CIO Peer Forum® 2025: Full Schedule

The Rise of the Makers: Orchestrating Value At Scale

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7:00am EDT

Registration Opens

Wednesday May 28, 2025 7:00am - 6:00pm EDT

TBA

Wednesday May 28, 2025 7:00am - 6:00pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

7:30am EDT

Breakfast

Wednesday May 28, 2025 7:30am - 8:20am EDT

TBA

Sponsor

Affinity

Affinity Group is a leading Canadian business and technology firm delivering expert consulting and staffing solutions nationwide. We specialize in industry-specific services, including Project Management, Business Analysis, Customization, Integration, Data, and Security. Recognized... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 7:30am - 8:20am EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

8:20am EDT

Peer Forum Opening & Land Acknowledgement

Wednesday May 28, 2025 8:20am - 8:30am EDT

TBA

Wednesday May 28, 2025 8:20am - 8:30am EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

8:30am EDT

Conference Welcome

Wednesday May 28, 2025 8:30am - 8:40am EDT

TBA

Speakers

Sonya Shorey – Welcome Address

President & CEO, Invest Ottawa

Sonya Shorey, President and CEO, for Invest Ottawa, Bayview Yards, and Area X.O, is a strategy executive and management consultant with more than 22 years of leadership experience with private and public organizations. With expertise in regional, national, and global technology, entrepreneurial... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 8:30am - 8:40am EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

8:40am EDT

Conference Road Map

Wednesday May 28, 2025 8:40am - 8:45am EDT

TBA

Wednesday May 28, 2025 8:40am - 8:45am EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

8:45am EDT

Opening Keynote

Wednesday May 28, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am EDT

TBA

Speakers

Amber Mac (Keynote Speaker)

Technology and Innovation Speaker | Co-Host, The Feed on SiriusXM | President, AmberMac Media, Inc.Considered by many to be the go-to expert on anything to do with technology, Amber Mac helps companies and audiences stay ahead of the curve. She is an industry veteran, renowned as... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Keynote

9:30am EDT

Fireside Chat: The Future Decoded – Bold Moves for the Next-Gen CIO

Wednesday May 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am EDT

TBA

(Moderated by Veronica Farmer, VP Marketing at Wesley Clover.)
Join a visionary CIO, Mike Muldner and emerging technologist, Eric Norton as they decode the future of tech leadership. From mindset shifts to strategic reinvention, discover how today’s CIOs are shaping tomorrow—balancing AI, cybersecurity, and board expectations—and what advice they’d give the next wave of fearless change-makers. Ready to lead what’s next?

Speakers

Michael Muldner

Chief Information & Technology Officer (CIO & CTO), Calian Group

Michael Muldner is a dynamic leader with 27 years of experience driving innovation and operational excellence in global technology organizations. His career spans both multinational public companies and high-growth startups, where he has led business transformations, scaled technology... Read More →

Eric Norton

Emerging Technologies Leader, alian Group

As Calian’s Emerging Technologies Leader, Eric Norton works alongside Calian’s CITO to help drive innovation. Eric is an experienced technology professional with a career spanning over 20 years across diverse sectors. His expertise encompasses software architecture, development... Read More →

Sponsor

Calian

Calian was formed more than 40 years ago in Ottawa, Canada, on September 27, 1982. The company went public in 1993 and became Calian Group Ltd. on April 1, 2016. The company stock is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CGY. In 2019, Calian announced a four-segment... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Plenary Session

10:15am EDT

Networking Break

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:15am - 10:45am EDT

TBA

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:15am - 10:45am EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

10:45am EDT

Breakout Session: AI in Action – Perspectives from CIOs and Industry Leaders

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:45am - 11:25am EDT

TBA

Explore how AI is transforming organizations in this engaging panel discussion with CIOs and industry leaders. Learn firsthand how these leaders are leveraging AI to tackle complex challenges, enhance decision-making, and deliver value. This session offers actionable strategies and real-world perspectives to inspire your own AI initiatives.

Speakers

Robbie Beyer

Director – Data Science and AI, RSM US LLP

With over a decade of project and leadership experience, Robbie helps clients leverage data and technology to enable business and digital transformation in alignment with their strategic business objectives. Robbie is a leader in developing AI solutions for RSM and he is continuously... Read More →

Louis Savard

Manager Technology & Innovation, City of Cornwall

Louis leads initiatives to enhance municipal services through technological advancements. In this role, Louis is responsible for overseeing the city’s information technology infrastructure, implementing innovative solutions to improve public services, and ensuring the security and... Read More →

Sponsor

RSM

RSM’s purpose is to deliver the power of being understood to our clients, colleagues and communities through world-class assurance, tax and consulting services focused on middle market businesses. The clients we serve are the engine of global commerce and economic growth, and we... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:45am - 11:25am EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Breakout Session

10:45am EDT

Breakout Session: Leading AI Data Protection & Cyber Risk Strategies

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:45am - 11:25am EDT

TBA

Join Thrive’s Dave Sampson, VP, Cyber Risk and Strategy as he reviews the current state of cyber risk as AI enters the workplace and what business leaders need to proactively consider to ready their organizations for an era of AI-driven innovation.

Speakers

Dave Sampson

VP, Cyber Risk and Strategy, Thrive

With over 20 years of experience in the information technology and services industry, I am a seasoned executive and a cybersecurity strategy expert. I lead the Consulting Practice at Thrive, a leading provider of next generation managed services, cloud, and cybersecurity solutions... Read More →

Sponsor

Thrive

Thrive delivers global technology outsourcing for cybersecurity, Cloud, and traditional MSP services. Thrive’s NextGen platform enables customers to gain business advantage through standardization, scalability, and automation. Thrive aligns each client with a team of subject matter... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:45am - 11:25am EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Breakout Session

10:45am EDT

Breakout Session: Practical Data Governance – Building the Foundation for Success in Innovation  

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:45am - 11:25am EDT

TBA

In a world driven by data, organizations are eager to unlock the promise of advanced analytics and Generative AI. But without a strong governance foundation, these initiatives often stall or worse, mislead. Recent research shows over 60% of organizations report poor data quality undermines their digital efforts, while the majority admit they’re underutilizing their data assets. This session cuts through theory to deliver actionable case studies for CIOs and IT leaders looking to establish practical, scalable data governance programs that deliver value. Tailored to the realities of Canadian mid-sized and enterprise organizations, the conversation will address: Navigating tool overload and fragmented tech stacks Embedding governance into cloud, hybrid, and multi-platform environments Balancing data quality, access, and speed to serve both innovation and compliance Creating operating models that drive accountability across IT and business Demonstrating quick wins to build momentum and executive buy-in You’ll hear real-world lessons and proven frameworks from Data Elephant, a Canadian data and AI consultancy helping organizations take a tactical approach to data governance success and foundations for innovation. Why Attend: Learn best practices on developing or refreshing your data governance strategy  Discover challenges and key lessons from real-world governance projects. Learn how to balance foundational data needs with high-impact, external-facing use cases.

Speakers

Adrienne Robbins

CEO and Co-Founder, Data Elephant

Adrienne Robbins is a Co-Founder and the CEO of Data Elephant, a Vancouver-based boutique Data & Analytics consulting firm, offering bespoke engagement and advisory to Canadian organizations requiring assistance at various stages of their data journeys. Focused on value and outcomes... Read More →

Sponsor

Data Elephant Inc.

Data Elephant, a Vancouver-based boutique Data & Analytics consulting firm, offering bespoke engagement and advisory to Canadian organizations requiring assistance at various stages of their data journeys. Focused on value and outcomes, Data Elephant has partnered with organizations... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:45am - 11:25am EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Breakout Session

11:30am EDT

Plenary Session: Endpoint resilience – Protecting business assets in a hyper-connected environment

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

TBA

Endpoints are no longer defined by physical boundaries. They’re fluid and invisible—a challenge for traditional security. Large Language Models (LLMs) are changing the game. They predict, not just detect, leveraging global threat data and your internal knowledge for real-time, adaptive defense. Imagine AI-powered responses to new malware instantly, without waiting for patches.

But the threat evolves. AI strengthens attackers, too, creating polymorphic malware that outpaces traditional defenses. This talk explores how AI-driven security strategies—reasoning frameworks, dynamic re-calibration—can secure modern endpoints. We’ll confront the critical question: How do we ensure our defenses with the right strategy in an era of AI-driven attacks?

Key takeaways:
• Have a strategy: A strategy that aligns tools, people, and processes and is based on organizational policy would give better visibility to your digital assets.
• Proactive AI Defense: Embrace LLMs to move beyond reactive security, leveraging predictive analytics for real-time, context-aware threat mitigation.
• Zero-Trust Imperative: Adopt a Zero-Trust approach, understanding that endpoints are fluid and boundaries are blurred, requiring continuous verification and adaptive security frameworks.

Speakers

Romanus Prabhu Raymond

Director of Technology – Unified Endpoint Management and Security, ManageEngine

As the Director of Technology, Romanus is responsible for ensuring that ManageEngine’s UEM (Unified Endpoint Management & Security) customers across the globe are happy. He oversees the seamless onboarding, product training and implementation, and support experience for all customers... Read More →

Sponsor

ManageEngine

ManageEngine is a division of Zoho Corporation that offers comprehensive on-premises and cloud-native IT and security operations management solutions for global organizations and managed service providers. Established and emerging enterprises rely on ManageEngine’s real-time IT... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Plenary Session

12:15pm EDT

Lunch (CIO.D™ Recipient Presentation)

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:15pm - 12:30pm EDT

TBA

Sponsor

Infolaser

For close to 30 years, Infolaser has established itself as a national solution provider specializing in delivering managed print services (MPS) and managed document solutions (MDS). We are Canada’s Document Lifecycle™ Expert. We first help companies assess their current document... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:15pm - 12:30pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

1:15pm EDT

Breakout Session

Wednesday May 28, 2025 1:15pm - 1:55pm EDT

TBA

Sponsor

Lookout Security Inc.

Wednesday May 28, 2025 1:15pm - 1:55pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Breakout Session

1:15pm EDT

Breakout Session

Wednesday May 28, 2025 1:15pm - 1:55pm EDT

TBA

Wednesday May 28, 2025 1:15pm - 1:55pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Breakout Session

1:15pm EDT

Breakout Session: Data Without Borders – How AI-Powered Integration Strengthens Supply Chain Resilience

Wednesday May 28, 2025 1:15pm - 1:55pm EDT

TBA

Neel’s presentation will explore how to transform enterprise supply chains into intelligent, responsive ecosystems through AI and modern data integration platforms.

In today’s volatile global landscape, resilience and end-to-end visibility are essential for successful supply chains. It means more than just recovering from disruption—it’s about anticipating challenges, adapting with agility, and maintaining continuity under pressure. AI plays a pivotal role in building resilience by enabling predictive analytics, automating decision-making, and identifying patterns across vast, complex datasets. Yet to unlock AI’s full potential and enable end-to-end visibility, enterprises must first overcome data silos—fragmented information trapped within internal legacy systems and across their broader ecosystem of suppliers, distributors, and partners.

Learn how modern data integration tools can seamlessly connect data both within the enterprise and externally with trading partners, including smaller vendors who may lack advanced IT infrastructure.

Speakers

Neel Sharma

Founder & President, SPICE Technology Group, Inc

As Founder and President of Toronto-based SPICE Technology Group, Neel leads corporate and product strategy, bringing over 30 years of experience in supply chain and technology. A pioneer of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) for supply chain transformation, Neel has helped shape how SaaS... Read More →

Sponsor

Spice Technology Group Inc.

Spice Technology Group specializes in digital transformation that builds supply chain resilience. We provide strategic advisory and ecosystem automation, integration, and visibility solutions. From optimizing supply chain strategies to implementing modern data-driven AI solutions... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 1:15pm - 1:55pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Breakout Session

2:00pm EDT

Networking Break

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

TBA

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

2:35pm EDT

Plenary Session: Amplify CIO Impact by building trust and influence through collaborative partnerships

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:35pm - 3:15pm EDT

TBA

Madelin is one of Gartner’s leading analysts who works closely with CIOs in developing themselves as executive leaders and re-imagining the future of leadership. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, a successful partnership with C-suite peers, is vital for CIOs to deliver value and broaden their influence. A trusting relationship accelerates progress on strategic goals and enables smarter decisions for the organization. But what does a trusting relationship, or trust, mean in the context of C-suite leadership?
Join this keynote to discuss:
• Evolving expectations and role of the CIO
• Executing actions to build trust across the C-suite
• Overcoming common trust barriers and applying principals of the trust compass

Speakers

Madelin Santana

Sr Director Executive Leadership, Gartner

Madelin Santana is a Senior Director with Gartner’s CIO Executive Leadership group that creates actionable and applicable research focused on leadership. She helps CIOs and other C-level executives with aligning the organizational building blocks needed to succeed in the digital-era.Topics... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:35pm - 3:15pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Plenary Session

3:20pm EDT

Breakout Session: Adapting in the Age of Hybrid Work & AI – Managing Productivity & Employee Experience

Wednesday May 28, 2025 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT

TBA

The workplace is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Hybrid work, coupled with the rise of AI and automation, is fundamentally changing our approach to productivity, morale, and employee well-being. Organizations are striving to innovate and deliver results while carefully considering the impact of these technologies on their workforce. Technology leaders play a crucial role in shaping adaptive leadership strategies in this everchanging climate.

In this panel discussion, Technology Leaders will share their insights on navigating these challenges and adapting to the rapidly changing landscape. They will share their experiences and strategies for balancing technology advancements with the human element of today’s workplace.

Moderated by Kyoko Kobayashi.

Speakers

Kyoko Kobayashi (CIOCAN Board) – Moderator

Managing Partner, CIOs Beyond Borders Group

Kyoko Kobayashi is a founding partner of the CIOs Beyond Borders Group located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, an organization dedicated to leadership development for IT and business leaders. Kyoko’s IT career has spanned over 40 years, 30 of which of which have been at the Executive... Read More →

Gerry Akkerman (CIOCAN Board) – Panelist

Chief Information Officer, Legal Aid BC

Gerry is the current President of the CIO Association of Canada Vancouver Chapter.He joined Legal Aid BC in 2023, bringing a background in executive management along with his expertise in business technology leadership. As Chief Information Officer, Gerry is responsible for our Digital... Read More →

Nastaran Bisheban (CIOCAN Member) – Panelist

Chief Information Officer, VetStrategy

Nastaran Bisheban serves as the Chief information Officer of VetStrategy, where she oversees the company’s Technology strategy and IT operation. With 2 decades of experience in senior technology leadership roles, she brings a wealth of experience on building efficient technology... Read More →

Doris Simcich (CIOCAN Member)

Global Senior Director Operational Excellence, AstraZeneca

Doris Simcich is a transformational leader renowned for her impact across business, IT, and operations in varied industries. Her global career at GE, RBC, and AstraZeneca highlights her passion for building high performing teams, business results and a commitment to positive change... Read More →

Kin Lee-Yow (CIOCAN Board) - Panelist

CIO, CAA Club Group of Companies

Kin’s leadership style is Participative, emphasizing the importance of ensuring people understand the reasoning behind actions. His characteristics include questioning the status quo to enhance efficiency, viewing challenges as opportunities, maintaining calmness during crises... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Breakout Session

3:20pm EDT

Breakout Session: Amplifying Human Potential – A Human-Centered Approach to AI Adoption

Wednesday May 28, 2025 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT

TBA

Artificial Intelligence offers tremendous potential to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation. However, the key to successful AI adoption lies in putting people first. In this presentation, Jean-Paul Lalonde, Chief Information and Data Officer at the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, shares insights and practical strategies for implementing human-centred AI solutions. Drawing from real-world experience, he will explore how organizations can foster AI literacy, empower teams, and leverage AI to enhance—not replace—human judgment and decision-making, ultimately leading to more impactful and sustainable outcomes.

Speakers

Jean-Paul Lalonde (CIOCAN Member)

Chief Information and Data Officer, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC)

Jean-Paul Lalonde is the Chief Information and Data Officer at the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), where he champions a Human-Centred AI Adoption Strategy. His leadership prioritizes enhancing human capabilities through artificial intelligence, significantly reducing the... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Breakout Session

3:20pm EDT

Breakout Session: Off the Record – Honest Conversations About Change, Challenge, and Resilience (Day 1) - MEMBERS ONLY

Wednesday May 28, 2025 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT

TBA

Let’s take off the armour for a moment. In this off-the-record, boardroom-style conversation, we’ll create space for what doesn’t always make it into keynote speeches — the hard stuff: layoffs, career pauses, burnout, education pivots, personal reinvention, and mental health.

This session is for anyone navigating change — or supporting someone who is. We’ll talk candidly about personal brand, job search realities, recruiter strategy, and how to keep moving forward when the ground beneath you shifts.

Come to speak, to share, or simply to listen. This is a safe, real, and human space — because sometimes, what we need most as leaders isn’t advice. It’s each other, and that is the power of community.

Members Only – Limited Space

Speakers

Shaun Guthrie (CIOCAN President & Chair)

National President & Chairperson – CIO Association of Canada | Vice President Technical Services, RJC Engineers

With over a decade of service within CIOCAN, Shaun has been a steadfast leader, previously serving as National Vice President and National Membership Director. His dedication has been pivotal in fostering CIOCAN’s growth and in advancing our mission to create a vibrant community... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

MEMBERS ONLY

4:05pm EDT

How Canada is Protecting Citizens and Businesses from Cyber Threats

Wednesday May 28, 2025 4:05pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

Moderator: Dave Aeri (CIOCAN Board Member) – Chief Information Officer & CTO, Nine.Zero.Five

This panel session unites Canada’s leading experts working to safeguard the country from cyber threats. The discussion will include identification of the resources available to CIOs and CISOs to enhance their organizations’ cybersecurity maturity and resilience. By the end of the session, you’ll gain insights into how Canada defends its citizens and businesses against sophisticated global cyber threats, and how you can tap into these resources to strengthen your own cyber infrastructure.

• Understanding Cyber Threat Landscape: Learn about the sophisticated global cyber threats facing Canada and how the country is defending itself from these dangers.
• Cybersecurity Resources for CIOs and CISOs: Discover the tools, resources, and frameworks available to help CIOs and CISOs strengthen their organizations’ cybersecurity posture.
• Building Cyber Resilience: Gain insights on how to create a resilient cyber infrastructure within your organization by leveraging Canada’s cybersecurity initiatives.
• Collaboration and Best Practices: Understand the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance overall cybersecurity efforts.
• Strategies for Cybersecurity Maturity: Learn actionable strategies and practices that can help improve your organization’s cybersecurity maturity over time.
• Protecting Citizens and Businesses: Understand the broader context of protecting both individuals and businesses within Canada from emerging cyber threats.

Speakers

Dave Aeri (CIOCAN Board) – Moderator

Chief Information Officer & CTO, Nine.Zero.Five, Nine.Zero.Five

Dave Aeri is responsible for the strategic, technical leadership, and vision advancing all aspects of Nine.Zero.Five’s information technology, digital transformation, digital innovation, enterprise architecture, application development, cyber security, and the underlying strategies... Read More →

André Boucher – Panelist

Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), National Bank of Canada

André Boucher joined National Bank of Canada in 2021 as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). In this role, André is responsible for strengthening the information security program, ensuring the protection of information assets and technology, and supporting... Read More →

Bridget Walshe – Panelist

Associate Head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, Communications Security Establishment Canada

Bridget Walshe is the Associate Head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. Prior to this role, Bridget served the Director General of Operations, Security and Intelligence at the Privy Council Office for two years, where she was responsible for providing advice on key operational... Read More →

Major-General Dave Yarker – Panelist

Commander CAF Cyber Command, Department of National Defence

Major General (MGen) Dave Yarker joined the Canadian Forces in 1989, graduating from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) Kingston in 1993. Following completion of Graduate studies and Signals officer Training in 1996 he served with 2 Bde as a Signals Officer in both 427 Tactical... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 4:05pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

Plenary Session

4:45pm EDT

Day 1 – Wrap Up

Wednesday May 28, 2025 4:45pm - 5:00pm EDT

TBA

Wednesday May 28, 2025 4:45pm - 5:00pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4

6:30pm EDT

Main On-Site Reception

Wednesday May 28, 2025 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBA

Wednesday May 28, 2025 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3G4