The Future of IT & Cybersecurity

CIO & CISO Think Tank

May 28, 2026 - Miami, FL

Past and Present Visionaries

Margarita Rivera (filler) Carnival Corporation
Margarita Rivera

Global CISO

Carnival Corporation

About Me

As the Global Chief Information Security Officer of Carnival Corporation & plc, Margarita Rivera brings over 20 years of expertise in safeguarding digital ecosystems for Fortune 50 and Fortune 200 companies across diverse industries. Her leadership has been pivotal in implementing cutting- edge cybersecurity frameworks, fostering a culture of security, and ensuring adherence to international standards across the organization. In her role as Global CISO, Margarita oversees the enterprise-wide information security strategy, aligning it with Carnival’s mission and global operations. Collaborating closely with senior executives, Margarita supports top-line growth, drives operational efficiencies, and enables secure innovation within Carnival’s technology-driven environment. She is instrumental in mitigating risks, ensuring compliance, and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities across Carnival’s nine world-class cruise line brands. Guided by a servant leadership philosophy, Margarita empowers her teams and cultivates a culture of collaboration, transparency, and innovation. Her extensive expertise spans the design of advanced cybersecurity frameworks, management of complex incident response protocols, and the protection of critical operations, positioning her as a trusted leader in the cybersecurity field. Margarita holds a Master’s Degree in Information Systems from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida International University. She is also certified as a C-CISO, CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CISA, and CIPT. A recognized thought leader, author, and speaker, Margarita has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Authentic Leadership Award from the National Diversity Council. In her personal life, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, and exploring culinary and cultural experiences.

May 28, 2026

Agenda

All times Eastern Time

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration


8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration


9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Morning Networking


9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Morning Networking


9:30 AM - 9:40 AM

Opening Remarks


9:30 AM - 9:40 AM

Opening Remarks


9:40 AM - 10:05 AM
Vision Voices Keynote

Bridging the Gap: Mastering the Art of Business-Technology Harmony

Bridging the gap between business and technology is not easy and requires discipline and balance between technology, people, and the business. For so many organizations today, technology is the business. Technology needs to be understood as a critical enabler in every part of the organization from the front line to the back office. It creates new value by crunching data to deliver new insights, it spurs innovation, and it disrupts traditional business models. For business and technology leaders alike, new actions and behavioral changes can help their organizations make this shift. CIOs must take responsibility for problems, they should convey that when technology fails, many people typically share responsibility.

9:40 AM - 9:55 AM
Vision Voices Keynote

Generative AI in 2026: Transforming Business and Technology

Explore the transformative potential of Generative AI in this forward-looking session, where we will delve into how this cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionize business and technology landscapes. We will discuss emerging trends, anticipated advancements in the next 12-24 months, and their impact on various industries. Learn about practical applications of Generative AI, from enhancing customer experiences to driving innovation and operational efficiency. Our experts will also address the ethical considerations, regulatory challenges, and best practices for successful AI integration. Join us to gain insights into how Generative AI can unlock new opportunities and shape the future of your organization.


10:00 AM - 10:25 AM
Keynote

The Pivotal CIO: The Helm of Modernization for Strategic Value

This session explores the pivotal role of CIOs in modernizing data to unlock its full value. In the contemporary digital landscape, data stands as a strategic asset, and CIOs are at the forefront of harnessing its potential. The abstract emphasizes the CIO's responsibility in implementing cutting-edge technologies and data management strategies that go beyond mere storage, enabling organizations to derive actionable insights. By adopting innovative approaches, such as advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud solutions, CIOs can transform data into a valuable resource, driving efficiency, innovation, and informed decision-making across the enterprise. The discussion delves into the evolving responsibilities of CIOs in leading the charge towards data modernization, ensuring organizations remain competitive and agile in an increasingly data-centric world.

10:10 AM - 10:35 AM
Keynote

Data Revolution Leadership: CIOs at the Helm of Modernization for Strategic Value

This session explores the pivotal role of CIOs in modernizing data to unlock its full value. In the contemporary digital landscape, data stands as a strategic asset, and CIOs are at the forefront of harnessing its potential. The abstract emphasizes the CIO's responsibility in implementing cutting-edge technologies and data management strategies that go beyond mere storage, enabling organizations to derive actionable insights. By adopting innovative approaches, such as advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud solutions, CIOs can transform data into a valuable resource, driving efficiency, innovation, and informed decision-making across the enterprise. The discussion delves into the evolving responsibilities of CIOs in leading the charge towards data modernization, ensuring organizations remain competitive and agile in an increasingly data-centric world.

10:30 AM - 11:05 AM
Fireside Chat

Cybersecurity Resolve: Mental Fatigue, Burnout & the Human Risk Factor

Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a human one. With mounting pressure, 24/7 threats, and increasing accountability, today’s workforce is under immense stress. This leadership roundtable explores the intersection of mental wellness, organizational resilience, and insider risk. Topics include burnout detection, human error trends, building psychologically safe teams, and fostering a culture where security isn’t just enforced—but owned. Learn how executives are rethinking workforce sustainability in security, with practical strategies for retention, performance, and mental clarity at every level.


10:35 AM - 10:55 AM

Coffee Break


10:55 AM - 11:40 AM
Panel

Elevating Agility: The Strategic Imperative for CIOs in Prioritizing Cloud Engineering

In this session, we delve into the imperative for CIOs to prioritize cloud engineering in the contemporary digital landscape. As organizations increasingly rely on cloud computing for operational efficiency and innovation, CIOs play a central role in shaping robust strategies. The session emphasizes the strategic importance of cloud engineering in optimizing infrastructure, ensuring scalability, and fostering agile application development. Attendees will explore practical approaches to resource management, automation, and aligning cloud initiatives with overarching business goals. The discussion navigates the evolving realm of cloud technologies, highlighting how CIOs can strategically prioritize cloud engineering to drive competitiveness and resilience in the dynamic digital ecosystem.

11:05 AM - 11:25 AM

Coffee Break


11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Vision Voices

Unleashing Innovation: CIOs Driving New Business Models through Scalable GenAI

In this dynamic session, we explore the symbiotic relationship between business evolution and the strategic role of Chief Information Officers. Focused on scaling generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) for new business models, the discussion delves into how CIOs can harness the transformative power of AI to drive innovation and reshape business paradigms. Participants will gain insights into practical approaches for integrating scalable GenAI solutions, exploring its potential to revolutionize operational efficiency, customer engagement, and overall competitiveness. The session places a spotlight on the pivotal role of CIOs in navigating the intersection of technology and business strategy, showcasing how they can spearhead initiatives that propel organizations into the next frontier of success.

11:25 AM - 12:10 PM
Panel

The Next Wave Agentic AI: Control, Collaboration, and the Future Frontier of Automation

Agentic AI, autonomous systems that perceive, reason, and act with minimal human intervention is poised to redefine how work gets done. As these intelligent agents move beyond experimentation into enterprise-scale deployments, organizations must prepare to fundamentally rearchitect their digital environments.

This panel will explore how leaders can operationalize agentic AI to drive efficiency, creativity, and strategic advantage while preserving oversight, governance, and trust. Discussion topics will include designing workflows around autonomous decision-making, managing human-agent collaboration, and navigating emerging risks such as bias, security, and operational drift. Join us as we unpack what it truly means to lead in an era of intelligent, action-oriented AI and how to ensure these agents serve both your innovation goals and core business values.


11:35 AM - 11:50 AM
Vision Voices

Internet of Things (IoT) integration

As businesses increasingly adopt the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimize operations and improve customer experience, CIOs play a critical role in evaluating the benefits and risks of IoT adoption. They must carefully assess the security risks associated with IoT devices and ensure data security is adequately addressed. Furthermore, CIOs must possess the necessary expertise to effectively integrate IoT devices with existing systems and address issues related to data management, network connectivity, and interoperability. By taking a strategic approach to IoT adoption, CIOs can help their organizations unlock the full potential of this transformative technology while mitigating risks and ensuring data security.

11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

Lunch & Disruptor Showcase


12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
Disruptor

From Chaos to Control: Solving Data Sprawl & DSPM at Scale

Sensitive data is everywhere—stored, shared, and duplicated across environments without clear ownership. Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) has emerged to help organizations regain control. In this roundtable, leaders from heavily regulated industries walk through their DSPM implementations: how they located hidden data, prioritized risks, and implemented policy-based protection at scale. Expect real-world lessons on mapping data flows, minimizing blast radius, and integrating data security into DevOps and compliance workflows. If you're struggling with data chaos, this session shows how to take charge.


12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
Disruptor

From Chaos to Control: Solving Data Sprawl & DSPM at Scale

Sensitive data is everywhere—stored, shared, and duplicated across environments without clear ownership. Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) has emerged to help organizations regain control. In this roundtable, leaders from heavily regulated industries walk through their DSPM implementations: how they located hidden data, prioritized risks, and implemented policy-based protection at scale. Expect real-world lessons on mapping data flows, minimizing blast radius, and integrating data security into DevOps and compliance workflows. If you're struggling with data chaos, this session shows how to take charge.


12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Lunch & Disruptor Showcase

Innovation Unleashed: Navigating the Future through IT Evolution with CIOs at the Helm

In this session, embark on a transformative exploration of the evolving landscape of IT operations. Delving into the strategic imperative for Chief Information Officers to reshape and modernize their IT operating models, the discussion unfolds the critical role technology plays in driving business success. Participants will gain practical insights into the adaptive strategies CIOs can employ to enhance organizational agility, foster innovation, and align IT with overarching business goals. Join us for a dynamic conversation that unveils the power of evolving IT operating models, empowering organizations to thrive in the ever-evolving digital age.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch & Networking


12:50 PM - 1:35 PM
Vision Voices

Revolutionizing Tomorrow: A Deep Dive into Innovation through Emerging Technologies

In this strategic session designed for Chief Information Officers (CIOs), we delve into the transformative realm of "Innovate through Emerging Tech." As technology stewards, CIOs play a pivotal role in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things. The session provides CIOs with actionable insights into leveraging these technologies to drive innovation within their organizations. Attendees will explore practical strategies for implementation, addressing potential challenges, and ensuring ethical considerations in adopting these disruptive technologies. Join us to empower your role as a technology leader and discover how CIOs can strategically leverage emerging tech to propel their organizations into the forefront of innovation.

1:30 PM - 2:05 PM
Fireside Chat

The Future of Cyber Resilience: Winning in a World of Constant Threats

In an era of escalating cyber threats, evolving attack surfaces, and accelerated digital transformation, traditional security models are no longer enough. This keynote will explore what it means to build cyber resilience in today’s complex environment—where speed, adaptability, and business alignment are paramount. From securing hybrid and multi-cloud environments to integrating AI-driven threat intelligence, we’ll examine how leaders can future-proof their security strategies while enabling innovation. Learn how to shift from reactive defense to proactive resilience, ensuring your organization can not only withstand but thrive amid disruption.


1:40 PM - 2:15 PM
Disruptor

Fostering Digital Trailblazers: A Strategic Imperative for CIOs in 2024

Addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by CIOs in the contemporary technological landscape, the imperative to develop transformational leaders takes center stage. The heightened demand for innovation, enterprise-wide transformation, and evolving technology capabilities poses significant hurdles for CIOs, often leading to an overburdened IT department. To navigate this complexity, the focus shifts towards fostering digital transformation leaders, referred to as digital trailblazers. Gartner highlights leader and manager development as a top priority for HR in 2024, emphasizing the need for CIOs to collaborate with HR in tapping into training and development programs. By cultivating leaders skilled in transformation and change management, CIOs can enhance their department's capacity to oversee initiatives, standardize platforms, and deliver faster results, ultimately reducing friction to change within the organization. Looking ahead to 2024, this strategic approach becomes essential for CIOs seeking to strike the right balance in their digital transformation programs, avoiding the pitfalls of overpromising and under delivering.

2:10 PM - 2:55 PM
Panel

Agentic Security: Trust, Control, and Resilience in Autonomous Systems

As agentic AI systems evolve from experimental tools to enterprise-grade digital workers—capable of making decisions, taking actions, and adapting in real time—they introduce a new paradigm of both possibility and risk. Unlike traditional automation, agentic AI operates with greater autonomy, raising urgent questions for security leaders: How do we ensure control? How do we manage risk when systems learn, act, and adapt independently?

This panel will explore the security implications of deploying agentic AI across business operations—from data privacy and decision integrity to real-time threat mitigation and adversarial AI risks. We'll dive into the intersection of governance, identity management, and AI observability, and how CISOs can build frameworks that safeguard both the systems and the outcomes.


2:20 PM - 2:35 PM
Vision Voices

The Future of Digital Strategy in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

The future of digital strategy in a rapidly evolving landscape is poised to be both dynamic and transformative. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, organizations must adapt their digital strategies to stay competitive and relevant. Data-driven decision-making, AI and machine learning integration, and a seamless user experience will be at the forefront. With the growing importance of sustainability and ethical considerations, digital strategies will also need to incorporate responsible practices. Furthermore, the rise of new platforms and communication channels, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, will require businesses to be agile and innovative in their approach. Success in this evolving landscape will depend on a proactive and flexible approach to digital strategy, ensuring that organizations can not only keep up with change but also lead in shaping the digital future.

2:35 PM - 2:55 PM

Networking Break


2:55 PM - 3:10 PM
Disruptor

What’s AI Doing for You?

The terms "Artificial Intelligence" and "Advanced Machine Learning" are often thought of interchangeably. While there is a relationship between AI and AML, to say they are the same thing is an oversimplification and misclassification. Rather, one begets the other with AI being the basic principle upon which AML is developed. As AI begins to mature and migrate away from purely advanced mathematical operations into decision making paradigms, AML steps forward as the predictive ability of machines to process vast quantities of data. As data and analytics becomes foundational to the way every business operates, AI and AML will become foundational capabilities.

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Disruptor

What’s AI Doing for You?

The terms "Artificial Intelligence" and "Advanced Machine Learning" are often thought of interchangeably. While there is a relationship between AI and AML, to say they are the same thing is an oversimplification and misclassification. Rather, one begets the other with AI being the basic principle upon which AML is developed. As AI begins to mature and migrate away from purely advanced mathematical operations into decision making paradigms, AML steps forward as the predictive ability of machines to process vast quantities of data. As data and analytics becomes foundational to the way every business operates, AI and AML will become foundational capabilities.

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Vision Voices

Modern Pioneers: Navigating Digital Transformation in 2024

CIOs play a crucial role in driving their organization's digital transformation efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, and CIOs must continue to lead the way to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of customers and employees. This requires a deep understanding of the organization's goals, processes, and IT infrastructure, as well as collaboration with other business leaders. By successfully leading digital transformation, CIOs can position their company for long-term success in a digital world.

3:15 PM - 3:35 PM

Networking Break


3:35 PM - 4:10 PM
Vision Voices

Strategic Shifts: Reimagining Engineering Talent Deployment and Management in the Age of GenAI

Unlock insights into the evolving landscape of talent deployment and retention as board expectations drive CIOs to rethink traditional IT talent models. Explore the impact of GenAI on coding processes and the software engineering lifecycle, and discover strategies for optimizing talent allocation and headcounts. Gain actionable insights into defining new roles, cultivating essential skills, and charting GenAI-centric career paths to align with organizational goals and stay ahead in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

3:35 PM - 3:50 PM
Disruptor

2026 Business-Tech: Aligning Business Goals with IT Innovation

In a world of rapid digital disruption, the most successful organizations are those where business strategy and IT execution move in lockstep. This panel brings together business and IT leaders to explore how to align long-term growth objectives with the right mix of emerging technologies—from AI and cloud platforms to data-driven decision-making and modern application architectures.

Panelists will discuss how to break down silos between departments, drive innovation through collaborative planning, and build agile digital infrastructures that scale with evolving business needs. Expect insights on joint KPIs, governance frameworks, and the cultural shifts required to turn IT from a support function into a strategic growth enabler.


3:55 PM - 4:30 PM
Fireside Chat

The Human Side of Tech: Why Soft Skills Are the Real Superpower

In a world obsessed with digital transformation, AI, and automation, it’s easy to forget the power of human connection. But the truth is—technology doesn’t lead, people do. As roles evolve and teams become more cross-functional, the ability to listen, influence, adapt, and collaborate has become just as critical as technical expertise.

Today’s CIOs, CISOs, and tech leaders are expected not only to drive innovation, but to communicate across departments, manage diverse teams, and navigate uncertainty with empathy and clarity. Emotional intelligence, storytelling, active listening, and resilience are no longer “nice to have”—they’re essential for anyone leading in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment.

Nowhere is this leadership shift more relevant than in the US particularly in NYC, a city built on creativity, reinvention, and cultural diversity. Here, the ability to connect across perspectives isn’t just a professional skill—it’s a way of life. As tech and business worlds converge, NYC’s unique blend of innovation and human-centered thinking offers the perfect backdrop to explore how soft skills are reshaping the future of leadership.

This session dives into why the most successful executives are blending EQ with IQ to inspire trust, build alignment, and drive lasting impact.


4:10 PM - 4:20 PM

Closing Remarks & Raffle Giveaway


4:20 PM - 5:30 PM

Cocktail Networking


4:30 PM - 4:40 PM

Closing Remarks & Raffle Giveaway


4:40 PM - 5:30 PM

Cocktail Reception