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As AI forces change across the business landscape, the role of boards has never been more critical or complex.
The AICD Tech Governance Forum 2026 offers a timely opportunity to step back, recalibrate, connect with others navigating change and engage with some of the most pressing questions shaping modern governance.
Among the speakers is Steve Vamos, former CEO of Xero and author of Through Shifts and Shocks, who brings a clear message.
As artificial intelligence accelerates change across every sector, the role of boards has never been more important as directors navigate a constantly shifting landscape. The forthcoming AICD Tech Governance Forum 2026, to be held in Brisbane on 12 May, offers the chance to explore the most pressing governance questions.
Among the speakers is Steve Vamos, former CEO of Xero and author of Through Shifts and Shocks. His message? In the digital era, governance is no longer just about oversight - it’s about understanding and leading change.
Governance in an age of constant change
According to Vamos, the digital era has fundamentally altered how organisations evolve. Technology has amplified the ability of individuals and teams to innovate, meaning change is no longer periodic - it is continuous. For boards, this creates a new imperative.
“The effectiveness of the changes going on inside the organisation has to become a central focus,” he explains.
This shift places directors at the heart of transformation. It’s no longer enough to monitor performance or approve strategy at a high level. Boards must now interrogate how change is happening, how well it is being executed and whether the organisation is truly adapting.
Technology governance is really about people
One of the most powerful reframes Vamos offers is that technology governance is not about technology at all- it’s about people.
“Technology is always associated with change,” he says. “But it’s not the technology doing the changing - it’s people.”
This distinction is critical. While organisations often focus heavily on systems, platforms and tools, the real determinant of success lies in how people adapt and respond to those changes. Directors who overlook this risk missing the true drivers of success - or failure.
At the Tech Governance Forum, this human dimension will be front and centre. Attendees will explore how to better assess cultural readiness, leadership capability and workforce impact when overseeing digital transformation.
AI: From efficiency to opportunity
According to Vamos, the digital era has fundamentally altered how organisations evolve. Technology has amplified the ability of individuals and teams to innovate, meaning change is no longer periodic - it is continuous. For boards, this creates a new imperative.
“The effectiveness of the changes going on inside the organisation has to become a central focus,” he explains.
This shift places directors at the heart of transformation. It’s no longer enough to monitor performance or approve strategy at a high level. Boards must now interrogate how change is happening, how well it is being executed and whether the organisation is truly adapting.
Artificial intelligence is dominating boardroom agendas - and for good reason. Yet Vamos suggests many boards are still only scratching the surface of the conversation.
“Every board should be talking about the experience individuals are having in using AI,” he says. “And also the consequences - from efficiency through to opportunities for growth and innovation.”
This dual lens is essential. While cost savings and productivity gains are often the immediate focus, the real value of AI may lie in its ability to unlock new business models, products and services. The forum will provide directors with the insights and frameworks needed to move beyond hype and into meaningful, strategic conversations about AI.
The biggest blind spot in the boardroom
Despite growing awareness, Vamos identifies a persistent blind spot in many board discussions - an overemphasis on technology itself. “We overspend our time on the technology and underspend our time on understanding the human impact,” he notes. This imbalance can lead to flawed decision-making. Without a clear understanding of how change affects employees, customers and stakeholders, even the most sophisticated technology investments can fall short. Addressing this blind spot requires a shift in mindset - one that prioritises human outcomes alongside technical capability. It’s a theme that will resonate throughout the Tech Governance Forum program.
Execution matters more than strategy
Another key insight from Vamos is the importance of focusing on execution. “Board directors should be asking questions about how strategy is being executed - not just the strategy itself,” he says. “That’s 80 per cent of what really matters.” In a world where technology is deeply embedded in strategy, execution becomes synonymous with change management. Directors must understand how initiatives are being implemented, how progress is tracked, and where risks may emerge. The forum will equip attendees with practical tools to strengthen oversight in this area - helping boards move from passive approval to active engagement.
Why connection matters more than ever
Perhaps the most compelling reason to attend the Tech Governance Forum 2026 is the opportunity to connect. “We don’t know how AI is going to play out,” Vamos acknowledges. “So the most important thing we can do is connect with others facing similar challenges and learn from those with experience and insight.” In times of uncertainty, no board operates in isolation. Shared learning, diverse perspectives and open dialogue are essential for navigating complexity. The forum provides exactly that: a space where directors can exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and build the confidence needed to lead through change.
A must-attend event for forward-thinking directors
As technology continues to reshape the business landscape, expectations on boards will only increase. The Tech Governance Forum 2026 offers a unique opportunity to stay ahead of these changes - grounded in practical insights and real-world experience. See here for more info and to secure your place today.
See here for more info and to secure your place today.
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