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
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
Apply to Participate
Apply to participate in the Minneapolis CDAO Community Executive Summit.
Gartner facilitates exclusive, C-level communities by personally qualifying and understanding the priorities, challenges and interests of each member.
Our selective approach maintains the high quality of the network and ensures top-level discussions with peers from the world’s leading organizations.
Each application will be reviewed, and once your participation is confirmed, you will have access to year-round community programs.
Location
Venue & Accommodation
Sheraton BloomingtonA 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.
Community Program Manager
For inquiries related to this community, please reach out to your dedicated contact.
