I write these words on the heels of a monumental week in Madrid. With Spanish royalty opening the event, amazing receptions in stunning museums, and dozens of practical sessions diving deep into challenging privacy issues, the 31st Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners was nothing short of world-class. On behalf of the IAPP, we extend our thanks and congratulations to all at the Spanish Data Protection Authority for their hospitality and hard work.

And IAPP was busy in Madrid as well! We started early with the global futbol friendly—a good-spirited match of soccer that left many privacy pros a bit sore for the rest of the week. This was followed by the IAPP Data Protection and Privacy Workshop. It was a great honor to launch the IAPP Europe from this event. As the global privacy profession has expanded, the IAPP has become increasingly diverse and today includes members from 50 nations around the globe. A dedicated European component lets us tailor services to this robust and important population of privacy and data protection professionals.

We are grateful to have an esteemed group of European data protection experts leading this effort, including professionals, regulators, and representatives from our sister organizations—the German, French, and Spanish professional associations. Their work will ensure a uniquely continental touch to the enhanced education, networking, and certification opportunities (we will offer a CIPP/E credential beginning in 2010) to be offered across the continent.

On the opposite of the Atlantic, the IAPP Practical Privacy Series: Government returns to Washington, DC next month, December 8-9. We’re dedicating an entire day to examining the role of the Federal Trade Commission in consumer privacy protection, and we’ll hear from FTC Consumer Protection Bureau chief David Vladeck, among others from the commission. I hope to see many of you there.

J. Trevor Hughes, CIPP
Executive Director, IAPP