The exclusive
CIO ai summit

Join 500 top CIOs at the AI Summit, an invite-only, vendor-neutral platform within the Bits & Pretzels Festival. Gain real insights, engage in high-impact discussions, and get direct access to AI experts and leading technology providers. Connect with peers facing similar challenges and explore AI solutions that truly drive results in enterprise environments.
Join 500 top CIOs at the invite-only AI Summit for CIOs at Bits & Pretzels. Gain insights, engage in high-impact discussions, and connect with AI experts and peers to explore real enterprise AI solutions.
Apply now

Date

30 September 2025

within the Bits & Pretzels Festival

Venue

CIO AI Summit Area

within the Bits & Pretzels Venue

How to access?

Only included in CIO Tickets

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.

An Overview of Leading AI Vendors

Gain insights into the most important AI vendors and their enterprise-ready solutions, focused on real-world performance, scalability, and security.

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.

Experience All Benefits On-Event

Apply now

Experience All Benefits On-Event

Apply now

“The CIO AI Summit at Bits & Pretzels is the annual meeting of tech decision makers of industry
leaders.”

Margret Suckale
Member of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Telekom

Shaping the Future of
AI in Enterprise

The AI Challenge For CIOs

AI is transforming every industry and CIOs navigate the company through uncertain times with plenty of options:

Clear roadmaps

Proven frameworks
AI ROI optimization

How the CIO ai Summit Helps

Cuts through the noise with strategic guidance from industry leaders
Provides expert insights to navigate AI implementation with confidence
Fosters peer collaboration to share best practices and overcome challenges

What You personally Gain

Expert-led discussions on AI strategies that work
Real-world case studies from enterprises driving AI success

Exclusive networking with top CIOs and AI innovators

Leave with the clarity, connections, and confidence to drive AI initiatives that deliver real business impact.

Selected attendees and speakers

Dan Barnicle

Global CIO

Adidas

Preliminary Agenda

Join us for an insightful day of networking and discussions.
Gain exclusive insights from industry leaders and peers.

September 30th

Time
Sessions

9:30 - 12:30

CIO Stage Part 1

Leading CIOs, industry experts, and top AI vendors share real-world strategies, case studies, and the latest trends shaping AI in enterprise.

12:30 - 13:30

Lunch Break

13:30 - 15:30

Expert Roundtables

Join expert-led discussions on AI strategy, implementation, and governance. Exchange ideas with peers and get actionable answers to your toughest questions.

13:30 – 15:30

CIO Stage Part 2

Investors and CIOS discuss how CIOs drive AI startup investments and steer the process.

15:30 - 16:30

Meet AI Founders

Engage with curated startup founders developing enterprise-ready AI products. Learn what’s possible and discover new opportunities for collaboration.

All-Day

VIP CIO Lounge

Enjoy a dedicated space for high-value networking. Connect with fellow CIOs in a distraction-free environment.

16:30 - 17:30

Time at Your Disposal

Connect with fellow CIOs in the private lounge, mingle with AI founders.

19:30

Exclusive CIO Dinner (Invite-only)

An intimate evening for CIOs to exchange insights, build relationships, and discuss AI strategy over dinner in an exclusive venue.

MEET THE HOSTS

The CIO AI Summit's program is carefully crafted by our hosts.

dr. Bernd Storm Vans Gravesande
Co-Founder & Host
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.

Michael Beilfuss
Head of Customer Success
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.

Our Curator

Niels Dörje
Chairman & Non Executive Board Director (NXD)

Niels Dörje is founder and entrepreneur. As Founding Partner of Chairpeople and Senior Advisor of Drake Star, he is mandated to tech company boards from founders and investors as a member of the Supervisory Board or Advisory Board (NXD). In this role, he advises companies on all strategy, organizational, product strategy and M&A issues.






Request your Invitation

Join the Bits & Pretzels CIO AI Summit,
an exclusive, invite-only event designed for top C-level executives like you.
Apply now and be part of this exclusive leadership experience!

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

Submit Your
Request

If you meet the criteria, apply for an invitation by completing the request form.

Apply now

Get Your Approval & Ticket

Once approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to secure your ticket. Approval can take up to 5 work days.

Academic Partner

Moments that mattered

Experience the business magic of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest attracts millions of visitors each year. Being in Munich during this iconic event offers a unique blend of culture and tradition.

It always has been one of the biggest networking opportunities of the year. If you never have experienced business meetings at Oktoberfest it is time. Join us in Munich this September.

Oktoberfest attracts millions—a unique blend of culture and tradition.
A key networking event—connect in a special setting.
Business at Oktoberfest? Now’s the time. Join us this September!
Richard Branson as a Table Captain sitting among the attendees at an Oktoberfest site
2023
Bits & Pretzels is home. The Home of Founders. People came for Michelle Obama and they stayed for the community.
2019
President Barack Obama joins Bits & Pretzels and leads an amazing speaker lineup.
2017
Bits & Pretzels establishes its quality over size rule and limits the number of attendees to 5,000.
2015
For the first time the Festival lasts for three days. The grand finale gathers 3,500 founders at the Oktoberfest.
2023
Bits & Pretzels is home. The Home of Founders. People came for Michelle Obama and they stayed for the community.
2019
President Barack Obama joins Bits & Pretzels and leads an amazing speaker lineup.
2017
Bits & Pretzels establishes its quality over size rule and limits the number of attendees to 5,000.
2015
For the first time the Festival lasts for three days. The grand finale gathers 3,500 founders at the Oktoberfest.
2022
What a return after a two year break. It was time to reunite the European startup ecosystem and everybody joined.
2018
Tarana Burke, founder of the #metoo movement, opens the Festival to underline the commitment to diversity.
2016
5,000 attendees come to see the founders of Virgin, Airbnb, and other inspiring personalities.
2013-14
Wild first years. Started with only 80 participants at Hofbräuhaus the event grows to 1,400 attendees.
2022
What a return after a two year break. It was time to reunite the European startup ecosystem and everybody joined.
2018
Tarana Burke, founder of the #metoo movement, opens the Festival to underline the commitment to diversity.
2016
5,000 attendees come to see the founders of Virgin, Airbnb, and other inspiring personalities.
2013-14
Wild first years. Started with only 80 participants at Hofbräuhaus the event grows to 1,400 attendees.

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 2024 and beyond.

Join our mission in helping founders shaping a better future.

FAQ

Who can attend the CIO AI Summit?
How can I get an invitation?
What's included in my ticket?
Can I also attend the rest of the Bits & Pretzels Festival?
When should I arrive?
Where does the event take place?
What airport should I fly in?
What is the appropriate attire for the summit?
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