In-Person

Minneapolis CDAO Community

Executive Summit

May 20, 2026 | Sheraton Bloomington

May 20, 2026
Sheraton Bloomington

Collaborate with your peers

Get together with Minneapolis's top CDAOs to tackle shared business challenges and critical priorities facing your role today. Participate in this one-day, local program with peer-driven topics and interactive discussions with your true C-level peers.

Join your peers to discuss the most critical issues impacting CDAOs today:

Real-world AI Value and Responsible Governance

Data Modernization and Shared Accountability

Evolving Leadership and Peer-Driven Learning

Minneapolis CDAO Governing Body

The Governing Body Co-Chairs shape the summit agenda, ensuring that all content is driven By CDAOs, For CDAOs™.

Governing Body Co-Chairs

Sridher Arumugham

DigiKey
VP & CDAO

Ylan Kazi

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Chief Data & AI Officer

Jeremy Lembeck

Land O'Lakes
Head of Data & Analytics

Keith Narr

Cargill
SVP, Technology & Data

Rich Rubenstein

General Mills
VP, Data & Analytics

What to Expect

Interactive Sessions

Hear from CDAO practitioners and thought leaders on how they're solving critical challenges impacting your role today in Keynote sessions, and join smaller, interactive discussions with your peers in Breakout and Boardroom sessions.

Community Networking

Make new connections and catch up with old friends in casual conversations during dedicated time for networking designed to better acquaint you with your Minneapolis CDAO community.

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a private, one-on-one setting through Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

Agenda

Breakout Session

The Next AI Workforce — Redefining Talent

As AI transforms workflows and accelerates productivity, the skillsets required are rapidly evolving. Organizations must reconsider how they identify, develop and leverage talent in this shifting landscape.

Join this fireside chat with Jena Zangs, Chief Data & AI Officer, University of St. Thomas, and Dr. Manjeet Rege, Director, Center for Applied AI, to:

  • Define what “AI-ready” talent looks like in practice
  • Explore strategies to unlock professionals' potential
  • Discuss how higher education and corporations can strengthen the AI talent pipeline


Keynote Sessions

Data Foundations – Turning Data into Real Value Today and Tomorrow

Many organizations invest in data foundations but are challenged to turn them into governed analytics and AI systems that impact the P&L. Data architecture, technology stack choices and data governance enable scalable analytics and AI that deliver measurable business outcomes. Data readiness and key decisions are critical to maximizing value—both today and as agentic AI reshapes possibilities.

Join this session to explore:

  • Evolving approaches to data and governance—structured, unstructured and beyond
  • Driving data and analytics modernization—business and technology alignment for results
  • Emerging governance challenges—navigating AI’s transition from hype to impact

Body Language Secrets for Enhanced Executive Presence

Uncovering the mysteries of body language — how people communicate their thoughts and feelings without saying a word — is a decisive first step toward mastering any business and social situation. Top executives know that detecting split-second signals from your team and leadership then taking immediate action is crucial to being a persuasive communicator and problem-solver especially during tricky internal matters or high-level negotiations.

During this session you will learn how to:

  • Move beyond the vacuum of artificial body language to a behavioral approach based on YOU
  • Strengthen interpersonal relationships, be a more decisive leader and manage your nerves better
  • Uncover the less obvious needs of others and improve your team’s confidence and competence


We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming in-person gathering

Gartner cares about the health and safety of our community. If you are feeling unwell, please refrain from attending the conference. At this time, Gartner does not have any health-related requirements in place for attendance. Should this change, we will follow up with updated guidance.

Location

Venue & Accommodation

Sheraton Bloomington

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Sheraton Bloomington at a reduced conference rate. Reservations should be made online or by calling 952-656-5922. Please mention Minneapolis Gartner Conference to ensure the appropriate room rate.

Deadline to book using the discounted room rate of $175 USD (plus tax) is April 27, 2026.

Your Community Sponsors

Global Thought Leader

CDAO Thought Leader

Key Sponsors

Program Sponsors

Community Program Manager

For inquiries related to this community, please reach out to your dedicated contact.

Lucy Putnam

Senior Program Manager - Territory Specialist

847-650-0025

lucy.putnam@gartner.com