Technology

AI, Cybersecurity, and Leadership Will Be Center Stage at Info-Tech LIVE 2025 This June in Las Vegas

Published

12 months ago

May 6, 2025

As the highly anticipated industry event Info-Tech LIVE 2025 rapidly approaches, the latest round of speaker announcements reflects the growing focus on practical, executive-level insights for technology leaders. Taking place June 10–12 at Bellagio in Las Vegas, The sessions will explore how CIOs and IT teams can navigate complex transformation priorities, lead AI-driven innovation, and strengthen organizational resilience through digital strategy and security modernization now and into the coming year.

TORONTO, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Info-Tech Research Group has announced the latest additions to its speaker lineup for Info-Tech LIVE 2025, the firm’s premier annual IT conference taking place June 10–12 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The recently released speakers are set to deliver high-impact sessions that reflect the current topics IT leaders care most about in 2025, including executive leadership, cybersecurity, AI, privacy, and the future of IT operating models. The announcement builds on the firm’s earlier agenda reveals and further showcases the breadth of strategic insight that will define this year’s event.

Info-Tech LIVE 2025 is built around the theme “Transform IT. Transform everything.” The event will feature keynote presentations, peer panels, analyst-led breakouts, and networking opportunities tailored to help technology leaders solve real-world problems and set a forward-looking strategy. With disruption accelerating across industries, these sessions will equip the over 4,000 CIOs, CDOs, CISOs, and IT leaders expected for this year’s conference with the tools and insights they need to lead transformation from within.

“At LIVE 2025, we’re not just talking about change; we’re providing the frameworks and tools to drive it,” says Chief Research Officer at Info-Tech Research Group, Gord Harrison. “This next set of speakers brings practical expertise and strategic insight that reflects the real-world challenges technology leaders are facing today, from enabling innovation and AI-driven change to building more secure, resilient, and responsive organizations.”

Newly Announced Speakers for Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Las Vegas:
The latest additions to Info-Tech’s 2025 speaker roster bring a wealth of expertise shaped by decades of hands-on leadership, consulting, and innovation. Their sessions will offer attendees fresh perspectives on current enterprise challenges, from navigating emerging technologies and compliance demands to scaling transformation strategies and aligning IT investments with business growth. The newly announced speakers include:

Jack Hakimian, SVP, Research & Advisory Services, Info-Tech Research Group
Jack Hakimian brings over 30 years of technology and consulting experience across financial services, energy, telecommunications, and government sectors. Hakimian has led global strategy and transformation programs at firms such as Accenture, Deloitte, EY, and IBM, with deep expertise in AI, CRM, ERP, and M&A consulting.

Rob Meikle, Executive Counselor, Info-Tech Research Group
Rob Meikle is a recognized leader in public sector innovation, having served as CIO for the City of Toronto and the City of Brampton. Meikle has been honored globally for IT leadership and transformation and brings a rich cross-sector perspective to building high-performing, future-ready teams.

Geoff Nielson, SVP, Brand, Info-Tech Research Group
Geoff Nielson currently leads Info-Tech’s Brand & Content team and previously spearheaded the firm’s Executive Services and digital transformation initiatives. Nielson brings a decade of experience helping CIOs translate research into actionable strategies, including launching multiple SaaS solutions for IT leaders.

Jeremy Roberts, Senior Director, Research & Content, Info-Tech Research GroupJeremy leads research initiatives spanning AI, cloud, infrastructure, and user experience. A frequent keynote speaker and media contributor, he combines deep academic expertise with practical guidance to help organizations navigate fast-moving technology trends.

Aaron Shum, Vice President, Research & Advisory, Info-Tech Research Group
With over 25 years in IT, InfoSec, and privacy, Aaron Shum guides organizations through security modernization and regulatory compliance. Shum’s leadership in areas such as GDPR and Exponential IT supports enterprises looking to build resilient, secure operations at scale.

Tom Zehren, Chief Executive Officer, Info-Tech Research Group
Tom Zehren brings a global perspective to IT strategy, with past roles as Chief Product Officer at Info-Tech and a decade at McKinsey. With a PhD in Technology Management, Zehren has advised high-growth tech firms and VC funds and now leads the firm in its mission to deliver measurable outcomes for IT leaders.

With the reveal of more highly anticipated industry thought leaders to take the stage June 9-12 in Las Vegas, Info-Tech LIVE 2025 continues to shape up as a must-attend event for IT decision-makers looking to transform their organizations. Further speaker announcements will be released in the weeks leading up to the conference.

For the latest details, visit the Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Las Vegas page, and follow Info-Tech Research Group on LinkedIn and X.

Media Passes for Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Las Vegas
Media professionals, including journalists, podcasters, and influencers, are invited to attend Info-Tech LIVE 2025 to gain exclusive access to research, content, and interviews with industry leaders. For those unable to attend in person, Info-Tech offers a digital pass option, providing access to live-streamed keynotes, select sessions, and exclusive virtual interviews with speakers and analysts.

Media professionals looking to apply for in-person or digital passes can contact pr@infotech.com to secure their spot and cover the latest advancements in IT for their audiences.

Exhibitor Opportunities
Exhibitors are also invited to be part of Info-Tech LIVE and showcase their products and services to a highly engaged audience of IT decision-makers. For more information about becoming an Info-Tech LIVE exhibitor, please contact events@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

Technology

Register NOW for the Maynard Regional Training Series in partnership with Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications

Published

14 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

Maynard Regional Training Series for early-career and mid-level managers and editors features innovative frameworks, coaching and mentoring for career and newsroom development.

CHICAGO, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education will conduct its Maynard Regional Training Series with Northwestern University’s Medill Local News Initiative on June 4-5, 2026.

The Maynard Regional Training Series brings two days of onsite editing and management training to journalists across the United States. In partnership with universities, these sessions give editors and managers the tools they need amid the complexities of news leadership.

Award-winning journalists and Medill professors will lead the training with Maynard Institute faculty. This program is for editors and managers working in any platform, (print, broadcast, digital).

The training provides workshops, discussions and coaching to help emerging news leaders manage teams and news coverage. Northwestern will cover the standard registration fee on behalf of registrants. Two meals are provided each day, and limited discounted hotel rooms will be available.

“The Maynard Regional Training will deliver customized workshops designed to sharpen the craft and confidence of editors and newsroom managers,” said Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, director of the Maynard Regional Training Series. “Alongside hands-on coaching from award-winning editors, participants will grow our vital community of peer support.”

The Medill Local News Initiative and Accelerator work to spur a more inclusive and economically robust local news ecosystem by offering expertise and programs on topics including consumer research, content strategy, executive leadership and more. These offerings help local news outlets maximize Chicagoland residents’ access to the information they need to be civically engaged.

The deadline to register is 11:59 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 20.

Training schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT June 4-5.

Technology

Columbia Bank Receives 2026 Best Bank Honors from Crisil Coalition Greenwich

Published

14 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

TACOMA, Wash., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Columbia Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System (Nasdaq: COLB), today announced it has been recognized by Crisil Coalition Greenwich with two regional Best Bank Awards for excellence in middle market banking. More than 500 banks worldwide were evaluated across small business and middle market categories, with only 47 banks receiving honors.

Crisil Coalition Greenwich recognized Columbia Bank in the following middle market banking categories for the U.S. West region:

Best Bank – Satisfaction in Cash Management for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)

Source: Coalition Greenwich Voice of Client – 2025 U.S. Commercial Banking Study

Best Bank Awards are based on extensive client feedback. The 2026 middle market recognitions draw from more than 11,000 interviews with U.S.-based businesses generating $10 million to $500 million in annual sales.

“Columbia Bank’s recognition by Crisil Coalition Greenwich as a 2026 Best Bank is especially meaningful since it’s the result of customer testimonials. It reflects the priority we place on supporting middle market companies, as well as the dedication and expertise our bankers bring to the table every day for our customers,” said Tory Nixon, Columbia Bank President. “It’s a privilege to support so many outstanding middle market enterprises across the West, and we will continue to earn their trust and confidence.”

Additional 2026 Accolades
The Coalition Greenwich awards add to a growing list of honors Columbia Bank has received this year, including:

Forbes: America’s Best BanksGlobal Finance: Best Bank for Small and Midsize Enterprises, West Global Finance: Best Trade Finance Partner, West

About Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the Northwest and one of the largest banks headquartered in the West with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Columbia Bank combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management. Columbia Bank is a subsidiary of Tacoma, Washington-based Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB).

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SOURCE Columbia Banking System, Inc.

Technology

McLuck Sweepstakes Casino Celebrates 3rd Birthday with Week-Long Rewards

Published

14 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

McLuck Sweepstakes Casino announces its third-anniversary celebration, featuring community events and rewards from April 22nd through April 30th. The milestone will be marked by themed influencer live streams, and limited-time offers across McLuck’s official channels.

DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — McLuck, a premier online Sweepstakes casino in the US, is marking its third year with a week-long anniversary celebration. From April 22nd through April 30th, the social casino will host a variety of commemorative activities, including influencer giveaways and exclusive offers to recognize the milestone.

“Turning three is a major milestone, and we wanted to celebrate it alongside the players who made our growth possible,” said Joerg Nottebaum, spokesperson for McLuck. “Through April 30th, we are offering themed creator streams and exclusive rewards to mark this occasion with our community.”

Since its launch in 2023, McLuck has established a significant presence in the US Sweepstakes casino market, known for its extensive library of titles including online slots, live casino games, casual titles, and engaging seasonal offers. This anniversary week is designed to acknowledge the platform’s community growth through interactive content and birthday-themed rewards.

The anniversary celebration includes the following highlights:

Birthday-Themed Rewards: Throughout the week, the official McLuck website will feature limited-time bundles featuring Gold Coins, along with FREE Sweepstakes Coins and Free Spins.Influencer Live Streams: McLuck partner influencers will host custom birthday-themed sessions. These live streams will feature exclusive giveaways, providing viewers with opportunities to receive Free Spins and FREE Sweepstakes Coins.McLuck Blog Promo Code: The official McLuck blog will serve as a central resource, providing updates, and a unique anniversary promo code for blog readers.Social Media Challenges: McLuck’s verified channels on Instagram and Facebook will host anniversary-themed competitions and offers, bringing the party to the wider Sweepstakes casino community.

The celebrations are available to both new and existing players via the official McLuck website. For the latest updates and to stay informed on the week’s activities, players can engage with the official social channels and blog.

About McLuck

Established in 2023, McLuck is a leading social and Sweepstakes casino platform serving players across the United States and Canada. Dedicated to providing a premier free-to-play experience, McLuck offers a vast library of over 1,000 slots and live dealer games from top-tier providers including 3 Oaks Gaming, NetEnt, and Playson.

McLuck allows users to enjoy casino-style entertainment with no purchase necessary, while offering the opportunity to win real prizes. McLuck is committed to responsible social gaming, innovation, and player satisfaction.

For more information, visit www.mcluck.com.

No purchase necessary. 21+. Void where prohibited by law. See Terms of Service.

Media Contact

Joerg Nottebaum, McLuck, 350 54 093 606, pr@mcluck.com, https://www.mcluck.com/

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SOURCE McLuck