Reflecting On My Experience at the IRM Business Analysis Conference and What to Expect This Year
Written by Joe Haslam (Business Architect - The University of Manchester, Ambassador at YBA).
IRM Business Analysis Conference
When I look back at the moments that have shaped my early career, the IRM Business Analysis Conference stands out every time. Three days surrounded by people who understand both the excitement and the challenges of business analysis is hard to beat.
I still remember my first visit; I had only been to a couple of conferences before and didn’t know what to expect. But it immediately showed me how much passion and energy surrounds the profession of Business Analysis. People were excited to share knowledge and to essentially "nerd out" over tools and techniques.
Without the usual day job pressures wrapped around us, those conversations were truly enriching. It creates this brilliant kind of feedback loop where the energy and enthusiasm for business analysis feeds even more energy and by the end of the conference, you find yourself genuinely excited to go back to work and put what you’ve learned into practice.
Broadening My Horizons
Most of my daily work happens within my amazing team at the University of Manchester. The conference, however, allows me to broaden my horizons beyond higher education and drops me into conversations with analysts from healthcare, finance, public sector /government often within the same coffee break.
What makes these interactions so valuable is the chance to compare and contrast the challenges and opportunities we each face. Despite working in very different sectors, there are often surprising similarities, like how we all wrestle with engaging stakeholders early, or balancing business needs with user experience. At the same time, I hear about sector-specific challenges I’ve never had to navigate, such as dealing with legacy infrastructure in government projects or tight regulatory constraints in finance.
These contrasts help me reflect on how the BA toolset can flex across contexts. And the similarities remind me that we’re all part of the same wider professional community, facing common hurdles with shared language and values.
By the end of the conference, you find yourself genuinely excited to go back to work and put what you’ve learned into practice
Stepping Onto The Stage
Last year, I had the pleasure of presenting at the BA Conference Europe for the first time. As a huge Star Wars fan, I began reflecting on how central the theme of mentorship is throughout the franchise. You can’t become a Jedi Master without first being a Padawan and this idea of learning from others is just as essential in the real world.
In my talk, I explored the power of mentorship in the professional environment, using examples from pop culture (such as Aunt May and Peter Parker, Dumbledore and Harry Potter, and Mr Miyagi and The Karate Kid) to uncover the principles that underpin effective mentoring. I reflected on my own experience entering the profession as an 18-year-old apprentice, and how being mentored helped me build professional skills, personal confidence, and a sense of direction.
I also wanted to highlight that mentorship isn’t one-way. Through compelling testimonials from mentors, I explored how the relationship can be just as rewarding for the mentor, creating opportunities for mutual learning, empowerment, and growth.
Presenting at the conference gave me a real boost in confidence and helped me challenge my own imposter syndrome. The crowd was incredibly supportive, and it gave me a valuable opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and share something I genuinely care about.
If you’re considering speaking at the conference at some point, even if you’re unsure or nervous, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a chance to grow, connect with others, and contribute to the BA community in a meaningful way.
A Checkpoint for the YBA Community
I’m proud to be an ambassador for the Young Business Analyst (YBA) community, a network created to support and connect early-career business analysts. The group provides opportunities for development, knowledge-sharing, and mentoring, whether you’re an apprentice, graduate, career-changer, or just starting your BA journey.
For the YBA network, the conference is more than an event, it acts as an important milestone for our community. It’s a chance to reflect on what we’ve achieved throughout the year, celebrate progress, and connect with others who are just as passionate about supporting new talent in the profession.
It’s always a pleasure to help man the YBA stand and chat with visitors about what we do, how they can get involved, and what support is available to those starting out. There’s real energy in those conversations, whether it’s young BAs who have never heard of YBA and are curious to learn more or experienced BAs looking to give back by getting involved with the community.
For us ambassadors, who are spread across different organisations and regions, the conference is also a rare opportunity to meet in person. We usually connect virtually throughout the year, so having the chance to sit down face-to-face, share ideas, and plan next steps, really strengthens the sense of community and shared purpose. The BA party that takes place is the perfect social event to do this!
Looking Ahead to this Year
As this year’s IRM Business Analysis Conference approaches, I’m really looking forward to another few days of learning, connection, and inspiration. I’m particularly excited about the topics surrounding AI in business analysis and defining business services, which are both highly relevant to the work I’m doing at the moment.
The agenda is jam packed, so I’m hoping to come away with new tools, fresh insights, and ideas I can apply straight away. Each year, the conference leaves me re-energised, and I’m sure 2025 will be no different!