A rolling programme of presentations, workshops and network opportunities
will demonstrate to delegates what is available and achievable in today’s
workplace
More than 50 speakers, 40 seminars and 300 suppliers of training, learning
and development products and services await delegates at HRD 2003, the CIPD
conference and exhibition for training and development professionals. Placing
itself firmly within the context of a rapidly changing world – both in terms of
business itself and the technology which now exists to support individual and
organisational development – the event pulls no punches in giving visitors a
clear view of what is available and achievable in today’s workplace.
This year’s conference consists of four different types of presentations
which take place concurrently each day. Masterclass sessions give delegates the
opportunity to learn about current thinking from industry experts. On day one,
there is a specially extended double Masterclass entitled Excelling in a
Changing World. Chaired by past CIPD president Don Beattie, the session
features Robert Cooper, chairman of Advanced Excellence Systems LLC, who was
christened "the ultimate business guru for the new millennium" by USA
Today. He starts from the position that most people use only 10 per cent of
their intelligence and creative talents in their daily work. Cooper will go on
to describe ways in which everyone can be encouraged to realise their potential
in all situations. The session promises to be a must for individual advancement
as well as learning how to inspire and promote excellence in others.
Practical approaches
Seminars known as Training Essentials also run throughout each day giving
practical approaches to key contemporary issues. These sessions move further
towards the design and implementation of effective learning programmes and
include topics such as Blended Learning, led by Robin Hoyle, chief learning
architect at multimedia e-learning solutions providers ebc (11.15am on 8
April), and Managing Culture Change (9.30am on 9 April), in which Duncan Brown,
assistant director-general of the CIPD and Kevan Hall, president of training
consultants Global Integration, discuss how cultural differences impact on
learning within a diverse workforce.
The third type of sessions are dedicated to case studies, providing insight
into putting theory into practice. HRD 2003 features examples on mentoring from
Laura Hicks, a senior HR consultant with Microsoft, and Making E-Learning Work,
including presentations from British Airways and David Laughrin, director of
Defence Management Training.
Great importance is still attached to issues such as body language, office
politics and personal motivation. Paralympic gold medalist Tanni Grey-Thompson
gives a Masterclass, Seizing the Day, at 1.30pm on 10 April. Kath-arine Turner
of Towers Perrin is joined by Linda Holbeche, director of research at Roffey
Park, to examine Office Politics at 11.15am on the same day while author and
broadcaster Judi James presents a Training Essentials session on Body Talk on 9
April at 3.15.
A rolling sequence of practical workshops will also take place throughout
all three days on the subjects of Designing a Training Course, Positive
Influencing Skills and Facilitation Skills. These sessions, grouped under the
banner Skills Update, are intended to do precisely what they say on the tin,
giving delegates the chance to brush up on their own techniques and learn the
latest developments in each area.
The conference and exhibition also provides an ideal opportunity to meet
with colleagues from similar functions in diverse industries, to discuss
experiences and share ideas. HRD 2003 arranged a number of venues where
interaction can take place. There is a new Networking Lounge run by CIPD staff,
a Welcome Breakfast (free hot drink and pastries included), meeting points
located around the venue and a Chill Out Zone for quiet reflection.
The conference also offers resources to inform and support delegates as they
return to the workplace. The CIPD’s Annual Training and Development Survey 2003
will also be available to every delegate in addition to seminar tapes and
handbooks which carry important information, articles, books and website
references for trainers to enable them to keep abreast of hot topics. This CIPD
document gives an immediate overview of key changes and developments in
training provision over the past five years, examining what works, what’s new
and how much it costs.
Exhibition
Delegates have the chance to get up close and interactive with the cutting
edge of learning technology and solutions, and to benefit from enhanced
showcase formats. These include Topic Tasters for instant access to the most
up-to-date content available, the Learning Arena for showcasing drama and role-
play based learning techniques and the new Blended Learning showcase dedicated
to future of training and development provision. Exhibitors who had details
ready as we went to press include:
– Corporate event organisers Business Pursuits, which will offer a wide
choice of services ranging from company fun days and incentive initiatives to
motivational team-building exercises, inspirational conferences and outdoor
action-based training. Its key purpose is to ensure provision matches client
needs. Stand 164. Website: www.businesspursuits.co.uk
– Computers in Personnel offers flexible HR software solutions, including
training administration, skills matching, employee and manager self-service.
The company’s software and support services aim to promote a more efficient,
strategic approach to HR management. Stand: 1009. Website:
www.computersinpersonnel.com.
– The European Centre for Business Excellence offers courses and teaching
modules at management and executive levels. Tailored programmes are also on
offer to help organisations achieve strategic objectives through the
improvement of skills and competencies. Stand: 947. Website: www.ecforbe.com.
Blended learning
– Blended Learning is also a feature of European and Language Services’
approach to corporate language training. The company was founded in 1990 as part
of an initiative to deliver French language to Eurostar train drivers and now
delivers courses to a myriad of customers via diverse media including
face-to-face, self-study materials and satellite TV channels. Stand 728.
Website: www.unl.ac.uk/els.
– Exhibitors working in the field of Blended Learning include the Epic
Group. which will be showcasing its new model for Blended Learning and giving
away a free White Paper on the subject. The Blender is a spread-sheet
consultancy tool which enables users to create real-time modelling of blended
learning solutions including information to support the business case. Stand
122. Website: www.epic.co.uk.
– Henley Management College, the int- ernational provider of executive management
development programmes is one of many business schools with input into the
dedicated showcase Focus on Business Schools. Henley continues to provide
flexible, high-quality and relevant management development in partnership with
individuals and organisations worldwide. Stand: 502. Website:
www.henleymc.ac.uk.
– MaST International has researched a new ‘culture and motivation method-
ology’, which it claims will help organisations assess their existing culture,
understand how employees relate to that culture and assess the impact it has on
employee motivation, satisfaction and effectiveness. The company is set to host
two sessions at the exhibition: Thinking the Same – Differently, which looks at
cultural influences (8 April, 10.45am Learning Arena) and topic taster What
gets Measured Gets Results (10 April, 11.45am). Stand 204. Website:
www.mast.co.uk.
– Blended Learning techniques are also on offer from PMProfessional
Learning, a project management training specialist. E-learning modules and
instructor-led courses are available to flex around students’ work and personal
commitments. KNASTO is a new knowledge assessment tool, designed to assess a
student’s project management capability, ensuring training interventions are
relevant and successful. Stand: 2044. Website: www.pmprofessional.com.
How to access HRD 2003
HRD 2003 is held at the
Olympia Conference Centre and National Hall, Hammersmith Road, London,8-10
April 2003.
Tube: 2 min walk from Earl’s
Court (District line)
Car Parking is available and
can be pre-booked at Olympia on 0800 056 8444. Alternatively, try NCP parking
information 0500 845 800.
Buses 9, 10, 27, 28, 49 and
391. London Transport
information 020 7222 1234.
Conference info and booking
details at: www.cipd.co.uk/hrd
Venue info at: www.eco.co.uk/website/travel.nsf/main?openframeset
Profile
Leading through change
Twenty years ago, Kenneth Blanchard wrote a book with Spencer
Johnson, The One Minute Manager. Ten million copies and 25 languages later,
Blanchard is recognised as one of the most important and influential voices in
management today. His publishing credits have extended to more than 20 books
spanning subjects including customer service, ethical management and organisational
change.
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Having founded the Ken Blanchard Companies in 1979, he and his
affiliates across the world have helped corporations realise their full
potential and achieve organisational excellence. He received the American
Society for Training and Development’s Distinguished Contribution to Human
Resource Development Award in 1996 and has a great reputation for speaking from
the heart with warmth and understanding on his topic .
It is fitting therefore, that Blanchard will be at HRD 2003
giving a Masterclass on Leading Through Change (8 April, 1.30pm), one of the
most important challenges facing development and training professionals and the
people they aim to support. Exploring the potential of value-based leadership,
Blanchard will illustrate how development and training is integral to creating
a successful workplace, with leaders playing a role as facilitator, mentor and
coach.
