Join us for an evening of book discussions, cocktails, and a light meal/appetizers.

Book: You Look Like a Thing and I Love You: How Artificial Intelligence Works and Why It’s Making the World a Weirder Place by Janelle Shane

‘"You look like a thing and I love you" is one of the best pickup lines ever... according to an artificial intelligence trained by scientist Janelle Shane, creator of the popular blog "AI Weirdness." She creates silly AIs that learn how to name paint colors, create the best recipes, and even flirt (badly) with humans--all to understand the technology that governs so much of our daily lives.’ You can find a link to the Goodreads page here.

Details:

• RSVP by March 14^th to rsvp@kcdama.org. (include dietary restrictions on your rsvp)
• Free attendance for 2024-2025 members.
• $40 attendance fee for guests. Guest purchase ticket here.
• Each attendee will receive one drink ticket and a light dinner/appetizers are included
• You can purchase book here.
• You may be able to check out the eBook or audiobook through your local library via Libby. Or you can check out the book from the library the good ol’ fashioned way.
• If you would like to follow along virtually or want to participate but can’t make the event an online book club has been created on the Fable app. Please email member.socials@kcdama.org for a link.
• If you can’t read or finish the book, no problem. Please feel welcome to join in on the fun!

KC-DAMA is excited to have a full day dedicated to Data and AI (Artificial Intelligence)!

Continental Breakfast begins at 8AM, Lunch will also be provided for those attending in person. 

Speaker Bios

Karen Lopez

Karen is a senior project manager and architect with an extensive background in development processes and information management. She specializes in taking practical approaches to systems development.

She has 20+ years of public speaking (keynotes, speeches, and demonstrations).

She wants attendees to have fun, gain insights and take away inspiration for working with new technologies and methods.  She’s known for her slightly irreverent and practical approach to IT training and speaking.  She wants you to be part of #TEAMDATA.

Ryan Day

Ryan Day is an advanced data scientist at the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) and the author of Hands-on APIs for AI and Data Science, O’Reilly Publishing, 2025.

He previously led the digital services division for a Federal agency, where he advanced cloud computing, data science and API development initiatives. He is an experienced open-source developer who participates in the FastAPI project. He holds an AWS Solutions Architect certification and is a member of the National Association of Business Economics.

Ryan was a member of KC DAMA during the early 2000s and served as webmaster in 2010.

TOPIC: Data and AI

The day will start with an exciting presentation from a KC-DAMA favorite, Karen Lopez, with her presentation “Securing and Protecting Your Data for AI”. This presentation discusses the importance of data privacy, compliance with regulations, and the growing need for enhanced data security measures. Karen will have hands-on activities and lots of fun presenting in the morning and afternoon. Local KC author Ryan Day will be presenting relevant data management topics from his new book “Hands-On APIs for AI and Data Science: Python Development with FastAPI”. He will also lead a book club style question and answer session! If you join us for the meeting, he’s even arranged to get you a 30-day trial to read his new book digitally. Finally, we will have a great panel on Data and AI where you can get your questions answered about all things Data and AI! Feel free to send your questions ahead of time for this exciting panel.

Meeting Location:

Training Umbrella
10551 Barkley St. Ste. #102
Overland Park, KS 66212

Directions: in Overland Park off of Metcalf: 105th & Barkley

Membership & Participation:

*IT’S TIME TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP WITH KC DAMA!
To attend this session, you must have a 2025 to 2026 membership with KC DAMA.  You can renew on-line using:  Join DAMA
If your company requires an invoice, please contact Membership@kcdama.org to get this process started.

• You must RSVP to RSVP@kcdama.org by May 16th, 2025. TO PARTICIPATE YOU MUST PICK IN PERSON OR REMOTE
• Each individual who will participate virtually must register separately. You can only join virtually using the name you registered under or you will not be admitted.
• Current members can attend at no charge.
• We have special rates for students, retired and unemployed individuals, please contact RSVP@kcdama.org for more details.
• We also offer a scholarship to one deserving individual if you or someone you know would like to apply to attend for free, send an email to RSVP@kcdama.org with a short paragraph for application.

Those choosing to participate remotely:

Virtual details will be emailed to each participant after you RSVP.
You must join virtually using the name you registered under or you will not be admitted

NOTE:  Please contact Membership@kcdama.org or Treasurer@kcdama.org if you are unclear of the status of your membership.

Registration and Breakfast start at 8:00am. Meeting starts at 8:30am Continental Breakfast and fruit provided.

Speaker:  Peter Aiken

Peter Aiken, Ph.D. is an acknowledged Data Management authority, an associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, president of DAMA International, and associate director of the MIT International Society of Chief Data Officers.

For more than 40 years, Peter has learned from working with hundreds of Data Management practices in more than 30 countries. Among his 12 books are the first on making the case for data leadership (CDOs), the first focusing on data monetization and modern strategic data thinking, and the first to objectively specify what it means to be data-literate. International recognition has resulted from these and a (pre-Covid-19) intensive worldwide events schedule.

Peter also hosts the longest-running Data Management webinar series on dataversity.net. Before Google, before data was big, and before Data Science, Peter founded several organizations that have helped more than 200 businesses leverage data – specific savings have been measured at more than $1.5 billion. His latest venture is Anything Awesome.

TOPIC: Data Governance &  AI

When examining the work of data governance professionals, it is good to keep in mind the recurring phrase “Your job will not be taken by AI, your job will be taken by someone who knows how to use AI better than you.”  The sooner you begin to use various AI capabilities, the more effective will be your data governance practices.  This talk will present a number of scenarios where data governance can be enhanced using various forms of AI.

Meeting Location:

American Century Investments
4400 Main Street,
Kansas City, MO 64111

Directions and Parking: Details to be e-mailed when you RSVP.

Membership & Participation

To attend this session, you must have a 2025 to 2026 membership with KCDAMA.  You can renew on-line using:  Join DAMA
If your company requires an invoice, please contact Membership@kcdama.org to get this process started.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE VIRTUAL OR IN PERSON FOR PLANNING PURPOSES.

• You must RSVP to RSVP@kcdama.org by July 22nd, 2025.   
• Each individual who will participate virtually must register separately.
• You can only join virtually using the name you registered under or you will not be admitted.
• Virtual details for both presentations will be emailed to each participant after you RSVP.

Please let us know in advance if you must change the way you will attend.

NOTE:  Please contact Membership@kcdama.org or Treasurer@kcdama.org if you are unclear of the status of your membership.

Our Sponsor:

INTERFACE Kansas City

Details:

• No cost for IT Professionals to attend
• Morning coffee and lunch served
• Access to over 25 exhibitor booths
• One lucky attendee will win $1000 in our passport drawing

INTERFACE will donate $20 to the chapter for every DAMA member who registers at the following link:

    Register for INTERFACE

Registration and Breakfast start at 8:30 am. 

Presented by: Multiple KC Data Professionals, speaker Bios coming soon.

This meeting will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers from various sectors of the data management community, each sharing insights, innovations, and best practices in their fields. To keep the energy high and the connections flowing, we’ll host a round-robin networking session where attendees will rotate through brief, interactive meet-and-greets with each speaker—an excellent opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and build relationships.

Community Spotlight: Harvesters
We’re proud to highlight Harvesters – The Community Food Network, who will talk about how they are using data to feed hungry families in Kansas City.  (SAVE THE DATE: October 22, 2025 when DAMA will have a social volunteering for Harvesters from 1:30-3:30PM)

Whether you're a seasoned data leader or just starting your journey, this meeting promises to be a meaningful blend of professional development and community connection.

Meeting Location:

American Century Investments
4400 Main Street,
Kansas City, MO 64111

Parking on the flat lot next to the building.

Membership & Participation

To attend this session, you must have a 2025 to 2026 membership with KCDAMA.  You can renew on-line using:  Join DAMA
If your company requires an invoice, please contact Membership@kcdama.org to get this process started.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE VIRTUAL OR IN PERSON FOR PLANNING PURPOSES.

• You must RSVP to RSVP@kcdama.org by September 16th, 2025.   
• Each individual who will participate virtually must register separately.
• You can only join virtually using the name you registered under or you will not be admitted.
• Virtual details for both presentations will be emailed to each participant after you RSVP.
• $40 attendance fee for guests or non-members. Purchase these tickets here.

Please let us know in advance if you must change the way you will attend.

NOTE:  Please contact Membership@kcdama.org or Treasurer@kcdama.org if you are unclear of the status of your membership.

HARVESTERS

Help us give back to the community and afterwards join us for cocktails at Parlor KC!

DETAILS:

• Please join us from 1:30 to 3:30 at Harvesters to give back! We will then trek over to Parlor KC for a Happy Hour from 4:00 to 6:00.
• First cocktail is on us for active members!
• RSVP by October 15^th to rsvp@kcdama.org
• All volunteers are also required to complete the liability waiver before they volunteer. To read Harvesters’ full Volunteer Handbook and Volunteer policy, click here.
• Please also register online with Harvesters in addition to RSVPing with KC DAMA
  • Visit the Harvesters — The Community Food Network event registration page: https://cerv.is/0015rKCDAMA
  • Select your desired event and follow the on screen instructions to access the CERVIS registration system. If this is your first time using the CERVIS online registration system, you will be prompted to create a Volunteer Profile.
    Event Reservation Code: KCDAMA

Registration and Breakfast starts at 8:00am, lunch provided

Get CDMP-Ready in Just One Day

Master the DMBoK Knowledge Areas and Prepare for Certification!

Join Sandhill Lab's expert-led seminar and kickstart your journey toward the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) designation.

Registration will be approved via these links:  RSVP Here and Click Here to Pay (bottom of page)

Note: After you email RSVP@kcdama.org, you will receive a link to pay or you may click above to pay.

Are you a Data Leader, business leader, or IT Data Professional looking to build confidence in data management?

Join our one-day CDMP® Associate Prep Seminar!  This one-day seminar offers a focused introduction to the Certified Data Management Professional® (CDMP) path.

You’ll explore the core knowledge areas of the DAMA® DMBoK®—including data governance, quality, architecture, integration, and more—while reviewing real-world examples and sample exam questions to prepare for the CDMP® Fundamentals exam.

Whether you’re leading strategy or working hands-on with data, this session is designed to boost your readiness and sharpen your understanding of modern data practices.

What You’ll Learn

This one-day, live online seminar provides a high-impact introduction to the core knowledge areas of the DAMA Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBoK). You’ll gain practical insights across:

• Data Governance
• Data Quality
• Data Architecture
• Data Modeling & Design
• Data Integration & Interoperability
• Metadata, Reference, and Master Data Management
• And more…

The session includes real-world examples and sample CDMP exam questions.

Who Should Attend?

This seminar is ideal for:

• Executives and business leaders seeking clarity on data strategy
• IT professionals and data practitioners preparing for the CDMP exam
• Data analysts, architects, consultants, and anyone working with data
• Professionals from any industry looking to build data literacy and certification readiness

No technical prerequisites required — just a desire to understand how to manage data effectively.

Why Attend?

• Covers all DMBoK v2 knowledge areas
• Includes sample CDMP exam questions
• Practical, real-world examples
• Live Q&A and interaction

What’s Included?

• Digital study materials (you may opt to print prior)
• Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, & Drinks (coffee, tea, soda)
• All-day presentation with a leading data consultant
  • Other groups and companies charge $1,500 for a similar course
• Opportunity to take the CDMP Pay If You Pass (PIYP) this day
  • Take the test and only pay if you pass
  • PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS OPTION

Meeting Location:

American Century Investments
4400 Main Street,
Kansas City, MO 64111

Parking on the flat lot next to the building.

Participation

• $50 for current DAMA-KC Members
  • Membership runs April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
• $200 for non-members
  • This will include a DAMA-KC membership that will run through March 31, 2027

If your company requires an invoice for either of these options, please contact Membership@kcdama.org to get this process started.

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON ONLY EVENT.  You must register using this link and RSVP TO RSVP@KCDAMA.ORG BY November 7, 2025.  Everyone who participates must register individually.  WE WILL NOT ACCEPT REGISTRATIONS AFTER NOVEMBER 7 OR ACCEPT DAY OF WALK-INS. 

 To learn more please visit our website at https://kcdama.org/.

NOTE:  Please contact Membership@kcdama.org or Treasurer@kcdama.org if you are unclear of the status of your membership.

DAMA-KC thanks Sandhill Consultants for providing this training to our members.