New and complex business challenges, fueled by rapid technological changes, are reshaping views on good governance and emerging risks across a broad spectrum of industries.

As those challenges evolve, internal audit’s knowledge of processes, governance, and risks place it in a position to help business and government successfully navigate through them. A four-day conference beginning Sunday, Oct. 5, will gather some of North America’s top internal audit executives from the public and private sectors to address whether the profession is ready to step up to fulfill that role.

The theme of the 7th Annual National Conference of The Institute of Internal Auditors – Canada is Rising to New Challenges. More than 700 internal audit leaders, practitioners and government executives are expected to attend the conference, at the Westin Hotel Ottawa.

The conference will feature keynote speakers, panelists, and thought leaders who will examine enhancing internal audit’s effectiveness, strategically positioning the internal audit function, information management, technology issues, an updated look at value, ethics and fraud, and more. Kicking off the event on Sunday will be a presentation and panel discussion for top internal audit leaders and audit committee members on reputation risk management and the risks faced in an era of increasing transparency and use of social media channels.

The conference also will introduce a research report from IIA–Canada titled Unlocking the Power of Internal Audit in the Public Sector, which examines how internal audit can benefit the public sector.

Keynote speakers include Rick Hillier, former Chief of Defense Staff and Commander of NATO Troops in Afghanistan, who will share stories of his time as the commander of NATO and the importance of “perpetual optimism”; Richard F. Chambers, president and CEO of The Institute of Internal Auditors, who will discuss important lessons he has learned in nearly 40 years as an internal auditor; and Carman Lapointe, Undersecretary General for the United Nation’s Office of Internal Oversight Services, who will discuss the value of accountability and leading by example.

Attendees will have nearly 50 educational and training sessions to choose from during the conference. For more information about the conference.

About IIA-Canada

IIA-Canada (IIAC) is the authoritative voice and advocate for Canada’s internal audit profession, representing more than 7,600 internal auditors. As one of more than 100 affiliates of the global Institute of Internal Auditors, IIA-Canada advances international standards, applying them in support of uniquely Canadian issues.

About The IIA

The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) is the internal audit profession’s most widely recognized advocate, educator, and provider of standards, guidance, and certifications. Established in 1941, The IIA today serves more than 180,000 members from 190 countries. The association’s global headquarters are in Altamonte Springs, Fla., U.S.A.