Cranium 2026 AI Summit & Headbangers Ball

Where AI Security and Governance Meets Rock ‘n’ Roll

Get ready to amplify your AI strategy! The Cranium AI Summit & Headbangers Ball is back for 2026, bringing together the brightest minds in AI security, governance, third-party risk and compliance for an unforgettable day of cutting-edge insights and live music. This isn’t just another tech conference — it’s where the AI security and risk community comes together to share new breakthroughs, discuss the hot topics, and explore where the industry is going next.

Join industry leaders, innovators, practitioners….and a few rockstars, as we tackle the biggest challenges in AI trust, security, and governance. From keynote addresses to executive panel discussions and that legendary live music finale, this is the event that proves business and music make the perfect power chord.

Date

May 21, 2026

Location

The Westin Jersey City Newport, Jersey City, NJ

Secure Your Spot for 2026

Don’t miss the most electrifying AI event of the year. Register now to join other AI Security, Risk, Compliance, and Governance leaders shaping the future of AI.

Registration is Now Open!

Investing in the Future of AI

For 2026, all AI Summit & Headbangers Ball registration fees will go to support 2 scholarship programs:

The Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) Joyce Brocaglia CMU Endowed Fellowship Fund

This fund supports scholarships for students at Carnegie Mellon University’s Information Networking Institute (INI), helping to provide access to top-tier education for women pursuing careers in STEM and furthers the EWF mission to close the gender gap in leadership.
You can learn more about this program and the EWF organization here: Click here

The AI Fellows Fund for the Nittany AI Alliance at PSU

This fund supports the Nittany AI Alliance program at Penn State University, creating programs that bring together students, faculty, staff, and industry leaders to address real-world problems through experiential learning projects using artificial intelligence–based solutions.
You can learn more about this program here: Click here

Early Bird pricing is available until March 15!

Group discounts are available for teams of 5+. Email us for more information: Events@cranium.ai

What’s Included in your pass:

Full access to AI Summit sessions featuring industry-leading speakers
Interactive panel discussions and fireside chats
Networking opportunities with AI security and governance professionals
Cranium product demonstrations and sponsor showcase
Evening concert with live music performance
Roundtrip transportation from the Westin to the concert venue
Premium dining options, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee breaks, and cocktails during the live concert event

Keynotes & Panels

Topics include: AI Security, Governance, Compliance, Agents

300+ AI Governance, Security and Risk Leaders

Attendees from Financial Services, Life Sciences, Telecommunications + more
Access to Cranium Product Leaders & Cranium Partners

Peer Networking & Concert Event

Multiple networking opportunities breakfast, lunch, dinner, + breaks)
Special concert event at White Eagle Hall (less than 1 mile from Westin hotel)

NEW for 2026: Pre-conference AI Security & Governance Training

Hands-on, instructor led
2 Tracks to choose from: AI Security, AI Governance

AGENDA OVERVIEW

Two Days of Training, Innovation, and Entertainment

Cranium Pre-conference Training Schedule – May 20, 2026

9:00am – 4:00pm: Training
Breakfast & Lunch provided
4:00pm – 5:30pm: Cocktails & Networking
2 Tracks: AI Governance, AI Security
Certificate of completion received end of day

Cranium AI Summit Schedule – May 21, 2026

10:00am – 5:30pm: AI Summit
5:30pm – 6:30pm: Networking dinner before concert event

Cranium Headbangers Ball – May 21, 2026

6:30pm – 7:00pm: Shuttle Bus transfers to White Eagle Hall
7:30pm: Concert begins!
9:45pm – 10:15pm: Shuttle Bus transfers back to Westin hotel.

Pre-Conference AI Security TrainingMay 20, 2026 | Full Day Training with Certificate of Completion

What You’ll Learn

This training will cover the fundamentals of AI security, split into specialized tracks for deep-dive learning, then regroup for a hands-on incident response exercise that puts it all together. You’ll leave with practical frameworks, cross-functional collaboration experience, and an incident response outline.

What Makes This Different:No death by PowerPoint. We’re focused on what you need to implement AI security when you get back to your desk on Monday. Expect real examples, honest discussions about what works and what doesn’t, and a collaborative final session where you’ll build something you can take back to your organization.

Who Should Attend?

This training is designed for cross-functional teams. Organizations should send representatives from both disciplines:

Technical Track

Security engineers and architects
AI/ML developers and engineers
Application security specialists
DevSecOps and MLOps teams
Red team members

Governance Track

Risk managers and officers
Compliance and audit professionals
Third-party risk management teams
CISOs and security leaders
AI governance committee members

Keynote Speaker

To Be Announced

Our 2026 speaker lineup will bring together the most influential voices in AI security, governance, compliance, and innovation. Following the success of our 2025 AI Summit featuring Shelly Palmer, Governor Phil Murphy, and leaders from Deutsche Bank, BNY, JPMorgan Chase, MITRE, and KPMG—we’re raising the bar even higher for 2026.

2026 Topics will include:

AI Agents & Agentic Remediation
Building Effective AI Governance Strategies
The Evolving Role of Security, Rick, and Governance Leaders in the AI Era
Real-World AI Attacks and Defense Strategies
Third-Party AI Risk Management & Monitoring
AI Compliance and the Global Regulatory Landscape

Be Part of Something Legendary

Position your brand at the intersection of innovation and influence. Sponsoring the Cranium 2026 AI Summit & Headbangers Ball connects you with decision-makers from Fortune 500 companies, leading financial institutions, and cutting-edge technology organizations.

Why Sponsor?

Scaling AI responsibly through proper governance and innovation using the colors purple and blue in a business setting

Unmatched Access
Connect with 300+ AI Governance, Security, and Risk Leaders from Fortune 500 companies and leading financial institutions.

Brand Visibility
Showcase your solutions through speaking opportunities, tabletop booths, and comprehensive marketing exposure.

Thought Leadership
Establish your organization as a leader through keynotes, panel participation, and pre-conference training sessions.

Important Notes:

All sponsorships are subject to approval and are limited
Diamond & Platinum sponsors’ abstracts & slides require approval
Sponsorships sold on first-to-contract basis
Early bird discount: 20% off all sponsorships if booked by February 15th

Interested in Sponsorships?

Cranium 2025 AI Summit and Headbangers Ball Backstage Pass 15

Email us at Events@cranium.ai to get our Sponsorship Guide

Interested companies will need to complete and submit a Sponsorship Form along with method of payment.

We expect to sell out – secure your sponsorship today!

Book a demo

Cranium AI Launches New AI Security, Governance, and Agentic Features to Enhance its Award-Winning Platform