IT Leader Exchange launches invitation-only events for senior IT leaders

IT Leader Exchange is rolling out a no-pitch event series for senior IT leaders across the U.S., Canada and the U.K., starting Oct. 21 in Indianapolis. The founders say the program is designed to create candid peer conversations, practical learning and research-backed insights without vendor presentations or sales pressure.

Why it matters: - Senior IT leaders are being offered a dedicated forum to discuss operational and strategic challenges without vendor pressure. - The initiative is built to turn peer conversations into practical takeaways for organizations navigating rapid change in IT. - The first program is expected to connect more than 1,500 IT leaders across major markets in North America and the United Kingdom.

What happened: - Technology and community leaders Sophie Danby and William Goddard launched IT Leader Exchange on Sept. 9, 2026. - The initiative will host professionally facilitated, invitation-only events across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. - The series is designed for senior IT leaders and will focus on candid peer conversations, practical learning and professional networking. - The environment will be strictly no sales and no marketing. - The events will not include product pitches, vendor presentations or staged conversations. - The agenda will be shaped by the issues IT leaders want to discuss, with input from local IT leadership communities, independent experts and attendees.

The details: - The inaugural series opens in Indianapolis on Oct. 21. - Additional launch cities include London on Oct. 27, Columbus on Oct. 28, Cincinnati on Oct. 29, New York on Nov. 5 and Charlotte on Nov. 10. - Further cities will be announced in the coming weeks. - The launch program is expected to include more than 35 events. - IT Leader Exchange will work with established IT leadership communities and local partners in each market. - The group will also gather broader industry insights through research, surveys, interviews and reports. - Content and findings will be available without a subscription requirement. - Individual comments will be attributed only with the contributor’s permission.

Between the lines: - The format signals demand for smaller, more candid professional gatherings as technology leaders face pressure to make decisions quickly. - Danby’s background in IT service management community building and Goddard’s media and marketing experience suggest the group is aiming to blend peer exchange with broader industry insight. - The no-pitch rule is a direct contrast to many industry events that are built around sponsor messaging.

What's next: - IT Leader Exchange will continue adding cities in the coming weeks. - The organization will expand its event series and publish research tied to the issues raised by participating leaders. - Local communities and partner organizations will help shape future event agendas across each market.

The bottom line: - IT Leader Exchange is betting that senior IT leaders want fewer sales presentations and more honest peer-to-peer problem solving. More information