Your Guide to Gartner Data & Analytics Summit London 2026: What to Know Before You Go

When the Gartner® Data & Analytics Summit wrapped up in Orlando earlier this year, one message was loud and clear: The AI conversation has entered a new phase.

Leaders are no longer asking whether AI will benefit their business. They’re asking how to scale it responsibly, how to prove business value, and how to ensure the data behind it is trustworthy and has context. 

The conversation is now moving to London. 

Taking place May 11-13 at ExCel London, the Gartner Data & Analytics Summit London will bring together data and analytics leaders from across Europe and beyond to tackle the next wave of priorities—from governance and modernization to AI readiness and measurable outcomes. 

Orlando surfaced the big themes, but London is where many organizations and leaders will compare notes on how to execute. 

If you’re heading to London, here’s our guide to making the most of your time there. 

Our Top Session Picks

With a packed agenda, it helps to plan in advance. These are some of the sessions we would prioritize based on what we heard in Orlando. 

Gartner Opening Keynote: Navigate AI on Your Data & Analytics Journey to Value

Monday, May 11 | 9:30 AM 

Speakers: Jorg Heizenberg, VP Analyst, Gartner, and Sarah James, Sr. Director Analyst, Gartner

Why it matters: Many organizations feel pressure to move fast on AI—but speed alone rarely creates value. This keynote focuses on helping leaders find the right balance between innovation, cost, and risk based on where their organization is today. That’s an important message this year. Enterprises are at very different stages of AI maturity, and success increasingly depends on choosing the right path. This session will help frame things for you for the Summit. 

AI-Ready Data—Lessons Learned Become Practices to Follow

Monday, May 11 | 11:00 AM 

Speaker: Roxane Edjlali, VP Analyst, Gartner

Why it matters: This session stands out because it goes beyond general AI-readiness messaging to delve into operational discipline: How organizations are evaluating, preparing, and standardizing data for production AI environments. For leaders trying to move beyond pilots, this session should be especially valuable. Scaling AI often depends less on models and more on repeatable data preparation practices. 

CDAO Circle Leadership Exchange: The Evolving CDAO – Archetypes, AI Ambitions and Growth Plans 

Tuesday, May 12 | 10:30 AM

Speakers: 

• Sarah James, Sr Director Analyst,Gartner 
• Ian Bertram, Managing Vice President, Gartner 
• Erick Brethenoux, Distinguished VP Analyst, Gartner 
• Nate Novosel, VP Analyst, Gartner

Why it matters: As AI becomes more central to business strategy, the role of the CDO/CDAO is rapidly evolving. This session provides a practical framework for navigating that shift, introducing three CDAO archetypes—Expert, Collaborator, and Pioneer—and helping leaders determine which path best aligns with their organization's AI goals. For many CDAOs, the challenge is no longer just defining data strategy, but influencing operating models, driving cross-functional alignment, and delivering measurable business outcomes. If you’re thinking about how your role (or your organization's data leadership) needs to evolve in the AI era, this session offers a clear and actionable starting point.

Tamr: AI-Native MDM Real-World Case Study—From Fragmented Systems to Trusted Data‍

Wednesday, May 13 | 11:30 AM 

Speakers: 

• Glenn Hall, Programme Director, Data Modernisation
• Anthony Deighton, CEO, Tamr

Why it matters: Many large enterprises are stuck managing multiple legacy master data management (MDM) systems, disconnected domains, and sprawling source environments. This session addresses that reality head-on. Attendees will hear how a global financial institution modernized its environment, moving from multiple legacy MDM tools and 200+ data sources to an AI-native approach—delivering real-time golden records and a trusted operational data foundation. If your organization is wrestling with modernization complexity, this session goes beyond theory to offer practical lessons and actionable advice.

Expo Hall Recommendations: Where the Real Conversations Happen

While the stage introduces trends, the Expo Hall tests them. 

Use the Expo Hall to compare approaches, ask deeper technical questions, see solutions in action, and have practical conversations about the challenges your organization is facing right now. 

No need to plan every minute. Some of the best discoveries happen when you stop at a booth you hadn’t intended to visit and strike up a conversation with the booth staff. 

‍Make Time for the Networking Receptions‍

Monday and Tuesday evenings are often the most valuable parts of Gartner events. They offer a more relaxed setting to reconnect with peers, meet leaders facing similar challenges, and continue conversations that started during the day. If you are attending, we strongly suggest that you make time for at least one evening reception. 

A Booth Experience Worth Visiting

If trusted data, AI readiness, Customer 360, or data modernization are on your roadmap, come meet the Tamr team at booth #308.

• Master Data Quest Game: Tamr is leaning into experiential engagement with “Master Data Quest,” a fun and educational video game with premium prizes available just for playing.

• Custom Leather Goods: During the evening receptions, stop by Tamr’s booth to create a customized passport holder, luggage tag, or catchall tray. Choose your item, personalize it, and watch it get laser-engraved on-site.

‍Where to Caffeinate for the Journey

Let’s be honest: No summit strategy succeeds without caffeine. Between early keynotes, meetings, and evening networking, having a food and beverage plan matters. 

ExCel has cafes and grab-and-go spots throughout the venue, making it easy to fuel up when you need a quick reset. But if you have time to venture out, there are a few nearby spots worth checking out.

Grind (Canary Wharf)

A reliable favorite with strong coffee, a sleek atmosphere, and ideal energy before or after summit.

Notes Coffee Roasters 

A great option if you appreciate quality espresso and want a calmer place to recharge away from conference traffic. 

The Smartest Coffee Stop

Stop by the Tamr booth for your chance to grab a Mrs. Bee’s gift card on us. It’s the perfect excuse to recharge, talk data strategy, and fuel the rest of your Gartner D&A journey. And, if coffee isn’t your thing—or if espresso number 3 feels like a mistake—Mrs. Bee’s is a great option for smoothies and juices, too. Best of all, it’s a short walk along the River Thames, making it an ideal reset before your next session. We know London runs on tea, but for summit week, coffee still gets the job done.

‍Ready for London?

Orlando showed us where the market stands today. London will reveal where leading organizations will go next. 

As AI moves from experimentation to execution, the difference between progress and stagnation comes down to one factor: trusted data. 

The sessions are sure to be valuable. The networking will be fun. But the real opportunity will be connecting with peers and industry leaders to understand what matters now—and what to prioritize next. 

We look forward to the conversations and insights. If you’ll be there, make sure to add Tamr booth #308 to your list of stops. 

See you in London!