Enterprises are at an inflection point. Agentic AI is beginning to make decisions on behalf of humans, edge analytics is collapsing the gap between insight and action, and data leaders are being asked to scale trust and governance faster than ever before. In this environment, experiments are no longer enough — organizations must learn how to operationalize intelligence at scale to drive growth, resilience, and competitive edge.

That’s exactly why the CDO Magazine Southern California Leadership Summit exists — to give data, analytics, and AI leaders the frameworks, peer insights, and strategies they need to thrive in this moment of rapid change. Taking place on October 22, 2025, at The Hilton Santa Monica, California, this one-day event will bring together the region’s most influential executives for candid discussions, exclusive access, and actionable takeaways. With organizations such as Integra Connect, Gilead Sciences, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Yelp, Cencora, Fisker Inc., Providence Health Services, and AltaMed already confirmed, this summit is where the region’s top leaders will set the agenda for the AI era.

The theme — “Scaling Intelligent Growth: Leadership, Innovation, and Value in the AI Era” — captures the urgency of the times, uniting enterprise leaders to balance innovation with governance, and vision with execution. Powered by the CDO Magazine global data community, this event is designed exclusively for top-of-the-line executives who want practical solutions to their most pressing challenges.

Exclusive access: Closed-door sessions for senior leaders

This summit isn’t about surface-level conversations. Alongside the mainstage sessions, attendees will gain access to exclusive closed-door discussions where senior executives share what’s really working — and what isn’t — inside their organizations. These invite-only sessions are a rare opportunity for candid, peer-to-peer exchange you won’t find anywhere else.

Meet our summit Co-Chairs

What makes this gathering unmissable is the caliber of leadership steering the conversations. This year’s co-chairs represent a powerhouse lineup of executives shaping data and AI strategy at global enterprises:

• Manish Agarwal, VP, Data and Analytics, Skechers
• Myra Chen, Director, VP, Insights and Analytics, Capital Group
• Monica Kedzierski, Former Global Data, Analytics and AI Leader, Herbalife | Cisco
• James Lin, Head of AI/ML Innovation, Experian
• Manzoor Mohideen, AVP, Data & Analytics Platforms, Pacific Life
• Ghada Richani, Managing Director, Data & Technology Strategy & PMO, Bank of America
• Greg Townsend, SVP, CDO and Analytics Officer, AltaMed Health Services

“What makes this summit different is the caliber of conversations and the community it brings together,” says Steve Bangsund, CDO Magazine Senior Director of Programs. “Leaders aren’t just talking theory — they’re sharing the real-world playbooks behind some of the most ambitious data and AI strategies in the market today.”

Why you should attend

This summit is designed exclusively for C-level executives, CDOs, CDAIOs, data strategists, and AI innovators who want to stay ahead of the curve. Attendees will gain:

• High-caliber networking: Build relationships with senior executives from leading organizations.
• Future-proof strategies: Learn how enterprises are scaling AI responsibly and effectively.
• Actionable frameworks: Discover vendor-neutral insights you can apply immediately.
• Exclusive access: Participate in closed-door sessions where only top leaders are invited.
• CDO Magazine community power: Engage with a trusted global network that understands the unique challenges of data leadership.

The tracks that matter

The program is built around four dynamic tracks, ensuring every session delivers practical impact:

• Leadership & Strategy
• Data Value
• Architecture & Access
• AI & Scaled Innovation

Frequently asked questions

Q: Who should attend the Southern California Leadership Summit?

This summit is designed for C-level executives, Chief Data Officers, Chief Data & AI Officers, Chief Analytics Officers, CIOs, CISOs, and senior data and AI strategists. If you’re responsible for shaping enterprise data, analytics, AI, or governance strategy, this event is built for you.

Q: What’s included with my registration?

Your registration grants you access to:

• All mainstage sessions and curated track discussions
• Closed-door, invite-only peer exchanges with senior executives
• Networking opportunities with leaders from [insert attending organizations here]
• Access to the CDO Magazine data leadership community for continued engagement

Q: Why is space limited?

To ensure meaningful networking and senior-level interaction, attendance is capped. With seats filling fast, we recommend securing your spot early.

Q: Is the Southern California Leadership Summit FREE to attend?

Yes — the summit is FREE for qualified enterprise data and AI leaders. Vendors and solution providers may attend by purchasing a pass or through sponsorship opportunities.

Q: How do I register?

Click the Register Now button below to secure your seat. Once capacity is reached, a waitlist will be opened.

Secure your seat now

The Southern California Leadership Summit isn’t just another event — it’s a community-driven, high-caliber experience where leaders define the future of enterprise data and AI together. With seats filling fast, this is your chance to connect with decision-makers, hear directly from the co-chairs shaping the AI era, and position yourself at the forefront of intelligent growth.