CIPD annual Learning and Development Conference and Exhibition

Over 8,000 senior practitioners, trainers, coaches, and people management and development professionals will meet at the CIPDís annual Learning and Development Conference and Exhibition. The CIPD event will take place between 17-19 April, at the new venue, ExCeL London.

The CIPD has introduced an international stream to reflect the challenges organisations and businesses face in managing global workforces, and developing the skills of these to compete successfully in the global employment market.

Martyn Sloman, CIPD Learning, Training and Development Adviser, says: ì2007 is going to be a challenging time for learning and development professionals with the global economy growing apace and all organisations trying to move up the value chain, the Leitch report setting a new skills agenda, and technology continuing to make greater impact on the way we work, emphasis on delivery and speed to market in public, private and voluntary sectors.

ìWhile learning takes place in different situations and very different contexts it is the business drivers that determine learning and development in the workplace. So the role of the trainer remains the same ñ to support, accelerate and direct learning interventions that meet organisational needs, individual learner needs and that are appropriate to the context.î

The CIPD event includes UK and international case studies, interactive workshops and debates. It has over 30 seminars and an impressive line up of over 100 speakers including:

Heather Rabbatts, Executive Chairman, Millwall Football Club and non-Executive Director of the Bank of England, on transformational leadership.

Bill Bryson, Author, journalist, Commissioner for English Heritage and Chancellor of Durham University, on igniting an appreciation for learning.

Venerable Ajahn Brahm, Buddhist Abbot, former Theoretical Physicist and author, on workplace harmony and values.

Garcia Williamson, Director of Talent Development, Hilton in the UK and Ireland, on demonstrating the value of learning.

Gary Willmott, Deputy Chief Executive, Singapore Workforce Development Agency, on multicultural training.

Over 250 providers of learning, training and development products and services will be taking part in the HRD 2007 Exhibition, which runs alongside the conference. Designed as a highly practical event, it will give visitors the chance to get some ëhands-oní experience of a wide variety of training tools and techniques. A new element at this yearís exhibition is a Technology for Learning Zone, featuring specialist suppliers and free showcase presentations.