IDC CIO Summit

7 Nov 2025

Lisbon, Portugal

IDC CIO Summit

The Modern CIO: Bridging Technology and Business for Digital Success

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Balancing Innovation and Pragmatism in Modern IT Strategy

Overview

The CIO Summit 2026 explores the evolving role of CIOs as architects of digital innovation, business transformation, and organisational resilience. As AI, cybersecurity, cloud modernisation, and data-driven decision making reshape industries, CIOs are no longer just tech leaders; they are strategic partners driving value across the enterprise. In 2026, CIOs are expected to lead with agility, foster innovation on a large scale, and align technology with changing business models. This summit unites forward-thinking IT leaders to share insights on navigating generative AI, protecting digital ecosystems, supporting hybrid work, and promoting sustainable technology strategies. Join peers and experts to gain practical frameworks and fresh perspectives to lead with impact, shifting your role from operational manager to a strategic driver of innovation in today’s fast-paced digital economy.

Attendee Impressions

Industry leaders and global influencers shared their experiences on overcoming challenges and seizing new opportunities. Their insights provided practical perspectives and valuable lessons that continue to inspire and guide our community.

Excellent event with interesting content and, above all, abundant opportunities for networking and peers. It is hugely valuable to understand both shared and distinct challenges across borders and sectors.

VIP attendee, CISO Xchange 2024

A well-organised event, featuring relevant content and a balanced mix of strategic and operational insights. My thanks to the organisers for the opportunity to engage and exchange ideas. I return to the office with new ideas, valuable insights, and the confirmation that collaboration among professionals is key to tackling the challenges of an increasingly complex digital world.

CIO & CISO, Security Summit Italy 2024

The event was a remarkable convergence of industry leaders and innovators. The sessions were highly informative, and the networking opportunities were invaluable. Attending was a transformative experience, offering deep insights and fostering strategic connections that will shape our future initiatives.

IT Director, CIO Xchange 2024

The Summit highlighted the importance of human skills such as storytelling, change management, persuasion, critical thinking, continuous learning, persistence and tech enthusiasm. All of these as a key to achieving a digitally savvy business. Moreover, I had the opportunity to network with industry leaders, exchange insights, and forge valuable relationships, enhancing their digital journey with actionable learning from the event. Great organisation and workshop sessions.

Head of IT, CIO Summit Poland 2024

IDC Analysts

Marc Dowd

Marc Dowd

Vice President, Executive Advisory

IDC

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Duncan Brown

Duncan Brown

Group Vice President, IDC Europe

IDC Europe

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Thomas Meyer

Thomas Meyer

General Manager and Group Vice President, EMEA Research

IDC

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Partners

Venue

EPIC Sana Lisboa Hotel

EPIC Sana Lisboa Hotel
Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco 15, 1070-100 Lisboa

Knowledge Hub

The Dynamic Role of the EMEA CIO: Steering the Digital Ship

In the digital business and AI-everywhere era, technology is now a strategic enabler that permeates every aspect of business operations. According to IDC’s Worldwide CEO Survey (February 2024, n = 67), 48% of CEOs in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) now report regularly to the board on the status of digital initiatives, highlighting the strategic nature of digital technologies among businesses.

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5 Lessons to Shape Your AI Digital Future: Learning from the Past

A little over a year ago, a new phase of the digital business era began with OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT. The generative AI (GenAI) boom is expected to roundly influence what comes next: AI Everywhere. AI is expected to become a driving force of our digital future, impacting individual lives, consumers, citizens, workers, businesses, and society.

Henry Ford said, “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” What should we learn from the past to determine the way forward?

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A Tech Marketer’s Guide in the Age of GenAI – Crafting Unique Narratives

In today’s digital landscape, where AI can churn out content in seconds, marketers face a unique challenge: How can we create narratives that stand out? Let’s explore strategies for crafting compelling and differentiated stories in the era of generative AI (GenAI).

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