AIIP Symposium Wrap-Up

By Marj Atkinson, AIIP Connections Blog Editor in Chief

The AIIP 2025 three-day virtual Symposium April 8-10, long anticipated and much enjoyed, was every bit the success we had hoped for. Attendees experienced a highly qualified gathering of those looking to launch or elevate their independent information businesses, and the mix of seasoned and fledgling business owners made for very productive interaction.

The three days were packed with inspiring presentations from industry leaders and offered connections to a global network of like-minded peers. The agenda covered the ever-critical concerns for independent professionals such as:

• Key strategies for developing an information business
• Tools of the trade
• Professional development
• Personal enrichment

Some of the North American attendees got to experience what their colleagues in Europe and Asia Pacific do while attending most meetings during the year and at conferences: getting up in the wee hours of the morning or night to attend a live event! It was well worth rising early to participate in Megumi Miki’s keynote session on embracing our “quiet” and to learn how to effectively present ourselves professionally.

Other renowned keynote speakers likewise empowered attendees with practical insights:

• Networking maven Karen Wickre shared her secrets for effortless professional connections, offering valuable strategies for building professional relationships.
• Freelance expert Sarah Townsend guided attendees through steps to build their confidence, addressing crucial aspects of a professional mindset and growth.
• Artificial intelligence specialist Dr. Michael Ridley demystified human-centered explainable AI, shedding light on a complex and increasingly important topic for information professionals.
• A special moment included Emily Green, the Roger Summit Awardee. She discussed the topic of building unbreakable bonds, a key element for success in the independent information field.

Attendees participated in various ways, observing livestreams of selected content, attending on-demand presentations, and engaging in virtual networking. For the organizers, it was a wonderful experience seeing the many attendees and catching up with those we meet often and with those who are brand new to our group. We all learned something interesting about our fellow info pros in the networking sessions and in the icebreaker chats on the virtual platform.

The symposium closed with the annual AIIP Awards. More details to come!

Attendees who missed any of these events may catch them all on the Whova platform until October 2025.