Fort Lauderdale, FL, February 19, 2026 – The CIO Council of South Florida is proud to announce that Captain Barrington Irving will serve as a keynote speaker at SCIO’26.
Captain Irving is widely recognized as the youngest person to fly solo around the world, completing his historic journey at age 23. But beyond aviation, his lasting impact has been in education and community engagement. Through the Experience Aviation program and related STEM initiatives, he has worked to inspire and equip young people—particularly in underserved communities—to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
His message is one of courage, preparation, and disciplined execution—values that resonate strongly with senior technology leaders responsible for guiding digital transformation, managing risk, and building resilient organizations.
SCIO’26 brings together South Florida’s most senior technology executives for thought leadership, peer engagement, and meaningful dialogue. Captain Irving’s story bridges innovation and purpose, reinforcing the Council’s commitment not only to leadership excellence, but also to investing in the next generation of technology professionals.
The CIO Council’s mission includes advancing educational outreach and supporting its Scholarship Fund to help develop future IT leaders. Captain Irving’s work in expanding access to STEM education directly aligns with that vision—demonstrating how leadership can extend beyond the boardroom and into the community.
Attendees can expect a keynote that challenges assumptions, elevates perspective, and underscores the responsibility today’s leaders carry in shaping tomorrow’s opportunities.
Registration for SCIO’26 is now open. Join us as we welcome Captain Barrington Irving and gather South Florida’s top technology leaders for an event focused on leadership, innovation, and impact.
Registration and info: https://ciocouncilsouthflorida.org/scio-2026/