One Speaker, One Topic
Each dinner features one technology speaker presenting their Executive Summary on that evening's topic: 3 to 5 key points on what boards are really thinking, what's actually working, or what everyone gets wrong.
Everyone Brings Their Summary
All attendees prepare their own Executive Summary (3 to 5 points) on the topic. No slides. No lengthy presentations. Just your sharpest insights ready to share.
Then We Talk
After the opening, the conversation goes where it needs to go. Recent discussions:
- "How do you get the board to actually understand cyber risk?"
- "AI budgets when no one knows what AI does yet"
- "When your CEO hired a Chief Digital Officer and now you report to them"
Who This Is For
- CIOs and CTOs in financial services, professional services and tech-forward industries
- Technology leaders reporting to the board or CEO
- Senior technologists navigating budget approvals, digital transformation, or vendor politics
- Leaders who are tired of being the "IT person" and want to be seen as strategic
Not for: Vendors, consultants looking for clients, or anyone below C-1 level.
What You Get
8 Dinners Per Year
Private dinners (12-15 technology leaders) at carefully selected Central London venues. Real food, good wine, better conversations.
Executive Summary on Each Topic
Dan presents The Executive Summary - what boards are really thinking about that dinner's focus. Then we discuss how it plays out in your world.
2026 Topics:
- OpEx optimization and technology budgets
- AI strategy (when no one knows what AI does yet)
- Independent vs Big Tech
- Cyber risk and board education
- Vendor lock-in vs kick outs
- Legacy system modernization
- Technology leadership vs. business leadership
- Board reporting that actually gets heard
The CIO Network
WhatsApp group with other members. Ask the questions you can't ask in the office. Get perspectives from people who've been there.
2026 Schedule
All dinners on Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, City. London.
- January 29, 2026 - Topic: OpEx & Technology Budgets
- March 18, 2026 - Topic: AI Strategy for the Board
- May 13, 2026 - Topic: Digital Transformation Reality Check
- July 8, 2026 - Topic: Cyber Risk & Board Education
- September 9, 2026 - Topic: Cloud Migration Decisions
- October 21, 2026 - Topic: Legacy System Modernization
- November 18, 2026 - Topic: Technology Leadership vs. Business Leadership
- December 9, 2026 - Topic: Board Reporting That Gets Heard
Apply to Join
Membership is limited and curated. We keep the group small, senior and focused on mutual support.