How can learning and development (L&D) professionals help businesses revitalise and grow post-recession? This is one of a series of key industry issues under debate at the World of Learning Conference 2011. Co-located with the World of Learning Exhibition at the NEC Birmingham on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 September, the conference explores the current issues of most concern to L&D professionals through high profile case studies, interactive seminars and discussion forums.
Valerie Todd, Director of Talent and Resources at Crossrail and Commissioner at the UK Commission for Employment & Skills, will deliver the opening address on Tuesday morning, tackling the impact of the recession and how L&D professionals can drive business growth following the recent downturn in her seminar entitled What does today’s business need from L&D?
Across both days of the conference, senior L&D professionals from organisations such as Lloyds Banking Group, London Fire Brigade, NHS, Eversheds, Xerox Europe, VSO, Shelter and FirstGroup will present seminars on a wide range of important topics including The criticality of learning in delivering business change; Investing in the leaders of the future and Integrating the formal, informal and social in learning.
In the Future of Learning Forum, taking place on Wednesday 28 September, a panel of distinguished industry leaders will debate how to reengage organisations in order to deliver something new, and how to employ a flexible approach to L&D to allow for future change. Rachel Richardson, Group Head of Human Resources at Sportingbet; Clare Kirk, Group Learning & Development Adviser at Capita Learning & Development; Tony Sheehan, Learning Services Director at Ashridge and Debbie Carter, Director of Research at Training Journal will participate.
The World of Learning Conference is held in conjunction with the World of Learning Exhibition, which brings together around 100 UK and international exhibitors offering the latest in ideas across all sectors of L&D, from e-learning and using social media in learning and consultancy to experiential learning, coaching and informal learning. Leading organisations taking part include Thales Training & Consultancy, Kaplan IT Learning, Seminar Learning System, LSN, SalesAssessment.com, Priority Management and Jigsaw@work.
The World of Learning Exhibition features a range of free advisory services and workshops, enabling visitors to gain help and support to further their career in the L&D sector. In addition, a comprehensive seminar programme spanning both days of the event offers practical advice on the issues affecting learning and development professionals. The seminar programme is detailed on www.learnevents.com.
At the Professional Development Zone, advisers from the British Institute for Learning & Development (BILD) will be on hand to give one-to-one advice on topics from performance improvement to key challenges in the workplace. BILD experts will also lead tailored group sessions in the Skills Workshops taking place throughout the show.
Visitors interested in exploring the use of social media to enhance learning activities and knowledge sharing should head for the Social Learning Zone, which offers presentations and one-to-one sessions.
A well-established feature at the show, the Experiential Learning Zone offers engaging and inspiring workshops that allow visitors to experience first-hand highly creative solutions for skills development.
The International Zone, in association with UK Trade & Investment, is dedicated to encouraging trade and growth on a worldwide level. Visitors can meet key decision-makers and potential partners from overseas who are looking to link with UK training providers or purchase UK products, services and expertise. Those looking to expand overseas can learn how to develop an international business and obtain advice from UKTI's overseas trade advisers on doing business in their country.
New to the World of Learning 2011, the Happiness at Work Zone looks at how to engage people on a personal and professional level in the workplace and how to create the right environment for positivity and productivity.
Visitors can meet trainers across a range of disciplines at the Trainer Base, or relax and meet new contacts at the Business & Networking Lounge.
Registration for the World of Learning 2011 Exhibition & Conference is now open at www.learnevents.com, where full details of the event are also available.
The World of Learning is a certified Continuing Professional Development event and those who book and attend the World of Learning Conference will receive a full attendance certificate. All delegates attending the full two-day conference will receive a free 16GB Google Android tablet.
For the latest news and updates about the World of Learning 2011 follow the exhibition on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Learn_EventsUK, and join the World of Learning Conference & Exhibition group on LinkedIn.