Meet Our Speakers
Uncover breakthrough insights from IDC experts and exclusive sessions featuring influential voices transforming technology and leadership today
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Meredith Whalen
Chief Product, Research & Delivery Officer
IDC
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Meredith Whalen
As IDC’s Chief Product, Research & Delivery Officer, Meredith Whalen leads the
company’s global product, research and data, and delivery organizations. Under her
leadership, IDC delivers cutting-edge intelligence to the world’s leading technology
vendors, enterprises, and investors as they navigate the evolving AI economy. Meredith
sets the strategic direction for IDC’s global analyst community, shaping research
methodologies and agendas that generate industry-leading data and actionable insights
to drive high-impact business decisions.
With more than 20 years at IDC, Meredith has been a catalyst for some of the company’s
most transformative initiatives. She founded IDC’s Industry Insights and Tech Buyer
business units and pioneered the industry’s first comprehensive business use case
taxonomy. She also led the creation of IDC’s DecisionScape methodology—a strategic
framework that empowers organizations to better plan, implement, and optimize their
technology investments.
A recognized thought leader and sought-after speaker, Meredith regularly delivers
keynotes at major global technology events and advises senior executives on the trends
shaping the future of business and technology.
Meredith holds a B.A. with honors from Wellesley College and an MBA with honors from
Babson College’s F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business.
Event Sessions
Thursday, May 14 2026 9:40 am | Location: Chrysler Forum (Upper Level)
Scaling AI for the Agentic Future: Closing the Enterprise Gaps
Scaling AI for the agentic future requires organizations to move beyond isolated pilots and fragmented automation, embracing systems capable of autonomous decision-making and continuous learning. While 40% of enterprises are already investing in agentic AI and another 44% are piloting use cases, significant gaps remain in governance, talent, infrastructure, and business alignment. Closing these gaps demands a holistic approach: robust data governance, upskilling the workforce for AI-driven roles, modernizing IT architectures, and embedding responsible AI practices across the enterprise. As agentic AI is projected to account for more than 26% of worldwide IT budget growth by 2029, CIOs must ensure that scaling AI delivers measurable business value, operational resilience, and sustainable innovation.
Allice Shandler
Sr. Director, Events – Americas
IDC
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Allice Shandler
Allice Shandler, a seasoned event management professional, orchestrates captivating and seamless experiences in the technology, hospitality, entertainment, and manufacturing industries. With a proven track record spanning the past 25 years, she skillfully designs and executes a multitude of events, both virtual and in-person, to bring together like-minded individuals for the purpose of sharing knowledge and forging connections. She is an energetic leader who enjoys leading with empathy and embodying the science of emotional intelligence.
From her time as an Assistant Cruise Director with Princess Cruises to her role as the National Virtual Events Manager and subject matter expert during the pandemic at KPMG Canada, and currently as the Director of events with IDC and Foundry, Allice’s journey reflects a mastery of marketing integration, project logistics, and alignment with sales strategies, all underscored by her meticulous attention to detail. Allice Shandler exudes a passion for hosting and connecting with peers both on the stage and during carefully crafted industry events. She brings an unmatched ability to curate engaging experiences that resonate across industries and captivate audiences around the globe.
Event Sessions
Thursday, May 14 2026 9:30 am | Location: Chrysler Forum (Upper Level)
Welcome Remarks from IDC
Our hosts welcome you to the CIO Summit New York. Setting the stage for the program, they’ll provide an overview of the strategic insights and tech trends you can expect to hear about during the day.
Thursday, May 14 2026 4:25 pm | Location: Chrysler Forum (Upper Level)
Closing Remarks
Hear a full summary of the days’ takeaways and what’s to come during these final remarks from our Event Director.