Industry news

Top 3 digital transformation trends in 2023

The three biggest digital transformation trends in 2023 are effective change management, an increasing shift towards cloud migration and the integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
 
Embracing these trends in your organisation can enhance your competitiveness and adaptability, ultimately safeguarding the future viability of your business model.
Source: The ECM Consultant

 
 

What’s new at Richmond Events?

We’re proud to announce that we are now a sponsor of DAMA UK. We’re thrilled to be supporting DAMA in its mission to nurture a community of data professionals in the UK.
 
We’re looking forward to welcoming their members to our CDO forum next September as we share the common goal of wanting to grow and develop the Data Community in the UK, connecting people, providing resources and supporting progression, to allow organisations to manage data and information as a key asset.
 

CDO Forum latest news

We're delighted to share the news that we have booked three more speakers for the CDO forum and can confirm that our opening keynote speaker for our inaugural CDO Forum next September will be Michael Clark.
Here’s a taster of what you can expect from his opening keynote speech.
Powering New Realities: Data and the Future
Michael Clark, Leading Data and Next-Gen Value Futurist
 
In this opening speech, Michael will explore the transformative power of data in today's world raising critical questions about our readiness for a data-centric future, where data surpasses the importance of money. He will highlight the challenges leaders will face as algorithms and machines take on decision-making roles, emphasising the need for preparedness. Michael will explore the implications for businesses when data storage becomes limited and the importance of identifying valuable data to preserve.
 
He will also discuss the broader societal and political consequences of this data shift, particularly in a world where data becomes less accessible to big tech and businesses. Michael will also explain the concept of identity verification when personal data is less visible.
 
In addition, he will question how businesses can turn data into revenue and adapt to new experiences created from data and will raise concerns about the blurred line between reality and virtual spaces.
 
In his keynote, Michael will introduce the idea that data will not merely record the world but connect everything, becoming a crucial component of emerging smart economies.
 
Michael Clark is a trailblazer in data, future value, and digital innovation and has a track record of transforming global companies by addressing complex data challenges. His insights empower businesses to use data as currency to seize tomorrow's opportunities. His latest book, 'Data and Augmented Worlds,' offers a roadmap for businesses and governments to navigate this data-driven landscape and foster innovation while protecting citizens.
 
Look out for more details about our other keynote speakers next month!

Meet the team

Organising a forum involves a lot of work and planning behind the scenes by our committed and talented team of experts. We thought you might like to find out more about the members of our team who are working hard to make sure that you get the best value possible from the CDO Forum next September. This month we’d like to introduce Fay Watkin. Fay holds the position of Conference Manager at Richmond Events.

We asked her some questions to find out what she enjoys most about her job and what she likes doing in her spare time.
Q. What does your role involve?
A. I’m responsible for building out the Conference arm of our Forum, alongside our Project Director – my role involves consulting with data leaders and delving into the latest industry thinking to make sure we can create a fresh and focused programme that addresses the challenges of ambitious Data Leaders. I create a plan for the conference and decide on the topics and sessions we need to feature. I also manage speakers' journeys, from acquisition through to their experience on the day.

Q. What do you love about your job?
A. I love getting to listen to interesting people at the top of their game – seeing the passion and expertise of our speakers is inspiring, and in the process, you learn so much from them.

Q. What is the best thing about working for Richmond Events?
A. Getting to attend multiple conferences across a wide mix of sectors/industries. The people are also great.

Q. How do you like to spend your free time?
A. I’m currently studying for a Level 7 in Strategic Organisational Learning and Development with the CIPD, so that’s keeping me busy on evenings and weekends.

Q. What is your burning desire?
A. I simply want to live by the sea. I live by a river at the moment, but I’d swap it for the ocean if I got the chance.

Next month we’ll introduce you to another member of our team who performs a different but equally crucial role in planning and organising our forums to ensure that they provide exceptional value and industry insights for delegates and suppliers alike.

Inaugural CDO Forum venue

The Fairmont Windsor Park is the perfect venue to host the Richmond CDO Forum. Its exceptional amenities and tranquil countryside location create an ideal setting for fostering meaningful connections and in-depth discussions among CDOs. The venue boasts spacious and well-equipped rooms, ensuring a seamless and productive experience for attendees. The dedicated and professional staff at the Fairmont Windsor Park are committed to catering to all your needs, delivering impeccable service and a keen attention to detail.
 
With its elegant ambience and exquisite amenities, the venue cultivates a sophisticated atmosphere that promotes networking, collaboration and the exchange of insights among CDOs. The Fairmont Windsor Park truly embodies the essence of exclusivity and luxury, making it an exceptional choice for the Richmond CDO Forum. To find out more about the venue click here.
 
A word from Liam Quinn, Director, Richmond Events
With 12 months to go, we're really pleased with how the forum is progressing. The conference programme is looking amazing. The delegate list is continuing to grow and we're now getting more enquiries from Suppliers.
 

Top tip

 
With less than a year to go now until the event, the clock is ticking, the countdown has started and places are filling up fast. We now have 21 confirmed delegates, 4 suppliers, and 8 speakers and registrations are increasing daily.
Avoid disappointment by booking your place now for the Richmond CDO Forum on 16-17 September 2024. To book your place click here if you are a delegate or here if you are a supplier.

Did you know?
By the time the Richmond CDO Forum is launched, Richmond Events will have run over 1,050 forums since the first Forum in 1990!
 
Why you should attend a Richmond Forum as a Delegate
A Richmond delegate is a senior decision maker or influencer usually in charge of buying decisions who is invited to our forums free of charge. In the fast-paced business world in which we live it has become increasingly difficult, but no less important, to meet people face-to-face.

The Richmond format offers the most time-efficient and cost-effective way to:

• Meet suppliers who can help drive business forward through innovative solutions.
   
• Learn from experts and peers in your field.
   
• Establish new connections with industry peers.
   
• Acquire valuable take-aways to help you and your office stay on top of the latest developments and move forward.
   
• Gain CPD accreditation.

 
Attendance is free of charge for CDO delegates and by invitation only. As a delegate you can create a personalised itinerary tailor-made to suit your organisation’s data goals.

Each bespoke itinerary comprises:

Business meetings
As a delegate, you can meet the suppliers of your choice in pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, each lasting 30 minutes. Many of you will have specific projects for which finding the right supplier is vital, others may have a more general interest in benchmarking your existing partners. Whatever your reason, as a delegate you have the final say in who you do or don't want to meet.

Mealtime meetings
Delegates are hosted by suppliers at each mealtime and will also have the opportunity to talk to other delegates.

Conference sessions
The Richmond Events' conference experience is unique. Every delegate chooses their own combination of conference sessions from a selection of workshops, seminars, personal development sessions and discussion groups. Delegates can also attend our keynotes which take place outside of business hours.

Free time
There will generally be some free time available during the business day where the delegates can network with each other or take time out to relax and process what they've learned.

Entertainment
Delegates attending our overnight forums will be able to round off a busy day with some after-dinner entertainment.

Our unique appointment system allows delegates to make the very best use of their time by pre-selecting who they would like to meet and structuring a bespoke conference programme.
 
Fun facts
As of 20 June 2023, the Richmond format has:

Run 983 forums for 127,600 delegates & 55,201 suppliers.

Between them, they have had 1,460,316 meetings and attended 1,074,861 conference sessions!
 
Richmond Events Q&A
Q. Which was the first Richmond Events Forum in each country?

A. In the UK, the PIMS Forum was the first one to be held in June 1990, onboard SS Canberrra, sailing from Southampton.
The first Italian forum was Inforum, which took place in November 1995 onboard the Costa Allegra, sailing from Genoa.
The first American forum was the Marketing Forum and CIO Forum, held in May 1996, onboard the QE2 ocean liner and cruise ship, sailing out of New York.
The first Swiss forum was the Finance Strategy Forum in June 2008, at the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken.

How to maximise your attendance at the Richmond CDO Forum

• If you’re a delegate, make sure you pre-book your meetings with the suppliers who are the best fit for your needs.
• If you’re a supplier, make sure you buy your ticket and secure your place at the CDO Forum early so you can access to major decision makers.

Richmond Events in numbers
By the end of 2023, we will have run 1012 forums:

• 330 Forums on 193 3-night, 2-day charters onboard a mixture of P&O, NCL, Cunard, and Costa ships
• 552 Forums on land
• 58 Hybrid forums
• 72 Virtual forums
• 446 Forums in the UK, 269 in the USA, 214 in Italy, and 83 in Switzerland

 
Read our latest blog here entitled Navigating the challenges of Chief Data Officers.