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GARTNER CIO Leadership Forum

Name: GARTNER CIO Leadership Forum
Start: 2027-02-22
End: 2027-02-23
Location: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Event overview

Overview

The Gartner CIO Leadership Forum 2027 brings together CIOs and senior technology executives to tackle mission-critical priorities in a curated, peer-driven environment. The agenda focuses on three core pillars: AI Cost and ROI—helping leaders link AI investments to outcome-driven metrics with financial discipline and FinOps; Cybersecurity and Enterprise Resilience—reframing security as a business imperative to anticipate and recover from disruption; and IT Strategic Planning—uniting IT and business, integrating AI for measurable outcomes, and managing change fatigue.

Attendees gain direct access to Gartner analysts through private 30-minute one-on-one meetings, participate in roundtables and workshops, and connect with a select group of innovative technology solution providers. Special programs include Women in Technology, Midsize Enterprises, and Global Enterprise Experience networking.

The forum is held at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, and is open only to qualifying CIOs (enterprisewide or business unit/regional CIOs with $250M+ revenue in the private sector or 1,000+ employees in the public sector)

TL;DR

1Exclusive, application-only forum for CIOs—guarantees high-level peer interaction and unrivaled information exchange
2Three anchor tracks: AI Cost and ROI, Cybersecurity and Enterprise Resilience, and IT Strategic Planning
3Private 30-minute one-on-one meetings with Gartner analysts, plus roundtables and workshops
4Specialized networking programs for women in technology, midsize enterprises, and global enterprises
5Limited exhibitor model—only leading innovative technology companies showcasing solutions for CIO mission-critical priorities

Why visit

Attend to gain exclusive, data-driven insights from Gartner analysts and peers that you can immediately apply to your most pressing challenges. The forum's intimate, CIO-only setting fosters candid conversations and deep dives into AI economics, cybersecurity resilience, and strategic planning—topics that are often diluted in larger conferences. You will leave with a validated roadmap, actionable tools, and a trusted network of fellow leaders who face similar pressures. The private one-on-one analyst meetings provide personalized guidance tailored to your organization's specific context, while the roundtables and workshops offer hands-on problem-solving with peers

Why exhibit

Exhibiting offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with a highly curated audience of decision-making CIOs from enterprises with significant revenue and headcount. Gartner's limited-exhibitor model ensures your brand stands out among only the most innovative technology providers, allowing you to affirm your value proposition at the CIO level. Showcase how your solutions address the mission-critical priorities that dominate CIO agendas—AI governance, cybersecurity, and IT-business integration. The format emphasizes meaningful, high-level conversations over transactional booth interactions, making it an efficient channel for building executive relationships and validating your product-market fit with senior buyers

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Enterprisewide Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from private-sector organizations with $250 million or more in annual revenue.

Business unit or regional CIOs from private-sector organizations with $250 million or more in annual revenue.

CIOs from public-sector organizations with 1,000 or more employees.

Qualifying CIOs from technology solution providers or consultancies who are involved exclusively in their organization's internal IT/IS operations (application and approval required).

Gartner Executive Programs Primary Members and Team Leaders (complimentary access)

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Leading innovative technology companies with solutions that address CIO mission-critical priorities, such as AI governance, cybersecurity, data management, and IT automation.

Companies that can demonstrate a clear value proposition at the executive level and are prepared to engage in strategic, peer-level conversations.

Providers of enterprise-grade platforms for AI security, orchestration, data governance, IT service automation, network automation, and cybersecurity.

Organizations that align with Gartner's limited-exhibitor model, which prioritizes quality over quantity and ensures a focused, high-value experience for both exhibitors and attendees

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Enterprise AI & Generative AI Governance Platforms

Cloud Infrastructure, Hybrid Cloud & FinOps Solutions

Cybersecurity, Zero Trust Architecture & Threat Intelligence

Enterprise Architecture & Digital Transformation Roadmaps

Data Governance, Fabric & Analytics Platforms

IT Talent, Workforce Strategy & Operating Models

Digital Workplace & Collaboration Ecosystems

IT Cost Optimization & Technology Portfolio Management

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

5350 East Marriott Drive, 85054 Phoenix, United States

Facilities

Parking

On-site self-parking is available for $30 USD daily with in/out privileges. Valet parking is $50 USD daily. Short-term valet rates: $18 for 0–4 hours, $30 for 4–6 hours, $50 for 6+ hours. Two complimentary electric vehicle charging stations are available

$30.00/day

Accessibility

The hotel provides accessible entrances to the business center, fitness center, main entrance, meeting spaces, pool entrances, restaurants, lounges, and spa. Service animals are allowed for persons with disabilities

Charging points

Two complimentary electric vehicle charging stations are available on-site

On-site shuttle

The hotel does not provide a shuttle service to/from the airport

Food options

Multiple On-Site Restaurants, Desert Ridge Marketplace

On-site dining

Parking: On-site self-parking is available for $30.00 USD daily with in/out privileges. Valet parking is $50.00 USD daily. Short-term valet rates: $18 for 0-4 hours, $30 for 4-6 hours, $50 for 6+ hours. Two complimentary electric vehicle charging stations are available.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Trade-only

General admission
Full access to keynotes, peer workshops, analyst 1-on-1s, and networking receptions
General admission
Discounted rate for verified government and educational executives

Ticket info

Ticket notes

Exclusive leadership forum restricted to qualified Chief Information Officers and senior IT executives. Registration is by application and subject to Gartner qualification review.

Who runs the show

Organisers

Gartner Conferences Team

Conference Registration

Email Call Website

What's on

Programme

Speakers

Tori Paulman

VP Analyst @ Gartner

AI After the Hype: Scaling Human + Machine Value

Mike Massimino

Former NASA Astronaut; Columbia University Engineering Professor; Bestselling Author; Media & TV Personality @ NASA / Columbia University

Resiliency, Innovation, and Problem Solving in Times of Change

Alison Wood Brooks

Behavioral Science Professor @ Harvard Business School

The Trust Formula: 4 Elements to Expedite Trust-Building

Gabriela Vogel

VP Analyst @ Gartner

Executive Influence, AI, Evolution of Technology Leadership

Topic tracks

AI Cost and ROICybersecurity and Enterprise ResilienceIT Strategic Planning

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

2027 · 120 exhibitors

Gartner has not published attendee or exhibitor estimates for the 2027 Phoenix edition. The full agenda is currently being developed.

Forecast — not final

Visitors

1,000

Growth over time

New this edition

1
Expansion to Vienna, Austria
Due to popular demand, Gartner CIO Leadership Forum is expanding in 2027, offering two opportunities to attend the conference—in London (15–16 March) and in the new location of Vienna (dates TBC)
Source

Testimonials

Flip the AI Switch Full On. Throughout most of 2025, I heard Gartner analysts advising CIOs to 'Talk like an AI native, but act like an AI tinkerer.'. Fast forward to February 2026, and the message has changed dramatically: 'Go all in, deploy AI agents, move fast, and scale aggressively.'
Zafar Khan · CEO · RPost · 2026

Cybercriminals Are Also Full-On with AI. Before the current wave of AI-powered tooling, the average ransomware dwell time after infiltration was roughly 48 hours. Today, with AI-accelerated reconnaissance and automation, it takes just 25 minutes
Zafar Khan · CEO · RPost · 2026

Boards Want a Framework, Not Just Alerts. CIOs aren't just asking, 'Are we secure?' They're asking: 'How do we operationalize and measure third-party exposure risk in real time?' 'How do we explain this risk to the board?'
Zafar Khan · CEO · RPost · 2026

Next edition outlook

2027

confirmed

The 2027 edition returns to Phoenix on February 22–23, 2027, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Gartner is expanding the forum globally, adding a new location in Vienna, Austria, alongside the existing London edition. The 2027 agenda is currently being developed; attendees are invited to explore last year's sessions while the full programme is finalized.

Expansion to Vienna, Austria – new European location alongside London. Dedicated tracks on AI Cost and ROI, Cybersecurity and Enterprise Resilience, and IT Strategic Planning. Continued emphasis on scaling AI with financial discipline and board-level cyber risk frameworks. Full 2027 agenda to be released in the coming months.

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The 2026 Gartner CIO Leadership Forum in Phoenix marked a decisive shift in CIO strategy, with the conference theme 'Leadership in Motion' reflecting the urgency of AI adoption, cybersecurity resilience, and board-level accountability. Gartner analysts moved from advising CIOs to 'act like an AI tinkerer' to urging them to 'go all in, deploy AI agents, move fast, and scale aggressively'. Cybercriminal AI was identified as a critical threat, with ransomware dwell time compressing from 48 hours to just 25 minutes. CIOs also focused on translating cyber risk into board-level frameworks, moving beyond technical alerts to structured exposure intelligence. The forum brought together nearly 1,000 IT executives for keynotes from Tori Paulman, former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, and Harvard Business School professor Alison Wood Brooks.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

The 2026 Phoenix edition attracted nearly 1,000 IT executives, thought leaders, and distinguished speakers. The forum is described as 'relatively small' compared to larger Gartner conferences, fostering repeated encounters and deeper peer connections. Attendees included enterprise CIOs, business unit CIOs, and senior IT leaders from organizations with significant revenue and headcount, creating a high-caliber peer environment conducive to strategic discussions.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitor ROI at the 2026 Phoenix edition is not quantified in available public sources. However, the forum's limited-exhibitor model and exclusive CIO audience provide solution providers with direct access to senior decision-makers. Attendees were observed exploring emerging technologies from leading solution providers during networking breaks and exhibit hours. Post-conference, exhibitors are encouraged to follow up with shortlisted prospects.

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

North America

Why it matters

Gartner CIO Leadership Forum 2027 is the definitive gathering for CIOs navigating the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and business strategy. As AI moves from hype to enterprise-scale reality, CIOs face unprecedented pressure to scale AI deployments, manage escalating cyber threats, and demonstrate measurable ROI to boards. The forum provides exclusive access to Gartner analysts, peer insights, and structured frameworks that translate complex technology trends into actionable executive guidance. For buyers, it validates strategic roadmaps; for exhibitors, it offers direct engagement with decision-makers who hold the purse strings for AI and security investments. In a market where 59% of AI projects fail to launch and cybercriminal AI compresses attack timelines to minutes, the insights and connections forged at this event are not optional—they are essential for survival and competitive advantage.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

AI Moves from Pilot to Production at Scale

CIOs are under pressure to move AI from experimentation to enterprise-wide deployment. Gartner analysts now advise CIOs to 'go all in, deploy AI agents, move fast, and scale aggressively,' as waiting is now riskier than moving. However, 59% of AI projects still fail to reach production, creating a significant execution gap.

Source

Cybercriminal AI Outpaces Enterprise Defenses

AI-powered cyberattacks are accelerating faster than enterprise AI adoption. Ransomware dwell time has compressed from 48 hours to just 25 minutes due to AI-accelerated reconnaissance and automation. CIOs must shift from reactive defense to pre-emptive disruption strategies.

Source

Boards Demand Structured Cyber Risk Frameworks

CIOs are moving beyond technical security alerts to structured risk narratives that boards can understand and act upon. The question is no longer 'are we secure?' but 'how do we operationalize and measure third-party exposure risk in real time and explain it to the board?'-

Source

Financial Accountability for AI Tightens

CIOs face increasing pressure to link AI investments to outcome-driven metrics with financial discipline and cost transparency. FinOps is becoming central to AI governance, as 63% of CIOs expect financial accountability standards to tighten by 2027.

Source

Agentic AI Demands New Governance and Security Models

As autonomous AI systems act on behalf of businesses, CIOs must balance innovation with security. Questions around agentic AI defense, zero-trust architecture, and cloud resilience are now mission-critical priorities.

Source

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

Gartner 2027 Agenda Puts Spotlight on Strategic AI and Cybersecurity

Gartner's 2027-focused sessions point toward emerging strategic technology trends and the growing importance of AI in enterprise strategy. The 2026 IT agenda placed AI, business transformation, cybersecurity, data analytics, and executive leadership at the center.

Read

59% of AI Projects Fail to Launch, Yet 81% Plan to Increase AI Spend

Gartner data reveals that 81% of enterprises plan to increase AI investment in 2026, but 59% of AI projects fail to reach production. CIOs are caught between scaling AI, optimizing cloud costs, and defending against AI-driven cyberattacks.

Read

CIOs Flip the Switch on AI at Gartner Phoenix Forum

At the 2026 Gartner CIO Leadership Forum in Phoenix, the message shifted from cautious AI tinkering to aggressive deployment. Cybercriminal AI is accelerating faster than enterprise adoption, and boards now demand structured risk frameworks over raw alerts.

Read

Gartner CIO Leadership Forum 2027 Expands to Vienna

Due to popular demand, Gartner CIO Leadership Forum is expanding in 2027, offering two opportunities to attend the conference—in London (15–16 March) and in the new location of Vienna.

Read

CIO Leadership Event Circuit – 2027

January – November 2027

The 2027 CIO leadership conference circuit is dominated by Gartner's expanded global footprint, with events in Phoenix, London, Vienna, Tokyo, and Sydney. Competitors include Evanta's CIO Community Executive Summits (multiple global cities), IDC's CIO Summits (Middle East, India, Spain), and Info-Tech Research Group's Leadership Summits. The circuit also features specialized events like the Data + AI Leadership Forum in Boston and the CIO Leadership & Innovation Summit in Johannesburg. The planning window is broad, with events spanning from January to November 2027.

Q1 2027 (January–March)

Gartner CIO Leadership Forum 2027 – PhoenixGartner CIO Leadership Forum 2027 – LondonGartner CIO Leadership Forum 2027 – Vienna

Peak season for Gartner's CIO Leadership Forum, with three major events in North America and Europe within six weeks.

Q2 2027 (April–June)

Gartner CIO Leadership Forum 2027 – SydneyData + AI Leadership Forum 2027CIO Community Executive Summit – USA (various)

Asia-Pacific and specialized data/AI events dominate this window.

Q3 2027 (July–September)

Gartner CIO Leadership Forum 2027 – Tokyo

Mid-year window with the Tokyo edition as the anchor event.

Event dates for Evanta, IDC, and Info-Tech events are estimates based on 2026 patterns and may be updated. Gartner event dates are confirmed on official pages.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

PHX

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

This is the primary airport serving the Phoenix area. The hotel does not provide a shuttle service. Estimated taxi fare is $65 USD one way; rideshare (Uber/Lyft/Waymo) costs approximately $54–$75 USD. Valley Metro bus route 44 runs every 30 minutes from the 44th St Sky Train Station to Marriott Dr & Desert Ridge Marriott; fare is $2 USD one way, journey takes about 1 hour 6 minutes

22 miles (35 km) northeast

to venue

Approximately 30–35 minutes by car

by car

AZA

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Secondary airport, mainly served by Allegiant and other low-cost carriers. The hotel does not provide a shuttle service. Estimated taxi fare is $110 USD one way; bus service is available for $10 USD one way -

60 miles (97 km) southeast

to venue

Approximately 60 minutes by car

by car

SCF

Scottsdale Airport

A general aviation airport primarily serving private jets and charter flights. The hotel does not provide a shuttle service. Estimated taxi fare is $20 USD one way -

6 miles (10 km) northwest

to venue

TBA

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Premium

Desert Ridge / On-site

USD 350–600 / night

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa (on-site); Fairmont Scottsdale Princess-; Four Seasons Resort at Troon North-; The Phoenician.

Mid-range

North Scottsdale / Desert Ridge

USD 150–300 / night

Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale North-; SpringHill Suites Scottsdale North-; Marriott's Canyon Villas-; Residence Inn Phoenix Desert View at Mayo Clinic.

Economy

North Phoenix / Desert Ridge

USD 100–180 / night

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix North Scottsdale-; Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort-; Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport PHX.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Taxi

Estimated cost$65 USD (one way)

Best forPhoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Hotel does not provide shuttle service. Estimated taxi fare is $65 USD one way from PHX From Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), estimated taxi fare is $110 USD one way

Rideshare / Autonomous Taxi

Estimated cost$54–$75 USD (one way from PHX)

Best forPhoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to venue; local area

Uber, Lyft, and Waymo (autonomous) operate in Phoenix. Waymo's service area includes Desert Ridge. Pickup areas are clearly signed at airport terminals and Sky Train stations

Valley Metro Bus (Route 44)

Estimated cost$2 USD per ride; $4 USD day pass

Best for44th St Sky Train Station (PHX) to Marriott Dr & Desert Ridge Marriott

Route 44 connects the 44th St PHX Sky Train Station to Desert Ridge and Paradise Valley Mall Buses run every 30 minutes; journey takes approximately 1 hour 6 minutes. Standard fare is $2.00 per ride

Valley Metro Light Rail

Estimated cost$2 USD per ride (standard fare)

Best forPHX Sky Train (44th St/Washington Station) to Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa

Free PHX Sky Train connects airport terminals to the 44th St/Washington Station. Transfer to Valley Metro Light Rail for access to downtown Phoenix, Tempe (ASU), and Mesa. Trains run every 15-20 minutes

Rental Car

Estimated costVaries

Best forOn-site rental at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Go Rentals operates on-site at the resort. Address: 5350 East Marriott Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85054. Phone: +1 480

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
B-1 Business Visitor Visa	Nationals of countries not in the Visa Waiver Program who wish to enter the U.S. temporarily for business purposes, including attending conferences, consulting with business associates, or negotiating contracts.	$185.00	Varies significantly by U.S. embassy or consulate—from under 1 month to over 17 months. An optional expedited interview service ($750 additional fee) may secure an appointment within 10 business days (available July–December 2026).
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	Citizens and eligible nationals of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries traveling to the U.S. for business or tourism for stays of 90 days or less.	$21.00	Recommended at least 72 hours before travel; approval often granted within minutes to 72 hours.

Citizens of 42 Visa Waiver Program countries (including the UK, EU member states, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand) do not need a visa for business or tourism stays of up to 90 days, provided they obtain ESTA approval before travel. Qatar was added to the VWP in November 2024. Travelers must have an e-Passport and a return or onward ticket.

The United States accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary importation of commercial samples, professional equipment, and certain advertising materials. Carnets are valid for one year from issuance and may be used for multiple entries and exits. They simplify customs formalities and eliminate the need for a Temporary Importation Bond (TIB) or customs broker filings. The U.S. guaranteeing association is the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), which has appointed Roanoke Trade and boomerang carnets as service providers.

Official visa page

Weather

Phoenix in February typically has mild, pleasant weather. Average high temperatures range from 69°F to 74°F (21°C–23°C), with lows around 44°F–49°F (7°C–9°C). Rainfall is low (approx. 22 mm for the month). Light layers are recommended as indoor venues are air-conditioned. Evenings can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater is advisable. The WM Phoenix Open golf tournament (early February) and Cactus League Spring Training (late February) can increase hotel demand and prices

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

The primary gateway is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), located 22 miles southwest of the venue. Transport options from PHX include: taxi/rideshare (30–35 min, ~$55–$75), Valley Metro bus route 44 (1 hr 6 min, $2), and rental car. The PHX Sky Train connects terminals to the 44th St Station for bus and light rail connections. Valley Metro light rail connects downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. Scottsdale Airport (SCF) is 6 miles northwest for private/charter flights. The resort is accessible via AZ-51 and Loop 101 freeways. On-site car rental is available through Go Rentals

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Business Etiquette

Business interactions in Phoenix reflect a professional yet approachable American style—punctuality is appreciated, direct communication is common, and a friendly tone helps build rapport quickly. Allow time for brief personal greetings before moving into agenda items. Business casual attire is standard for daytime conferences; jeans are acceptable but shorts and flip-flops are not. A suit jacket with dress shirt and chinos is a common professional look

Tipping Culture

Tipping is customary in the U.S. For sit-down dining, 15%–20% is standard (20% for good service in Phoenix/Scottsdale). For taxi/rideshare, 15%–20% of the fare is typical. Hotel staff (bellhops, housekeeping) are also commonly tipped a few dollars per service. Mexican pesos are not accepted or appreciated as tips

Language and Communication

The local language is standard American English. A large percentage of residents are bilingual and also speak Spanish. People often address one another and new acquaintances by their first name

Driving and Local Norms

Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time (except the Navajo Nation). Minimal honking is the norm; Phoenix drivers are generally laid-back. Excessive honking is considered rude

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Book flights early, especially if traveling in early February during the WM Phoenix Open or late February during Cactus League Spring Training, when demand and prices are high. PHX is served by all major U.S. airlines and several international carriers.

Book flights

Visa

Most foreign nationals need either a B-1 business visitor visa or ESTA authorization under the Visa Waiver Program to enter the U.S. for the Gartner CIO Leadership Forum. Citizens of VWP countries can travel visa-free for up to 90 days with ESTA approval. All other nationals must apply for a B-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before travel.

Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

Processing: B-1: varies by embassy (1–17+ months); expedited service available for an additional $750. ESTA: 72 hours recommended; usually faster.

For B-1 applicants: bring proof of business purpose (e.g., conference registration, invitation letter), evidence of ties to home country, and a passport valid for at least six months beyond stay. For ESTA: apply early, ensure you have an e-Passport, and check that your country is on the VWP list. U.S. CBP recommends applying as soon as travel plans are made.

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Areas to stay

Desert Ridge (on-site or adjacent) · North Scottsdale · North Phoenix (Loop 101 corridor)

Premium

$350–$600+ USD per night

Mid-range

$150–$300 USD per night

Economy

$100–$180 USD per night

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is 22 miles southwest. Options: taxi/rideshare ($54–$75, 30–35 min); Valley Metro bus route 44 ($2, ~1 hr 6 min); rental car. No hotel shuttle.

Hotel → venue: On-site: walk. Off-site: rideshare/taxi (5–15 min); rental car; some hotels may offer complimentary shuttle (e.g., Residence Inn within 2-mile radius).

Ride-hail: Uber, Lyft, and Waymo operate throughout Phoenix. From PHX to venue: $54–$75. From off-site hotels: $10–$25 depending on distance.

Public transit: Valley Metro bus route 44 connects PHX Sky Train Station to Marriott Dr & Desert Ridge ($2, every 30 min, ~1 hr 6 min). Valley Metro light rail connects downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa.

Parking: On-site self-parking: $29–$30 daily; valet: $46 daily; short-term valet: $15 (0–4 hr), $30 (4–6 hr), $46 (6+ hr). EV charging stations available.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: February

Temperature: High: 69–74°F (21–23°C) | Low: 44–49°F (7–9°C)-

Seasonality: Low rainfall, approx. 22 mm for the month. Mostly sunny and dry.

Packing: Light layers are recommended—comfortable business attire during the day, with a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and air-conditioned indoor spaces.

Itinerary builder

Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

Add side trips

Default day plan

7:00 AM – 8:00 AMBreakfast (on your own or at resort restaurant)
8:00 AM – 8:30 AMRegistration & badge pickup
8:30 AM – 10:00 AMKeynote session
10:00 AM – 10:30 AMNetworking break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PMBreakout session or roundtable
12:00 PM – 1:00 PMLunch (provided)
1:00 PM – 2:30 PMOne-on-one analyst meeting (pre-booked)
2:30 PM – 4:00 PMWorkshop or panel session
4:00 PM – 5:00 PMNetworking reception

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: 2027-02

The conference opens on February 22, 2027, with keynotes, the Welcome Reception, and the full range of sessions. This day offers the most comprehensive experience for first-time attendees to orient themselves and maximize networking opportunities.

Apply to register for the conference — Complete the eligibility application. Approval is required before payment. Gartner Executive Programs Primary Members or Team Leaders may have complimentary access

Review conference topics and build draft agenda — Familiarize yourself with the three core tracks: AI Cost and ROI, Cybersecurity and Enterprise Resilience, and IT Strategic Planning

Book flights — February is a peak month in Phoenix (WM Phoenix Open, Spring Training). Book early for better rates. Target Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

Book hotel (after registration approval) — Gartner has a discounted block at JW Marriott Desert Ridge ($429/night), Hilton Garden Inn North Phoenix Scottsdale ($279/night), and Hyatt Place North Scottsdale ($322/night)

Register for one-on-one meetings, roundtables, and workshops — Online preregistration is required and space is limited. Use the Gartner Conference Navigator app

Download Gartner Conference Navigator app — Set up your profile and finalize your agenda. Check for shuttle schedules and session updates

Confirm travel arrangements and pack — Phoenix February weather: highs 69–74°F, lows 44–49°F. Pack business attire plus a light jacket for evenings.

Check in and pick up badge — Registration desk opens on the morning of February 22, 2027.

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast (on your own or at resort restaurant)

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Registration & badge pickup

Conference registration desk

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Keynote session

Main ballroom

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Networking break

Exhibit area / foyer

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Breakout session or roundtable (pre-registered)

Meeting room (see agenda)

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch (provided)

Dining area

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

One-on-one analyst meeting (pre-booked)

Analyst meeting area

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Workshop or panel session

Meeting room (see agenda)

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Networking reception

Exhibit area / outdoor terrace

Evening

Dinner at Desert Ridge Marketplace or on-site restaurant

Adjacent to resort

Side trips

Desert Ridge Marketplace

Shopping & Dining

Outdoor shopping center with dozens of shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and entertainment venues.

0.5 miles (adjacent to the resort)

Musical Instrument Museum

Museum

World-renowned collection of over 15,000 instruments from around the globe.

3 miles (10-minute drive)

Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve

Outdoor / Nature

Stunning desert landscape with hiking trails and towering Saguaro cacti.

15 miles (25-minute drive)

Wildfire Golf Club

Golf

Two championship 18-hole golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo.

On-site at the resort

Heard Museum

Museum

Internationally acclaimed museum of Native American art and culture

20 miles (30-minute drive)

Desert Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

50-acre garden with more than 20,000 desert plants from around the world

22 miles (35-minute drive)

Networking spots

Welcome Reception

Reception

Scheduled for the evening of February 22, 2027 (check agenda for exact timing).

Networking Breaks

Break

Scheduled between sessions in the exhibit area and foyer.

Social Engagements

Social Event

Planned meetups and receptions throughout the conference

Leadership Exchange

Interactive Session

A crash course on leading-edge topics followed by a guided exercise and discussion with peers

Budget

Costs & budget

Gartner does not publicly disclose exhibitor participation fees. Interested companies must contact the Gartner Exhibitor Sales team directly for pricing and availability.

source

Build your working budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

Hotel tier

Budget$150.00/nightMid-range$250.00/nightPremium$600.00/night

Number of nights

Flight

Estimated budget

Live estimate

Hotel × 2 nights$300.00
Per diem × 2$200.00
Visa$185.00
Insurance$50.00
Flight — Domestic (US)$500.00

Estimated total$1,235.00

This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

Cost reference

Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

Conference Registration – Early-bird

visitor · Early-bird

USD 4300 / per person

official

Conference Registration – Standard

visitor · Standard

USD 4900 / per person

official

Conference Registration – Public-sector

visitor · Public-sector

USD 4000 / per person

official

Hotel – On-site (JW Marriott Desert Ridge)

both · Premium

USD 429 / per night

official

Hotel – Hilton Garden Inn North Phoenix Scottsdale

both · Mid-range

USD 279 / per night

official

Hotel – Hyatt Place North Scottsdale

both · Mid-range

USD 322 / per night

official

Airfare – Domestic (estimate)

both · Economy

USD 300–800 / round-trip

estimate

Airfare – International (estimate)

both · Economy

USD 800–1500 / round-trip

estimate

Meals and incidentals (per diem estimate)

both · Standard

USD 75–150 / per day

estimate

Booth space (not publicly disclosed)

exhibitor · Standard

Not yet confirmed

unknown

Item	For	Tier	Estimated range	Status
Conference Registration – Early-bird	visitor	Early-bird	USD 4300 / per person	official
Conference Registration – Standard	visitor	Standard	USD 4900 / per person	official
Conference Registration – Public-sector	visitor	Public-sector	USD 4000 / per person	official
Hotel – On-site (JW Marriott Desert Ridge)	both	Premium	USD 429 / per night	official
Hotel – Hilton Garden Inn North Phoenix Scottsdale	both	Mid-range	USD 279 / per night	official
Hotel – Hyatt Place North Scottsdale	both	Mid-range	USD 322 / per night	official
Airfare – Domestic (estimate)	both	Economy	USD 300–800 / round-trip	estimate
Airfare – International (estimate)	both	Economy	USD 800–1500 / round-trip	estimate
Meals and incidentals (per diem estimate)	both	Standard	USD 75–150 / per day	estimate
Booth space (not publicly disclosed)	exhibitor	Standard	Not yet confirmed	unknown

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Answer 7 quick questions to see if Gartner CIO Leadership Forum 2027 is right for you – as a visitor, an exhibitor, or best skipped. Choose the option that best fits your current situation.

QUESTION 1 OF 7

What is your primary role and decision-making authority regarding IT investments?

Decision matrix

Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

visit

When AI and cybersecurity are top priorities and you need direct peer input to validate your roadmap.

Best for

CIOs, senior IT leaders, and technology executives seeking actionable insights, peer networking, and private analyst advice on AI, cybersecurity, and strategic planning.

Min. budget

$4,300.00

Timeline

Early-bird registration (T-90) recommended; book travel and hotel 2–3 months in advance.

Risks

High registration cost; limited capacity for one-on-one meetings and workshops.

Travel and accommodation may be expensive during Phoenix's peak event season (WM Phoenix Open, Spring Training).

exhibit

When you have a proven ROI story for CIOs and are ready to engage in high-level strategic conversations.

Best for

Innovative technology vendors with enterprise-grade solutions that address CIO mission-critical priorities (AI governance, security, automation, data analytics).

Min. budget

$15,000.00

Timeline

Secure booth space 6–9 months out; prepare demos and marketing collateral 3 months in advance.

Risks

Exhibitor fees are not publicly disclosed—contact Gartner sales early for pricing.

High-quality lead conversion requires a polished executive-ready presentation.

skip

If you are still defining your AI/security strategy or have severe travel constraints; consider free Gartner webinars and post-show recap articles.

Best for

Those with limited budget, unclear priorities, or early-stage solutions that are not ready for CIO scrutiny.

Min. budget

Not yet confirmed

Timeline

N/A

Risks

Missing out on valuable peer insights that could accelerate your strategy.

Deferring critical networking may delay decision-making.

Book with

Partners

Atlassian

Exhibitor

Atlassian builds agile, DevOps, IT service management, and work management software. With Atlassian Rovo, teams can find, learn from, and act on organizational knowledge faster using AI-powered search, chat, and automation agents.

Visit partner Confidence: confirmed

Listed as a Premier Conference Exhibitor for the London 2027 edition.

Avature

Exhibitor

Avature is an AI-powered enterprise HCM SaaS platform for recruiting and talent management, trusted by 110 Fortune 500 companies across 164 countries.

Visit partner Confidence: confirmed

Listed as a Premier Conference Exhibitor for the London 2027 edition.

Google Chrome Enterprise

Exhibitor

Chrome Enterprise brings organizations the secure and reliable browser with key management tools for IT and security teams, leveraging Google's threat intelligence and AI-powered security features.

Visit partner Confidence: confirmed

Listed as a Premier Conference Exhibitor for the London 2027 edition.

Postman

Exhibitor

Postman is the leading API collaboration platform, unifying the entire API workflow in one place to streamline design, testing, and documentation.

Visit partner Confidence: confirmed

Listed as a Premier Conference Exhibitor for the London 2027 edition.

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

Glossary

CIO: Chief Information Officer—the senior executive responsible for information technology strategy and operations within an organization.
FinOps: Financial Operations—a management practice that brings financial accountability to the variable spend models of cloud and AI, enabling teams to balance cost, speed, and quality.
Agentic AI: AI systems that act autonomously on behalf of a business, making decisions and taking actions without continuous human oversight.
Mission-Critical Priority: A business or technology objective that is essential to an organization's survival, growth, or competitive advantage, often requiring immediate executive attention.

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

Gartner

Marriott International

Rome2Rio

U.S. Department of State

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