Strengthening CIOs through Connection and Conversation
Toronto CIO events allow technology executives to network with their cross industry peers and discuss relevant trends, opportunities and challenges
In the fast-paced world of technology, true resilience is about more than just data—it’s about the strength of our leadership and the well-being of our teams.
Back by popular demand, we are thrilled to host our annual executive gathering at the Four Seasons Spa. This event has become one of our most highly-anticipated traditions, offering a rare opportunity for Toronto’s top technology leaders to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with what matters.
We will begin with afternoon tea service and a curated conversation alongside Veeam. We’ll explore the intersection of resilient leadership and modern data strategy, sharing insights on navigating change in an unpredictable landscape.
Following our discussion, retreat for a personalized pampering treatment and enjoy full access to the world-class spa amenities. This is one you won't want to miss! Space is limited so register early to confirm your spot.
Afternoon Tea, Conversation and Spa
Thursday April 9, 2026
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Four Seasons Hotel
60 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto
In Partnership With
After three fantastic “Learn to Play Pickleball” events, our community is ready to take it up a notch. We’re excited to invite you to our first-ever Toronto CIO Pickleball Team Tournament!
Here’s what to expect:
Team Play: You’ll be divided into teams alongside one of our incredible partners. Each team will compete against all others to determine the tournament winner!
All Skill Levels Welcome: Whether it’s your first time picking up a paddle or you’ve got some experience, we’ll make sure it’s fun, engaging, and enjoyable for everyone. Cheer on your team and have an amazing time playing the fastest growing sport in North America!
Open Courts & Warm-Up: From 3:00 – 4:00 PM, you are free to join us on the courts for lessons, practice, and warm-up play.
Tournament Begins: At 4:00 PM, it’s game on! The team tournament officially starts.
Celebration & Networking: After the tournament, relax and mingle with snacks and drinks at The Jar’s incredible lounge.
This is your chance to have fun, connect with fellow CIOs, and put your pickleball skills to the test. You won’t want to miss this one!
Team Pickleball Tournament followed by Networking Reception
Thursday May 7, 2026
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Jar Pickleball Club
900 Caledonia Rd Unit 5, North York
AI is moving faster than most governance models can keep up. CIOs are being asked to unlock enterprise‑wide productivity gains while simultaneously protecting their organizations from new classes of risk — shadow AI, uncontrolled data exposure, regulatory uncertainty, and inconsistent adoption across business units.
This session explores how leading CIOs are approaching the next phase of AI governance: establishing the policies, guardrails, and operating models required to safely scale generative AI across the enterprise. We’ll discuss emerging best practices around security, observability, compliance, workforce enablement, and measuring ROI — and why traditional IT controls are no longer enough.
Join Invenci's Carl Hayes (President & CEO), Shawn Marriott (Chief Data Scientist), and Robert Wong (Advisor) who will share insights from the front lines of AI adoption, including how organizations are operationalizing governance through centralized provisioning, policy enforcement, and usage visibility. They’ll also highlight lessons learned from building Invenci’s AI Gateway platform as a real‑world example of how enterprises can turn governance into a catalyst for innovation rather than a constraint.
Join us for a candid, practical conversation designed to help CIOs move from AI experimentation to AI confidence — with the frameworks, controls, and metrics needed to scale safely and deliver measurable value.
CIO Discussion followed by Blue Jays game
Tuesday May 26, 2026
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel
One Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V 1J4
In Partnership With
Our intimate roundtables offer an unparalleled forum to candidly discuss issues that are top of mind for CIOs.
“As the CIO of one of the largest school boards in North America, it is critical for me to be on top of the latest technology trends and to connect with peers from across the educational and technology industries. As a member of Toronto CIO for a number of years, I have had the opportunity to attend a variety of insightful and engaging learning sessions covering a wide range of strategic and operational topics. I have also been able to connect with CIOs in various industry sectors in an informal, engaging and collaborative environment to share ideas and information and discuss common technology challenges and opportunities. Being able to connect with CIOs from Toronto and getting a local perspective has been especially helpful. Given the dramatic pace of change in the technology industry, I think it is crucial to have organizations like Toronto CIO that provide CIOs with learning and networking opportunities that help them become more effective technology leaders. "
Peter Singh
Executive Officer - IT Services
Toronto District School Board
“I have been attending many of the Toronto CIO events for the past few years. I appreciate the consistently high-calibre of speakers, the wide and interesting variety of topics covered -- almost all of which are applicable to me in my role as CIO/CTO at Pelmorex Corp. (aka The Weather Network) I also learn alot from my conversations and networking with the really impressive fellow attendees during and after the sessions, and have made several really solid connections. Susan does a splendid job of staying dialed into the topics we are most interested in, of arranging really great venues and speakers, and of keeping us all well informed between events. "
Alex Leslie
SVP and CTO
The Weather Network
“Toronto CIO provides an opportunity to network with peers and discuss threats and opportunities we all face, regardless of industry. The content is always relevant and the group discussions are engaging and honest. I appreciate having a forum to share learnings and experiences in an intimate atmosphere! "
Kathy McLeod
Chief Information Officer
Samuel, Son & Co., Limited
“Toronto CIO plays a key role in helping me be a better CIO. It allows me to meet and network with a diverse group of CIO's who always bring a broader perspective to important current topics. Event sponsors expose us to new technologies and, over time, we have engaged partners who have helped us deliver better solutions to the business. "
Mike May
Chief Information Officer
GFL Environmental Inc.
“The Toronto CIO Forum provides an excellent platform for CIOs and IT executives to share their experiences, challenges, and insights. The forum periodically meets in group settings featuring panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions with extremely knowledgeable and thoughtful technology leaders, experts and key vendors from various sectors, making it an ideal place to learn, exchange ideas, collaborate, partner and network. Above and beyond that, I also got the opportunity to visit really interesting headquarters, technology and operations centers, making the sessions extremely memorable and rewarding. I have heavily benefited from the Toronto CIO forum, it is expertly organized by Susan and her team. "
Sheikh Nahyaan
EVP and Chief Information Officer
Toronto Hydro