Every year when we host Predict, I ask myself the same question before we finalize the agenda. What will truly matter to leaders in the year ahead?
For 2026, the answer is no longer debatable. AI is the story. Not as a technology trend, but as a force reshaping markets, operating models, workforce dynamics, and competitive advantage. That is why this year, Techstrong has named AI as our Person of the Year, the first time we have ever given that distinction to a technology.
Register now to join us at Predict 2026.
This is the eighth year of Predict, and for the first time, the event fully reflects the vision I had when I first imagined it nearly a decade ago. Predict was meant to be an analyst-driven forum where leaders could hear unfiltered perspectives on what is coming next. In 2026, that vision finally comes to life in a way that matters deeply for CEOs, CIOs, CISOs, and board members.
AI Has Moved From Innovation Topic to Executive Responsibility
AI is no longer confined to labs, pilot programs, or innovation teams. It is now embedded in core business processes, customer experiences, and decision-making systems.
Agentic AI systems are acting with increasing autonomy. AI-driven platforms are altering cost structures and productivity expectations. Data has become a strategic asset and a strategic risk. Security and governance concerns now directly impact brand trust and enterprise value.
For executives, the question is no longer whether to adopt AI. The question is how to lead responsibly in a world where AI is reshaping the rules.
Predict 2026 exists to help answer that question.
If you are making strategic decisions about AI, this is the event you should attend.
Analyst Insight Designed for Executive Decision-Making
This year, nearly the entire Futurum analyst team will present at Predict 2026. These sessions are designed to help leaders understand not just what is changing, but what those changes mean for strategy, investment, and risk.
How Will Agentic AI Impact the Licensing and Pricing of SaaS Software
Keith Kirkpatrick of The Futurum Group joins me to explore how agentic AI is breaking traditional SaaS business models. As AI agents replace human users, pricing structures, cost forecasting, and ROI calculations will need to change. For executives, this has direct implications for budgeting, vendor relationships, and long-term planning.
AI and Agent Accelerated Development
Mitch Ashley, VP and practice lead for software lifecycle engineering at Futurum, examines how AI-driven development is compressing delivery timelines. Faster innovation creates opportunity, but it also introduces risk. Leaders must balance speed with governance and accountability.
2026: The Year Ahead
Daniel Newman, CEO of Futurum, provides the macro perspective. His session connects AI adoption to global economic trends, enterprise strategy, and competitive positioning. This is the session that frames everything else.
AI’s Structural Shifts and Physical Limits
Nick Patience, VP and practice lead for AI platforms at Futurum, focuses on constraints executives cannot ignore. Power availability, data center economics, and infrastructure specialization all influence how far AI can scale and at what cost.
The Urgency of Addressing the Trust Gap in All Things AI and Agentic
Fernando Montenegro, VP and practice lead for cybersecurity and resilience at Futurum, addresses the most critical executive concern surrounding AI. Trust. Governance, risk, compliance, and security are no longer technical issues alone. They are leadership issues with regulatory and reputational consequences.
The Strategic View at Futurum
Tiffani Bova, chief strategy and research officer at Futurum, ties AI adoption to growth, customer expectations, and organizational change. Her session helps leaders understand how AI influences competitive differentiation and long-term value creation.
These insights are essential for executive teams planning for 2026. Register now here.
Operational Reality and the Executive Agenda
Predict 2026 also addresses how AI impacts enterprise operations and leadership priorities.
AI’s Growing Pains Force CIOs to Reinvent Cloud, Security, and Operational Strategies
Dion Hinchcliffe, Futurum Distinguished Thought Leader, examines how AI workloads are straining existing cloud and operational models. This session speaks directly to CIOs and technology executives responsible for scalability, resilience, and cost control.
Data: Enabling the Great AI Acceleration in 2026
Brad Shimmin, VP and practice lead for data intelligence, analytics, and infrastructure at Futurum, focuses on data as a strategic enabler. Without the right data architecture and governance, AI investments will fail to deliver value.
Cybersecurity, Risk, and the Boardroom Conversation
Predict 2026 also features analysts connected to the RSA Conference ecosystem, offering a forward look at the cybersecurity issues that will dominate 2026 and shape RSAC in March.
AI is expanding the attack surface and accelerating threats. For boards and executive teams, understanding this risk landscape is no longer optional. Cybersecurity is now inseparable from enterprise risk management.
Join us to understand how AI, risk, and leadership intersect.
Exclusive Insight and Industry Recognition
Predict attendees will have access to a virtual Futurum booth offering exclusive research, including Futurum Signal reports. These insights provide valuable context for executive planning and board discussions.
We will also continue our Predict tradition by announcing the DevOps Dozen award winners live, recognizing organizations and leaders who exemplify innovation and operational excellence.
Why Predict 2026 Matters for Executives
AI will define winners and losers in 2026. The organizations that succeed will be led by executives who understand both the opportunity and the responsibility that comes with AI.
Predict 2026 is not about technology demos. It is about leadership, foresight, and decision-making.
If you want clarity instead of noise, perspective instead of hype, and insight you can use in the boardroom, Predict 2026 is the event you should not miss.
AI is the story of 2026. For executives, it is the moment to lead.
