In one day... Engage and connect with global business and industry thought leaders. Acquire actionable insight through leading academic research. Explore the newest enterprise technological innovations.

Become a part of the exclusive MITSloan CIO community to empower your professional future. The 2012 MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, the 9th in its series, is the premier international conference for CIO and business leaders to look beyond the day-to-day issues to focus on a spectrum of solutions now and in the dynamic times ahead.

Beyond the Crossroads

The landscape of the digital world is rapidly changing. These changes are no longer a crossroad decision. Enterprises now need to stay abreast and transform with these changes in order to maintain a competitive advantage and sustain growth. Beyond the crossroads, there are new challenges and paradigm shifts for the Executive Team, especially for CIOs.

• What is expected of CIOs in leading the digital business revolution?
• How can CIOs be a change agent to pioneer innovation and enable high performing organizations?
• Conversely, how can organizations support and facilitate strategic thinking CIOs in maximizing business performance and opportunities?

While the digital business world presents challenges, it also offers numerous possibilities for business expansion and profitability. From "clouds", to social media networks, to mobility, to security, the benefits of the digital media can result in a layer of complexity and complication for an organization and its managers. This is where CIO leadership can de-mystify technology oriented business solutions so that they are fundamental parts of a company's operation and strategic approach. IT is no longer simply Information Technology but, rather, smart information AND technology. That is, IT is the integration and the optimization of collective intelligence - internal and external - via the utilization of various innovative platforms and business processes.

This can only be accomplished if there is an organizational and business culture which promotes and has commitment for a solid IT foundation and infrastructure. The mental model then becomes one which recognizes IT as the essential highway and bridges for all business functions, back-end and front-end. The workforce and business models also need to be restructured for the rapidly changing digital business world. Integration - Collaboration - Performance - It is here that the CIO is an intrinsic partner in the management team, and IT is understood as a vital component in creating value, strategic positioning, and profitability.

" The MIT Sloan program has a rich innovation practice, and that is why I am here. To learn both from the Sloan folks and hear from other attendees. It is a really rich cross-pollenization of different organizations. An opportunity to both tell the GSA story and learn from others and benefit from their experiences."

" ...The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium was top-notch — an unbeatable source of information on IT trends that directly impact CIO decision-making, ...and the networking opportunities were unbeatable as well..."

" Graham and his team have developed the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium into a landmark event. It connects MIT Sloan's leading research and education with top global CIOs and business leaders, who are building their network of colleagues, updating knowledge and insights, and developing solutions to improve their organizations now and in the dynamic times ahead. "

" The MIT Sloan Award for IT Innovation brought many more visitors to see our innovative 'stock market' idea come to life. The Award made a huge difference to influence others as well. "

" I haven't attended a better or more worthwhile event than the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium and you don't want to miss the symposium. The Award for Leadership brings tremendous visibility and recognition for organizations that foster innovation. My experience with this event is second to none and I highly recommend it to my peers and colleagues."