This edition took place October 18–23, 2026 in Orlando, FL. It has ended.
No later edition is listed yet. Browse upcoming conferences →
Last verified: April 22, 2026 · how we verify
Information aggregated automatically. Verify all dates, locations, and pricing on the official conference website before making arrangements.
Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2026 is the flagship North American event of Gartner, the research and advisory firm, aimed at CIOs and senior IT executives. The programme focuses on how technology leaders set strategy and make investment decisions across areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud, cybersecurity, software development and broader digital transformation. The conference is held in person in Orlando, Florida, in late October, at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort according to event listings. It is one of the largest gatherings of enterprise IT leadership in the United States and combines a multi-day conference agenda with an exhibition floor, giving the event its Symposium/Xpo name. The format is built around Gartner's own research and the perspectives of its analysts. Attendees typically follow keynotes and track sessions led by Gartner analysts, explore vendor solutions on the expo floor, and use structured time to compare approaches with peers facing similar challenges. Many participants come to benchmark their technology roadmaps and budgets for the year ahead. For the CIO community, the event matters as an annual checkpoint where strategic priorities for enterprise technology are discussed, tested and refined.
Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2026 takes place October 18–23, 2026 in Orlando, FL, United States.
Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2026 is an in-person event.
Travel questions? See Good to know in the travel guide below.
Late October is a favourable window for Orlando: the summer's oppressive humidity has eased, hurricane season is winding down, and daytime temperatures settle into the pleasant upper twenties Celsius. This is a six-day event, long enough that the surrounding area matters. Most delegates stay near the convention corridor along International Drive or in the Lake Buena Vista resort area, both built around large-scale conference traffic.
Orlando International (MCO) is roughly 20 to 30 minutes from the convention district by road, with ride-hailing, taxis and hotel shuttles all readily available. Orlando is a car-oriented city and public transport is limited; most delegates rely on ride-hailing or resort shuttle services. Brightline rail connects Orlando to South Florida from a station at the airport if you are extending the trip.
Skip the taxi queue — pre-book a fixed-price airport transfer with Kiwitaxi. Exploring beyond the city? compare rental cars on EconomyBookings.
Are you the organizer of Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2026? Get your free listing badge →
Mobile coverage is strong across the Orlando metro and convention corridor. International delegates should arrange an eSIM before travelling, as US roaming charges are steep and conference venues of this scale place heavy load on Wi-Fi. Set up an eSIM with Airalo before you board and you're online the moment you land.
Kennedy Space Center. About an hour east on the Space Coast, with the Atlas V and Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibits as centrepieces. A genuine full-day trip requiring a car or organised tour. Launch schedules are published in advance and occasionally coincide with visits. Tickets on Tiqets →
Winter Park. A short drive north, this leafy town offers Park Avenue's independent shops, the Morse Museum's Tiffany glass collection, and a boat tour through the connected lakes and canals. A calm half-day alternative to the theme park corridor.
Theme park evenings. Both major resorts sell evening-only tickets, which suit a conference schedule better than full days. Late October brings seasonal Halloween programming. Book in advance and expect an hour of travel and entry either side of your visit. Tickets on Go City →
Wekiwa Springs State Park. Thirty minutes north, a natural spring holds a constant temperature year-round, with canoe and kayak hire and shaded walking trails. An early morning visit before sessions start is a realistic way to see something other than convention halls.
Do I need to rent a car in Orlando?
Not necessarily. Ride-hailing and hotel shuttles cover the convention corridor well. A car is worth it if you plan trips to Kennedy Space Center or the state parks.
What is the weather like in late October?
Warm and much less humid than summer, with highs typically in the upper twenties Celsius. Brief afternoon showers remain possible.
How far is the airport from the convention area?
Orlando International (MCO) is roughly 20 to 30 minutes by road from International Drive and the Lake Buena Vista resorts, traffic permitting.
Travel notes written for Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2026 attendees. Links marked above are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Verify schedules and opening hours on official websites before you travel.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.