Being able to communicate effectively with data is an increasingly important business skill, yet one in which few ever receive formal training.

This introductory workshop provides the essential theory and practical guidance needed to develop confidence in both reading and making charts. By the end of this workshop, attendees will have developed:

• Awareness of various visualisation methods and when/why to use them
• Proficiency in data visualisation design, including use of text, colour and adapting to medium
• Awareness of some of the different tools and techniques for creating data graphics
• Some practical experience of applying visualisation concepts

Led by the FT's Data Visualisation Editor and ‘Chart Doctor’ columnist, Alan Smith, the event is based on the approach to visualising data used in the FT newsroom. It will be of interest to a broad range of professionals from researchers and analysts through to marketing and communications professionals.

A mixture of lecture, discussion and practical exercises, there will also be an opportunity to visit the newsroom and meet with FT graphics staff as well as discuss specific data visualisation challenges with FT experts.

Being at an introductory level, there are no prerequisites but delegates are advised to bring a laptop with them to get full benefit from the day. The workshop fee includes morning coffee, lunch and afternoon refreshments. Delegates will also receive a Financial Times ‘Visual Vocabulary’ wallchart.

To promote discussion and participant interaction, tickets for the event are extremely limited — book now to reserve your place.