Wow! What a week. First, for me, it started with two intensive but fun days of CIPP/C training. My class was one of three — the others being for CIPT and CIPM. Together, about 100 new people got certification training this week. Good start!

Then, the fun really started. Wednesday morning at the IAPP Canada Symposium, we had two great keynotes kick off the conference. First was Commissioner Therrien, who gave his annual address to the privacy profession. Far too much was said to try and summarize here, but let’s just say that his new emphasis on proactive enforcement got my attention and the attention of some of my clients. Then came Nora Young, the CBC host who gave us a look at the world of Big Data, what’s to come and how it can be both a good thing and a challenge for privacy.

Our keynotes on the second day were equally compelling. Michael Kydd spoke from the heart about what it’s really like being an average guy trying to determine whether he has an actual “right to be forgotten” so as to move on from a very public mistake. Then, there was Jim Harris, who wowed us with stories of transformative new technologies that are going to force us to reshape the way we think.

Between keynotes, there were tons of excellent sessions. The complaint, if I can call it that, that I heard the most was that there were sometimes too many good sessions taking place at the same time, and it was tough to choose between them.

Not to be outdone, Commissioners Tully, Clayton and McArthur put on a great game show, having fun "Family Feud"–style. And let me say, as the host of this annual session, that I do appreciate how they were all in.

All in all, it was a fantastic week — and one happening in the midst of the NHL playoffs — and yet we were able to turn our attention to privacy in Canada nonetheless. You know, there are more than 1,700 Canadian members, and 600 of them were present for the Symposium. Those are pretty good odds, I’d say. It created a tangible buzz, a palpable energy, for sure. The IAPP staff who put on this great event should be commended. They also found a stunning location — with an amazing outdoor view of the cityscape — for the soiree, which folks are unlikely to forget anytime soon. If this year was any indication, I’m willing to bet that next year’s event will be even bigger and better. And it will again sell out. So plan now to ensure your spot at the industry’s best conference. And thanks to all those who contributed and took the time to join us.