World of Learning Conference 2006

Leading experts on business learning, training and coaching from major international and UK organisations will be among the world class speakers at the World of Learning Conference 2006, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 14 and 15 November 2006.

Chaired by the ITV news presenter, Nicholas Owen, the agenda covers the key topics of concern to heads of learning, training and development, from both a strategic and implementation perspective. This includes a range of subject matters from ROI and new technologies, to motivation and culture.

Alison Church, Conference and Marketing Manager said, ìThese topics are the result of extensive research in the industry - primarily talking to those people who attend the conference and exhibition. Therefore the conference reflects the current industry trends, which makes it the most well respected conference in the field.î

ìIt concludes with a motivating closing networking session designed to ensure delegates take away solid lessons and enable them to put into practice what theyíve heard at the event,î Church continued.

Highlights include:

Opening Address: How to maximise your investment in learning

The Conference Opening Address will be delivered by Ruth Spellman, Chief Executive of Investors in People. For a long time learning and development professionals have been under increasing pressure to align their training activities to business needs, to prove their worth and demonstrate how their work impacts on the business. As budgets are increasingly being squeezed, they are particularly asking the question ’how do we maximise the budget we are given?’. Ruth will address issues such as making training more accountable and effective, as well as how to minimise wasted resources.

Lunchtime Keynote Address: How are new technologies changing the face of learning? (Day One)
Presented by Ron Edwards, Managing Director of Ambient Performance, David Perring, Head of Learning Solutions and Technologies and Guy Wilkins, Learning Solutions Business Partner of ntl:Telewest, the keynote address will examine the new technologies emerging in the market that are relevant to learning, and how they can realistically be used in organisations. Illustrated by working examples, the seminar will look at everything from learning on the move to collaborative tools such as blogs, podcasting and wikis.

Future of Learning Forum (Day Two)
An international panel of learning experts will discuss how the future of the learning industry is being shaped by both technological developments and shifts in attitudes and approaches within learning. Chaired by Nicholas Owen, the panellists include: Nick Van Dam, Global Chief Learning Officer, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and Chairman, e-Learning For Kids Foundation (US); Carl Holmberg, Adviser to the Director-General Research and Development, Swedish Agency for Flexible Learning (EUR); Nick Shackleton-Jones, Manager, Online and Informal Learning, BBC (UK) and Clive Shepherd, e-Learning Director, The Training Foundation (UK).

The conference will also include interactive workshops that will enable attendees to learn from highly participative, hands-on sessions.


Live Software Simulation Challenge ñ Learning in Action (Day One)
Facilitated by the British Computer Society and in association with Promethean
This highly interactive session will educate delegates about the latest learning simulation software available and help them to discover potential new solutions for their company. Six exhibitors will be set the challenge to develop and demonstrate a software simulation package that can teach a new computer skill, live on stage to the conference delegates. Armed with interactive handsets, the audience will be able to judge how each software package performs, and select the solution they consider to be the most effective. The winner of the competition will be presented with a prize at the World of Learning Awards that evening.

Finding the Balance Forum (Day One)
Facilitated by Wizards Network
A real adventure in learning, this interactive forum provides delegates with the opportunity to explore the concept of balance and how it is integral to so much they do. Delegates will be able to take inspiration and discover new perspectives from a diverse range of experts, who will inform and facilitate discussions using their own experiences and insights.

The conference programme also features case study speakers talking about their experiences on issues from coaching to serious gaming and other key issues include Helen Rushby, Learning and Development Manager at English Heritage; Claire Line, Legal and IT Training Manager at Lovells; Helen Kitchen, Head of Learning and Development at The Home Office; Liz Macann, Head of Training and Development Delivery at the BBC; Judy Ryder, Director of Organisational Development, Whitefriars Housing Group; Julie Ramage, Project Manager, Strathclyde European Partnership Innovative Actions Programme; and Paul Gregory, Head of Talent and Resourcing at Lloyds TSB.

The exhibition also reflects an equally full range of areas, from blended learning, e-learning, coaching and face-to-face training, to experiential learning and training venues. The programme comprises sufficient breaks to enable delegates to take advantage of the extensive exhibition features, including the Experiential Learning Zone, free product demonstrations, the Learning Library Cafe, energiser sessions, and unique networking opportunities.

Early booking discount and FREE Tom Tom Satellite Navigation System worth 280
Offering excellent value for money, the cost of attending the conference for one day is just 530 VAT, while the full two-day conference price is 898 VAT.

Delegates booking before 21 August will receive a 40% discount on the price of the conference. Bookings received before 29 September will receive a 20% discount on each delegate place. In addition, delegates booking and attending the full two-day conference will also receive a free Tom Tom Satellite Navigation System worth 280.

For further information on World of Learning 2006 visit www.learnevents.com or call 44 (0)20 8394 5171.