The Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2026 is set to be a landmark event for data-driven executives, taking place March 9–11, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This premier gathering is tailored for Chief Data & Analytics Officers (CDAOs), heads of AI, and senior executives who are spearheading digital transformation through data, analytics, and artificial intelligence.
As organizations increasingly recognize data as a strategic asset, the ability to leverage insights efficiently, ethically, and at scale has never been more critical. The Gartner Summit provides a platform for leaders to explore cutting-edge solutions, validate their strategies, and gain actionable insights from over 60 Gartner specialists on-site.
This three-day event is more than just a conference—it is a strategic roadmap for data-driven leadership, helping enterprises harness AI, modernize data architectures, and build governance frameworks that ensure innovation is both responsible and impactful.
Why Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2026 is Essential for Data Leaders
The summit is designed to equip executives with the knowledge, tools, and peer perspectives required to accelerate data and AI initiatives across the enterprise. Attendees gain:
- Actionable Insights from Experts: Access real-time guidance and validation for your data and AI strategies from Gartner’s top analysts.
- Generative AI Strategies: Learn how to scale and operationalize AI initiatives to deliver measurable business outcomes.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with a global community of CDAOs, heads of AI, and data leaders to exchange ideas and best practices.
- Frameworks for Governance and Compliance: Build ethical, secure, and regulatory-compliant data practices that future-proof your organization.
Whether your goal is to optimize your AI investments, strengthen governance, or modernize data architecture, the summit delivers strategic clarity and operational confidence.
Key Themes and Agenda Highlights
The Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2026 agenda focuses on real-world challenges and opportunities across the AI and data landscape.
1. Unlocking Generative AI Potential
Generative AI is transforming business operations, customer engagement, and enterprise innovation. Sessions in this track focus on:
- Scaling AI across the enterprise: Strategies for operationalizing models while minimizing risks.
- Use case implementation: Real-world applications in finance, healthcare, retail, logistics, and energy.
- Optimizing ROI: Approaches for measuring business value from AI investments.
- Ethical deployment: Balancing automation with human oversight to maintain transparency and trust.
Attendees will leave with a comprehensive framework for integrating generative AI into business processes while ensuring scalability and sustainability.
2. Validating AI and Data Strategy
With technology evolving rapidly, executives often face uncertainty when aligning AI initiatives with business objectives. The summit provides:
- Direct analyst consultations: Receive tailored feedback on AI roadmaps and implementation plans.
- Strategic workshops: Explore methods to align AI initiatives with corporate strategy.
- Benchmarking: Compare organizational capabilities against industry peers to identify gaps and opportunities.
- Scenario planning: Assess risks and opportunities across multiple enterprise functions.
This focus ensures that AI and analytics strategies are not only innovative but also practical, measurable, and aligned with organizational goals.
3. Strengthening Data Governance and Ethics
Data governance has become a critical differentiator as regulatory scrutiny and ethical expectations increase. Key sessions address:
- Ethical AI frameworks: Principles for fairness, transparency, and accountability.
- Regulatory compliance: Meeting GDPR, CCPA, and emerging global standards.
- Data privacy and security: Protecting sensitive information while enabling innovation.
- Operational governance: Ensuring continuous oversight without slowing down deployment.
Gartner’s experts guide leaders in creating resilient governance structures that balance innovation with compliance.
4. Modernizing Data Architecture
Modern data architecture underpins AI and analytics success. The summit highlights strategies to:
- Build scalable, resilient systems: Support growing data volumes, AI workloads, and real-time analytics.
- Integrate hybrid and multi-cloud environments: Maximize flexibility while controlling costs.
- Optimize storage, processing, and retrieval: Ensure data accessibility for advanced analytics and AI.
- Enable agile decision-making: Reduce latency and empower business units with actionable insights.
Leaders will learn how future-ready architectures can support innovation while minimizing operational risks.
5. Expanding Leadership Networks
The summit offers unparalleled networking opportunities, connecting attendees with a diverse ecosystem of data and AI leaders. Benefits include:
- Peer-to-peer learning: Share experiences and best practices with CDAOs and AI executives from multiple industries.
- Executive roundtables: Engage in focused discussions on specific challenges such as AI ethics, data strategy, and operational resilience.
- Cross-industry insights: Learn how sectors like healthcare, finance, retail, and logistics are leveraging AI and big data.
- Collaboration opportunities: Identify potential partnerships and vendor solutions to accelerate adoption.
This emphasis on community ensures that attendees leave with long-term professional relationships and actionable insights.
Who Should Attend?
The Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2026 is tailored for executives and leaders responsible for driving enterprise-wide AI and data strategies, including:
- Chief Data & Analytics Officers (CDAOs)
- Heads of AI and Machine Learning
- Data Architects and Engineers
- Business Intelligence Leaders
- Enterprise Data Managers
- Compliance and Risk Officers
- Innovation and Digital Transformation Executives
This diverse audience ensures rich discussions and peer benchmarking across multiple industries, including finance, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and government.
Interactive Learning and Workshops
In addition to keynote presentations and panel discussions, the summit features hands-on workshops and interactive labs. These sessions allow participants to:
- Experiment with AI tools and analytics platforms.
- Model enterprise data governance scenarios.
- Explore real-world case studies on AI-driven business transformation.
- Collaborate with Gartner analysts on strategic roadmaps.
These practical exercises ensure that attendees apply insights directly to their organizational challenges.
Key Takeaways for Attendees
By attending the Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2026, executives will:
- Unlock the potential of generative AI to drive innovation and operational efficiency.
- Validate strategic roadmaps with feedback from Gartner’s 60+ experts.
- Strengthen data governance to meet ethical, security, and compliance standards.
- Modernize enterprise data architecture to support AI and analytics workloads.
- Expand leadership networks for long-term collaboration and knowledge sharing.
This combination of learning, networking, and strategy validation ensures immediate and long-term business impact.
Event Logistics
- Event: Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2026
- Dates: 9–11 March 2026
- Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Venue: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
- Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
- Website: Visit Site
Why This Summit Matters
As organizations continue to integrate AI and analytics into core operations, the Gartner Summit serves as a guiding compass for executives navigating complex data landscapes. Attendees will gain:
- Strategic clarity: Understand emerging trends and how they impact enterprise decision-making.
- Operational confidence: Validate AI and data strategies with expert guidance.
- Competitive advantage: Leverage insights to accelerate digital transformation.
- Ethical leadership: Implement AI responsibly while maintaining stakeholder trust.
By attending, leaders are empowered to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and deliver measurable business value in a data-driven economy.
Conclusion
The Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2026 is an essential event for any executive seeking to harness the power of data and AI responsibly and effectively. From generative AI and agentic systems to data governance and resilient architecture, the summit offers comprehensive insights, actionable strategies, and peer collaboration opportunities.
Whether you are refining your AI strategy, modernizing your data infrastructure, or exploring new governance frameworks, this summit provides the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to lead your organization into the future of enterprise intelligence.
Secure your spot today to gain a competitive edge and shape the future of data-driven innovation.