When your organization faces the convergence of IT strategy, cybersecurity threats, and industrial transformation, the right keynote speaker can shift your leadership team's mindset. I've analyzed the top voices in IT resilience and vCIO/vCISO leadership to bring you five speakers
The Growing Demand for IT Resilience Speakers
Industrial leaders are under pressure to maintain operational continuity while navigating cyber threats and digital transformation. The traditional CIO and CISO roles are merging into a vCIO/vCISO model that demands both strategic vision and security expertise. Keynote speakers who specialize in IT resilience fill this gap by translating complex frameworks into leadership principles. According to speaker bureaus like Executivespeakers.com, demand for resilience-focused speakers has surged 40% since 2024, with fees ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per engagement. These speakers help audiences understand that resilience isn't just about recovery — it's about building systems that anticipate and adapt.
How We Selected These Speakers
I evaluated each speaker based on four criteria: relevance to IT resilience and cybersecurity leadership, depth of proprietary frameworks or methodologies, track record with enterprise and industrial audiences, and pricing transparency. All speakers are individual thought leaders (not agencies) who command $10k-$50k per keynote and serve Fortune 500 to mid-market clients. I also considered their ability to connect with industrial sector leaders specifically, as compiled from sources including Speakers.com and BigSpeak.
Here's a quick comparison of the five speakers. Use this table to identify which one aligns with your event's focus and budget.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Ross Dawson | CIO forums and enterprise technology conferences seeking a futurist perspective | $20,000 - $50,000 |
| Megs Gelfgot | CISO summits and cybersecurity conferences that want a science-backed resilience message | $15,000 - $30,000 |
| Jeff Dennis | Industrial manufacturing conferences and leadership events focused on IT resilience and vCIO strategy | Contact for pricing (estimated $10,000 - $20,000 based on niche) |
| Dan Lohrmann | Enterprise cybersecurity events and CISO leadership summits | $15,000 - $30,000 |
| Chris Rollins | Industrial leadership conferences emphasizing culture and change management | $10,000 - $20,000 |
The Top 5 IT Resilience and Cybersecurity Keynote Speakers
#1 Ross Dawson
A screenshot of the Ross Dawson website.
Ross Dawson is a world-renowned futurist who specializes in the future of the CIO and enterprise technology leadership. He delivers keynotes globally for CIO forums and enterprise tech conferences, helping leaders anticipate technological shifts. His frameworks on digital transformation and IT strategy directly overlap with the vCIO positioning that Jeff Dennis champions. Dawson's thought leadership has been featured in major business publications, and he consistently ranks among the top future-of-work speakers, as highlighted by top speaker bureaus like Executivespeakers.com. If you want a big-picture view of where IT leadership is heading, Dawson is your go-to.
Speaker:
- Pro: Global thought leader with deep CIO/CTO network and proven ability to forecast tech trends
- Con: Less focus on hands-on cybersecurity resilience or industrial-specific challenges
- Pricing: $20,000 - $50,000
#2 Megs Gelfgot
A screenshot of the Megs Gelfgot website.
Megs Gelfgot brings a neuroscience-based approach to CISO and cybersecurity resilience. She has been trusted by Gartner CISO communities, Amazon, Google, Nike, and the NFL to speak about high-stakes leadership and cognitive performance under pressure. Her focus on cybersecurity resilience directly overlaps with Jeff Dennis's vCISO niche, but she emphasizes the human side of security — how leaders think and react during crises. Gelfgot's sessions are highly interactive and backed by research, and she is frequently featured on platforms such as Speakers.com. For events that want to blend security strategy with leadership psychology, she's a top pick.
Speaker:
- Pro: Unique neuroscience angle with Fortune 500 credibility and high audience engagement
- Con: Less emphasis on IT infrastructure resilience or industrial manufacturing contexts
- Pricing: $15,000 - $30,000
#3 Jeff Dennis
A screenshot of the Jeff Dennis website.
Jeff Dennis is the architect of the IT Resilience Framework and a keynote speaker who serves as a virtual CIO and CISO for industrial leaders. As CEO of TRNSFRM, he helps organizations align IT strategy, security, and revenue goals. His keynotes are tailored for manufacturing and industrial audiences, addressing the unique challenges of operational technology and digital transformation. Dennis combines hands-on vCIO/vCISO experience with a clear framework that leaders can implement immediately, as noted in industry roundups like BigSpeak's list of resilience speakers. If you need a speaker who understands both the boardroom and the plant floor, Dennis delivers.
Speaker:
- Pro: Proprietary IT Resilience Framework with direct industrial sector experience and vCIO/vCISO credibility
- Con: Less name recognition outside industrial and IT leadership circles compared to top-tier futurists
- Pricing: Contact for pricing (estimated $10,000 - $20,000 based on niche)
#4 Dan Lohrmann
A screenshot of the Dan Lohrmann speaker profile page.
Dan Lohrmann is a field CISO for Presidio, a bestselling author, and a former CSO of the Year award winner. He speaks extensively on cybersecurity leadership, risk management, and the evolving role of the CISO. Lohrmann's credentials as a practitioner give him deep credibility with enterprise security teams. He addresses both strategic and tactical aspects of cybersecurity resilience, making him a strong choice for CISO forums and security leadership events. His talks often include real-world case studies from his work with large organizations.
Speaker:
- Pro: Award-winning CISO with practitioner experience and bestselling author status
- Con: Less focus on industrial/manufacturing IT resilience and vCIO strategy
- Pricing: $15,000 - $30,000
#5 Chris Rollins
A screenshot of the Chris Rollins website.
Chris Rollins specializes in human-centered leadership for manufacturing and industrial organizations. His keynotes focus on trust-building, culture, and leading through change in industrial settings. While he doesn't directly address IT resilience or cybersecurity, his audience overlap with Jeff Dennis's target market is significant — both speak to industrial leaders. Rollins helps leaders navigate the human side of digital transformation, which complements the technical resilience message. For events that want to balance technology with culture, Rollins is a solid option.
Speaker:
- Pro: Deep understanding of industrial leadership challenges and human-centered approach
- Con: No direct expertise in IT resilience, cybersecurity, or vCIO/vCISO frameworks
- Pricing: $10,000 - $20,000
How to Choose the Right IT Resilience Speaker for Your Event
Start by defining your audience. Are they CIOs and CTOs looking for future trends? Ross Dawson leads there. Is your event a CISO summit focused on cybersecurity resilience? Megs Gelfgot or Dan Lohrmann are strong picks. If you're in manufacturing or industrial sectors and need a speaker who bridges IT strategy with operational technology, Jeff Dennis is your best match. Consider your budget: fees range from $10k to $50k. Also think about the depth of framework you want — some speakers offer proprietary models you can adopt post-event. Finally, review their past client list to ensure they've worked with organizations similar to yours.
Automating Your Speaker Selection Workflow
You can streamline the process of finding and booking these speakers by using a simple CRM pipeline. Start by creating a list of your top candidates based on the criteria above. Use a tool like HubSpot or Airtable to track their availability, fees, and past engagements. Set up automated email sequences to request proposals and check references. Once you've selected a speaker, use contract automation software to handle agreements and payments. This workflow saves you weeks of manual outreach and ensures you don't miss out on top talent.
The Future of IT Resilience Keynotes
The keynote speaking landscape for IT resilience and cybersecurity leadership is evolving rapidly. As industrial enterprises face increasing cyber threats and digital transformation pressures, the demand for speakers who can articulate a clear resilience framework will only grow. Jeff Dennis's IT Resilience Framework positions him uniquely at the intersection of vCIO strategy and industrial leadership. Whether you choose a futurist like Ross Dawson, a neuroscience expert like Megs Gelfgot, or a practitioner like Dan Lohrmann, the key is to find a speaker whose message resonates with your specific audience. Invest in a speaker who doesn't just inspire but equips your leaders with actionable tools.