5 Must-Attend Sessions at Upcoming CDAO Executive Summits

We are gearing up for our upcoming CDAO Executive Summits happening this October, November, and December. With data and analytics at the forefront of organizational success, this is the perfect time for leaders to collaborate with their peers and reflect on key lessons learned in 2024, setting the stage for fresh strategies and growth in the new year.

Over the past few months, we’ve spoken extensively with our CDAO community members to understand their primary objectives, enabling us to curate content that truly addresses their needs. In the first half of the year, key topics of interest emerged, including AI ethics and federal regulations, data democratization, aligning data strategy with business objectives, and the evolving role of the CDAO.

Here’s a sneak peek of five exciting sessions and speakers we are hosting across our North American executive summits this fall:

1. Insight to Impact — Mastering the Craft of Data Storytelling at the Chicago CDAO Summit

In digitally advanced organizations, data is central to decision-making. Data and analytics leaders must demonstrate its role in solving complex business challenges. During this session, Karthik Raja, SVP and Chief Data Science Officer at Ascension, will share strategies for using storytelling to connect data with business outcomes and foster a data-driven culture. 
 

1. Driving Adoption, Accountability and Engagement in D&A Initiatives at the New York CDAO Summit

CDAOs often face the challenge of not only implementing advanced technologies, but also cultivating a culture that supports their effective use. In this breakout session, Sophie Sergeenko, Head of Data Analytics at Heineken USA, will provide insights into building an environment where teams are invested in the success of data and analytics initiatives. The discussion will explore strategies for engaging employees through a bottom-up approach, upskilling data teams organically, and driving accountability in data ownership. 
 

1. Law & Order — Cross Examining AI's Legal Boundaries at the San Francisco CDAO Summit

As AI technologies rapidly advance, laws and ethical standards struggle to keep up, creating a gap between innovation and regulation. This misalignment can compromise core principles such as trustworthiness, safety, and ethics. AI leaders are striving to align their governance strategies with these principles and effectively manage organizational risk, a topic that will be expertly addressed by Eran Kahana, a specialist in AI, cybersecurity, and IP law.
 

1. Unlocking Business Value — The Intersection of Data Usability and Security at the Atlanta CDAO Summit

New technologies are reshaping how the enterprise collects and utilizes data, and finding the right balance between usability and security remains a major challenge. This session will address how to effectively navigate the trade-off between advancing business goals and ensuring compliance and trust, while also enabling AI, advanced analytics, and cloud migration.
 

1. AI in Action — From Concept to Value at the Houston CDAO Summit

As AI remains a major topic, organizations often struggle to move beyond the hype and implement impactful solutions. Patrick Bangert, Chief of AI at Occidental Petroleum, will offer insights on aligning AI projects with strategic goals, setting realistic expectations, and creating a culture that balances innovation with practicality. Mastering these strategies is vital for CDAOs to harness AI’s true potential and achieve long-term success.
 

This is just a glimpse into the rich content and discussions at our upcoming executive summits. If you are a data and analytics executive looking to connect with peers on these mission critical topics, we invite you to apply to join your local CDAO community. If you are already a member, sign in to MyEvanta to find your community’s next gathering.