Strategic Assembly · 2026 Event
CISO Chicago 2026
Resilience in the Age of Agentic AI
Why Attend
Join an exclusive gathering of senior security leaders for a focused, high-signal day aboard the Chicago Elite as she cruises the stunning waters of Lake Michigan. This invitation-only event brings together CISOs and senior security executives for candid, peer-driven discussions on the most pressing challenges shaping enterprise cybersecurity in 2026.
Strategic Assembly events are designed for depth, not breadth — small groups, curated conversations, and a setting that fosters genuine connection and actionable insight away from the noise of traditional conferences.
Event Overview
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, this full-day executive experience combines structured roundtable discussions with networking in an intimate, private environment aboard one of Chicago's premier event vessels.
Each discussion is facilitated to surface real-world implementation insights, peer perspectives, and practical frameworks — not vendor pitches. Attendance is strictly by invitation only.
The Venue
The Chicago Elite is one of the city's most distinguished private event vessels, offering panoramic views of the iconic Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan from every deck. With a spacious main event salon, a stylish lounge deck, and an open-air upper deck, the vessel provides an unmatched backdrop for intimate, high-level executive conversation on the water — departing from the world-famous Navy Pier.
Topics
Identity-First Security in a Hybrid, AI-Driven World
As organizations operate across hybrid environments and rapidly adopt AI, identity has become the new perimeter. This session explores how to build a modern, adaptive Identity-First security strategy that secures both human and machine identities across cloud, on-prem, and AI systems.
Building Measurable Cyber Resilience for Critical Business Operations
Moving beyond traditional security metrics, this session focuses on how CISOs can develop quantifiable resilience programs that directly protect business outcomes. Attendees will explore key resilience metrics, scenario planning, and how to demonstrate measurable risk reduction to the board and executive team.
Securing Agentic AI and Non-Human Identities
The rise of autonomous AI agents introduces a new category of identities that can act independently. This forward-looking discussion examines the unique security risks posed by agentic AI, how to establish governance, and practical approaches to securely manage non-human identities at scale.
Third-Party / Ecosystem Risk & Regulatory Resilience
With increasing regulatory scrutiny and complex supply chains, third-party and ecosystem risk remains one of the biggest challenges for enterprises. This topic covers strategies for managing vendor and partner risk, building ecosystem-wide resilience, and maintaining compliance across evolving global regulations.
Agenda
9:30 AM
July 29, 2026
Boarding
Welcome aboard the Chicago Elite at Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago.
10:00 AM
July 29, 2026
Discussion
Identity-First Security in a Hybrid, AI-Driven World
10:40 AM
July 29, 2026
Discussion
Securing Agentic AI and Non-Human Identities
11:20 AM
July 29, 2026
Discussion
Building Measurable Cyber Resilience for Critical Business Operations
12:00 PM
July 29, 2026
Lunch & Networking
Enjoy lunch on the water with panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
1:00 PM
July 29, 2026
Discussion
Third-Party / Ecosystem Risk & Regulatory Resilience
1:40 PM
July 29, 2026
Open Discussion & Closing Remarks
Peer exchange, key takeaways, and closing remarks.
2:00 PM
July 29, 2026
Networking & Refreshments
Continued networking on the water as the cruise returns to Navy Pier.
3:00 PM
July 29, 2026
Disembark
Return to Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago.
Our Partners
Request Your Invitation
CISO Chicago 2026 is an invitation-only event. Space is strictly limited. Contact us to request your place or learn more about delegate and sponsorship opportunities.