Wow! It’s hard to believe it has be​en almost a month since I ​​have had a chance to blog. Believe me, it has not been because of an early vacation. On the contrary, summers (here in the northern hemisphere) are often the most hectic time at T​he IIA.

The International Conference in Atlanta (June 6-9) was an unqualified success. More than 2,600 professionals from 100 countries around the world gathered for three days of networking and professional development. In addition to outstanding keynote speakers, participants had the opportunity to choose from multiple tracks keyed to the most pressing issues facing the profession in 2010.

For those of us at IIA Global Headquarters, the week was much longer than the conference. The conference was preceded by two days of meetings with our network of global institute CEOs and the annual two-day Global Council. It was then followed by two days of meetings of The IIA’s international committees and the global Board meeting. All in all, the 10 days of meetings, networking, and professional development were rewarding and provided valuable reassurance that we are all moving in the same direction when it comes to the global profession of internal auditing and The IIA’s role in ensuring its success.

The last half of the summer at IIA Headquarters will be spent looking ahead. Indeed, it is budget season as we prepare for our 2011 fiscal year. We have made great strides over the past 18 months in navigating the global financial crisis and ensuring The IIA’s relevance in an increasingly complex world. 2011 promises to build on the successes we have enjoyed in the previous two years. But first, we must roll up our sleeves and hammer out a budget for approval by our global Board.

I promise not to let another month go by without a post. In the meantime, remember us when you are soaking up the sun and enjoying the pleasures that summers can bring.​