FutureIT Toronto 2025 Agenda: AI, Cybersecurity & IT Leadership

All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.

Wednesday, April 30

9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Check-In and Badge Pick up
10:30 AM - 10:30 AM
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 Executive Director CIO Communities
10:40 AM - 11:10 AM
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 Group Vice President/General Manager, Worldwide Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Data and Analytics Research Practice IDC
11:10 AM - 11:25 AM
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
11:25 AM -11:55 AM
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 Executive Director CIO Communities
11:55 AM - 12:15 PM
Keynote presenation by Dell Technologies

During this session you’ll learn about the latest tech advances and industry disruptors from Dell Technologies. Stay tuned for more exciting details.

Speaker
James Scott Field CTO Dell Technologies
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
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.

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
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 Executive Director CIO Communities
Speaker
Kin Lee-Yow CIO CAA Club Group of Companies
Speaker
Kory Jeffrey Principal & VP Technology Inovia Capital
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM
Expert Perspectives: A Conversation with our Platinum Sponsor

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, staying ahead requires more than just innovation—it demands a future-focused strategy. This sponsored session explores cutting-edge tools, frameworks, and approaches that empower organizations to seamlessly integrate emerging technologies, enhance operational efficiency, and drive sustainable growth. Join industry leaders and technology experts as they share success stories, key trends, and practical solutions to help your enterprise thrive in the digital era.

2:20 PM - 2:50 PM
Today’s Top Tech Trends

During this dynamic session you’ll hear from a variety of solution experts while they share their top tech trends via thoughtful presentations and fireside chats.

2:50 PM -3:10 PM
Networking Break

Enjoy some snacks in our exhibit area. Visit our sponsors to learn how their solutions can help you overcome your latest challenges.

3:10 PM - 3:50 PM
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.

3:50 PM - 4:00 PM
Lightning Insights

Rapid fire tech trends will be shared by industry experts offering smart digital solutions to your burning tech challenges.

4:00 PM - 4:25 PM
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
4:25 PM -4:30 PM
Closing Remarks

Hear a full summary of the days’ takeaways and what’s to come for Day 2 during these final remarks from our Event Director.

Host
Allice Shandler Events Director IDC
4:30 PM - 5:15 PM
Cocktail and Networking Reception

Wrap up the day with refreshments while making some final connections to complete your event experience.
Sponsored by Dell Technologies.

Thursday, May 1

8:45 AM - 9:30 AM
Check-In and Badge Pick up
9:30 AM - 9:35 AM
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
Allice Shandler Events Director IDC
Speaker
Andrew Flynn Executive Editor CSO Online
9:35 AM - 10:05 AM
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 SVP, Enterprise Infrastructure, Cloud and Enabling Technology IDC
10:05 AM - 10:25 AM
Expert Perspectives: A Conversation with our Platinum Sponsor

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, staying ahead requires more than just innovation—it demands a future-focused strategy. This sponsored session explores cutting-edge tools, frameworks, and approaches that empower organizations to seamlessly integrate emerging technologies, enhance operational efficiency, and drive sustainable growth. Join industry leaders and technology experts as they share success stories, key trends, and practical solutions to help your enterprise thrive in the digital era.

10:25 AM - 10:35 AM
Expert Perspectives: Q&A with Dell Technologies

Join us for an exclusive moderated Q&A session with James Scott, Field CTO from Dell Technologies, as we delve into pressing topics and uncover insights on AI. Gain valuable expertise and hear firsthand from a trusted industry authority.

Speaker
James Scott Field CTO Dell Technologies
10:35 AM - 10:45 AM
Fireside Chat

A really great session is being produced, come back soon for more details.

10:45 AM - 11:05 PM
Networking Break

Enjoy some snacks in our exhibit area. Visit our sponsors to learn how their solutions can help you overcome your latest challenges.

11:05 PM - 11:45 PM
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.

11:45 PM - 12:10 PM
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
Speaker
Andrew Flynn Executive Editor CSO Online
12:10 PM - 12:30 PM
Expert Perspectives: A Conversation with our Platinum Sponsor

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, staying ahead requires more than just innovation—it demands a future-focused strategy. This sponsored session explores cutting-edge tools, frameworks, and approaches that empower organizations to seamlessly integrate emerging technologies, enhance operational efficiency, and drive sustainable growth. Join industry leaders and technology experts as they share success stories, key trends, and practical solutions to help your enterprise thrive in the digital era.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
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.

1:30 PM - 1:55 PM
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
Andrew Flynn Executive Editor CSO Online
1:55 PM - 2:30 PM
Today’s Top Tech Trends

During this dynamic session you’ll hear from a variety of solution experts while they share their top tech trends via thoughtful presentations and fireside chats.

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Networking Reception

It’s 5 ‘o’ clock somewhere! 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.