3rd CIO ai summit
Join your Peers from the World’s Leading Organizations:
An invite-only gathering for CIOs of companies with €50M+ revenue.
Check your Eligibility
To request an invitation you must:
Be the CIO (or a C-level position that aligns with the responsibilities of a Chief Information Officer or a Chief AI Officer)
Work for a company with €50M+ annual revenue
Be part of an organization with 100+ employees
*Participation Policy
The CIO Summit is a curated gathering designed for CIOs and senior technology leaders from companies engaged in industrial production and manufacturing (secondary sector). To ensure highly relevant discussions and peer-to-peer exchange, participation is limited to this audience and to one representative per company. Software solution and service providers are warmly invited to join the summit through our official partnership program.
CIOs LEAD THE AI REVOLUTION.
CIO AI
MANDATE
STRATEGIC SUMMIT ADVANTAGE
YOUR
PERSONAL GAIN
What can you expect?
Actionable AI Insights
Learn how leading CIOs are successfully integrating AI into their organizations, beyond pilots, beyond theory, and with measurable business impact.
Expert-Led Roundtables
Join in-depth discussions led by AI specialists, covering strategy, implementation, and governance. Exchange perspectives, ask tough questions, and gain clarity on your AI roadmap.
Peer Networking That Matters
Connect with top CIOs in an exclusive, invite-only setting—ensuring high- value conversations, meaningful connections, and a trusted network for ongoing exchange.
Meet world class AI Founders
Engage in deep dive discussions with leading AI founders in an intimate round table setting.
Part of Bits & Pretzels
Engage in a dedicated CIO experience while being immersed in Europe’s most vibrant startup and tech festival— offering unique connections and inspiration.
Preliminary Agenda
Gain exclusive insights from industry leaders and peers.
09:00 am - 01:45 pm
The stage is designed to move CIOs from insight to ownership to open discussions. Leading CIOs, industry experts, and top AI vendors share real-world strategies, case studies and the latest trends in enterprise.
01:45 pm - 02:45 pm
02:45 pm - 04:30 pm
Accelerators, Hubs & Platforms that actually build and support AI startups present themselves, surrounded by curated founder-CIO dialogue.
10:00 am - 04:00 pm
Join expert-led discussions on AI strategy, implementation, and governance. Exchange ideas with peers and get actionable answers to your toughest questions.
04:30 pm
Relaxed networking to get to know innovative startups & scaleups over drinks before heading to the Wiesn.
Of 06:30 pm
An intimate evening for CIOs to exchange insights, build relationships, and discuss AI strategy over dinner at the famous Oktoberfest.
All-Day
Enjoy a dedicated space for high-value networking. Connect with fellow CIOs in a distraction-free environment.
“The CIO AI Summit at Bits & Pretzels is the annual meeting of tech decision makers of industry leaders.”
selected former speakers
MEET THE HOSTS
The CIO AI Summit's program is carefully crafted by our hosts.
Bits & Pretzels
Bernd is an experienced entrepreneur and Co-Founder and Co-Host of Bits & Pretzels. He demonstrated strong results both in the start-up and in the corporate environment. Among other projects, he sold his start-up to a DAX company and successfully set up a corporate venture for another global market leader. He brings a deep understanding of both stakeholders, corporates and startups to the summit.
Board Director (NXD)
Niels Dörje is founder and entrepreneur. As Founding Partner ofChairpeople and Senior Advisor of Drake Star, he is mandated to techcompany boards from founders and investors as a member of theSupervisory Board or Advisory Board (NXD). In this role, he advisescompanies on all strategy, organizational, product strategy and M&Aissues.
strategic advisor to the CIO AI SUMmit
Bechtle
Michael works with the CIO Community in Germany and Europe for more than two decades. As a Publisher (CIO Magazine), as a host to some of the most prestigious Community Events, e.g. CIO of the Year Germany and in Europe. As well as the Co-Founder of the CIO Stiftung at WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management. Michaels ambition at the CIO AI Summit @ Bits & Pretzels: Connecting the CIO community with the the most impactful technology of the future. And its Founders.
Submit Your Request
Thank you for your interest in the CIO AI Summit@Bits & Pretzels 2026.
We will review your application and get back to you within 5 working days.
Takes 2 minutes.
Experience the business magic of Oktoberfest
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WHERE WE COME FROM.
Bits & Pretzels started as founders breakfast with just 80 participants. We dared to start and the spirit of supporting founders continues in 2026 and beyond.
Join our mission in helping founders shaping a better future.
