Exhibition Seminar Programme 2019

The programme for 2020 will be released soon. To get an idea of what was included at the last event, see the 2019 seminar programme below. Supported by Rising Vibe, who helps organisations feel better to do better.

Registration for World of Learning 2020 is now open – book your free ticket today!

Tuesday 15 October 2019

10:45 – 11:15
Theatre 2
Shedding the light on the black box of networking communication

We know a great deal about how to network at meetings, corporate events, and conferences; at least there is much popular psychology and self-help about managing these sorts of encounters. We are advised to ask particular questions, make ‘small talk’, and build rapport quickly with new colleagues. However, we actually know very little about how people ‘network’, when it comes to the real practices that comprise initial encounters. In this seminar, we will present findings from observational research and video/audio-recorded real-time conversational openings as they unfold. Using a method called ‘conversation analysis’, we will show what works and what is less effective as we shed light on the ‘black box’ of networking communication. Finally, we will discuss the implications of our analysis for those organizing events as well as those attending them.

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales and Marketing and Elizabeth Stokoe, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor, Loughborough University

11:15 – 11:45
Theatre 1
How emotion impacts performance and business results

Emotions are everywhere. Yet in business they are rarely encouraged or spoken about. It is possible to have the human interactions necessary to build connection and trust and hold people to account around performance. It is possible to do both at the same time. There is no need to overcomplicate it, and if we are more proactive in this area, there will be less need for the wellbeing interventions that are there to support people once they are ‘broken’. We will be exploring the power of encouraging ALL emotions to enable high performance and business results.

Lou Banks, Founder, Rising Vibe

11:30 – 12:00
Theatre 2
Let them learn and show your staff they are valued

We asked over 1400 leaders and managers about their career aspirations and ambitions for 2019. One in three respondents expressed a desire to change their job this year. Nearly three quarters were motivated to make a new start because they felt they could achieve more in their careers. When we further explored the reasons that people gave for wanting to change their jobs, many identified a lack of opportunity for development. It was evident from the research that not only do people want to learn, it is an important non-financial reward, a way to show employees they are valued.

Kate Cooper, Head of Research, Policy & Standards, The Institute of Leadership and Management

12:00 – 12:30
Theatre 1
Select the right LMS: 10 factors for your business to consider

With over 1,000 LMSs on the market, it’s tricky to find the right solution for your organisation. Having worked on over 350 LMS implementations, ranging in size from 100 users to 2 million+ users, Phily Hayes has a wealth of experience when it comes to selecting and implementing a learning management system. If you’re planning to implement your first LMS or replace your existing one, this session will give you a crash course on how to choose the right LMS for you and your business. You’ll walk away with a solid action plan for your LMS selection process.

Phily Hayes, Senior Account Manager, LearnUpon

12:15 – 12:45
Theatre 2
Using quizzes and gameshows to engage and educate

The ability of games to provide an immersive and engaging environment is key to their effectiveness in delivering learning and development content. Using quizzes and gameshows and introducing a competitive element by enabling users to share their score with others and see it displayed on leaderboards capitalises on a natural driver of human behaviour and encourages re-engagement – improving knowledge retention. In today’s tech-saturated world, deployment to smart devices is critical. The session will explore how to implement effective learning games that have a strong, simple message and are able to offer bespoke learning content beyond your LMS.

Mike Hawkyard, Chief Executive Officer, GameBrain

12:45 – 13.15
Theatre 1
4 examples using games and immersive technologies to set people up for success

Everyone is demanding more from digital learning; users want exciting, enjoyable experiences that meet their high expectations of technology, while businesses want effective, measurable solutions, aligned to their key priorities. How do we balance the needs of the individual and those of the organisation? In this seminar, we’ll look at four examples where digital games and immersive technologies, like VR and AR, are not only ‘wowing’ audiences but achieving real business impact. You’ll see how companies, including Tetra Pak and Royal Mail, are addressing key challenges through immersive experience and game play, and understand how these technologies can be used to engage and motivate people. You’ll leave the session with practical tips for incorporating games and immersive tech into learning at your own organisation.

Jason Butler, Game Developer, Sponge

13:00 – 13:30
Theatre 2
Supercharge your leadership and management using money you have already spent!

Management is cited among the top three skills gaps, however, lack of budget means many organisations fail to make adequate investment in future leaders. Two years after its introduction, many employers are still working out how to maximise value from their apprenticeship levy, most with an outdated view that the developmental experience of apprenticeships is unsatisfactory. With next to no budget spent, Card Factory transformed their management capabilities and this business case study shows how. Our unique learner-centric programme, contextualised for the employer, embraces multiple high-impact delivery methods – utilising face-to-face, audio/video and mobile learning via app.

Shaun Lanceley, Director of Learning, Raise the Bar

13:30 – 14:00
Theatre 1
The 3 pillars of human resilience

During this thought-provoking presentation, award-winning and best-selling author and presenter Liggy Webb will explore the essential life skill of resilience. She will explain and evidence why resilience is both a personal and business imperative against the backdrop the fourth industrial revolution.

The unique 3 pillar model will equip people to:

1. Feel more empowered and confident when dealing with set backs and adversity
2. Cope well in a rapidly changing world and confidently manage uncertainty
2. Cultivate a growth and positive mindset that will be ready for anything

Liggy Webb, Founder, The Learning Architect

13:45 – 14:15
Theatre 2
The changing role of L&D: what do modern practitioners need to be?

The learning landscape of the modern workforce is undergoing a radical transformation. Learners are becoming more independent and skills requirements are evolving, bringing fresh challenges for organisations. There’s no denying L&D is changing, so we need to rethink the role of the L&D practitioner. So, what do modern L&D practitioners need to be?

This session explores some of the key skills the modern practitioner must embrace for success, including:

– Collaborator
– Coach & Mentor
– Analyst
– Curator

Each role is contextualised in the modern setting, with examples of the challenges they present to L&D practitioners and how they can be overcome.

Steve Finch, Head of Marketing, Thinqi

14:15 – 14:45
Theatre 1
How to change a learning culture

What comes first, learning culture or technology? Many implement new tech hoping that it will help to shift cultures, but we’ve found that many new launches fall flat. So what’s going wrong? Tech is just one piece of the pie. Clearly, we need to do more to better align corporate learning with consumer experiences. But that’s not the only work we need to be doing. Join this short seminar to learn:

– Practical tips to changing a culture and how to cultivate curiosity in your employees
– How to take initial steps without technology
– Extrinsic and Intrinsic motivation and how we can help people get off their butts and take some initiative and ownership
– How we can use tech to make more human connections

Changing learning cultures in your organisation has never been so challenging. This seminar will give you practical tips and actionable take aways to make an impact.

Danielle Hamilton, Chief Customer Officer, Thrive Learning

14:45 – 15:15
Theatre 2
Leading remote workers in the digital era

Having to be a manager of geographically dispersed teams has been a common challenge for many of us. However, these challenges have been heightened further in recent years as workers and organisations continue to new ways of working, such as flexible, virtual and remote arrangements. It’s these new requirements that have been significantly overlooked, leaving many managers to fumble through periods of trial and error in order to discover what’s likely to go wrong.

In this seminar we will explore new ways of leading that are available to managers who have teams and/or individuals working in geographically dispersed environments.

Bob Bannister, Managing Director, iManage Performance

15:00 – 15:30
Theatre 1
How elearning has improved our culture and revolutionised the way we train

With 600 log cabins at 10 locations across the UK, Forest Holidays has grown to almost 600 team members. With each of their ten locations previously operating semi-independently, their journey is all about the organic growth of an elearning culture – standardising training into a cohesive programme, moving away from paper-based “read and sign”, and addressing differing attitudes to change. Andrew had the capability to bring about changes to their training by tapping into Forest Holiday’s well-established environment of empowerment. He will impart how Learning Management System (LMS) data proved essential in measuring progress, creating detailed reports on KPIs and health and safety audits to identify training needs, and consequently plan training calendars. He’ll demonstrate the effective impact being achieved through their online training provision and will offer insights into what he’s learned as he manages this growth.

Andrew Willison, National Health and Safety Coordinator, Forest Holidays

15:30 – 16:00
Theatre 2
The Learning Imperative

Based upon the key messages from the Business Book Awards 2019 (HR and Management) winner ‘The Learning Imperative’, Mark will explore what the key foundations for a fertile learning culture in organisations are, and the barriers that can cause individuals to become ‘closed to learning’. He’ll also examine why so many well-meaning attempts to improve performance through learning fail, and the key pitfalls to avoid.

Mark Burns, Director, Plus One Learning

15:45 – 16:15
Theatre 1
Better by design: transforming culture through learning

Technology, new operating models and changes in the workforce demand a new approach to culture. By working collaboratively and intelligently, L&D can be a catalyst to support employees proactively in a rapidly evolving workplace. It’s time to put your people first by developing smarter learning strategies that unlock positive change.

Matt Ash, Head of Learning, Media Zoo

Wednesday 16 October 2019

10:45 – 11:15
Theatre 1
Gender balance: but not as we know it!

Rising Vibe provides emotional support for men in the business world. We’re passionate about men and women, and we want to challenge the current level of focus on emotional support and expectation for men in particular. Gender balance is achieved when people are able to access and enjoy the same rewards, resources and opportunities regardless of gender. There is much focus on the needs of women right now, but when it comes to accessing resources for emotional support, men are at a huge disadvantage. We will explore the myths of masculinity and how supporting the fellas will help the females.

Lou Banks, Founder, Rising Vibe

11:15 – 11:45
Theatre 2
Empowering inclusive leaders for a diverse world

For many organisations, progress towards a more diverse and inclusive workplace has focused on characteristics like race, gender and disability. This doesn’t go far enough. Leaders need to empower diversity of personality, thinking and behaviour if they are to be truly inclusive. Original research by Anne into natural preferences among future leaders shows that certain styles of leadership dominate today’s workplaces. Anne found that people who are task and outcome focused are more likely to be in senior roles, while more collaborative and consensual individuals are less commonly found in leadership roles.

Anne will share her results, reflecting on why this might happen and how leaders can broaden their view on diversity in order to become truly inclusive.

Anne Clews, Head of Performance Learning, Curium Solutions

11:30 – 12:00
Theatre 1
Negotiating in the digital age

As the way we communicate continues to evolve, the traditional models of negotiation don’t always deliver the improvements to the bottom line that businesses need. These changes, alongside the increasing use of AI within negotiation, demands a different approach to your commercial teams’ negotiations. We will touch on how you can use digital learning tools to upskill your teams’ negotiation capability. Join us as we explore the digital age is affecting negotiation and how your team can adapt to achieve success in all their negotiations.

Esther Shearwood, Senior Consultant, The Gap Partnership

12:00 – 12:30
Theatre 2
How to give everyone in your organisation the capability to coach

Coaching is one of the hottest topics in the world of learning right now, so why is it only reserved for a small number of people? Everyone is talking about it, everyone knows that it gets results, but few people know what to do about it, or how to ensure EVERYONEhas the ability to coach. This talk will lay out a practical plan for giving everyone the capability to coach without breaking the bank.

Adam Kara, Chief Executive Officer, Coaching Culture

12:15 – 12:45
Theatre 1
The fourth sneaky elephant

When L&D people gather in the name of learning, there are three elephants in the room which they mostly ignore, to their peril. There is also a fourth sneaky elephant hiding behind the other three. Learn about the elephants and how to make sure they are all acknowledged in your L&D strategy, and that elephant handling is included. An L&D strategy that does not ‘manage’ the elephants is incomplete and ‘dangerous’ for L&D, and a strategy that harnesses the power of the elephants will help L&D thrive.

Paul Matthews, Chief Executive Officer, People Alchemy

12:40 – 13:10
Theatre 2
Avoid death by data – how to make people analytics work for you

We’re all under pressure to make data work – more than 70% of organisations consider people analytics to be a high priority and yet only 9% of them believe they have a good understanding of how it links to performance! Using case studies and real life examples from all over the world, we will use data to consider differences in behaviour, culture, teams and management – why it matters and more importantly, how to use it effectively in your workplace.

Jo Keeler, Managing Partner, Belbin

13:00 – 13:30
Theatre 1
Creating magical content for human beings

In a world full of bots and AI, how can we use human traits like curiosity, humour and pride to make our learning projects more effective? Us humans know that we should behave responsibly, eat healthily and exercise regularly. But look at us.

So, how about we stop telling people what to do and instead create irresistible behaviour-changing content for busy human beings?

Rebecca Trigg, Learning and Communication Consultant, Acteon

13:45 – 14:15
Theatre 1
Why personal development is the power behind creating sustainable and diverse talent pipelines

We will examine why diverse talent pipelines matter and are essential to a business’s bottom line along with attracting the next generation of employees. We will explore how diversity provides solutions to current issues ie gender pay gap, ethnicity pay reporting as well as attracting and retaining talent. Challenges and opportunities in achieving this along with current drivers and efficacy will be discussed. We will then explore what personal development is and why it is the powerful enabler for creating diverse and robust talent pipelines. We will conclude by demonstrating through case studies the success personal development has in catalysing change.

Helen Maxwell, Sales Executive, The Springboard Consultancy

14:15 – 14:45
Theatre 2
Shift happens – accelerating organisational change through people

Leaders often know their organisational change needs, or have been guided to them by external experts. But two thirds of organisational change efforts fail. The number one reason is lack of people involvement. To ensure people own their change process, the ‘how’ of change needs to be seamlessly integrated into the change strategy, rather than treated as an afterthought. This interactive workshop explores how we can engage people in organisational change and make shift happen.

Dom Fitch, Global Head of Creative Change, Impact

14:30 – 15:00
Theatre 1
Demystifying and designing digital learning transformation

Digital transformation starts with the people, yet we only ever hear the phrase within a corporate environment, and never in a consumer grade environment. When shaping and talking about digital transformation, we need to think about it within the context of the consumer, and need to design it for the consumer so their personal lives and work lives are seamless.

Danny will explore how we can design digital transformation within a consumer environment through a 3 stage approach; human-centred design, experience design, and consumer grade tech.

Danny Seals, Learning Architect, GP Strategies

15:00 – 15:30
Theatre 2
Implementing an inclusive mobile learning strategy at Vanquis Bank

Vanquis Bank launched a mobile e-learning strategy with GoodHabitz, providing skills development opportunities to 1700 employees. In 3 months, 41% have completed an optional soft skills course (up from 2%) – representing a 95% uplift in learning engagement. Learning rates have risen steadily and now stabilised at 500 courses accessed each month – representing a 70% increase. This presentation will:

– Outline the strategic context and why personal development is important in an age when employees are concerned about AI and automation
– Share KPIs achieved
– Explain the importance of inclusivity and free access to learning for all, why mobile ready content and micro-learning is essential for success
– Highlight what’s required for a sustainable ‘learning in work’ company culture.

Alice New, Learning and Development Coach, GoodHabitz

15:15 – 15:45
Theatre 1
Murder in the boardroom: why the positive impact of team building shouldn’t be underestimated

Team building shouldn’t be a chore, and nor should it just be an excuse to get out of the office and go on a jolly. It can often be perceived in a negative way; a source of horror for employees and a tedious necessity for managers alike. This seminar will demonstrate its positive effects on one creative design company; our case study explores the discord between teams, the bonding and collaboration which resulted and ultimately, their increased efficiency and profit margins. When facilitated well, team building can achieve balance and provide valuable employee insight, and have a hugely positive impact on your business.