FutureIT Toronto 2025 Agenda: AI, Cybersecurity & IT Leadership
All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.
FutureIT Toronto
Day 1
Check-In and Badge Pick up
Welcome to FutureIT
Our hosts welcome you to Day 1 of FutureIT Toronto. 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.
Host
Allice Shandler
Events Director, IDC
Moderator
Lee Rennick
Vice President, Tech Evangelist, IDC
Agentic AI: Tech Stack Disruption and Foundation for Corporate Innovation
Agentic AI is disrupting the tech stack by shifting the focus from static applications with predefined workflows to dynamic, autonomous agents capable of making decisions and taking actions across multiple systems. Learn how this transforms the data layer, driving a paradigm shift in infrastructure and enterprise automation architecture, and professional services to manage the increased complexity of agent interactions. Discover how to balance competitive innovation with vigilance, prioritizing human-agent collaboration, security, and ethical governance.
speaker
Ritu Jyoti
GVP, Worldwide Artificial Intelligence and Automation Research Practice, Global AI Research Lead, IDC
Guided Networking Exercise
Build professional connections during this stress-free guided networking time and learn about your fellow event attendees. Expect to find some speakers and IDC Analysts joining you during this time to network and answer questions candidly.
Host
Allice Shandler
Events Director, IDC
Fireside Chat: Financial Services Case Study on Cloud, AI Adoption and Digital Transformation
Get an inside look at how a leading financial institution transformed data to the cloud and is innovating to implement AI. In this Fireside chat discussion, we’ll explore the digital evolution, from overcoming challenges to unlocking new opportunities with cloud first data. Hear firsthand how they have implemented frameworks to enhance customer experiences, optimize operations, and drive innovation. Moderated by CIO Leadership Live’s Lee Rennick, this conversation will provide IT leaders with valuable insights into building a scalable, data and AI-powered business in a complex and highly regulated industry.
Speaker
Gini Wong
Head of IT, MUFG Canada
Moderator
Lee Rennick
Vice President, Tech Evangelist, IDC
AI Factory Framework: Empowering AI Innovation with Dell and NVIDIA
Discover how Dell and NVIDIA are revolutionizing AI with the AI Factory framework. This session dives into the architecture and real-world use cases, such as digital humans. Explore how Dell’s Data Lakehouse streamlines data management and how the NEMO ecosystem powers everything from virtual assistants to advanced AI agents. Join us to unlock the potential of AI, driving innovation and transforming industries with powerful, scalable solutions.
speaker
Nikki Matarazzo
Artificial Intelligence Executive, Dell Technologies
speaker
James Sutton
Senior Solutions Architect, GenAI, NVIDIA
Networking Lunch & Exhibits
Pull up a chair and enjoy lunch with your new contacts! Plus meet our sponsors and learn how their solutions can help you overcome your latest challenges.
Transforming for an AI-Focused World: Data & Strategy for IT Leaders
Is your organization truly ready to be an AI-fueled business? As AI-driven technologies rapidly evolve, IT leaders must navigate the complexities of data readiness, governance, and strategy to drive real business value. This panel will dive into key findings from the latest State of the CIO report, exploring how enterprises can transform for an AI-focused world. From AI assistants to autonomous agents, our expert speakers will share practical insights on aligning infrastructure, streamlining data strategies, and preparing your workforce to maximize AI’s impact. Walk away with the strategies you need to lead your organization into the AI-powered future.
Moderator
Lee Rennick
Vice President, Tech Evangelist, IDC
Speaker
Kin Lee-Yow
CIO, CAA Club Group of Companies
Speaker
Kory Jeffrey
Principal & VP Technology, Inovia Capital
Speaker
Chris Goodale
Vice President, Enterprise Data & Analytics Platforms, Sun Life
Responsibly sourcing your data: AI’s most crucial ingredient
Enterprises struggle to leverage their exponentially growing data, with over 80% remaining “dark” and untapped due to the sheer volume, processing costs, lack of insights on what’s of value, and data trust issues. “Data debt” is the number one barrier to scaling generative AI initiatives.Iron Mountain sees the potential to meet this unmet market need with an integrated approach to data lifecycle management and transformation. They are already seeing meaningful impact across industries.Join Iron Mountain and AWS during this keynote session where they explore the key data challenges enterprises face, successful approaches for data lifecycle management and concrete examples across industries where clients have successfully transformed their data from potential to power.
Speaker
Matt Jennings
Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Strategic Partnerships, Digital Business, Iron Mountain
Speaker
Gregory Pierce
Senior Technology Leader, AWS
Moderator
Lee Rennick
Vice President, Tech Evangelist, IDC
Secret Agent Man: Anthony Robinson reveals the secrets to launching Agentic AI within your workforce with SAP
In this engaging fireside chat with IDC contributing editor, veteran finance and technology journalist Michael Hainsworth, SAP Canada’s chief technology officer Anthony Robinson will address how Agentic AI can be deployed across your enterprise to build better business outcomes through clean centralized data, the latest innovations in artificial intelligence, and how to break-down the silos inhibiting progress.
Speaker
Anthony Robinson
CTO, SAP Canada
Moderator
Michael Hainsworth
Contributing Editor, IDC + CIO
The network is still where transformation happens
Join Cloudflare’s CIO, Mike Hamilton, as he discusses how the network is still where transformation happens.
Speaker
Mike Hamilton
Chief Information Officer, Cloudflare
How IT leaders are leveraging GenAI for engaging customer and employee experiences
Cutting friction, boosting loyalty, and freeing teams to focus on higher‑value work is the promise of GenAI. Join RingCentral’s Mike Egli in an engaging and entertaining fireside chat with IDC contributing editor, veteran CTV finance and tech reporter Michael Hainsworth as they discuss the next wave of intelligent communications. In this fast‑paced session you’ll discover how GenAI cloud‑native platforms empower IT leaders to modernise customer (CX) and employee (EX) experiences at scale. Expect real‑world success stories, a clear framework for spotting high‑impact use cases, and guidance on securing executive buy‑in with hard ROI.
Speaker
Mike Egli
CX Client Principal, RingCentral
Moderator
Michael Hainsworth
Contributing Editor, IDC + CIO
Mastering Recovery & Resilience with Veeam
Hear from a solutions expert from Veeam as they share their top tech trends.
Speaker
Ryan Narinesingh
Director, Region Sales, Veeam
Networking Break
Enjoy some snacks in our exhibit area. Visit our sponsors to learn how their solutions can help you overcome your latest challenges.
Hot Topic Discussion Tables
Join a discussion topic that best meets your needs. Facilitated by our partner subject matter experts, take a deep-dive into ideas, common questions, and proven solutions in an interactive, peer-sharing environment.
Building Robust Data Strategies for AI Innovation, hosted by Dell Technologies + NVIDIA
Transforming Unstructured Data into Strategic Business Insight, hosted by Iron Mountain
The Future of CX, hosted by RingCentral
Ransomware Readiness, hosted by Veeam
Navigating the new paradigm of Agentic Engineering, hosted by Nutanix
Leveraging Emerging Technologies, hosted by Cloudflare
Governance and Risk of GenAI, hosted by SAP
How to Simplify Enterprise AI with Nutanix
Join Daemon Behr, Field CTO, Americas at Nutanix as he discusses How to Simplify Enterprise AI with Nutanix.
Speaker
Daemon Behr
Field CTO, Americas, Nutanix
Maximizing AI’s Impact: Smarter Workflows, Less Technical Debt
With AI adoption accelerating across industries, IT leaders face increasing pressure to choose the right tools, justify investments, and deliver measurable results. In this expert-led discussion, top technology executives will share practical frameworks for assessing AI tools, key metrics for success, and critical considerations for long-term scalability. This session will explore how AI can be leveraged to streamline workflows, reduce technical debt, and enhance internal productivity. Learn from our IDC Analyst and hear real-world experiences from leading IT executives as they break down what works, what doesn’t, and how to build a future-ready AI strategy.
Speaker
Megha Kumar
Research Vice President, Analytics & AI, IDC
Speaker
Nitin Thukral
VP of Enterprise Services and Technology Operations, Aquent Studios
Speaker
Manas Khanna
Associate Vice President, Global Technology Operations, Univeris
Closing Remarks
Enjoy drinks and snacks and join us for this final chance to mix and mingle with your new friends and contacts while reflecting on an incredible time at FutureIT.
Host
Allice Shandler
Events Director, IDC
Networking Reception
Day 2
Check-In and Badge Pick up
Welcome Remarks
Our hosts welcome you to Day 2 of FutureIT Toronto where we have a strategic focus on cybersecurity. They will set the stage for the day ahead.
Host
Agenda
,
Securing the Future: Adapting Infrastructure and Cloud Models for Evolving Threats
Attendees will gain insights into adapting security strategies for evolving infrastructure and cloud delivery models, ensuring robust protection while enabling innovation in AI-driven and future-ready IT environments.
Speaker
Matthew Eastwood
Senior Vice President, Enterprise Infrastructure and Datacenter, IDC
Guided Networking Exercise
Build professional connections during this stress-free guided networking time and learn about your fellow event attendees. Expect to find some speakers and IDC Analysts joining you during this time to network and answer questions candidly.
Host
Allice Shandler
Events Director, IDC
Automating Data Delivery and Compliance with Delphix
Join Perforce Delphix’s Andrew Shaw, as he discusses automating data delivery and compliance in this rapid-fire session.
Speaker
Andrew Shaw
Principal Solutions Engineer, Perforce Delphix
Increasing Resiliency: Strategies for Threat Reduction, Detection and Response
In an ever-evolving threat landscape, cybersecurity is no longer just about defense—it’s about resilience. This panel will dive into proactive strategies for reducing attacks, the latest advancements in detection and response, and essential recovery protocols to minimize downtime and damage. We will also explore how to enhance security with AI adoption to mitigates risks and ensures a proactive approach to cybersecurity in an era of constant change.
Speaker
Rick Woo
Director of Cyber Resiliency, Dell Technologies
Moderator
Lee Rennick
Vice President, Tech Evangelist, IDC
The Security Dilemma: Managing Legacy Systems to Secure Business innovation and value
In an era of rapid technological advancement, many organizations face a critical challenge: balancing the necessity of maintaining legacy systems with the growing risks they present to security and operational efficiency. This panel will explore the complexities of managing outdated infrastructure while safeguarding business value.
Join Steve Pitcher, Sales Consultant & Security Engineer at Service Express alongside Lee Rennick, VP, Tech Evangelist from IDC as they delve into key topics, including:
• The unique vulnerabilities and threats posed by legacy systems.
• Strategies for integrating modern security measures into outdated environments.
• The cost-benefit analysis of system modernization versus maintenance.
• Roadmaps for transitioning from legacy systems to future-proof technologies.
• Emerging tools and methodologies to secure critical systems during upgrades.
Attendees will gain actionable insights into navigating the security dilemma, ensuring legacy systems remain an asset rather than a liability. This discussion is essential for IT leaders, security professionals, and decision-makers striving to protect their organizations while embracing innovation.
Speaker
Steve Pitcher
Sales Consultant & Security Engineer, Mid-Range, A Service Express Company
Moderator
Lee Rennick
Vice President, Tech Evangelist, IDC
Networking Break
Enjoy some snacks in our exhibit area. Visit our sponsors to learn how their solutions can help you overcome your latest challenges.
Hot Topic Discussion Tables
Join a discussion topic that best meets your needs. Facilitated by our partner subject matter experts, take a deep-dive into ideas, common questions, and proven solutions in an interactive, peer-sharing environment.
Increasing Cyber Resiliency in Organizations, hosted by Dell Technologies + NVIDIA
Transforming Unstructured Data into Strategic Business Insight, hosted by Iron Mountain
Cloud Cost Optimization and Compliance, hosted by Perforce Delphix
The Value of Security Modernization, hosted by Mid-Range, A Service Express Company
The Evolving Role of Security in IT: From Silo to Shared Leadership
As cyber threats grow, security can no longer operate in isolation. IT and security leaders must collaborate to embed security into every aspect of the business. This panel will explore the shift from siloed security to shared leadership, discussing strategies for integration, fostering a security-first culture, and aligning CISO and CIO priorities. Join us to learn how a collaborative approach can enhance resilience, innovation, and business success.
Speaker
Donna Kidwell
Acting Chief Information Officer, The University of Toronto
Moderator
Shane Schick
Contributing Editor, CIO + IDC
Networking Lunch & Exhibits
Pull up a chair and enjoy lunch with your new contacts! Plus meet our sponsors and learn how their solutions can help you overcome your latest challenges.
AI Risk Management: Security Practices Every IT Leader Must Know
As AI adoption accelerates, so do cybersecurity risks. From AI-powered threats to regulatory challenges, IT leaders must stay ahead. In this expert-led panel, industry professionals and an IDC cybersecurity analyst will share essential strategies to secure AI models, manage third-party risks, and ensure compliance. Gain actionable insights to build a resilient security posture in an AI-driven world.
Speaker
Yogesh Shivhare
Research Manager, Security & Infrastructure, IDC
Speaker
Michel Lamba
Chief Digital Officer, Quadra
Moderator
Shane Schick
Contributing Editor, CIO + IDC
Closing Remarks
Host
Allice Shandler
Events Director, IDC
Networking Reception
Wrap up the day with refreshments while making some final connections to complete your event experience.
Sponsored by Commvault.
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