Region: Toronto
IDC & IBM Accelerate Toronto 2025
Sponsored by:
Join us at the iconic Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto for an exclusive afternoon that brings together IT and business leaders to explore how enterprises are moving beyond AI experimentation into trusted, scalable deployments powered by hybrid cloud. At IDC & IBM Accelerate Toronto, you’ll hear from experts and peers on how organizations are transforming their infrastructure to unlock innovation, ensure security and compliance, and deliver measurable business value. Alongside the insights, you’ll enjoy an engaging experience with networking over lunch and pictures with the Stanley Cup, hot-topic discussions, and a closing cocktail reception that gives you exclusive access to the Hockey Hall of Fame concourse.
Agenda
Thursday, October 16, 2025
IDC & IBM Accelerate Toronto 2025
One Day Event
12:30 pm
Check-in & Networking Lunch
2:10 pm
Inside the Innovation Journey of Trusted AI and Hybrid Cloud by Design
Today, companies are facing an inflection point in their business strategy, shifting from a traditional focus on cost reduction to generating new value through innovation using AI and other technologies. Leading companies are striking a balance between performance and innovation, adopting the latest hybrid cloud platforms, and leveraging data and AI to extract enhanced user experiences. Learn how digital infrastructures must evolve to remain competitive, resilient, and prepared for what’s next.
Zane Adam
VP IBM Cloud, Infrastructure, IBM
2:35 pm
Intel Gaudi 3 & IBM: Revolutionizing Enterprise AI
Join us for an enlightening discussion on Intel’s groundbreaking Gaudi 3 AI accelerator and its seamless integration with IBM’s services. Gaudi 3, not just a GPU, is a purpose-built AI accelerator, offering superior performance and scalability for generative AI workloads. Collaborating with IBM, Intel provides an open-development solution on IBM Cloud, balancing innovation with cost-efficiency. Real-world use cases, including Intel’s own chatbot and one for the Paris Olympics, highlight Gaudi 3’s transformative potential. This partnership ensures secure, compliant, and efficient AI scalability for enterprises, shaping the future of corporate AI.
Speaker
Zane Adam
VP IBM Cloud, Infrastructure, IBM
Speaker
Asma Aziz
Canada General Manager, Intel Corporation
2:55 pm
Scaling AI for Innovation: The Role of Hybrid Cloud in Harnessing Generative AI
The rise of generative AI is opening up new opportunities for businesses – but only if cloud infrastructure can keep pace. In this session, we’ll explore how hybrid cloud architectures can provide a robust, scalable foundation for deploying AI models. With a focus on security, compliance, and performance, we’ll discuss designing robust infrastructures that enable businesses to drive innovation and maintain and, where possible, build a competitive advantage in an increasingly complex technological landscape. Listen how successful companies have built a solid infrastructure foundation to successfully implement AI projects, adding value to their business and their clients at the same time
Speaker
Asma Aziz
Canada General Manager, Intel Corporation
Speaker
Shomron Jacob
Head of AI & Platform, Iterate
Speaker
E.G. Nadhan
Chief Architect, Field CTO Organization, Red Hat
Speaker
Zane Adam
VP IBM Cloud, Infrastructure, IBM
3:15 pm
Afternoon Break & Stanley Cup Photos
3:45 pm
Hot Topic Discussion Tables
Join a discussion topic that best meets your needs.
- Agentic AI Adoption in the Enterprise
- Securing AI and Cloud
- Strategies for Building a Future-Ready Enterprise
- Proving AI ROI
Speaker
Manav Gupta
VP Technical Sales & CTO, IBM Canada
Speaker
David Kliemann
Head of Cloud Risk, IBM Cloud
Speaker
Thiru Venkatachalam
VP & Senior Partner, IBM Hybrid Cloud Consulting
Speaker
E.G. Nadhan
Chief Architect, Field CTO Organization, Red Hat
4:30 pm
The Hybrid Cloud Model: Navigating Innovation, Security, and Risk Management for a competitive edge
Adopting a hybrid cloud operating model is no longer just one of several options, but a necessity. In this session, we would like to discuss with you how companies can establish a secure and compliant cloud architecture that accelerates their growth and ability to innovate. Learn how a hybrid cloud approach can help companies manage complexity, respond more quickly to market demands and comply with industry-specific regulations, while minimizing risks in an increasingly digital world. Listen how successful companies have leveraged cloud technology to drive innovation, increased efficiency, and create competitive advantages in their respective industries, such as recent e-health platform solutions use cases.
Speaker
Greg Clawson
Vice President North America Sales, Utimaco
Speaker
Douglas Carter
Senior Vice President of Technology Operations, CIBC
4:50 pm
AI at the Crossroads: C-Suite Priorities, Tech Modernization and Value
As AI adoption evolves from GenAI to agentic systems, C-suite leaders are recalibrating strategies to unlock business value while navigating risks. This session draws on IDC’s latest research to examine the current state of AI maturity, highlight emerging use cases, key predictions, and the business benefits fueling enterprise adoption. Learn which strategic decisions will shape the next wave of AI deployment and drive meaningful outcomes.
Tony Olvet
Group Vice President, Worldwide C-Suite and Digital Business Research, IDC
5:15 pm
Networking Reception
Enjoy the exhibit along with cocktails and canapés at the Concourse Level.
6:00 pm
Event Concludes
Subject Matter Experts
Tony Olvet
Group Vice President, Worldwide C-Suite and Digital Business Research
IDC
Read Bio
Zane Adam
VP IBM Cloud, Infrastructure
IBM
Read Bio
Michael Hainsworth
Contributing Editor
IDC + CIO
Read Bio
Shomron Jacob
Head of AI & Platform
Iterate
Read Bio
Manav Gupta
VP Technical Sales & CTO
IBM Canada
Read Bio
David Kliemann
Head of Cloud Risk
IBM Cloud
Read Bio
Thiru Venkatachalam
VP & Senior Partner
IBM Hybrid Cloud Consulting
Read Bio
Greg Clawson
Vice President North America Sales
Utimaco
Read Bio
E.G. Nadhan
Chief Architect, Field CTO Organization
Red Hat
Read Bio
Douglas Carter
Senior Vice President of Technology Operations
CIBC
Read Bio
Asma Aziz
Canada General Manager
Intel Corporation
Read Bio
Tony Olvet
Group Vice President, Worldwide C-Suite and Digital Business Research
IDC
Tony Olvet is Group Vice President, Worldwide C-suite and Digital Business Research at IDC. His team’s global research focuses on the connection between business transformation and digital investments across enterprises. Tony’s analysis and insights help vendors, IT professionals, and business executives make fact-based decisions on technology strategy and digital business.
Tony has worked with clients across a variety of organizations including global IT manufacturers, enterprise software vendors, telecom service providers, financial institutions and public sector organizations. He has been quoted in major business and industry media including CIO Magazine, The Globe and Mail, CBC and The Financial Post.
He is also a frequent public speaker delivering keynote presentations at conferences, IDC webinars, and virtual events for clients. Tony is member of IDC Canada’s senior leadership team and is based in Toronto, Canada.
Event Sessions
Thursday, October 16 2025 4:50 pm | Location:
AI at the Crossroads: C-Suite Priorities, Tech Modernization and Value
As AI adoption evolves from GenAI to agentic systems, C-suite leaders are recalibrating strategies to unlock business value while navigating risks. This session draws on IDC’s latest research to examine the current state of AI maturity, highlight emerging use cases, key predictions, and the business benefits fueling enterprise adoption. Learn which strategic decisions will shape the next wave of AI deployment and drive meaningful outcomes.
Zane Adam
VP IBM Cloud, Infrastructure
IBM
Zane champions product management and partner ecosystem offerings for all IBM Cloud solutions, with a focus on core IaaS offerings and workloads, including SAP, VMware, HPC, and IBM Power for regulated markets. He holds over 25 years of product management and business development experience inside the cloud arena across IBM Cloud, HPE, and Microsoft.
Event Sessions
Thursday, October 16 2025 2:10 pm | Location: TSN Theatre
Inside the Innovation Journey of Trusted AI and Hybrid Cloud by Design
Today, companies are facing an inflection point in their business strategy, shifting from a traditional focus on cost reduction to generating new value through innovation using AI and other technologies. Leading companies are striking a balance between performance and innovation, adopting the latest hybrid cloud platforms, and leveraging data and AI to extract enhanced user experiences. Learn how digital infrastructures must evolve to remain competitive, resilient, and prepared for what’s next.
Thursday, October 16 2025 2:35 pm | Location: TSN Theatre
Intel Gaudi 3 & IBM: Revolutionizing Enterprise AI
Join us for an enlightening discussion on Intel’s groundbreaking Gaudi 3 AI accelerator and its seamless integration with IBM’s services. Gaudi 3, not just a GPU, is a purpose-built AI accelerator, offering superior performance and scalability for generative AI workloads. Collaborating with IBM, Intel provides an open-development solution on IBM Cloud, balancing innovation with cost-efficiency. Real-world use cases, including Intel’s own chatbot and one for the Paris Olympics, highlight Gaudi 3’s transformative potential. This partnership ensures secure, compliant, and efficient AI scalability for enterprises, shaping the future of corporate AI.
Thursday, October 16 2025 2:55 pm | Location: TSN Theatre
Scaling AI for Innovation: The Role of Hybrid Cloud in Harnessing Generative AI
The rise of generative AI is opening up new opportunities for businesses – but only if cloud infrastructure can keep pace. In this session, we’ll explore how hybrid cloud architectures can provide a robust, scalable foundation for deploying AI models. With a focus on security, compliance, and performance, we’ll discuss designing robust infrastructures that enable businesses to drive innovation and maintain and, where possible, build a competitive advantage in an increasingly complex technological landscape. Listen how successful companies have built a solid infrastructure foundation to successfully implement AI projects, adding value to their business and their clients at the same time
Michael Hainsworth
Contributing Editor
IDC + CIO
Michael Hainsworth is a professional moderator for IDC and CIO events. He is also the Executive Producer and Editor at Large of Futurithmic, a documentary series and publication about the impact of technology on society. In addition, Michael is a co-host of one of Canada’s most popular podcasts, Geeks & Beats. He has hosted multiple fireside chats, moderated panels, and acted as an MC for several Canadian tech events in recent years.
Michael spent 18 years at Canada’s Business News Network. As Senior Anchor, he interviewed more than 16,000 guests and shared the day’s most important financial and technology stories for the CTV Evening News nationwide. He also spent 11 years in radio for 680 News and co-created the world’s first weekly television show dedicated to mobile technology and its impact on society, App Central.
Shomron Jacob
Head of AI & Platform
Iterate
Shomron Jacob is the Head of AI & Platform at Iterate, where he has lead the development and deployment of enterprise-scale autonomous AI systems. With over 10 years of experience in AI, Shomron comes with hands-on ML engineering to executive leadership, driving innovation in generative AI implementation across Fortune 500 clients.
Currently spearheading Iterate’s autonomous AI platform strategy, Shomron specializes in architecting hybrid cloud solutions that balance performance, compliance, and scalability for enterprise deployments. His recent work includes optimizing large language model deployments for financial services and healthcare sectors, implementing production-grade OCR systems for insurance claims processing, and developing agent orchestration frameworks that leverage both on-premise and cloud infrastructure.
A regular speaker at industry events including MLOps World GenAI Summit, Shomron brings practical insights from deploying cutting-edge AI models in regulated environments.
Event Sessions
Thursday, October 16 2025 2:55 pm | Location: TSN Theatre
Scaling AI for Innovation: The Role of Hybrid Cloud in Harnessing Generative AI
The rise of generative AI is opening up new opportunities for businesses – but only if cloud infrastructure can keep pace. In this session, we’ll explore how hybrid cloud architectures can provide a robust, scalable foundation for deploying AI models. With a focus on security, compliance, and performance, we’ll discuss designing robust infrastructures that enable businesses to drive innovation and maintain and, where possible, build a competitive advantage in an increasingly complex technological landscape. Listen how successful companies have built a solid infrastructure foundation to successfully implement AI projects, adding value to their business and their clients at the same time
Manav Gupta
VP Technical Sales & CTO
IBM Canada
Manav Gupta is an IBM Distinguished Engineer, IBM Master Inventor, industry thought leader and published author. As VP & CTO, IBM Canada, Manav leads Canada Technical Sales Team comprising Brand Technical Specialists, Account Technical Leaders, and Client Engineering teams. His focus is on helping key IBM clients on their journey to hybrid cloud and scaling of AI solutions. With over 25 years of practical expertise with distributed systems, Manav is uniquely positioned to apply IBM capabilities to provide critical business solutions to IBM clients . He has written several books on cloud computing, big data & analytics, and blockchain. Manav has been awarded 45 patents in the fields of distributed computing, wireless communications, and machine learning.
Event Sessions
Thursday, October 16 2025 3:45 pm | Location: Tim Hortons Room
Hot Topic Discussion Tables
Join a discussion topic that best meets your needs.
- Agentic AI Adoption in the Enterprise
- Securing AI and Cloud
- Strategies for Building a Future-Ready Enterprise
- Proving AI ROI
David Kliemann
Head of Cloud Risk
IBM Cloud
Dave Kliemann is the Head of Cloud Risk for the IBM Cloud. He drives the IBM Cloud risk management posture ensuring key hybrid cloud & AI cybersecurity risks and regulatory requirements are managed. Dave also provides support helping clients in regulated industries take a risk-centric approach to their digital transformation.
Prior to joining IBM, Dave held several cybersecurity roles at Fiserv, a Fortune 500 Fintech, leading Cyber Risk, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Security Monitoring/Threat Hunting, and IT Audit Programs. Dave was also a 20-year U.S. Naval Officer, which included leading Information Operations and Cybersecurity teams. He currently is an adjunct instructor teaching cybersecurity at Marquette University and an advisory board member of MU’s Center for Cybersecurity Awareness and Cyber Defense.
Event Sessions
Thursday, October 16 2025 3:45 pm | Location: Tim Hortons Room
Hot Topic Discussion Tables
Join a discussion topic that best meets your needs.
- Agentic AI Adoption in the Enterprise
- Securing AI and Cloud
- Strategies for Building a Future-Ready Enterprise
- Proving AI ROI
Thiru Venkatachalam
VP & Senior Partner
IBM Hybrid Cloud Consulting
Event Sessions
Thursday, October 16 2025 3:45 pm | Location: Tim Hortons Room
Hot Topic Discussion Tables
Join a discussion topic that best meets your needs.
- Agentic AI Adoption in the Enterprise
- Securing AI and Cloud
- Strategies for Building a Future-Ready Enterprise
- Proving AI ROI
Greg Clawson
Vice President North America Sales
Utimaco
Greg Clawson is a technology executive with deep expertise in cybersecurity, post-quantum encryption, IoT, AI, and enterprise IT systems deployed in public and private data centers. He has led global teams of more than 100 engineers and IT professionals, delivering secure ERP logistics and supply-chain platforms with industry-leading performance and customer satisfaction. At Utimaco, Greg has advanced the adoption of encryption platforms by major global banks, technology firms, and government agencies on premise and in the cloud especially as it relates to payment processing and general purpose data security.
Event Sessions
Thursday, October 16 2025 4:30 pm | Location: TSN Theatre
The Hybrid Cloud Model: Navigating Innovation, Security, and Risk Management for a competitive edge
Adopting a hybrid cloud operating model is no longer just one of several options, but a necessity. In this session, we would like to discuss with you how companies can establish a secure and compliant cloud architecture that accelerates their growth and ability to innovate. Learn how a hybrid cloud approach can help companies manage complexity, respond more quickly to market demands and comply with industry-specific regulations, while minimizing risks in an increasingly digital world. Listen how successful companies have leveraged cloud technology to drive innovation, increased efficiency, and create competitive advantages in their respective industries, such as recent e-health platform solutions use cases.
E.G. Nadhan
Chief Architect, Field CTO Organization
Red Hat
E.G.Nadhan (goes by Nadhan) is a Chief Architect in the Field CTO Organization at Red Hat, bringing 25+ years of experience in open enterprise transformation. He specializes in strategic thought leadership around business outcomes that makes a strong case for open platforms of innovation using solutions of today that incorporate technologies of tomorrow. Nadhan is an IBM Quantum Senior Ambassador and is the regional lead for Quantum Ambassadors in the Central Region, North America
Event Sessions
Thursday, October 16 2025 3:45 pm | Location: Tim Hortons Room
Hot Topic Discussion Tables
Join a discussion topic that best meets your needs.
- Agentic AI Adoption in the Enterprise
- Securing AI and Cloud
- Strategies for Building a Future-Ready Enterprise
- Proving AI ROI
Thursday, October 16 2025 2:55 pm | Location: TSN Theatre
Scaling AI for Innovation: The Role of Hybrid Cloud in Harnessing Generative AI
The rise of generative AI is opening up new opportunities for businesses – but only if cloud infrastructure can keep pace. In this session, we’ll explore how hybrid cloud architectures can provide a robust, scalable foundation for deploying AI models. With a focus on security, compliance, and performance, we’ll discuss designing robust infrastructures that enable businesses to drive innovation and maintain and, where possible, build a competitive advantage in an increasingly complex technological landscape. Listen how successful companies have built a solid infrastructure foundation to successfully implement AI projects, adding value to their business and their clients at the same time
Douglas Carter
Senior Vice President of Technology Operations
CIBC
Douglas Carter has been the Senior Vice President of Technology Operations at CIBC since 2021; currently overseeing the strategic direction and management of the Technology Infrastructure organization. He focuses on delivering integrated solutions across major technology platforms, leveraging his extensive IT expertise.
Event Sessions
Thursday, October 16 2025 4:30 pm | Location: TSN Theatre
The Hybrid Cloud Model: Navigating Innovation, Security, and Risk Management for a competitive edge
Adopting a hybrid cloud operating model is no longer just one of several options, but a necessity. In this session, we would like to discuss with you how companies can establish a secure and compliant cloud architecture that accelerates their growth and ability to innovate. Learn how a hybrid cloud approach can help companies manage complexity, respond more quickly to market demands and comply with industry-specific regulations, while minimizing risks in an increasingly digital world. Listen how successful companies have leveraged cloud technology to drive innovation, increased efficiency, and create competitive advantages in their respective industries, such as recent e-health platform solutions use cases.
Asma Aziz
Canada General Manager
Intel Corporation
Asma Aziz is a seasoned technology executive with over 20 years of global experience, having lived and worked in six countries across North America, Europe, and Asia. She currently serves as the General Manager of Intel Canada, where she leads the company’s strategic initiatives, business growth, and engagement with key stakeholders across the country.
Asma has spent 19 years at Intel Corporation, shaping the end-to-end IT ecosystem across semiconductors, software, and hardware. She has extensive experience in Marketing, with a proven track record of penetrating untapped markets and identifying new growth opportunities. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving impactful campaigns, strengthening strategic partnerships, and leading projects that deliver tangible bottom-line results.
Event Sessions
Thursday, October 16 2025 2:35 pm | Location: TSN Theatre
Intel Gaudi 3 & IBM: Revolutionizing Enterprise AI
Join us for an enlightening discussion on Intel’s groundbreaking Gaudi 3 AI accelerator and its seamless integration with IBM’s services. Gaudi 3, not just a GPU, is a purpose-built AI accelerator, offering superior performance and scalability for generative AI workloads. Collaborating with IBM, Intel provides an open-development solution on IBM Cloud, balancing innovation with cost-efficiency. Real-world use cases, including Intel’s own chatbot and one for the Paris Olympics, highlight Gaudi 3’s transformative potential. This partnership ensures secure, compliant, and efficient AI scalability for enterprises, shaping the future of corporate AI.
Thursday, October 16 2025 2:55 pm | Location: TSN Theatre
Scaling AI for Innovation: The Role of Hybrid Cloud in Harnessing Generative AI
The rise of generative AI is opening up new opportunities for businesses – but only if cloud infrastructure can keep pace. In this session, we’ll explore how hybrid cloud architectures can provide a robust, scalable foundation for deploying AI models. With a focus on security, compliance, and performance, we’ll discuss designing robust infrastructures that enable businesses to drive innovation and maintain and, where possible, build a competitive advantage in an increasingly complex technological landscape. Listen how successful companies have built a solid infrastructure foundation to successfully implement AI projects, adding value to their business and their clients at the same time
Venue
Address: Hockey Hall of Fame
Brookfield Place, 30 Yonge Street,
Toronto, Ontario M5E 1X8
The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in the heart of downtown Toronto at the corner of Yonge & Front Streets in Brookfield Place (lower concourse level), a short walk from many Toronto attractions, including:
- Scotiabank Arena
- CN Tower
- Rogers Centre
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- Eaton Centre
Join IDC and IBM at the iconic Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto for an exclusive afternoon of insights, networking, and innovation. Discover how trusted AI and hybrid cloud are transforming enterprises, hear real-world success stories, and connect with peers who are leading the way. Cap off the day with a cocktail reception and exclusive access HHOF concourse exhibits and games.
Why Attend?
Why Attend?
Join senior CIOs, IT executives, and IDC analysts for a day of high-level sessions designed exclusively for business and technology leaders. You’ll gain practical frameworks, peer insights, and IDC research to strengthen your leadership agenda and accelerate enterprise transformation:
- Build adaptive, resilient technology foundations that enable agility and growth.
- Harness the power of AI and AI agents to automate intelligently, enhance productivity, and transform decision-making.
- Overcome the challenges of legacy modernization, technical debt, and fragmented IT portfolios.
- Embed trust, security, and compliance into every technology decision.
- Lead with vision, aligning digital investments with business outcomes and stakeholder value.
- Prepare your workforce and culture for the next era of technology-driven change.
What Will You Gain?
Attending this event offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of the solutions and trends that are transforming public administration. During the event:
Learn how Canada’s top CIOs and IT leaders are applying AI, cloud, and cybersecurity strategies to modernize operations and build resilience.
Gain actionable insights on aligning IT with business priorities to drive growth, efficiency, and measurable outcomes across your organization.
Hear real-world success stories from peers leading digital transformation and uncover lessons you can apply to your own strategic initiatives.
Expand your professional network by connecting with CIOs, CTOs, and innovation leaders shaping the future of Canada’s public and private sectors.
Nominations Opening Soon.
Don’t miss the CIO Summit & Awards Canada 2026
CIO Summit & Awards Canada
19 Nov 2026
Delta Hotels Toronto
CIO Summit & Awards Canada
The CIO Playbook
Modernize. Secure. Innovate. Lead with the power of Agentic-AI
The IDC Canada CIO Summit is the premier event for senior Canadian technology and business executives shaping enterprise strategy and digital leadership. Designed for CIOs, CTOs, and senior IT and transformation leaders across Canada, this one-day summit delivers high-impact insights and actionable strategies in modernization, resilience, risk, AI-driven innovation, and measurable business value in a time of rapid change.
Canadian CIOs face a complex mandate: modernizing legacy systems, reducing technical debt, embedding cybersecurity and compliance, and readying the workforce for AI-enabled and autonomous operations.
Meanwhile, Canadian organizations are moving beyond experimentation (in 2025, 79% of Canadian organizations have either introduced GenAI in production or plan to in the next 12 months). Agentic AI is on the horizon. These autonomous systems, capable of decision-making, task execution, and self-learning, are reshaping the innovation landscape. As Canadian organizations intensify AI deployment, CIOs must lead the governance, policy, and architectural shifts that ensure safe, scalable AI adoption.
IDC’s analysts and industry experts will support you in building adaptive technology foundations, reducing technical debt, and operationalizing AI (including Agentic AI) responsibly and at scale, all while aligning digital strategy with business outcomes. Through keynotes, panels, and collaborative discussions, this summit equips Canadian CIOs with the frameworks, benchmarks, and leadership tools to navigate disruption, govern AI adoption, and lead sustainable enterprise transformation.
Expert Perspectives
Hear from global thought leaders, visionary CIOs, and celebrity speakers redefining technology, leadership, and innovation across the region.
IDC Keynote: Scaling AI for the Agentic Future: Closing the Enterprise Gaps
Strategies and best practices for scaling AI across the enterprise, bridging the gaps in governance, talent, and technology to unlock the full potential of agentic innovation.
Venue
Address: 75 Lower Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 3A6
Located near the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, CN Tower, and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.
Delta Hotels Toronto
Nearby Transportation
- Bus Station
Union Station Bus Terminal (GO bus)
- Subway Station
Union Station
- Train Station
UP Express Station in Union Station to Pearson Airport