In a recent RIMS survey, 75% of respondents said risk management influences major organizational decisions, yet those same respondents said they do not feel they are viewed as strategic leaders by the C-suite.
We need to close that gap. One of the best ways to do that is to continually invest in ourselves, to keep learning, to take on leadership roles, and to make it our priority to demonstrate the strategic value of risk management. Now’s the time to learn and lead.
The RIMS Texas Regional Conference was a big success, bringing together nearly 400 attendees, 40 exhibiting companies and an insightful program. The spirit of collaboration was on full display in Texas. Over the two days, risk professionals learned from each other’s experiences and exploring new strategies to tackle today’s risks. It is these types of interactions that will lead the profession forward.
At the conference, RIMS, The Foundation for Risk Management awarded scholarships to five up-and-coming risk professionals to attend. Investing in those who are learning today will, without question, help build a pipeline of risk leaders for tomorrow. To our recipients, I congratulate you and welcome you to this exceptional professional community.
I know that same energy and collaborative spirit will be felt at RIMS Canada Conference in Quebec City this October. Canada’s risk management community stands out for its depth of expertise, collaborative spirit, and commitment to advancing the profession. Year after year, the conference brings together the country’s thought-leaders and offers new ideas for attendees to implement right away.
The conference features a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers, including Sophie Gregorie Trudeau, mental health advocate, humanitarian, journalist, and bestselling author. Ms. Trudeau recently gave us a glimpse into her work and life experiences on a RIMScast episode. That episode is now available on the RIMS YouTube channel. Check it out and, then, secure your spot at the RIMS Canada Conference today.
Of course, there is nothing more impressive in risk management than RISKWORLD. Scheduled for April 18–21 in New Orleans, RISKWORLD is where the world’s risk management community comes together to learn, connect and lead. Right now, RIMS members can register at the 2026 rate. That opportunity is ending soon. Invest in your career and add RISKWORLD to your 2027 calendar.
The learning and leading journey continues with two newly education opportunities designed to help you build the capabilities to navigate this increasingly complex risk environment.
The new RIMS-HDR Certificate Program in Quantitative ERM, delivered in partnership with Hubbard Decision Research, is a three-week program focused on building calibrated, data-informed risk models and applying quantitative methods to real-world risk scenarios. Be proactive and arm yourself with the skills that drive strategic decision-making.
The second new program is the RIMS-ISACA AI Risk Virtual Bootcamp. This four-day virtual experience combines the RIMS-CRMP certification and ISACA Advanced in AI Risk™ training, providing an opportunity to advance enterprise risk management expertise while developing practical skills for identifying, assessing, governing and mitigating AI-related risks. Registration is open.
Lastly, from September 21–25, join us as we celebrate RIMS Certification Week 2026, a global virtual celebration of the RIMS-CRMP certification. Whether you hold the certification, are considering it, or just want to learn, all are encouraged to participate to strengthen their careers and contribute to the conversations that shape our profession. Check out the RIMS Certification Week webpage to learn more about what will be available to you during the week.
There are many ways to learn and lead by leveraging RIMS collection of resources and insight, its community of risk leaders, as well as its network of local chapters. Engage with this network. Build your expertise. Expand your perspective and position yourself to lead with confidence.
Sincerely,
Manny Padilla, RIMS-CRMP
RIMS 2026 President