Navigating Tech Trends 2026: Insights for CIOs at Info-Tech LIVE in New Orleans

As technology evolves rapidly, the task of discerning impactful innovations from mere noise becomes essential for Chief Information Officers (CIOs). At the upcoming Info-Tech LIVE 2026, set for February 3-4 in New Orleans, the Tech Trends 2026 session aims to provide IT leaders with critical, research-backed perspectives on the technological and strategic developments that will shape 2026 and beyond. This event is designed to help CIOs make informed decisions that will steer their organizations through the complexities of modern technology.

The Challenge for CIOs

Organizations are under increasing pressure to seamlessly integrate emerging technologies into their operations while retaining stability. Given the rapid pace of technological change, CIOs are being asked to make high-stakes decisions in an atmosphere filled with uncertainties. At Info-Tech LIVE, participants will delve deep into which trends are genuinely transformative, thus enabling them to prioritize investments wisely.

Notably, Info-Tech Research Group, a globally recognized IT research and advisory firm, organizes this session to empower IT leaders with insights derived from their comprehensive Tech Trends 2026 report and the Future of IT Survey 2026. Attendees can expect to engage in discussions that clarify the current technological landscape and adapt their strategies accordingly.

Key Trends Highlighted

The Tech Trends 2026 session will introduce eight pivotal technology trends that organizations must consider:
1. Resilient Supply Chain Sourcing: Companies are re-evaluating their global sourcing strategies, leaning towards diversified and adaptable supply chains for vital technology and materials.
2. Integrated Organizational Resilience: IT risk management is evolving into an enterprise-wide capability that proactively identifies and coordinates responses to potential risks.
3. Multi-Agent Orchestration: AI agents are being integrated into cohesive ecosystems rather than functioning as isolated tools.
4. Smart Sensing Networks: The combination of IoT and edge AI empowers real-time autonomy and enhances decision-making processes.
5. AI as Adversary and Ally: While AI fortifies cyber defenses, it also escalates the scale of cyber threats, reshaping security strategies.
6. Federated Data Governance: Organizations are adopting decentralized data ownership with automated governance models.
7. Purpose-Built Platforms: Infrastructure is increasingly customized to align with specific business objectives rather than generic use cases.
8. Service as Software: A shift towards outcome-driven software models powered by AI and automation.

These trends are positioned not only to inform the CIO community about emerging technologies but also to provide actionable insights for executing informed, strategic decisions within the constraints of governance, cost, and readiness.

A Research-Driven Experience

The ultimate goal of the Tech Trends 2026 session is to assist CIOs in navigating data overload and embracing clarity in their decision-making process. As Info-Tech's Chief Research Officer, Gord Harrison states, "CIOs are bombarded with trends, yet clarity is often in short supply.” He emphasizes the necessity for IT leaders to distinguish between noise and actionable trends to direct their organizations effectively for the challenges ahead.

In addition to the Tech Trends session, the broader conference agenda includes keynote speeches, analyst-led discussions, and peer engagements that tackle pressing challenges facing technology leaders today.

Event Details

Info-Tech LIVE 2026 is anticipated to attract CIOs and senior IT professionals from North America for a two-day event dedicated to converting IT strategy into tangible outcomes. The conference will feature diverse sessions aimed at facilitating shared learning and networking opportunities.

For media professionals, this is an excellent opportunity to gain firsthand access to invaluable research and expert insights. Press passes can be acquired for those interested, enabling them to cover the event comprehensively.

For further details on the event, including registration and agenda, visit the official Info-Tech LIVE 2026 website. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, this event will serve as a crucial platform for CIOs to enhance their strategic approaches and lead their organizations into the future with confidence.