ATD & Midwest Chapters 2016 Regional Conference

On November 14, 2016, I attended the ATD & Midwest Chapters 2016 Regional Conference held at Hamburger University in Chicago, IL. This was a one-day conference packed with sessions about emerging trends and best practices in talent development. The sessions ranged in topics, including instructional design, training and development, personal and professional growth, and leadership development.

The opening keynote was given by Rob Lauber, CLO of McDonald’s Corporation. He discussed how McDonald’s is transforming their learning function from individual siloed initiatives to a global force. He brought insights about change management and globalization and how an entire international entity is getting on board with best practices in talent development.

The next session I attended was a brand new concept to me: “Boost Training Transfer Using Predictive Learning Analytics.” I learned the concept of ‘scrap learning,’ a term used to describe the difference between learning that is delivered, but not applied back on the job. The session talked about how to use predictive learning analytics (PLA) to decrease scrap learning and increase value of training programs. They discussed a three-phase, nine-step PLA methodology, outlined below.

The next session I attended was titled “Secrets of Master Virtual Trainers: 5 Keys to Live Online Delivery.” This session talked about how to develop and deliver virtual training, defined as “a highly-interactive, online, synchronous facilitator-led class, with defined learning objectives, with participants who are connected individually from geographically dispersed locations, that uses a web-based classroom platform.” The five steps included the following:

Prepare relentlessly – Standard preparation such as content, notes, etc; technical preparation such as software and hardware; and extra preparation such as technology backups.
Multi-task effectively – A combination of preparation and speed.
Engage participants – Participants should interact with the content once every four minutes. Set expectations from the beginning, use participant names, and teach tools in the moment.
Make the most of your voice – Pay attention to volume, rate, pitch, tone, and breath.
Handle challenges with grace – Expect technology challenges and stay calm and troubleshoot.

The final session was titled “Peak Performance: Achieving Great Results in a Complex Life.” I took great value in this session, as it talked about balance and burnout and how to perform at the top of your game. We analyzed how we feel at our best (alpha state) and what gets us in that state, and at our worst (beta state). The typical manager spends 20% in alpha state and 80% in beta state, so it’s important to find ways to move back into alpha. Tips included physical health (eat healthy, rest), planning your day, deciding to commit in the moment, writing everything you’re feeling and thinking in stressful moments, and printing out your brain when shifting between states.

The closing keynote was titled “Rewire: A Radical Approach to Diversity and Inclusion.” Despite decades of work in diversity and inclusion, little progress has been made. The session focused on creating a culture of openness, empathy, and inclusion to achieve sustainable positive change; which in turn enables corporate strategy and drives innovation.

I enjoyed the conference so much that I joined the ATD St. Louis Chapter at the end of the conference. The chapter offers professional development, networking, and career enrichment for workplace learning and performance professionals in the Greater St. Louis area. I was able to connect with a few individuals at the conference, and am looking forward to participating in additional events in the future.