabling technology suppliers to better navigate the SMB ecosystem. Prior to IDC, she was Vice President, Marketing Intelligence at Greystone Managed Investments, an asset management firm, where she leveraged data analytics to drive success across the customer journey. Before that, Ms. Lava led the Vendor Advisory Services practice at Info-Tech Research Group, delivering actionable market insights to technology vendors. Earlier, she was a management consultant with Deloitte’s CRM and Information Management practices, specializing in implementing and integrating applications for clients of all sizes across diverse industries
Event Sessions
One Day Event 9:15 am
IDC Keynote: Agentic AI at Scale: Accelerating Innovation While Managing Risk
How organizations are deploying agentic AI to drive rapid innovation, while navigating complex regulatory requirements around data privacy, security, and ethical AI
Sponsor Keynote #1: Driving Business Value with AI & Data
Measuring ROI, accelerating innovation, and aligning data initiatives with business outcomes.
Morning Coffee Break
Time off to think, network and share insights.
Panel Discussion: Data as a Strategic Asset
Discuss balancing governance, compliance, innovation and business value.
End-User Case Study #1
Scaling AI in Financial Services – From Pilot to Production.
Networking Lunch
Sponsor Keynote #2: Future-Proofing Data Architectures for AI
Sponsor explores hybrid cloud, data pipelines, and sovereignty.
End-User Case Study #2
AI for Healthcare Innovation: Delivering Patient Outcomes with Trust and Compliance.
Afternoon Coffee Break
Time off to think, network and share insights.
Fireside Chat: The Human Side of AI and Data
Discuss on skills, culture, and change.
Interactive Roundtables
Small group discussions on governance, scaling, and architectures
IDC’s Wrap-Up
Summarize insights and set expectations for the next day.
Network Reception
Join Us!
Don’t miss the AI & Data Summit 2026 Calgary—Building Intelligence that Creates Real Value.