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October 28, 2024 | Day 1 Agenda

8:00AM
Registration and Breakfast

8:50AM
Chairman’s Welcome

9:00AM
Opening Keynote Presentation: Growing Out of This World Leaders: Lessons from NASA

Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in NASA, Brady will focus on lessons learned in Growing Out of This World Leaders that can be applied to organizations of all structures and sizes. This presentation is perfect for senior leaders, learning and development professionals, and anyone interested in fostering a thriving leadership pipeline within their organization. In this session, you will learn tips and tools for:
  • Succession Planning: Discover a proven framework for developing future leaders within your organization, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success
  • The 70/20/10 Model in Action: Learn how to leverage this powerful model for leadership development, focusing on 70% on-the-job experience, 20% coaching and mentoring, and 10% formal training
  • Building Inclusive Leadership: Gain practical strategies for fostering an inclusive leadership environment that empowers and values diverse perspectives.

9:30AM
Panel Discussion: Bridging the Skills Gap: Developing and Adapting Learning and Development Programs for Critical Roles

The ever-evolving business landscape creates a constant demand for new skills and capabilities. This presentation explores practical strategies for adapting your learning and development programs to ensure your organization has a ready pool of qualified individuals to fill critical roles.
  • Assessing current and future skill needs to identify critical gaps
  • Designing effective training programs that bridge identified skill gaps for specific roles
  • Managing the ever evolving tech landscape – how does this impact skills development
  • Creating structured programs to identify and cultivate high-potential employees within your organization
  • Attracting and retaining top talent by demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and growth

Speakers:
Christina Carlino Poirier, Senior Director, Learning Events, Data, and Technology, Anywhere
Maurice P. Rondeau, SVP Learning & Development, WinnCompanies
Sunil Asija, Director of Human Resources, Oakland County
Jennifer Fairbanks, VP, Platform Solutions, Delivery Central Services – Learning and Development, Goldman Sachs Bank

10:00AM
Morning Coffee and Networking

10:30AM
Presentation reserved for industry partner

11:00AM
Microlearning, Upskilling and the Growth Mindset

AI is expediting the need for companies to reskill their workforce. The US shows the greatest opportunities for reskilling according to recent data from the World Bank data. According to LinkedIn’s Learning Outlook 2024, the top 5 L&D focus areas include upskilling employees and helping employees develop their careers. Employers estimate that 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted in the next five years. This session will focus on the role of microlearning in filling big gaps with small steps
  • An overview of microlearning trends allowing participants to select the learning paths most interesting to them and applicable
  • How reskilling bootcamps are revolutionizing career preparation by offering intensive, focused training that quickly equips individuals with new, in-demand skills
  • An insight into reskilling needs – from AI to tech literacy, design and analytical thinking
  • How AI is providing new and accessible reskilling opportunities that evolve the L&D paths
  • Tools to create your own microlearning programs

Speaker:
Trent Cotton, VP of Talent and Culture, Hatchworks

11:30AM
Presentation reserved for industry partner

12:00PM
Lunch and Networking

1:00PM
Leading with Care: A Blended Training Program for Remote People Leaders

Join Us for an Inspiring Session on “Leading with Care”. Discover our groundbreaking remote training program, “Leading with Care,” designed to empower people leaders with essential skills and resources. This innovative initiative is the result of a strategic partnership between Curriculum Development, Multimedia, and Learning & Development teams, aiming to redefine remote leadership through a blended training model. It represents a significant leap in leadership development, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge AI technology with creative storytelling.
The session will showcase innovative methods used to produce these interactive modules, such as AI-generated imagery and green screen wizardry. Join us to explore how “Leading with Care” nurtures today’s leaders for the challenges of tomorrow, making remote leadership not just effective, but extraordinary.
  • Interactive eLearning Modules: Engaging and informative modules allow leaders to learn at their own pace, ensuring retention and practical application
  • Resource-Rich SharePoint Site: Access a dedicated site with just-in-time resources, including team-building activity guides, communication templates, and leadership tips
  • Live Sessions: Dynamic real-time interactions provide peer learning and expert guidance

Speaker:
Brandi Yates, AVP of Learning & Development, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA)
Zoaib Mirza, AVP Curriculum and Instructional Design, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA)

1:30PM
Ignite and Inspire: Building a Culture of Continuous Learning for Engaged Employees

Engaged employees who are constantly learning are more productive, adaptable, and innovative. But how does the theory translate into a reality in today’s busy environment? This presentation will evaluate practical strategies to cultivate a thriving learning environment that fuels employee engagement.
  • Spearheading a culture of continuous learning fosters a sense of purpose, growth and development: what are the key foundations?
  • Practical ways to adapt your team to new technologies and market trends to create a space for innovation
  • Exploring evidence-based strategies for creating engaging and impactful learning experiences tailored to your employees’ needs
  • Leveraging the latest learning technologies to create accessible and dynamic learning

Speaker:
Sunil Asija, Director of Human Resources, Oakland County

2:00PM
Tech Talks

2:20PM
Afternoon Networking Break

3:00PM
Inclusion in Action: Tips to Increase Accessibility in Learning

This presentation will enable attendees to further their understanding of the significance of inclusive learning environments and become familiarized with applicable U.S. laws related to accessibility. It is an opportunity to learn practical strategies for designing inclusive instructional materials
  • An introduction to Inclusive Learning
    • Defining inclusive learning environments
    • Importance and benefits of inclusivity in education
    • Challenges and barriers to inclusivity
  • An overview of US Laws and Accessibility
    • Insight into relevant laws, including:
      • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
      • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
      • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  • Practical Strategies for Inclusive Design
    • Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
    • Guidelines for accessible content and materials:
      • Text and images
      • Audio and video
      • Interactive elements
  • Designing for diverse learners: considering different learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and abilities

SPEAKER:
Erika Bialek, Director of Learning & Development, EisnerAmper LLP

3:30PM
Building Inclusive and Accessible Learning for Organizational and Individual Success

In today’s diverse workforce, creating a truly inclusive learning environment is no longer optional, it’s essential. This session dives into the key principles of inclusive and accessible learning design, exploring how to create learning experiences that cater to a variety of needs and learning styles. By implementing these principles, organizations can:
  • Boost engagement and knowledge retention: how inclusive learning fosters a sense of belonging and participation, leading to a more engaged and motivated learning experience
  • Maximize talent potential: When learning is accessible to all, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce, regardless of background or ability
  • Enhance compliance and reputation: Creating inclusive and accessible learning demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion, promoting a positive brand image and fostering legal compliance


SPEAKER:
Mukul Chawla, Learning And Development Specialist, E-Comm 9-1-1

4:00PM
Considerations For Building Inclusive Learning and Development Models

Learning and development are critical to active employee engagement, and the success of employees, as well as the health and growth of the organization. Knowing this, are we taking time to incorporate inclusive, equitable, and accessible strategies before and during training development, while developing our training marketing and communication strategies, and gleaning feedback from quantitative and qualitative data to develop targeted training modules. This session will discuss:
  • Different learning styles and how to tailor training materials accordingly
  • Inclusive, equitable, and accessible considerations for in person and web-based training; and how to utilize these strategies successfully.


SPEAKER:
Cassondra Searight, Deputy Director of Strategy and Policy, US Department of Agriculture

4:30PM
Interactive Discussions

In this session, participants will have the opportunity to discuss the most cutting-edge learning and development issues in small groups.

5:00PM
Chairman’s Closing Summary and End of Day One

October 29, 2024 | Day 2 Agenda

8:00AM
Registration and Breakfast

8:50AM
Chairman’s Welcome

9:00AM
Case Study: Building 10,000 Future Skills: Lessons Learned from an World-Class Learning Journey

The demand for skilled employees is on the verge of outstripping supply – sometimes even beyond. When skill scarcity makes hiring a challenge, up and re-skilling are an obvious solution. Yet companies are struggling to find the formula that makes learning a success.
At T-Systems, skilling is a key tool for developing – and retaining – its workforce. Klaus Scheile, responsible for Learning & Development at T-Systems shares key insights in how the learning time at T-Systems doubled and identifies pitfalls and solutions to successful (re)skilling.
  • Exploring effective strategies for identifying skill gaps and designing targeted training programs
  • Leveraging cutting-edge learning technologies: how to utilize AI, microlearning, and other innovative tools to optimize learning experiences
  • Developing strategies to cultivate a growth mindset and encourage self-directed learning among your employees
  • Effective methods for evaluating the success of reskilling and upskilling programs

Speakers:
Klaus Scheile, VP Learning & Development, T-Systems

9:30AM
Impact Stories: Measuring the Outcome of Your Efforts by Personalizing the Data

It’s a challenge to measure training/learning ROIs when it comes to long-term or multi-year projects, especially in creative industries. In this session you’ll learn new strategies for measuring impact of your training efforts by combining data with the personal stories of your consumers.

Speaker:
Angie Engelbert, Art and Learning Manager, Blizzard Entertainment / Microsoft XBox

10:00AM
Interactive Discussions

In this session, participants will have the opportunity to discuss the most cutting-edge learning and development issues in small groups.

10:45AM
Morning Coffee and Networking

11:15AM
Supercharging Your Learning Strategy with AI, AR/VR, and Microlearning Technologies

This session will delve into the latest and most transformational learning technologies – Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR), and Microlearning – to create a dynamic and effective learning experience. Discover how these innovative tools can personalize learning journeys, boost engagement, improve knowledge retention, and ultimately drive better business outcomes.
  • Unleashing the power of personalization: leveraging AI to tailor learning paths to individual needs and preferences, maximizing knowledge transfer and engagement
  • Creating realistic simulations and interactive experiences with AR/VR to improve skill application
  • The increasing importance of microlearning to deliver bite-sized, easily digestible content that fits seamlessly into busy schedules
  • Leveraging data insights from learning technologies to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and continually refine your L&D strategy
  • What are the best ways to PRACTICALLY stay ahead of the curve by equipping your team with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age?

Speaker:
Julianne Robbins Cenac, Associate VP, Organizational and Talent Development, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

11:45AM
Winning Ways to Develop Leadership Skills for the Modern Workplace

In this session you will receive practical and immediately actionable models to connect your learning programs to your organization’s core values and/or performance management rating tools to create trackable metrics based on already existing data. In this presentation, you will learn:
  • How to design the growth model strategy
  • What the model looks like for an individual contributor
  • How to scale the model for use across the organization
  • The best way to determine development conversations based upon your learning scale
  • Effective ways to locate gaps within the learning population using the data gathered

Speaker:
Lucas Stidham, Senior Director of Learning and Development, Living Spaces

12:15PM
Lunch and Networking

1:15PM
Transform How You Work with Agile

Agile is a buzzword everyone is raving about. But …
  • How can a learning and development organization truly be agile?
  • What is there to gain from using agile approaches?
  • Why does agile make our work, productivity, and alignment better?

How can we completely transform the way we work, the way we think, and the way we deliver?

To truly experience the full power and potential of agile methodologies, you must embrace the mindset. You must go all in. That is the only way. This clinic is designed to demonstrate the agile methods needed to transform your learning team — and possibly, your organization. You will become equipped to:
  • Embrace an agile mindset
  • Comprehend how the methodology benefits L&D organizations
  • Appreciate the challenges encountered when transforming organizations and the way(s) they work
  • Understand five events in the agile methodology that support the organization

Speaker:
Neal Rowland, Product Manager, Digital Ownership Education, Stellantis

2:15PM
Innovative Strategies for Engaging Learning: From Gamification to Interactive Content, and Personalized Learning Paths

This session is designed to address the challenge of continuously innovating and enhancing learning programs. It aims to equip learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain engagement and deliver top value in their learning journey.

The course will delve into the following key areas:
  • Understanding the Learner: Gain a deep understanding of the unique characteristics and needs of learners.
  • Innovation in Learning: Explore the latest trends and technologies in education, and how they can be applied to create engaging and effective learning experiences.
  • Engagement Strategies: Learn about proven strategies and techniques for maintaining learner engagement, including gamification, interactive content, and personalized learning paths.
  • Measuring Success: Understand how to measure the success of a learning program, including tracking engagement, knowledge retention, and the application of learned skills

Speaker:
Christina Carlino Poirier, Senior Director, Learning Events, Data, and Technology, Anywhere

2:45PM
Reframe Imposter Syndrome Through Self-Directed Learning: A Skills-Based Approach

In this interactive presentation, participants will explore strategies for reframing imposter syndrome using self-directed learning habits combined with psychological safety practices and emotional intelligence elements. Discover how these strategies can be operationalized to strengthen professional identity for continued learning, growth, and productivity, and contribute to a renewed sense of purpose and belonging for your employees and leaders.
  • Explore how Imposter Syndrome presents itself in the workplace
  • Discuss experiences of Imposter Syndrome in the workplace and the impact on workplace learning and change
  • Discover how to leverage self-directed learning to reframe imposter syndrome as learning opportunities

3:15PM
Chairman’s Summary and End of Conference