Data is everywhere – and the ways in which we’re collecting, processing and utilising it are constantly evolving, while regulation and governance best practice struggles to keep up.

And as AI becomes increasingly omnipresent, the need to empower innovation while keeping on top of risk is vital.

In our next data and cyber conference experts from across the firm will be joined by industry leaders to explore some of the upcoming issues in data use, what opportunities the increase in data and related technologies brings for both businesses and the Scottish economy, and some of the key changes in the regulatory landscape to look out for.

Sessions will include:

  • The future of data and AI governance: Jo McLean, Director in our data privacy team will lead a panel session of industry experts from across sectors will discuss how they are navigating the regulatory environment and getting the most out of data and AI in a tech environment. Panellists include: Matthew McIlwaine, Director of Privacy and AI at Trustpilot; Garrett Sprague, Co-Founder and CEO of Smplicare; Brian Taylor, Head of Information Governance and Group DPO at Hymans; and Steph Wright, Head of the Scottish AI Alliance.

  • Data in motion: Risk resiliance and human side of migration. Nick Mier, Global Information Technology Director at M&C Saatchi Group will join David Goodbrand, Head of Data Privacy at Burness Paull to share his experiences of leading international transformational digital projects and all they entail.

  • Sustainability in the digital age: In this fireside chat, Jo McLean will be joined by Sunil Veddam, leader of the Green IT & Digital Sustainability Practice for Capgemini Invent to explore some of the environmental considerations around using AI - with some surprising insights.

  • Data centres: In this panel session chaired by Callum Sinclair, Head of Technology & Commercial at Burness Paull, we'll explore challenges and opportunities for Scotland and the UK, including the future of AI growth zones. Panellists include: Andrew Sinclair, CTO at Brightsolid; Euan Taylor, Legal Counsel at Apatura; David Ferguson, Cyber Development Lead and Head of Data at ScotlandIS; Chris Boyland, Head of AI and Digital Growth at The Scottish Government and Alasdair Sutherland, Head of Planning at Burness Paull.

  • Protecting your data and digital assets in the afterlife: Kirsten Leckie, Director in our private client team and Murray Cree, Partner in our technology & commercial division will take a look at what you need to do to ensure your online estate is taken care of after you pass - including some factors you probably haven't thought about!

  • Fireside chat with the ICO: In this session led by Rebecca Roberts, Director in our cyber security team, we’ll explore what the ICO regards as lessons to be learned from previous cases. We’ll cover some of the trends in recent data breaches, and find out what the ICO considers when assessing an incident.
     

The conference will be useful for anyone who deals with data governance as part of their role including regulatory and compliance teams, in-house lawyers, IT directors, privacy, cyber and AI professionals and others with an interest in data.

WHEN?

Tuesday 30 September 2025 

8.30am - Registration - tea/coffee and breakfast pastries served.

Conference sessions from 9.30am - 1.15pm followed by networking lunch

WHERE?

Everyman Cinema, St James Quarter, Edinburgh, EH1 3AD

RSVP HERE RSVP HERE

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