February 3, 2026DataGuard Empowering Privacy Copy Template

Empowering Privacy brings together privacy leaders, regulators, and professionals to explore the future of data protection. Hosted at Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, Dublin on October 15, 2026, this in-person event will dive into the latest regulations, technological innovations, and practical strategies shaping the privacy landscape. Attendees will benefit from expert insights, interactive discussions, and valuable networking opportunities designed to strengthen compliance and inspire trust in an evolving digital world.

Speakers

Aleksandra Aytova

Aleksandra Aytova

Group Head of Privacy

Applegreen

Colm Callanan

Colm Callanan

Privacy Consultant

Independent

Gonzalo Caro

Gonzalo Caro

Deputy Data Protection Officer

Meta

Dora Endreffy

Dora Endreffy

Global Privacy Manager

UPS

Adele Hall

Adele Hall

Managing Associate

William Fry

Tom Hulton

Tom Hulton

Head of Data Privacy

An Post

Cian O'Brien

Cian O'Brien

Director

Data Protection Commission Ireland

Caroline Orie

Caroline Orie

Group Data Protection Officer

DataGuard

Boris Selak

Boris Selak

Data Protection Manager

Law Society of Ireland

Jennifer Walsh

Jennifer Walsh

Information Governance and Compliance Specialist

Skillnet Ireland

Agenda

09:12 - 10:12 GMT+1
Main Hall
Networking

Registration & Welcome Coffee

Start the day with coffee and networking with peers.
10:12 - 10:30 GMT+1
Main Hall
Opening

Opening Remarks

Welcome and opening remarks.
Gonzalo CaroGonzalo Caro, Meta
Cian O'BrienCian O'Brien, Data Protection Commission Ireland
Jennifer WalshJennifer Walsh, Skillnet Ireland
10:35 - 11:05 GMT+1
Main Hall
Regulation

DPC - Keynote

Keynote by the Data Protection Commission.
Boris SelakBoris Selak, Law Society of Ireland
11:05 - 11:50 GMT+1
Main Hall
Discussion

Regulation Vs Innovation

A panel exploring the balance between regulation and innovation.
Dora EndreffyDora Endreffy, UPS
Adele HallAdele Hall, William Fry
Tom HultonTom Hulton, An Post
Caroline OrieCaroline Orie, DataGuard
11:50 - 12:15 GMT+1
Lobby
Networking

Coffee Break

Refreshments and networking.
12:20 - 13:05 GMT+1
Main Hall
Best Practices

Data Protection by Design and Default

Exploring approaches for embedding data protection in design.
Aleksandra AytovaAleksandra Aytova, Applegreen
13:10 - 13:55 GMT+1
Main Hall
Research

Methodological Approaches for a Digital Age: A Balancing Act

The value of methodologies: Methodologies move conversations from subjective debates to structured, repeatable and defensible frameworks. Building them can be resource-intensive but in once in place they become long-term investments that drive efficiency, consistency and scalability.
Colm CallananColm Callanan, Independent
Gonzalo CaroGonzalo Caro, Meta
Adele HallAdele Hall, William Fry
Jennifer WalshJennifer Walsh, Skillnet Ireland
14:00 - 15:00 GMT+1
Dining Hall
Networking

Lunch

Buffet lunch and networking.
15:00 - 15:30 GMT+1
Main Hall
Discussion

Fireside Chat

Interactive fireside chat session.
Cian O'BrienCian O'Brien, Data Protection Commission Ireland
Jennifer WalshJennifer Walsh, Skillnet Ireland
15:35 - 16:12 GMT+1
Main Hall
HR & Compliance

HR Information Systems data processing under the microscope

Panel on HR data processing practices.
Dora EndreffyDora Endreffy, UPS
Adele HallAdele Hall, William Fry
Tom HultonTom Hulton, An Post
Boris SelakBoris Selak, Law Society of Ireland
16:12 - 16:45 GMT+1
Lobby
Networking

Coffee Break

Afternoon coffee and networking.
16:50 - 17:30 GMT+1
Main Hall
Practical Guidance

Practical guidance to manage your DSAR

Practical advice on handling data subject access requests.
Aleksandra AytovaAleksandra Aytova, Applegreen
Colm CallananColm Callanan, Independent
Caroline OrieCaroline Orie, DataGuard
17:35 - 18:12 GMT+1
Main Hall
Artificial Intelligence

A.I Panel

Panel discussion on AI and privacy.
Gonzalo CaroGonzalo Caro, Meta
Jennifer WalshJennifer Walsh, Skillnet Ireland
18:00 - 19:00 GMT+1
Track 2

Data Protection by Design for AI — A Practical DPIA Sprint

Turn Data Protection by Design and Default (DPbDD) into a concrete practice for AI systems. In this DPIA mini‑sprint, teams map data flows, identify lawful bases, apply minimization and PETs, define risk controls, and draft model‑specific records. Leave with a reusable DPIA outline and control catalog you can take back to product teams.
Dora EndreffyDora Endreffy, UPS
Adele HallAdele Hall, William Fry
Track 2

Balancing Progress and Protection: AI Regulation in the EU

This panel explores how the EU’s AI Act and GDPR affect companies developing and using AI, the challenges of compliance, and whether current regulations are adequate for the future of AI in Europe. In this panel you’ll hear perspectives from experts across Law and Industry, as well as findings from an extensive program of empirical work conducted by Meta’s Open Loop.  
Cian O'BrienCian O'Brien, Data Protection Commission Ireland
18:12 - 18:30 GMT+1
Main Hall
Closing

Closing Remarks

Event closing and wrap-up.
Adele HallAdele Hall, William Fry
18:30 - 20:00 GMT+1
Reception Hall
Social

Networking & Drinks Reception

End the day with networking and a drinks reception.

Connect & collaborate

Secure your free spot

Spaces are limited, so don't miss out! Register now to guarantee your attendance at this exclusive event.
3 February 2026, 10:00 – 23:00 GMT+1
6 Serpentine Ave6 Serpentine AvenueDublinD04 H0C9
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