SOC Under Pressure: How CISOs Are Cutting Noise, Proving Value & Rebuilding for AI

Security Operations Centers are at a breaking point. Alert volumes keep rising, skilled analysts are hard to retain, and boards are asking a tougher question than ever: “What are we actually getting from our SOC investment?”

At the same time, AI is entering the SOC, bringing both opportunity and uncertainty. Many organisations are now rethinking their entire operating model: what to automate, what to outsource, and what capabilities to rebuild from scratch.

This private roundtable dinner brings together a select group of CIOs, CISOs and SOC leaders to openly discuss how they are:

• Reducing alert fatigue without increasing risk

• Proving SOC value to executive leadership and the board

• Deciding what to keep in-house vs. outsource or eliminate

• Applying AI in real operations, beyond the hype

• Evolving from reactive SOCs to intelligence-led security functions

Simon Thornton, Head of Cyber Security Operations at bnode, will share real-world lessons from transforming SOC environments—including what worked, what failed, and what he would do differently today.

An expert from ManageEngine will complement the discussion with practical insights into AI-driven SOC capabilities, focusing on where AI is already delivering measurable impact.

But this evening is not about presentations.

It’s about peer exchange—a closed-door, off-the-record discussion where you can benchmark your approach against other senior security leaders facing the same challenges.

Be there:

• Date: April 28, 2026
• Time: 18:00 – 22:00
• Location: Kasteel Ter Ham,De Maillé de la Tour Landrylaan 2, 1820 Steenokkerzeel

Agenda

• 18:00: Guest Arrival & Welcome Reception

• 19:00: Welcome & Introductions (all)
• 19:30: First Course
• 19:45: What’s Broken in Today’s SOC? (Simon Thornton)
• 20:15: Second Course
• 20:30: Reimagining SOC with AI (ManageEngine)
• 20:50: Main Course
• 21:20: Dessert, Coffee & Open Discussion

More events can be found on www.pointury.com

Simon Thornton
Head of Cyber Security Operations at bnode

Simon Thornton has deep hands-on experience in SOC strategy, threat detection, and incident response. Before joining bnode as SOC leader, Simon he was Head of Cyber Threat Detection and Response at LEGO Group, where he played a key role in building and maturing global SOC and detection capabilities. Simon is recognised for his practical expertise in running high-performing SOC teams, optimising SIEM and SOAR platforms, and responding effectively to advanced cyber threats.

Simon Thornton
Head of Cyber Security Operations at bnode

Simon Thornton has deep hands-on experience in SOC strategy, threat detection, and incident response. Before joining bnode as SOC leader, Simon he was Head of Cyber Threat Detection and Response at LEGO Group, where he played a key role in building and maturing global SOC and detection capabilities. Simon is recognised for his practical expertise in running high-performing SOC teams, optimising SIEM and SOAR platforms, and responding effectively to advanced cyber threats.

Kasteel Ter Ham, Steenokkerzeel

Kasteel Ter Ham is a unique event venue, operated by top chef Bartel Dewulf and his team, perhaps known to you as the chef of our Red Devils. Bartel's cuisine places a strong emphasis on purity. Expect pure dishes, prepared for you using the freshest and locally sourced ingredients."

De Maillé de la Tour Landrylaan 2, 1820 Steenokkerzeel

ManageEngine is the enterprise IT management division of Zoho Corporation, established in 1996. It offers a comprehensive suite of over 60 enterprise products and 60 free tools designed to manage various aspects of IT operations, including networks, servers, applications, service desks, Active Directory, security, desktops, and mobile devices. ​

Serving over 280,000 companies globally ManageEngine is recognized for delivering affordable, feature-rich software that's easy to use. The company's focus on in-house research and development ensures that its solutions are both innovative and aligned with customer needs.​

More events can be found on www.pointury.com