Cloud Nirvana Cincinnati: Transformation at Scale
About this Event
Join us on Sept 16, 2026, at CBTS in Cincinnati, OH, for Cloud Nirvana Cincinnati: Transformation at Scale - a conference exploring what happens when cloud and AI move beyond individual projects and begin reshaping entire organizations.
Cloud and AI are no longer emerging technologies. For many organizations, they're becoming foundational capabilities that influence how businesses operate, make decisions, manage risk, and create value. But transformation at scale isn't just about technology - it requires new operating models, new ways of leading, and a willingness to rethink how work gets done.
This event is about the realities of enterprise transformation.
Throughout the day, you'll hear honest, experience-driven stories from practitioners who have led organizations through meaningful change. We'll explore the successes, the setbacks, the difficult tradeoffs, and the lessons learned along the way. Sessions will cover organizational transformation, enterprise architecture, platform engineering, AI adoption, governance, security, compliance, operating models, and the cultural shifts required to scale innovation responsibly.
Rather than celebrating perfect success stories, we'll focus on the conversations that matter most: what worked, what didn't, what surprised us, and what others can learn from the journey.
Whether you're a CIO, technology executive, enterprise architect, cloud engineer, security leader, platform engineer, AI practitioner, or an early-career professional preparing to lead the next generation of transformation, Cloud Nirvana Cincinnati: Transformation at Scale will provide practical insights, actionable strategies, and meaningful connections with leaders who are navigating these same challenges.
Come learn, connect, and leave with a clearer understanding of what it takes to transform not just technology - but organizations.
Because transformation isn't measured by how much technology you deploy. It's measured by how effectively your organization evolves.
We look forward to seeing you in Cincinnati.
A special thank you to our 2026 sponsors for making this event possible:
Big Kitty Labs, Glean, Expedient, Sigma Computing, Alkira, ATC, Aztra, CBTS, Presidio, Rubrik, RWX, Veeva
See you there!
Cloud Nirvana Team
Code of Conduct for Cloud Nirvana
Purpose
At Cloud Nirvana , we are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and collaborative environment where all participants feel welcome and respected. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all attendees, speakers, sponsors, and staff to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
Expected Behavior
- Respect Others: Treat all participants with kindness, respect, and consideration. Avoid inappropriate, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and language.
- Collaboration and Openness: Engage constructively with others. Share knowledge, ideas, and feedback in a respectful and professional manner.
- Adhere to Venue Policies: Follow all rules and regulations set by the event venue and organizers.
- Protect Privacy: Obtain explicit consent before photographing, recording, or publicly sharing information about other attendees.
Unacceptable Behavior
- Harassment: Harassment of any kind, including but not limited to verbal abuse, intimidation, or inappropriate physical contact.
- Discrimination: Any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or religion.
- Disruption: Disruptive behavior that interferes with sessions, networking, or other event activities.
- Unlawful Conduct: Engaging in illegal activities during the event.
Sharing of Contact Information
As part of our commitment to providing a valuable experience, Cloud Nirvana collaborates with sponsors to deliver relevant resources and opportunities to attendees. By registering for this event, you agree to share your contact information (e.g., name, company, email) with sponsors for follow-up communications unless you notify event organizers prior to the event. Additionally, by purchasing a ticket, you agree to receive marketing information from Cloud Nirvana.
If you prefer not to have your contact information shared, please email [email protected].
Attendance Policy
Cloud Nirvana events are reserved exclusively for technology practitioners and leaders. We strive to create a space for industry professionals to exchange knowledge and collaborate. Cloud Nirvana reserves the right to refund ticket purchases for non-practitioners at its sole discretion.
Reporting Violations
If you experience or witness any violations of this Code of Conduct, please report them immediately to the event organizers. You can:
- Approach any staff member wearing an official badge.
- Email us at [email protected].
All reports will be handled confidentially and with sensitivity.
Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior
Participants who are found to violate this Code of Conduct may face consequences including but not limited to:
- Verbal or written warnings.
- Expulsion from the event without refund.
- Referral to appropriate authorities.
The organizers reserve the right to take appropriate action to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
Acknowledgment
By registering for and attending Cloud Nirvana, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.
Thank you for helping us create an inclusive and respectful event experience for everyone!
Agenda
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
I Let AI Run My Business. Here's What Running It Looks Like.
Host: Sean Erikson, CEO & Co-Founder, Cloud Nirvana
Info: That title is a lie Sean Erikson tells at parties. He didn't hand his business to an AI and walk away, and the real story is far more useful. For 18 months he's been building an agentic AI operating system in public, and sharing what he learned as he went. Earlier this year he covered what broke, then the patterns he built to fix it. This is the field report from six months later: what a real operational AI system looks like once the demos end and production begins.
The surprise isn't the agents. It's everything you have to build around them, the onboarding, the guardrails, the observability, and the discipline that lets a system run when no one's watching. Including the night his most trusted agent bypassed its own security boundary, and what that cost to fix. Not a case study. Not a pitch. A practitioner's honest account of what "transformation at scale" actually takes.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
TBD
Host: Matt Sias, Founder @ Innovation Acceleration, LLC
Info: TBD
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
TBD
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Break + Networking
Info: Grab a drink, swap stories, and meet the people building real systems in your backyard. This is where the best conversations happen.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
TBD
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Silicon Heartland Sessions LIVE: Transformation at Scale
Info: A live recording of the Silicon Heartland Sessions podcast, right here at the event. Sean Erikson sits down with the day's speakers for an unscripted conversation about what they're seeing in the field. No talking points. No corporate filter. Just practitioners comparing notes on what's working, what's failing, and what they'd do differently. The audience participates directly with questions and discussion, so bring something you want answered. This episode drops on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you listen.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Closing + Happy Hour
Host: Ben Blanquera, VP - AI & Sustainability, RackSpace
Info: Ben Blanquera wraps the day with energy, key takeaways, and a call to action. Then stick around. The conversations that start during happy hour are the ones that turn into collaborations, partnerships, and the kind of relationships that make this community what it is. Drinks are on us.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 20.00
