Inside PECBConf26: The Expert Panels Defining the Future of Digital Trust

The countdown to Rome has begun, and the stage is set for conversations that will shape the future of technology.

From October 5-8, #PECBConf26 will bring together leading voices in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and governance for discussions focused on the challenges organizations are facing today and the opportunities ahead.

Covering some of the most pressing topics in today’s digital landscape, these panels will bring together expert perspectives on AI security, regulatory change, operational resilience, and the future of trusted technology.

Each conversation will offer a unique perspective from professionals who are actively working at the intersection of technology, security, and business transformation. Let’s take a closer look at the experts and the ideas they will bring to the stage in Rome.

Agentic AI Security: Governing Autonomous Systems in Production

Artificial intelligence is evolving from tools that assist humans into autonomous systems capable of making decisions, adapting, and operating independently. But with greater autonomy comes greater responsibility.

This panel will explore how organizations can securely deploy and govern agentic AI systems while addressing emerging risks, accountability challenges, and the need for responsible AI frameworks.

Joining the conversation will be Nathalie Claes, Leading Lady of Dadir BV, who emphasizes that the biggest challenges with AI are not always technical. As she explains, “AI doesn’t fail because of technology. It fails when people don’t ask the right questions.” Davorin Kacian, Founder & CEO of International Management Systems Academy, will also share his perspective on why governance must remain central as AI becomes more autonomous, highlighting that “Autonomous AI systems involve more than technical control. They require clearly defined accountability, continuous human oversight, and robust governance across the entire lifecycle.”

Together with Renatto Garro, Director of Innovation at Nebulai, and Sara Magdalena Goldberger, Fractional Chief AI Officer & Digital Transformation Executive at Goldkom, the panel will discuss what organizations need to consider when building trust and security around the next generation of AI systems.

DORA Reality Check: First-Year Implementation Lessons & Audit Failures

The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) has introduced significant changes for organizations across the financial sector. However, as organizations move from preparation to implementation, real-world challenges are becoming clearer.

This discussion will examine the first year of DORA adoption, exploring lessons learned, common implementation challenges, and the audit failures organizations need to avoid.

The panel will feature experts including Gry Evita Sivertsen, Partner & COO at Gritera Security AS, Mostafa Alshamy, CCO and CEO at EGYBYTE/OIS, Wesley Venstermans, Entrepreneur & Security Professional at Trigger It, and Valeri Milke, CEO at VamiSec GmbH.

Together, they will share practical insights into strengthening operational resilience and turning regulatory requirements into meaningful security improvements.

Preparing for Omnibus: How DORA, NIS2, and the EU AI Act Shape the Next EU Compliance Era

The European regulatory landscape is entering a new phase. With DORA, NIS2, and the EU AI Act reshaping how organizations approach cybersecurity, risk management, and AI governance, businesses must find ways to adapt while continuing to innovate.

This panel will bring together experts including Adedayo Adeniji, Senior Cybersecurity Auditor at Booking Holdings, Olga Nielsen, CEO & Founder of Nordic Data Compliance Centre, Henri Haenni, CEO at Abilene Group, and Joerg Asma, Partner and Digital Healthcare Consulting Leader at PwC.

Sharing her perspective on the importance of adaptability, Olga Nielsen highlights that “strong governance with clear accountability across departments, and cross-functional collaboration remain key to building resilient compliance that can withstand changes and quickly adapt to new legal requirements.”

The discussion will explore how organizations can prepare for the evolving compliance landscape while maintaining security, trust, and business agility.

AI in the Supply Chain: Third-Party Risk in the Age of Autonomous Systems

As organizations increasingly integrate AI into their operations, supply chains are becoming more connected and complex. Every new tool, vendor, and data exchange introduces new opportunities, but also new risks.

This panel will explore how organizations can manage third-party risks, secure AI-enabled ecosystems, and strengthen resilience across increasingly interconnected digital environments.

The discussion will feature Ine Segers, Enterprise Security Architect at Devoteam, Derek Tata, Lead Offensive Security Engineer at Cyber Defenz, Fabrizio Degni, Chief AI Officer & AI and Data Governance Lead at the Global Council for Responsible AI, Greg Evseev, AI Governance & Information Security Consultant at Prosecco 37 d.o.o., and Willy Fabritius, Global Head Strategy – Digital Trust at SGS.

Highlighting the importance of visibility across the AI ecosystem, Derek Tata notes: “AI is transforming supply chains, but it’s also redefining risk: every algorithm, vendor, and data pipeline becomes a new attack surface.”

Meanwhile, Greg Evseev raises an important question organizations need to answer: “The AI tools in your supply chain use your data. Can you name them?”

Join the conversations in Rome and let’s discuss all of these together!

The future of cybersecurity and technology will not be shaped by one perspective alone. It will be built through collaboration, shared experiences, and conversations that bring different voices together.