Attending the CIO Summit: Connecting with Tech Leaders and the AI Revolution

We had the incredible opportunity to attend the NZ CIO Summit this year, alongside our sister company, TTC. Held at the Vector Arena on the 20th and 21st of August, this event showcased the latest trends and innovations in the tech world, with artificial intelligence (AI) taking centerstage in nearly every conversation.

The AI Revolution in Focus

At this year's summit, AI was the dominant theme. From discussions on advanced automation to data-driven decision-making, it was clear that AI is being embraced across industries as the next big driver of innovation. Leaders from across the tech space shared insights on how their organisations are adopting AI to gain a competitive edge, exploring both its potential and challenges.

Throughout the summit, we saw how businesses are leveraging AI to improve efficiencies, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation. The energy in the room was palpable as leaders dove into the evolving AI landscape, discussing strategic initiatives to stay ahead in this competitive field.

Engaging with Clients and Prospects

Our shared booth with TTC was buzzing with activity, drawing in attendees eager to discuss the latest tech trends. While overall attendance was slightly lower than in previous years, the quality of the conversations more than made up for it. We connected with new prospects and long-time clients, engaging in meaningful discussions about emerging technologies, particularly AI, and how they can be harnessed to create real business value.

At Data Domain, we recognise AI’s pivotal role in the data and analytics landscape. Our commitment to developing robust data management and testing frameworks has resonated well with clients. By providing clear strategies for managing data, we help businesses ensure that their AI initiatives are grounded in solid foundations, leading to tangible outcomes rather than merely following the hype.

Key Insights from Industry Leaders

Beyond AI, the summit offered valuable insights into leadership, employee engagement, and the future of the workplace. One standout session was led by Cindy Taibi, former CIO of The New York Times, who emphasised the importance of recognising and motivating teams. Her perspective on how meaningful work, recognition, and career development can outweigh salary in driving job satisfaction gave us plenty of food for thought.

Looking Ahead

The NZ CIO Summit was an inspiring experience, filled with thought-provoking discussions and exciting new connections. We left with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of excitement about the future of technology and its impact on business. As we continue to work with our clients, we’re eager to apply the insights gained at the summit and look forward to seeing how these conversations shape the tech landscape in the months ahead.

We're already counting down to next year's summit and can't wait to see how AI and other emerging technologies continue to evolve.