Enterprise data leaders are entering a new phase of transformation. AI experimentation is giving way to enterprise deployment, and organizations now face increasing pressure to turn data and AI investments into measurable business impact while managing governance, risk, and rapidly evolving technologies.

These challenges will take center stage at the CDO Magazine Columbus Leadership Summit, taking place on April 16, 2026, at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel.

The event will bring together senior data, analytics, and AI leaders from organizations including JPMorganChase, Cardinal Health, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State University, ABB, Eaton, along with other enterprises across banking, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.

Designed for Chief Data Officers, Chief Analytics Officers, Chief AI Officers, and senior data leaders, the summit focuses on the strategic decisions shaping the next phase of enterprise AI and data leadership.

The thinking behind the agenda

Rather than building a traditional conference agenda, the summit was structured around the five conversations enterprise data leaders are having most right now.

“Data and AI leaders are moving beyond experimentation,” says Corey Maxner, Sr. Director of Community & Operations at CDO Magazine. “The focus is shifting toward operationalizing AI responsibly while delivering real business value. The Columbus Leadership Summit is designed around the conversations leaders need to make that transition.”

Meet our Summit Co-chairs

• Scott Peachey, SVP, Segment Data Officer, Huntington National Bank
• Brian Shea, Chief Information Officer, MedOne Healthcare Partners
• Drew Smith, Chief Data & Analytics Officer (Previously: OhioHealth)

Together with the CDO Magazine community, they helped shape an agenda focused on the most pressing priorities facing enterprise data leaders today.

Track 1: Data & AI Strategy, Value & Business Impact

Organizations are investing heavily in AI and analytics. The real challenge is ensuring those investments translate into measurable enterprise value. This track will explore how leaders are aligning AI initiatives with business strategy, ROI, and operational performance.

Track 2: Data Architecture, Enablement & Foundations

Strong AI programs require strong data foundations. The conversations around this track will focus on modern data architectures, scalable platforms, and data quality strategies that enable organizations to support enterprise AI at scale.

Track 3: Generative AI — Opportunities, Impact & the Future

Generative AI is rapidly becoming a boardroom priority. This discussion track will examine enterprise GenAI use cases, adoption strategies, and the future impact of generative AI across organizations.

Track 4: Responsible AI, Ethics, Regulation & Governance

As AI adoption grows, so does the need for responsible governance frameworks. This track will explore how organizations are managing AI risk, compliance, and ethical deployment.

Track 5: Leadership, Talent & Organizational Transformation

Scaling AI requires more than technology. It requires new leadership models and talent strategies. This track explores how organizations are building data-driven cultures and teams ready for an AI-powered future.

Event details

The CDO Magazine Columbus Leadership Summit offers a focused opportunity for data and AI leaders to exchange ideas, gain practical insights, and connect with peers navigating the same transformation challenges.

Date: April 16, 2026

Venue: Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, 50 North 3rd Street Columbus, OH 43215