FutureIT Canada 2024: Agenda

All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.

Always on session
Dell & AMD Advancing Together

Join John Byrne, President of Sales, Global Theaters, and Dell Technologies Select at Dell Technologies, in an engaging conversation with Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, as they discuss the exciting prospects of advancing together and the vast market opportunities that lie ahead. Gain valuable insights from these industry leaders as they share their perspectives on collaboration, innovation, and the potential for growth. Don’t miss this inspiring dialogue that explores the future of technology and how partnerships can drive success in an ever-evolving market landscape.

Speaker
Lisa Su CEO AMD
Speaker
John Byrne President of Sales, Global Theaters, and Dell Technologies Select Dell Technologies
Always on session
CLAIRE GPT: Manage Your Data with Generative AI

CLAIRE GPT is a generative AI-powered, natural language interface that’s revolutionizing enterprise data management. Find out how CLAIRE GPT can help you increase productivity, reduce data management costs, and streamline data pipeline creation.

Papa Nguer, Canada Country Presales Leader, Informatica

Always on session
The Roadmap to Modernized Cyber Resiliency

As the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats grow, so do gaps in organizations’ cybersecurity measures. Though resource scarcity and market dynamics push many to jump ahead by adopting piecemeal technologies, organizations must first get the basics right to succeed long-term. In just 15 minutes, learn how to develop an effective cybersecurity strategy, assess and adjust operations, and evaluate enabling tools like AI-powered cybersecurity applications to fill any remaining gaps.

Speaker
Rocco Galletto Partner & National Cybersecurity Leader BDO Canada LLP
Always on session
Leveraging AI for Data Insights and Decision Making

The power of AI to convert data’s potential to realize business goals and make critical decisions across an enterprise is immense. With the proliferation of data and its many sources, it’s essential that organizations have confidence in their data. Learn how AI agents or co-pilots can act as intelligent assistants for ensuring trustworthy results for various job functions.

Download the slides here.

Speaker
Matt Jennings Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Strategic Partnerships, Digital Business Iron Mountain
Always on session
Generative AI with Veeam for the Backup Admin of the Future

Veeam is doing AI with purpose! Take a look at our next version VeeamONE Generative AI assistant that not only gives you insights into the state of your backups and how well your backup systems are prepared to recover from a malicious attack, but also how to gain natural language analytics and observability into your whole backup platform using the power of Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) with LLMs.

Speaker
Anthony Spiteri Senior Global Technologist Veeam
Always on session
The Connectivity Cloud: The Final Frontier of Digital Transformation

Discover the next revolution in cloud computing: the Connectivity Cloud. While organizations have embraced cloud for data and applications, network infrastructure remains outdated. This presentation explores how modernizing networking through a global cloud network unlocks new capabilities, enhances security, and completes the cloud transformation journey. Learn how the Connectivity Cloud can propel your organization into a fully cloud-native future, revolutionizing performance, scalability, and innovation.

Speaker
John Engates Field Chief Technology Officer Cloudflare
Always on session
Accelerating Artificial Intelligence ROI with AI PCs

Expect to see AI compute shift from cloud to a hybrid model. All the power of the world’s data can live in the cloud. All the power of your data should live a little closer to home. An Al PC is a next-generation computer that’s supercharged with artificial intelligence (Al) technology. Imagine having a smart companion built right into your computer, helping you work, create, and play more efficiently and intuitively. Learn how AI PC’s ensure rapid deployment and tangible returns on AI investments.

Speaker
Sally Lowery Director, IDG Commercial Engagement Strategy Lenovo
Always on session
Ransomware Readiness: Building Resilience for Business Continuity

Cybercrime and ransomware have escalated to epidemic levels, becoming a leading cause of IT outages for businesses. In response, global governing bodies are enacting laws and regulations to address these growing threats. Organizations must be equipped to manage and recover from ransomware incidents. In this on-demand session, we will discuss the essential preparations that organizations should have in place before such an event occurs.

Speaker
Ed King 11:11 Systems Principal
Always on session
Navigating the Tech Frontier – Technology Investment Decisions

There are many things to consider when making tech investment decisions. In this video, we discuss:

  • How to think about investments in terms of priorities
  • The importance of understanding customer needs
  • Defining metrics for measuring success
  • Considerations for building a 30/60/90 plan when starting a new tech leadership role

Jenny Fong, VP, Product Marketing, Apptio, an IBM Company
Volker Metten, VP, Product Management, Apptio, an IBM Company

Always on session
Mixing Technology & Intelligence to Combat Threats

As cyberattacks evolve using complex techniques, defenders must adapt their security posture. We will delve into the fascinating world of detection & response, threat intelligence, and the crucial role of predictive analysis. Discover how raw information transforms into actionable insights for proactive threat prevention & detection. Gain a deeper understanding of how this empowers organizations to proactively identify and mitigate potential cyber and zero-day attacks to safeguard digital assets.

Speaker
Tony Anscombe Chief Security Evangelist ESET
Always on session
AI in ERP: How Artificial and Human Intelligence Are Merging

Join us for an insightful webinar on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming ERP systems. Paul Saunders, SAP Chief Evangelist for Cloud ERP, and Laura Marwood, SAP Cloud ERP Product Specialist, will explore the revolutionary impact of combining artificial and human intelligence in business operations.

Discover real-world examples of AI uncovering hidden business opportunities by analyzing vast amounts of data. This discussion is packed with practical insights for anyone interested in the future of ERP.

Speaker
Paul Saunders Head of Product Strategy and Chief Evangelist Cloud ERP SAP
Always on session
Zoom’s Unified Communications Platform and AI Capabilities

In this session, Yousuf Jiwani, a Solutions Engineer with Zoom, discussed the company’s Yousuf Jiwani, a solutions engineer with Zoom, discussed the company’s award-winning unified communications platform. He will highlight how Zoom’s features, such as AI-powered assistant, WorkVivo, and Zoom Phone, can streamline communications, increase employee engagement, and improve business outcomes.

Speaker
Yousuf Jiwani Solutions Engineer Zoom

Thursday, September 26

11:30 AM -12:00 PM
Virtual Platform Opens

Get familiar with virtual platform, join the contest for prizes, check out the always on videos and visit the sponsor booths.

12:00 PM - 12:10 PM
Welcome Remarks

Join us to kick-off FutureIT Canada’s fall edition, hear about the top trends in the industry and meet your host for the day.

Host
Allice Shandler Events Director IDC
12:10 PM - 12:40 PM
AI: Art of the Possible. Delivery of the Practical

You’ve spent the past year dreaming of, experimenting with, and piloting GenAI projects. One year later, you’ve likely run 33 GenAI POCs that resulted in 4 production roll outs; and it is becoming clear that a lack of skills, concerns about data protection, and GenAI costs are getting in the way of scaled rollout. How do you build to the AI vision of productivity gains, improved customer engagement, and revenue growth when there are so many obstacles? Join Rick Villars, IDC’s Group Vice President, World Wide Research, as he offers practical guidance on architecting the AI-fueled business, building the AI tech foundation, securing and governing the AI enterprise, and creating business value. Rick will share IDC’s most recent research from your peers on use case prioritization, data and model management, governance practices, and expected ROIs.

Speaker
Rick Villars Group Vice President, World Wide Research IDC
12:40 PM - 1:05 PM
Beyond Here & Now – Future Trends in AI

Join us for an insightful opening general session, featuring multiple segments with industry experts. The session will begin with presentations on the latest advancements in AI, Generative AI, and cybersecurity. Following these talks, we’ll delve into a compelling case study showcasing real-world applications. The session will include a moderated panel discussion that explores the use of AI in enterprise companies, highlighting the risks and rewards of AI in the financial services industry. This dynamic lineup promises to provide valuable perspectives and practical insights from leaders in the field. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay at the forefront of AI technology.

Speaker
James Scott Field CTO Dell Technologies
1:10 PM - 1:35 PM
The Growing Divide: Can AI Bridge the Gap Between Cyber-Resilient and Non-Resilient Organizations?

In an era where cyber threats are escalating in both frequency and sophistication, the disparity between organizations that are resilient to these threats and those that are not, is widening at an alarming rate. This panel will delve into the factors contributing to this growing divide, such as budgetary constraints, skill shortages, and the rapid evolution of AI-driven cyber threats. With a majority of cybersecurity and business leaders expressing concern that generative AI will benefit attackers more than defenders, we will explore whether AI can still be a game-changer for defense strategies. Join us as we discuss how organizations can leverage AI to enhance their cybersecurity posture and feel more secure in their adoption of AI technologies.

Speaker
Yogesh Shivhare Research Manager, Security & Infrastructure IDC
Speaker
Rocco Galletto Partner & National Cybersecurity Leader BDO Canada LLP
Speaker
Giorgio Scocco Managing Director of Data and Technology University Pension Plan
Moderator
Shane Schick Contributing Editor CIO + IDC
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM
Leveraging AI for Data Insights and Decision Making

The power of AI to convert data’s potential to realize business goals and make critical decisions across an enterprise is immense. With the proliferation of data and its many sources, it’s essential that organizations have confidence in their data. Learn how AI agents or co-pilots can act as intelligent assistants for ensuring trustworthy results for various job functions.

Speaker
Matt Jennings Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Strategic Partnerships, Digital Business Iron Mountain
1:55 PM - 2:15 PM
Lightning Insights
  1. YASH – Your Right Sized Partner of Choice, presented by YASH Technologies
  2. Build AI Success on Trusted Data, presented by Informatica
  3. Are you Ready for Business AI?, presented by SAP
2:15 PM - 2:35 PM
Global Threat Trends and Cyber Resilience Strategies

Cloudflare’s extensive network, spanning over 330 cities worldwide, serves as a powerful threat intelligence platform, offering real-time insights into the latest attack patterns, emerging vulnerabilities, and evolving adversary tactics. In this session, we’ll analyze the most pressing threats, from DDoS and bot assaults to sophisticated application-layer attacks, and examine their potential impacts on businesses. We’ll also explore how organizations can navigate the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape by adopting adaptive and resilient security strategies, ensuring they stay one step ahead in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.

Speaker
John Engates Field Chief Technology Officer Cloudflare
From Static to Dynamic: The Next Wave in Strategic Transformation

The only constant is change, as the saying goes – though the frequency of shifting markets and corporate objectives is at an all-time high. Moving from fixed IT costs to variable cloud spend, adjusting to fluctuating workforces, and moving from project to product development processes all require a new way of doing things. So, how do we move from the static to the dynamic and successfully navigate this new landscape? Moreover, how do we justify our decisions with data while balancing costs with investment and innovation? It requires a strategic transformation that begins with a single view across operational and financial data. In this session you will learn how to leverage organizational data for richer insights, track and monitor spend across IT, workforce, and development and ensure alignment between corporate objectives and resource investments.

Speaker
Mark Des Biens Sr. Solutions Consultant Apptio
2:30 PM - 2:55 PM
Reimagining Business-IT Paradigms: The Future is Here

The digital landscape is shifting rapidly, replacing traditional B2B and B2C models with a B2Ecosystem approach. In this new paradigm, hyper-personalized services and products are delivered via interconnected digital platforms. Businesses must embrace this transformation, where AI is embedded everywhere, and voice-assisted interactions replace conventional interfaces. Low-code/no-code development, coupled with AI and automation, will permeate the entire software development lifecycle, slashing development cycles by 50-70%. These advancements enable unprecedented agility and speed, allowing organizations to innovate rapidly and adapt to changing market demands. This session will explore how these technological shifts are reshaping industries and offer insights into how businesses can position themselves for success in this evolving ecosystem.

Speaker
Yatin Dhareshwar Vice President of Digital Services YASH Technologies
AI as a Tool for Cyber Defenders and Attackers: How Is It Being Used?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has grown rapidly in recent years, significantly impacting various industries, including cybersecurity. This presentation will move beyond sensationalized and dystopian views of AI. Instead, we’ll focus on its practical contributions and risks in cybersecurity. We’ll explore how AI is driving revolutionary advancements in cybersecurity and how bad actors are using it to enhance their attack techniques. Additionally, we’ll discuss why human interaction remains crucial at this stage of AI evolution.

Speaker
Tony Anscombe Chief Security Evangelist ESET
2:55 PM - 3:25 PM
Driving Change: IT Leadership and AI Strategy Today

Step into the evolving world of IT leadership, where innovation meets operational demands. This talk uncovers how IT leaders can navigate today’s challenges, from aligning strategy with business goals to harnessing AI’s potential. It also offers insights into the current landscape of GenAI and its implications for technology and business.

Speaker
Jay Upchurch Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer SAS
3:25 PM - 3:45 PM
Unleash Core AI Use Cases with AI PCs

There is powerful potential locked up in your data, holding the key to driving innovation, enhancing decision-making, and streamlining operations. As organizations scale AI capabilities, the focus shifts from merely accessing data to leveraging it effectively and securely. This session explores how AI PCs empower your teams to unlock critical AI use cases—from predictive analytics to creative automation—redefining the role of personal computing in the enterprise AI ecosystem. Discover how embracing AI PCs can transform your organization’s AI deployment, making it more personal, productive, and protected.

Speaker
Sally Lowery Director, IDG Commercial Engagement Strategy Lenovo
3:45 PM - 4:05 PM
AI Implementation Strategies: From Cost Savings to Revenue Growth

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, AI presents a wealth of opportunities for IT leaders to drive both innovation and profitability. This panel will explore the critical steps to overcoming barriers to AI adoption, focusing on cost-effective strategies that align with C-suite priorities like revenue growth and operational efficiency. Our expert speakers will discuss how businesses can leverage AI to optimize cloud costs, scale operations, and enhance productivity. Additionally, we’ll highlight the importance of having robust data as the foundation for a successful AI strategy and provide insights into creating an internal and external customer roadmap that directly impacts revenue. Join us to learn how to craft a strategic, cost-effective AI roadmap that delivers tangible business results.

Speaker
James Scott Field CTO Dell Technologies
Speaker
Husam Shublaq Chief Technology Officer GoRight Fleet Solutions
Speaker
Mohammad Pilehvari AVP Enterprise Architecture, IT Management CIBC Mellon
Moderator
Michael Hainsworth Contributing Editor IDC & CIO, Foundry, formerly IDG Communications Inc.
4:05 PM - 4:30 PM
Spotlight on Innovation: CIO Awards Canada Showcase

Join us for an exciting session where top IT leaders and CIOs from across Canada take center stage to showcase their award-winning projects. These leaders have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to driving digital transformation, operational excellence, and innovative solutions within their organizations. In this panel, they will share insights into the challenges they faced, the strategies they employed, and the measurable impacts their projects have had on business outcomes. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best and gain inspiration for your own initiatives.

Speaker
Karina Sidhu Chief Technology & Data Officer Investment Management Corporation of Ontario
Speaker
Cari Covent Head of AI and Emerging Technology Canadian Tire
Speaker
Arun Dayalu IT Leader, Nissan Information Systems Nissan Americas (Canada/US)
Speaker
Chris Phillips SVP Global Functions Technology Royal Bank of Canada
Host
Allice Shandler Events Director IDC
4:30 PM
Closing Remarks

Join our host for the closing remarks to reflect on a day full of learning from the best in the industry. We’ll also revewal the event day contest winners, live!

Host
Allice Shandler Events Director IDC