Event #7 - Thrive in an Economic Slowdown





Learning & Development Professionals Forum #7
Thursday 19 February, 2009

What is the theme/topic of the event?


Are you feeling the pressure as a L&D professional to provide more value during the slowing economy? Do you have a plan for how the L&D team will respond with speed and agility?

The focus of this event is how can learning & development professionals thrive in an economic slowdown and continue to deliver value. This interactive session will be facilitated by Emily Nicholson a Senior Consultant with Forum Australia.

Why should you attend?

The slowing economy is challenging all L&D professionals to continue to deliver value, particularly when training is one of the first places to come under scrutiny in an economic slow down. Consider these concerns:

• there is greater scrutiny on value creation than ever before
• the rate of change only increases, placing greater demands on the L&D function to respond with agility and speed
• the need for learning is more important than ever, but increasing costs is not a viable option
• risk aversion becomes the state of play

This event will benefit those of you who are:

• keen to explore global trends and research
• determined to deliver more value in your organisation
• open to self assessment in order to grow and improve
• willing to discuss the economic slowdown and the impact it has on the L&D profession

What do you need to know about Forum?

Forum helps business leaders execute their strategies through people. Using a combination of advisory and learning services, Forum accelerates strategy implementation, minimises risk and maximises earnings for clients.

Drawing on nearly four decades of experience and research-based insights in learning design, consulting, and facilitation, Forum brings about changes in attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that enable employees to achieve and exceed the desired benefits of strategic change, to reduce time to improved performance, and to sustain the change over the long term. Since 1971, clients worldwide have trusted Forum to bring their most important strategic initiatives to life.

Event details:


When: Thursday 19 February, 2009
Time: 6.00 for drinks, the event will commence at 6.30pm (we will aim to finish no later than 7.45pm including ample time for networking)
Where: Forum - Level 14, 201 Miller Street, North Sydney
Note: Forum is located a short 5 min walk from North Sydney station. If you are coming by car there is ample street parking in the area.
Map: http://www.whereis.com/nsw/north-sydney/201-211-miller-st?id=515B32A3A887E5

How do I register?

This event is generously sponsored by Forum so it is really important that you RSVP for building security access and catering purposes. We are limiting the numbers so please register ASAP if you would like to attend.

Please RSVP to Stephanie Taylor, L&D Professionals Forum, no later than Thursday 12 February.

Email: stephanie@taylor.as
Mobile: 0404 453 380
Web: http://ldprofessionalsforum.blogspot.com/

Results of end of year survey 2008

1. Do you feel the L&D Professionals Forum is a worthwhile addition to the Sydney L&D community?
Yes
This is a quality offering that allows L&D professionals to learn and grow
Definitely!
Absolutely, 100% worthwhile.
Absolutely
I've really learnt a lot from the forums I've attended this year. Great networking exercise as well
Yes - it gives a great opportunity to learn (always important) and to network
Absolutely, Steph you have done a wonderful job in setting up this forum and I think it is seen as valuable by all that attend
Well done!!
Yes
Yes
Absolutely!
Definitely - they are a great opportunity to network with like minded individuals
Yes, very welcome
Absolutely

2. Four events were offered during 2008: a) Evaluating & measuring learning - hosted and led by IAG b) Leadership using contemporary learning technologies - hosted and led by Deloitte c) Performance Management panel - hosted by Mallesons and led by Hewitt, Red Roo Consulting, Acelero and BTS d) Conscious leadership - hosted by Challenger and led by Aspirall How many events did you attend?
4 - 8.3%
3 - 33.3%
2 - 41.7%
1 - 16.7%

3. Which event(s) stood out for you and made you think?
Evaluating & measuring learning - 41.7%
Leadership using contemporary learning technologies - 50%
Performance Management panel - 8.3%
Conscious leadership - 50%

4. Did you promote the L&D Professionals Forum to anyone in your network or invite anyone to attend an event in 2008?
Yes - 91.7%
No - 8.3%

5. What key topics/ themes would you like to see addressed at future events? Please list as many as possible.
Managing Learning & development requirements in turbulent times
Innovation in learning Case study / show case
Outstanding learning operations
How to influence others in setting up a "new" L&D Department
Grow your reach within an organisation to be more effective
Annual update on "cutting-edge" technology used in Learning Delivery
Global trends in Learning [for e.g. use of eLearning vs face-to-face; focus on technical vs leadership learning etc]
Comparison of profiling tools & models, such as DiSC, MBTI - Informal learning, techniques for promoting and measuring
Innovative e-learning
Best practice learning management systems
Thought leadership
Effects of a tough economy on L&D
Fresh ideas on reinforcement
Open to other topics
More on Leadership Development, Talent Management, Executive Coaching, e-Learning Best practices
L&D in a downturned climate - how to make sure the training budget is not the first thing cut!
Blended learning - what is it and how is it done effectively
L&D in volatile times ROI on L&D - how to gauge it
How to cope with budget cuts in training
Strategically aligning L&D functions
'Best of' training games/icebreakers
Making L&D invaluable to the business Leadership

6. Do you have a specific topic/ theme that you would like promote/ present/ share at a future event? If so, please leave your name and contact details.
Answers confidential

7. Would you be prepared to host a future event? If so, please include your name & contact details.
Answers confidential

8. Events are currently scheduled every quarter. How often would you like to see events scheduled?
Every month - 0%
Every two months - 33.3%
Every quarter - 66.7%
Every six months - 0%

9. Events are currently offered free of charge. What would you be prepared to pay to attend a future event?
Up to $25 pp - 75%
Up to $50 pp - 16.7%
Up to $75 pp - 0%
Up to $100 pp - 0%
I would not be prepared to pay - 25%

10. How often do you refer to the L&D Professionals Forum website?
Weekly - 0%
Fortnightly - 0%
Monthly - 25%
Quarterly - 25%
Every 6 months - 16.7%
Annually - 0%
I didn't know there was a website available - 33.3%