Chicago CISO Community
Inner Circle
February 17, 2027 | Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab
February 17, 2027
Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab
Expand your network and engage with peers
Join the Gartner Chicago CISO Community Inner Circle, an intimate dinner event offering facilitated, roundtable discussions and informal networking with CISO peers. Explore a timely, peer-driven topic and exchange ideas in a collaborative setting designed to surface candid perspectives and actionable insights.
Engage with peers to discuss the most critical issues impacting CISOs today:
Leading Through AI-Driven Risk and Growth
Elevating Cybersecurity as a Business Imperative
Building Resilience Amid Emerging Disruption
Chicago CISO Governing Body
The Governing Body Co-Chairs shape the discussion topics and agenda, ensuring that all content is driven By CISOs, For CISOs®.
Governing Body Co-Chairs
Chris Lugo
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
VP, CISO
Carl McDonald
Reyes Holdings
CISO
Angela Williams
UL Solutions
SVP, CISO
Agenda
February 17, 2027
4:30pm - 5:30pm Executive Networking Reception
5:30pm - 6:30pm Discussion Topics
Five Truths Every CISO Must Navigate in the AI Era
CISOs are operating at the center of one of the most consequential technology shifts in decades. As organizations accelerate AI adoption, security leaders are being asked to do more than manage risk. They must enable innovation, guide executive decision-making, and help their businesses move forward with confidence amid growing uncertainty, evolving threats, and heightened expectations from boards and stakeholders.
Success in this environment requires security leaders to confront and navigate several emerging realities, all at once. From balancing increased risk appetite and AI-driven transformation to addressing workforce burnout and preparing for emerging risks beyond headlines, today's most effective CISOs are redefining their role as strategic business leaders.
Join this session to explore five critical truths shaping the future of cybersecurity and hear how your peers are building resilience, demonstrating business value, and positioning security as a catalyst for growth.
Discussion Questions:
- AI is increasing organizations’ risk appetite. How should security leaders adapt risk management strategies when AI is increasing organizational risk appetite and accelerating decision-making?
- AI investment is outpacing measurable business returns. Where is AI creating measurable business and cybersecurity value today, and how should CISOs evaluate opportunities beyond vendor promises and industry hype?
- Cybersecurity is becoming a business function, not just a control function. What practical steps can CISOs take to shift from being perceived as control owners to becoming trusted business enablers and strategic advisors
- Cybersecurity burnout threatens enterprise operations. As AI accelerates change and increases expectations on security teams, how can organizations address burnout as both an operational and business risk?
- The next consequential risk won't wait for AI to mature. How can CISOs maintain focus on emerging and long-term risks when AI initiatives are consuming attention, investment and executive urgency?
6:30pm - 7:00pm Networking Break
7:00pm - 8:00pm Summary Discussion & Dinner
8:00pm - 9:00pm Social Hour
Apply to Participate
Each application is carefully vetted to ensure members meet established criteria, preserving the quality of the network and enabling meaningful, peer‑level discussions among leaders from the world’s leading organizations.
Once you submit your application, a Community Program Manager will schedule a conversation to understand your priorities and interests and complete onboarding, including access to year‑round community events.
Location
Community Program Manager
For inquiries related to this community, please reach out to your dedicated contact.
