Info-Tech Research Group has announced upcoming IGNITE 2025 regional events in Birmingham, Alabama, on October 8, and in Sacramento, California, on October 30, 2025. These full-day, in-person events will bring together local IT and business leaders to explore research-backed strategies for building organizational resilience, aligning technology investments, and accelerating innovation in the age of AI.
As IT leaders face mounting pressure to adopt emerging technologies, enable AI-driven performance, and build future-ready teams, Info-Tech Research Group is expanding its popular IGNITE 2025 regional series with two new events scheduled for Birmingham, Alabama, on October 8, 2025, and Sacramento, California, on October 30, 2025.
Info-Tech’s IGNITE series offers leaders a focused opportunity to engage with expert analysts and peers on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s IT organizations. The event’s agenda will cover timely topics, including exponential IT adoption, agentic AI, IT talent development, and data-driven decision-making.
“CIOs can no longer operate as reactive technologists. They’re expected to lead, influence, and align IT with long-term business outcomes,” says Info-Tech Research Group’s Chief Research Officer, Gord Harrison. “To lead effectively in today’s environment, IT leaders must prioritize execution over reaction and shift from experimenting with AI to delivering outcomes with it. At IGNITE, we’re helping CIOs build the strategies, capabilities, and confidence to drive change with purpose. Not just implement technology, but lead transformation.”
Info-Tech’s IGNITE 2025 in Birmingham, AL, on October 8, 2025, at the Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB:
Hosted at the Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB on October 8, 2025, the Birmingham IGNITE event will bring together IT and business leaders across industries for a full day of interactive sessions and research-based keynotes. Attendees will explore topics such as AI adoption, operational maturity, Exponential IT planning, and workforce transformation.
Featured Speakers:
- James Alexander – Vice President, Partner Division, Info-Tech Research Group
James Alexander has led several of Info-Tech’s core research and advisory practices, including CIO, Innovation, and Executive Services. A former Microsoft Canada executive and serial entrepreneur, he brings decades of leadership experience across MSPs, VARs, and tech integration firms. Alexander regularly advises CIOs on maximizing technology’s business value and speaks across North America on future tech, leadership, and ecosystems. - Jack Hakimian – Senior Vice President, Research & Advisory Services, Info-Tech Research Group
With over 30 years of experience in consulting and enterprise strategy, Jack Hakimian has advised global organizations and major public sector institutions on AI, mergers and acquisitions, and digital transformation. He previously held leadership roles at Accenture, Deloitte, EY, and IBM, and brings a practical perspective on aligning business outcomes with large-scale technology strategies. - Amanda Mathieson – Principal Research Director, Info-Tech Research Group
Amanda Mathieson leads leadership-focused research within the CIO Advisory Practice. With 20 years of experience spanning financial services, insurance, and pharma, Mathieson specializes in talent development, organizational change, and performance strategy. Her work supports IT leaders in building people-centric, adaptable teams ready to lead through transformation.
Info-Tech’s IGNITE 2025 in Sacramento, CA, on October 30, 2025, at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel:
Taking place at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel on October 30, 2025, the Sacramento IGNITE event will bring together leaders from public and private sector organizations to explore the most pressing technology opportunities and challenges of 2025. With a spotlight on cybersecurity, digital strategy, and human-centered transformation, this event’s agenda is designed to help leaders chart a resilient course forward.
Featured Speakers:
- Davin Juusola – Senior Vice President, Sales Strategy and Innovation, Info-Tech Research Group
A key contributor to Info-Tech’s growth since 1999, Davin Juusola has launched numerous products and delivered advisory services across sectors, including banking, manufacturing, and public service. He has taught at Western University and regularly speaks on leadership and technology strategy. Juusola holds a business degree from the Ivey School of Business. - Amanda Mathieson – Principal Research Director, Info-Tech Research Group (also speaking in Birmingham)
Amanda Mathieson assists IT leaders in developing and implementing people-first leadership strategies. With a background spanning global financial services and organizational development, she supports executives in building adaptable, high-performing teams. Mathieson brings deep expertise in leadership transitions, adult learning, and change management. - Jim Williams – Vice President, Product Management, Info-Tech Research Group
Jim Williams oversees Info-Tech’s digital products and services. Prior to joining the firm, he spent 15 years at McKinsey, where he refined product strategy and operations for global clients. With roots in engineering and product innovation, Williams holds degrees from Stanford, Northwestern, and UCLA and has been awarded 12 U.S. patents.
What to Expect at Info-Tech’s IGNITE 2025 Events
The sessions at the Birmingham, AL, and Sacramento, CA IGNITE 2025 events will explore high-impact priorities across IT leadership, AI strategy, and organizational transformation, including:
- How to build an Exponential IT roadmap and apply emerging AI technologies to core operations.
- A practical introduction to agentic AI and how to close the adoption gap.
- Strategies for aligning IT investments with business goals using Info-Tech’s new IT Playbooks.
- Research-backed methodologies for IT financial planning, performance measurement, and workforce development.
- Analyst-led discussions on turning strategy into execution within today’s IT environments.
The IGNITE event series is part of Info-Tech’s broader effort to connect regional technology leaders with practical guidance and world-class research. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of insight, interactivity, and real-world tools to support their most important priorities.
To view the agendas and for more details about each IGNITE event, please visit Info-Tech’s Events page.
Press Access
In addition to IT leaders from various regional organizations, area media outlets are also invited to IGNITE 2025 events to explore key technology trends and gain expert commentary on the issues shaping today’s IT landscape. Media professionals interested in attending can apply for press access by contacting pr@infotech.com.