Privacy pros know that when they gather on IAPP Privacy After Hours nights they are part of something big. This Tuesday night, however, was bigger than ever. More than 500 people that work with data—from all levels of experience, every sector and industry—gathered around the world in more than 30 locations. (Even with a winter storm causing several postponed events across the middle and southern parts of the United States.) The casual settings and open invitation for anyone interested in privacy to attend has continually led to local networking that would never have happened otherwise, and this past Data Privacy Day was no exception. A big thank you to our volunteer hosts for setting up gatherings being described by participants as “extremely successful” and “practically a party … people didn’t want to leave.”

Here are a few scenes from around the globe:

Austin, TX: Alina Avery, Marketing Coordinator, CSID, put together an event at Perry's Steakhouse & Grill.

Another event, held about three hours north in Addison, TX, was described by organizer Carol Stripsky, Privacy Manager at HP, this way: "I think the one last night was the most successful yet. I have hosted about 10 of these over the years and this one had the most people, most varied backgrounds and most interesting privacy related dialogue yet. I remember when I first started these here in D/FW and only 3 people would come out….last night was practically a party. Woot! Woot! People did not want to leave."

Paris, France: Sara Susnjar, Associate, Winston & Strawn LLP, put together a meet-up at Kitty O'Shea's.

Susnjar writes of the night: "The event was a success in that it was the first time that the Paris Privacy After Hours were held in Paris in years. Furthermore, the people who attended were extremely enthusiastic about the event and the potential to have other such happy hours in order to network and exchange ideas."

Boston, MA: Allison Dolan, Privacy Specialist, Massachusetts General Hospital, put together a gathering at Hillstone.

Down the East Coast, in Washington, DC, organizers Bret Cohen and Julian Flamant of the Hogan Lovells Privacy Team, said their event was a blast: “Extremely successful. The logistical aspects of the event were smooth, with the bar offering us a large and private space as well as two dedicated servers. We enjoyed a high level of attendance that included members and non-members (who will likely become members shortly!).” 

Utrecht, Netherlands: Koen Versmissen, Privacy Management Partners, got everyone together at Polman's Huis.

London, UK: Eleanor Treharne-Jones, TRUSTe, organized a meet-up at The Loft Lounge at The Hospital Club.

Omaha, NE : Tom Kelley, Partner, McGrath North, organized a shindig at Fox and Hound.

Finally, farther West, we heard from Sacramento, CA, organizers Christy Navarro, Director, Health Information Privacy & Security, Ascendian Healthcare Consulting, and Mary Morshed, Security Manager, CalPERS, who said, "We had a great group of folks attend, bringing a wealth of information in privacy, security and auditing. We had representatives from both private and public organizations, with all levels of experience. In addition, the venue provided a relaxing atmosphere.”

The next set Privacy After Hours events will be held October 23. If you'd like to host an event, please contact Leah Simon.