Toronto, Ontario – The bustling city of Toronto recently played host to the ARMA Canada Information Conference 2023, an event that brought together a diverse array of professionals in the records management industry. The conference, held at The Westin Harbour Castle in mid-July, proved to be a resounding success, providing a platform for information experts to connect, learn, and shape the trajectory of their profession.
With attendance numbering in the hundreds, the event drew records management, information management, and governance professionals from all corners of North America. The camaraderie and exchange of ideas were palpable as the industry's finest minds converged for a series of enlightening sessions and discussions. Plans are already in motion for the 2024 edition, scheduled to unfold from May 12th to 14th, 2024, at the Westin Calgary.
Nathan Hughes, CEO of ARMA International, expressed his satisfaction with the conference's outcome. "The recent ARMA Canada Information Conference was a hub of exceptional sessions and a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues. Our vendors and partners echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the conference's indispensable role for industry professionals," he remarked. From the captivating opening keynote by Scott Taylor, known as The Data Whisperer, to the culminating ARMA Canada Party, participants found immense value in the educational sessions and networking opportunities.
One of the standout announcements during the conference came from Nate Hughes himself, as he unveiled plans for the InfoNext Conference, a pioneering collaboration between MER and ARMA. Formerly recognized as the MER Conference, InfoNext is set to make its debut in April 2024 in Palm Springs, CA, solidifying its place as a pivotal addition to ARMA's annual event roster. Drawing from the wealth of experience between ARMA and MER, this innovative venture aims to provide a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to education and the evolution of information governance programs.
The conference's significance was further underscored by the introduction of the Global Information Consortium (GIC), a joint effort by ARMA International and The Records and Information Management Practitioners Alliance (RIMPA Global). The GIC's mission is a global one: fostering a unified community that advocates for the integration of information management (IM) into the core operations of both corporations and governments. Their shared vision seeks to propel the profession forward by championing effective, ethical, and transformative information management practices.
Central to the conference were three dynamic keynote speakers who delved into the intricate balance between the advantages and vulnerabilities of an organization's critical information assets. Scott Taylor, The Data Whisperer, underscored the importance of crafting a compelling narrative around data management programs to ensure sustained support from key stakeholders and business leadership. Leslie MacGregor from the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) shed light on the principles of ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP®), highlighting the significance of First Nations data sovereignty. Dr. Christopher Parsons, Senior Technology and Policy Advisor at the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, explored the nuanced landscape of privacy in the era of digital surveillance and AI advancements. His engaging fireside-style conversation with John Isaza, Partner at Rimon Law, provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the implications for Canadian information management professionals.
Nathan Hughes added, "Beyond the impactful keynotes, the conference's educational agenda boasted a robust selection of breakout sessions. These covered an array of topics, including advanced information concepts, process enhancement, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), ethics, cutting-edge technology in information management, legal aspects, professional growth, and strategies to mitigate organizational information risk."
Networking took center stage with three lively events: the Welcome Reception, Expo Hall Pub Crawl, and the ARMA Canada Party. In the spirit of giving back, ARMA made a meaningful contribution of $1300 to Indspire, a national Indigenous registered charity dedicated to advancing the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals, benefiting them, their families, communities, and the nation as a whole.
Anticipation is already building for the upcoming 2024 ARMA Canada Information Conference, slated to grace the Westin Calgary from May 12th to 14th, 2024. As the industry continues to evolve, this conference promises to be a touchstone for knowledge, connection, and progress in the dynamic field of information management.
