24th CIO&Leader Conference- Highlights

In a world driven by technology, the 24th CIO&Leader Conference emerged as a beacon of insight, innovation, and inspiration. Hosted by the 9.9 Group, this annual event brought together top CIOs, IT leaders, and industry experts across India to delve into the cutting-edge trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the tech landscape. Spanning three eventful days, the conference unfolded as a journey through the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Day 1- A glimpse into tomorrow's innovations

The conference's first day marked a significant start with a warm welcome from Vikas Gupta, Publisher and Director of 9.9 Group. Industry luminaries, India's top CIOs, and IT leaders were brought together to delve into transformative ideas and technological advancements.

The day's highlight was the keynote talk by Prof. Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at UNSW on "The Future of AI" offered a captivating exploration of AI's potential. From groundbreaking developments in robotics to the profound impact of AI on industries and society, Dr. Walsh's talk ignited a sense of awe and curiosity.

Innovative networking - CIOs speed dating event

Breaking away from the conventional, the conference introduced the CIOs Speed Dating Event. This unique networking opportunity aimed to connect CIOs in a fast-paced, innovative setting, fostering collaborations and sparking new ideas. It was a chance to shift away from traditional networking and embrace a more dynamic way of building professional relationships.

Insights into technology trends - state of technology survey

The event also shed light on the current technology landscape through the "CIO&Leader State of Technology Survey" session. R. Giridhar, Group Editor of 9.9 Group, and Jatinder Singh, Executive Editor of CIO&Leader, presented the findings of a groundbreaking survey. Attendees gained insights into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the trajectory of technology.

Securing the future- cybersecurity and sustainability

As digital threats continue to evolve, cybersecurity remains a top concern for businesses. Akhilesh Tuteja, Global Head- Cyber Security Consulting & India Head - Digital Consulting, KPMG,  session on "The Future of Security" unveiled cutting-edge developments in cybersecurity. His insights gave attendees a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within digital security. The conference also showcased the importance of sustainability in the tech industry. Sessions by Sanjeev Gupta, Atul Bhatia, and Manish Grover highlighted how IT practices can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future, underscoring the industry's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Day 2- Insights and vision

Insightful sessions, keynotes, and interactive workshops marked the conference's second day. Shireesh Joshi, Chief Business Officerm ONDC- keynote talk on "Democratizing Digital Commerce- Embracing an Open Network" opened doors to a new era of digital commerce. By exploring the concept of an open network approach, Joshi illuminated the potential for revolutionizing the shopping experience.

Panel discussions and workshops- a deep dive

Panel discussions and workshops formed the heart of Day 2. These sessions explored crucial topics such as future-proofing businesses, cloud and infrastructure, data-driven decision-making, and the evolution of the CIO role—the diverse array of sessions equipped attendees with actionable insights and strategies to navigate the ever-evolving technology landscape.

Unlocking AI's potential- generative AI

Dr. Pradeepta Mishra, Co-founder & Chief Architect at Data Safeguard Inc., keynote on "Transforming Business with Generative AI" provided a glimpse into the game-changing potential of Generative AI. Attendees were immersed in a world where AI-driven innovation drives businesses forward, igniting their imaginations about the possibilities that lie ahead.

Day 3- Celebrating innovation and excellence

The conference's final day celebrated innovation, excellence, and the power of collaboration. A yoga session led by Bhavika Manglani allowed attendees to find inner tranquility and rejuvenation. The conference also spotlighted the NEXT100 winners, recognizing their contributions to reshaping the tech landscape. These young and talented professionals are instrumental in driving the industry forward and have showcased exceptional potential.

Conclusion

The 24th CIO&Leader Conference illuminated the path toward a future where technology shapes industries, transforms societies, and propels businesses to new horizons. With each session, keynote, and interaction, attendees were invited to journey through the evolving world of technology, gaining insights that will undoubtedly influence their professional journeys.From AI's awe-inspiring possibilities to cybersecurity's critical role in safeguarding digital realms, the conference delivered a holistic perspective on the multifaceted realm of technology. It reaffirmed that sustainability and responsible practices are integral to the future of IT, highlighting a shared commitment to a greener and more ethical world.

As NEXT100 winners were honored and exceptional ideas exchanged, the event epitomized the spirit of innovation, unity, and the power of harnessing youthful energy to push technological boundaries.The conference concluded as an event and a catalyst for progress. It has ignited a fire of curiosity, inspired creativity, and rekindled a collective drive to harness the potential of emerging technologies. As the tech world evolves, the lessons learned and insights gained from the 24th CIO&Leader Conference will guide lights, illuminating the path toward a brighter, more innovative future.