Leading Data Switzerland: DAMA Switzerland - Zurich Annual Conference

Mon, 15 Sep

Toro Building, Brown-Boveri-Strasse 5, Oerlikon, Zurich

DAMA Switzerland - Zurich

DAMA International is a global organization with the objective to develop and share best practices and methodologies in modern Data Management. In 2025 DAMA Switzerland - Zurich was founded: You are cordially invited to join our first conference!   13:30 – 14:00          Leading data to the future in Switzerland. Chapter presentation and initiatives: mission, membership, webinars, mentoring.   14:00 - 14:45          Petr Beles : Is data modeling dead?   With cloud-native tools and frameworks like DBT reshaping data engineering, traditional data modeling is seen by some as outdated—too slow or disconnected from agile delivery. But is data modeling really dead? In this session, we’ll explore the evolution from 3NF and dimensional models to agile approaches like Data Vault. We’ll look at why past models often fell short, and how automation and CI/CD are redefining modeling practices. You’ll discover how modern tools and standardized workflows make data modeling more relevant than ever—preserving business meaning, enabling governance, and supporting agility at scale.   14:45 - 15:30          Damian Chiossone : Effective data strategy - From Vision to Impact   A data strategy defines how an organization leverages data to achieve its business objectives. But what makes a data strategy truly effective? In this session, we will explore what a data strategy is, what it is for, and its key building blocks. We will discuss how to design a strategy that is relevant within a company’s unique context, and how to maximize the chances that it delivers a positive impact. We will examine how to identify high-value use cases worth investing in, and how to align the other components of the data strategy — from data management and infrastructure to governance and operating model — to make them a reality. Finally, we will cover practical considerations for execution, maintaining alignment with evolving business priorities, and ensuring that the strategy remains a driver of value over time.   15:30 – 16:00          Coffee Break   16.00 – 17:30           Keynote Peter Aiken: AI Handle with Care   In the era of artificial intelligence, the axiom 'garbage in, garbage out' has never been more relevant. Starting with AI’s original purpose, this presentation explores AI from a data management perspective.  While immediately useful, it also highlights significant cautions including over promising and under delivering, technological limitations, data limitations, and ethical concerns. Understanding these will permit data management professionals (and others) to create a virtuous cycle of better data leading to more capable AI systems.  The talk finishes with a response from none other than Bob Dylan.   17:30 – 18:00          Closing   18:00 – 19:00          Networking Cocktail and dinner   Prices : - Full price : 199 CHF - Member price : 99 CHF   The full price includes a 90 CHF discount on the membership fee valid until 30/09.   A big thank you to our event sponsor Hitachi Energy.