Progress is rarely loud. Tonight, we name the people driving it.
Come celebrate this year’s Data & AI luminaries and honor our peers in surroundings worthy of their brilliance. Unveiling the Drivers of Progress recognizes the leadership and innovation quietly setting the pace for our industry: an evening of good company, fine surroundings, and recognition long overdue.
An extraordinary celebration honoring the brilliant minds driving Data and AI forward, spotlighting the achievements shaping our technological future.
II
A Night to Remember
Step behind the mask into an atmosphere of elegance and inspiration as we present the WLDA Awards: moments of recognition and stories of the progress still to come.
III
Connect & Inspire
Network with industry leaders in a setting built for meaningful connection, and join a community dedicated to advancing what’s next in Data and AI.
This year’s shortlist
Meet the 2026 finalists
The finalists have been named across every category: the leaders, teams, and organizations whose work moved Data and AI forward this year. Winners stay behind the mask until the unmasking at 48 Wall Street on October 30.
WLDA membership runs through the Fortune 1000, with leaders from KPMG, Chevron, L’Oréal, Pfizer, JPMorgan Chase, and IBM. One night at 48 Wall Street puts you in the room with the people setting AI strategy at that scale, and the evening’s awards put a name to the work that has moved the needle.
KPMG·Chevron·L’Oréal·Pfizer·JPMorgan Chase·IBM
Who should attend
Leaders shaping what comes next
Decision-makers shaping the future of data and artificial intelligence.
Chief Data OfficersChief AI OfficersCIOsCTOsFortune 1000 Executives
Register
Reserve your place at the Gala
Choose your seats for the evening, add a pass to the WLDA Summit if you would like to join the day’s sessions, then continue to secure checkout.
The HonoreesOn StageRed CarpetA ToastIn ConversationThe AwardThe PresentationAt the TableReceptionArrivalsDinnerLive Music
Before the masks come on
Come for the Summit. Stay for the Gala.
The Gala closes the WLDA Summit, a day of closed-door sessions with the Chief Data and AI Officers setting the agenda across the Fortune 1000. Spend the day in the working rooms where strategy is argued out, then walk into the evening already mid-conversation.
This year’s shortlist has been announced. See the full list of honorees across every category on the 2026 WLDA Awards Gala nominees page. Winners are revealed live at the Gala on October 30 in New York City.
What is the dress code?
Black tie, masquerade. Bring a mask: it comes off for the unmasking, when the winners are revealed.
Is there a hotel block?
Yes. We have a group block at the New York Marriott Downtown, 85 West Street at Albany Street. Reserve your room here; book by October 8, 2026 to guarantee the group rate.
Can I bring a guest or reserve a table?
Yes to both. Note your table preference when you register, or email membership@wlda.tech and we will seat your party together.
Can sponsors attend?
Yes. Sponsorship includes attendance at the Awards Gala, with seats and benefits depending on tier. Email membership@wlda.tech to discuss options.
Is the Gala part of the WLDA Summit?
The Awards Gala closes the Summit day. You can attend the Gala on its own, or join us for the Summit sessions first: add a Summit pass in the registration form above.
Come raise a glass to the people building what comes next.
Take your seat among the world’s leaders in Data & AI.
WLDA brings together the CDOs, CAIOs and C-suite executives shaping how the Fortune 1000 puts data and AI to work. Members gain a trusted peer network, members-only leader meetups and a place at flagship moments like the Summit at the New York Stock Exchange.
Members include leaders from KPMG, Chevron, L’Oréal, Pfizer and more.
