What’s Happening, and When

The Agenda features best-in-class keynotes, case studies, cloud predictions and live discussions that prepare you for the future of cloud in the coming year.

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All times listed on the agenda are Eastern Standard Time.

State of Data Security in Canada 2022
Andre Champagne, Security Product Manager, Carbon60
Matthew Trushinski, Senior Director of Product Marketing, Arctic Wolf

In the last year, Canada has seen exponential growth in the number of cyberattacks. IDC Canada recently released that 4 in 5 Canadian organizations reported detecting ransomware attacks and some were not aware of all breaches. These attacks have not only grown in frequency, but have also grown in complexity. Please join Matt Trushinski from Arctic Wolf and Andre Champagne, Security Product Manager at Carbon60, as they discuss the current state of data security in Canada and how to secure against the most critical cyber risks.
Eliminating Visibility Gaps in Your Multi-Cloud Infrastructure
Arun Kannan, Product Manager – Applications Manager, ManageEngine

It’s no secret that cloud adoption is booming. With 92% of the enterprises adopting a multi-cloud strategy and nearly as many sporting a hybrid infrastructure, managing the heterogeneous environment has become increasingly complex. Thus it has become imperative for organizations to have a carefully designed multi-cloud strategy that will help enable them avoid vendor lock-in, get the best possible price, and utilize the best of each vendor’s offerings. Join us as we discuss the decision-drivers, challenges involved in defining a multi-cloud strategy, and how it varies based on organization.
Delivering IT Business Value in a Supply Chain Constrained World
Avinash Shetty, VP, Product Management, Nutanix Inc.

With Canadian supply chain shortages, empty private cloud promises and rising public cloud costs, the reality of delivering IT business value is becoming harder to achieve. Learn how you can quickly spin up workloads on your public or private cloud, while delivering seamless mobility and achieve the hybrid cloud goal. Delivering IT business value in a digital world means modernizing your infrastructure stack in a scalable, performant, reliant and yet flexible fashion, that leverages the best of private and public cloud offerings.
The Realities and Best-Practices of Cross-Cloud Operational Management
Peter Near, National Director of Technology, VMware Canada

In this session we will discuss the realities of leveraging multiple private and public clouds as part of your transformation. What are the challenges involved, what trends are we seeing in Canada, and what are some approaches to solving the cross-cloud operational challenge?
Darktrace for Cloud: Taking Cover with Self-Learning AI
David Mason, Director of Enterprise Security, Darktrace

Mass-scale migration to the cloud has surged as organizations embrace more flexible working patterns, bringing new complex security challenges, such as visibility and control across third-party environments. Join David Masson, Darktrace’s Director of Enterprise Security, as he discusses the challenges of securing the cloud and SaaS applications, and why organizations are turning to Self-Learning AI technology that learns from its unique surroundings in order to stop cyber-attacks in their tracks. Includes real-world examples of attacks detected and stopped by this technology.

Demystifying Hybrid Clouds for CIOs and Enterprises

What are the best ways to manage and secure the many complex cloud environments now and into the future?
• Which cloud technologies continue to advance and become more appealing for CIOs to deploy on a wider and more specialized-to-purpose scale?
• How are organizations monitoring the efficiency of the clouds they use?
• Are we prepared for a cloud operating model?

1:00 - 1:50 PM

The Next Great Transformation

Anat Baron, CEO, Stashwall Inc., Futurist & Brand Builder

As we slowly emerge from the pandemic, it’s time to think about the next horizon and beyond. Understanding what comes after can help us plan and prepare for those possibilities as we reshape our strategies today. Future insights not only provide fresh perspectives but can help us adapt to the new opportunities, risks, and challenges that could arise as the post-pandemic world unfolds.
Anat Baron will review the 5 biggest trends facing us as we look ahead:
1) technology adoption,
2) the empowered consumer/employee,
3) distributed everything,
4) the battle for attention, and
5) disruption everywhere
This thought-provoking and informative presentation will provide strategies to bridge the gap and succeed as we race to 2025 and beyond.

1:50 - 2:20 PM

Operating A Cloud-Only “Start-Up” Airline

Robert Pope, CIO, Canada Jetlines

One of the biggest challenges that many organizations including the airline sector have to contend with is legacy systems and processes. The benefits of being a start-up is running a greenfield environment that allows for nimbleness, innovation and creating superior customer experiences. Join us for a conversation with Robert Pope, CIO with Canadian Airlines Jetlines, on how they are building a “Cloud-Only” IT environment to drive agility and scale in a secure manner.

Interviewed by: Megha Kumar, Research Vice President, Software and Cloud Services, IDC Canada

2:20 - 2:40 PM

Accelerating Cloud Transformation to Fuel Innovation and Growth

Dean Clark, National Director & Practice Lead – Cloud, Bell

Cloud is the catalyst for digital transformation and help organizations modernize their infrastructure and applications to enable innovative services and experiences.
Achieving digital innovation with the cloud is not a one-time initiative. It’s an ongoing transformation journey that requires the right blend of expertise, technologies, strategy and processes to drive business outcomes.
You’ll hear from our expert how Canadian businesses can accelerate their cloud transformation with our cloud experts, best-in-class connectivity and preferred partner ecosystem.

2:40 - 3:05 PM

Pivoting to a Cloud-First IT Strategy to Improve Speed & Scale of IT Infrastructure

Sherif Sheta, CIO, CCRM

Join CIO, Sherif Sheta, from the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) as he explains how being a cloud-first company enables CCRM to respond to business needs quickly by scaling the IT infrastructure in a matter of days instead of weeks. Speed and scale are particularly important to CCRM as they support the development and commercialization of regenerative medicines and associated enabling technologies, with a specific focus on cell and gene therapy. Adoption of cloud technology is not new, but leading with a cloud-first strategy is new for many CIOs. Learn how Sherif brought a cloud-first CIO strategy to CCRM to improve innovations in life-saving medicine to market faster.

Interviewed by: Andrea Benito, Contributing Editor, CIO Foundry (formerly IDG Communications)

3:05 - 3:25 PM

Best Practices for Monitoring and Securing Multi-Cloud Environments

Rob Stevens, Chief Revenue Officer, Carbon60

The cloud has come a long way since the humble beginnings of the mid-2000s. In 2019, for the very first time, spending on cloud infrastructure exceeded that of on-premises data centers. While the cloud brings a multitude of advantages, it also opens loopholes with regards to security. What exactly are these loopholes and how can organizations secure their cloud better? Attend this session to find out. We’ll start with the multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud advantage and then explore the six cloud migration strategies, cloud security challenges and closing the security gap with best practices.

Interviewed by: Michael Hainsworth, Emcee & Moderator, IDC + CIO Events

3:25 - 3:35 PM

Break Time

3:35 - 3:40 PM

Fast and Furious Attacks Using AI to Surgically Respond

Noah Smith, Cybersecurity Account Manager and Sales Team Leader, Darktrace

Fast-moving cyber attacks can strike at any time and security teams are often unable to react quickly enough. Join this session with Darktrace, to learn how Autonomous Response takes targeted action to stop in progress attacks without disrupting your business. Explore today’s threats and challenges and learn how advances in AI have been leveraged to allow for very surgical actions to be taken autonomously – where humans can no longer react fast enough.

3:40 - 4:05 PM

Live Discussion: Anat Baron on the Next Great Transformation

Anat Baron, CEO, Stashwall Inc., Futurist & Brand Builder

Following her keynote presentation, Anat Baron will answer your questions about the next great transformation. She can address new opportunities, risks, and challenges that could arise as the post-pandemic world unfolds. Bring your questions, challenges, and predictions for an interactive conversation.

Interviewed by: John Gallant, Enterprise Consulting Director, Foundry (formerly IDG Communications)

4:05 - 4:25 PM

Accelerating Innovation and Growth with Cloud

Dean Clark, National Director & Practice Lead – Cloud, Bell

Digital technologies like Cloud and Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) will enable innovative new ways to innovate and grow your business from manufacturing to retail and everything in between. Join Bell’s Cloud National Director Dean Clark and IDC contributing editor Michael Hainsworth as they discuss how Canadian organizations are using Cloud to digitally transform their business and how 5G and MEC will dramatically accelerate this adoption to deliver next-generation services and experiences. You will also learn the importance of choosing the right partner to support your digital transformation journey and drive business outcomes.

Interviewed by: Michael Hainsworth, Emcee & Moderator, IDC + CIO Events

4:25 - 4:55 PM

Journey to the Canadian Cloud Maturity

Megha Kumar, Research Vice President, Software and Cloud Services, IDC Canada

This session will introduce the state of adoption of public clouds services within Canadian organizations. It will highlight results from cluster analysis of cloud services adoption and provide insights on how Canadian organizations can progress across their cloud maturity journey.

Worldwide Cloud Predictions for 2022: IDC’s FutureScape Research

Dave McCarthy, Research Vice President, Cloud Infrastructure Services, IDC

Navigating the crosswinds in a digital-first world can be challenging for technology leaders. In this data-driven presentation, you will hear essential guidance to help you plan as cloud management becomes more complex and the cloud continues to expand into new locations. Insights about critical questions including, application modernization, the best approach for multi-cloud deployments, and where to invest in automation, will be shared to help you navigate smoothly into a future of digital infrastructure focused on cloud.

4:55- 5:20 PM

Beyond Lift & Shift: Strategic Legacy App Modernization

Ram Vaidyanathan, Cybersecurity Specialist, ManageEngine

We’re asking a lot of our developers and DevOps teams. DevSecOps sounds like just another job, all while demanding more innovation. The math doesn’t add up. But counterintuitively, DevSecOps has proven results that can actually save time while improving results. Join us as we discuss the challenges to achieving DevSecOps and the benefits once you get there.

Interviewed by: Michael Hainsworth, Contributing Editor, IDC & CSO, Foundry, Formerly IDG Communications, Inc.

Watch a replay of the session here!

5:20- 5:45 PM

Designing Hybrid Cloud Environments for Security and Flexibility

Christopher Marsh-Bourdon, Head of Hybrid Environments, Wells Fargo Bank N.A.

Hear how one of the largest financial institutions in the world designed a hybrid cloud environment to introduce applications with security and flexibility for its global customers. Learn about how to effectively manage security in public and private clouds as well as tips on deploying Kubernetes, implementing change management, focusing on the customer experience, and building trust.

Interviewed by: Paula Rooney, Senior Writer, CIO, Foundry (formerly IDG Communications)

Cultivating an Agile and Dynamic Operating Model

Joseph Sieczkowski, CIO, Architecture and Engineering, BNY Mellon

For BNY Mellon, agility and speed are critical to managing cloud environments. Join us as we discuss leadership, culture, and how they’re critical in maximizing efficiencies with clouds.

Interviewed by: John Gallant, Enterprise Consulting Director, Foundry (formerly IDG Communications)

Optimizing Clouds for Security, Privacy, and Customer Experience

The Future of Digital Infrastructure: responsive, scalable, and resilient infrastructure technologies.

1:00 - 1:55 PM

The Changing Role of the CIO in a Digital-First World

Laura-Lea Berna, Vice President, IT and CIO, BC Transit
Geoff Cronin, CIO & Sr Vice President, LCBO
Kin Lee-Yow, CIO, CAA Club Group

How is a cloud native, digital-first world driving change in the role of the CIO? Join us for a panel discussion covering a range of topics including:
• How the role of the CIO is becoming more strategic as business digitizes
• Driving harmonization of IT and business objectives
• How the new breed of CIOs looks at the tools cloud provides
• Making strategic links between what tools can do and how to use them to support business objectives
• Critical processes for CIOs to implement for IT to understand the business

Interviewed by: Warren Shiau, Research Vice President, AI & Analytics, IDC Canada

1:55 - 2:25 PM

IDC Presents: The Leading Edge (of) Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC)

Charlie Wade, Vice President, Wireless Products, Bell Canada
Scott Renda, Sr Manager, Product Management, AWS

What is Multi-Access Edge Computing? We know it’s the future, and the future is now. Join IDC, Bell, and AWS for a 30 minute discussion about edge cloud technologies, identifying and confirming the return on investment, and charting your organization’s path to a MEC future through the unique value proposition Bell brings to the table.

Interviewed by: Michael Hainsworth, Emcee & Moderator, IDC + CIO Events

2:25 - 3:05 PM

Analysts’ Panel: Cloud Trends with Transformational Impact

Matthew Eastwood, SVP, Enterprise Infrastructure, Cloud and Enabling Technology, IDC
Jason Bremner, Research Vice President, Industry and Business Solutions, IDC Canada
Dave McCarthy, Research Vice President, Cloud Infrastructure Services, IDC

An unvarnished panel of three of IDC’s leading worldwide and Canadian cloud market analysts talk about accelerating cloud maturity, multicloud strategies and the importance of finops in managing cloud costs.

3:05 - 3:20 PM

The Realities and Best-Practices of Cross-Cloud Operational Management

Peter Near, National Director of Technology, VMware Canada

In this session we will discuss the realities of leveraging multiple private and public clouds as part of your transformation. What are the challenges involved, what trends are we seeing in Canada, and what are some approaches to solving the cross-cloud operational challenge?

3:20 - 3:50 PM

Cloud at Sea: How Royal Caribbean Keeps Customers Connected

Martha Poulter, CIO, Royal Caribbean

While vacationers go on cruises to relax and unplug, the reality is that technology fuels many of their interactions, from dining to shopping to shore excursions. With 75 percent of its fleet operational since last summer as the world eased back into travel again, Royal Caribbean’s IT team used pandemic-era downtime to solve a number of business challenges around using cloud-based technologies and systems when operating on the open sea — one of the few places in the world without persistent connectivity. Join us to learn how the company uses a mix of cloud, edge computing and satellite solutions to deliver seamless customer experiences whether ships are in port or untethered on the open ocean dealing with adverse weather conditions. We’ll also explore the company’s advancing data strategy and how it’s powering new marketing capabilities as well as other insights on resiliency, staff development, and more.

Interviewed by: Maryfran Johnson, CEO, Maryfran Johnson Media

3:50 - 4:00 PM

Break Time

4:00 - 4:30 PM

How to Maximize the Value of Every Dollar Spent in Cloud

Jennifer Hays, SVP Engineering Efficiency & Assurance, Fidelity Investments

In this session we will explore an evolving cloud financial management practice that empowers organizations to track and maximize cloud spend and enable tech, finance, and business teams to collaborate on data-driven spending decisions. Best practices will be shared from leading practitioners who are delivering products faster while gaining financial control and predictability over cloud spend. The FinOps Foundation will also share its latest data and trends to watch.

Leveraging “Cloud Smart” Strategies at the Fed

Ghada Ijam, System CIO, Federal Reserve System

Just three months before the global pandemic began, Ghada Ijam became CIO of the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. central bank that oversees the world’s largest financial system. Respected industry-wide as a strategic IT leader and change agent, Ijam will share how she and her team accelerated the Fed’s approach to cloud adoption, cybersecurity and innovative cloud-based data strategies.

Interviewed by: Maryfran Johnson, CEO, Maryfran Johnson Media

4:30 - 4:50 PM

Inside 3M’s Public Cloud Strategy to Boost Speed and Agility

David Bellis, Former VP, Global Infrastructure Services and Enterprise Architecture, 3M

3M — maker of familiar items includng Post-it notes and Scotch tape as well as products and services for the automotive, health care, and design and production sectors — made a big move when its entire ERP system moved to the cloud. Now it’s reaping the benefits of moving functions such as accounting, supply chain management, manufacturing, product lifecycle management, e-commerce, and other business-critical enterprise IT applications. In this session, find out how 3M is leveraging machine learning, analytics, security and more to drive efficiencies and gain speed and agility.

Interviewed by: Derek Hulitzky, Former VP, Content Development and Strategy, Foundry (formerly IDG Communications)

Follow the Money: Top Tips and Future Trends From a VC

James Cham, Partner, Bloomberg Beta

Join us for a venture fund perspective on understanding the economics of the shift to hyperscaler cloud organizations and how you can avoid using these tools badly. Get insights into potential pitfalls of multi-cloud strategies from a technology and financial perspective. Hear about changes to watch in software development – what does it mean for CIOs when organizations are dependent on data and data quality for success? How will you derive value from big data and what is next for AI/ML?

Interviewed by: John Gallant, Enterprise Consulting Director, Foundry (formerly IDG Communications)

4:50 - 5:15 PM

Integrating Cloud Native Apps into a Seamless Operational Platform

Charlie Billings, CIO, Professional Case Management / PCM Trials

By integrating multiple cloud solutions, Professional Case Management created a single source of the truth for its globally dispersed workforce and enabled seamless data sharing across the enterprise in a cloud native environment. PCM’s innovative and award-winning solution is the first of its kind, allowing the company to provision employee systems and software rapidly in the fast- and ever-changing healthcare sector.

Interviewed by: Julia King, Contributing Editor, Computerworld/CIO, Foundry (formerly IDG Communications)

Kubernetes: The Modern Enterprise Application Platform

Serdar Yegulalp, Senior Writer, InfoWorld, Foundry (formerly IDG Communications)

Containers have revolutionized how modern business applications are assembled and put into production. But managing container-based applications at scale is its own challenge. In this non-technical introduction to Kubernetes, we’ll explain how it provides a consistent methodology for assembling those apps, launching and keeping them responsive to customers, and abstracting away tedious management details.

Agenda subject to change.