Top picks for the CIPD L&D show - free seminars

We continue our coverage of the CIPD L&D show with our recommendations from the free learning programme. Taking place over three separate learning arenas across the exhibition hall at Olympia, the free learning programme covers a wide range of topics. It features expert speakers (some from the main programme itself), case studies of successful L&D initiatives as well as the latest research and thought leadership. Here are our highlights across both days of the conference:

Day 1 picks

10.15 - 10.45 - Learning and performance in 4,000 words, CIPD
This session promises to deliver something a little different from the CIPD - the format will be based on the popular and fast-moving Ignite presentation approach, where speakers cover a topic in around five minutes using a fixed number of slides. This session will feature four different speakers, with each taking 1000 words to share their ideas and experience on the topics of learning and performance.

11.00 - 11.30 - Meet the speaker - interview with Daniel Glaser
Daniel Glaser’s session on neuroscience for learning and how we can use content to create memorable learning experiences will undoubtedly be a highlight of this year’s main programme. We’re looking forward to hearing more from him in this informal Q&A interview. Arrive early if you can, as this session is likely to be extremely popular and therefore standing room only!

12.30 - 13.00 - Proving Training Impact with Big Data and AI, HT2 Labs
The HT2 Labs team are a forward-thinking, innovative bunch, so their session is a must for us. The dual topics of this session - Big Data and AI - can be a little bit intangible for some - how can they help L&D in a really practical way? We’re keen to find out what the HT2 team think about how they can be applied and put to use to tackle one of L&D’s most important challenges - demonstrating the impact of training on the ground.

14.00 - 14.30 - Three lessons from the deep culture shift at Schneider Electric, The Energy Project
In 2015, energy company Schneider Electric put employee well-being at the centre of their mission to drive sustainable high performance. They wanted to create a culture where positive well-being fuels high performance. This case study will share how they did it. We’re interested to hear more about how they used the concept of managers as ‘energy champions’ to drive positive behavioural change - the holy grail of any cultural change initiative.

Day 2 picks

9.30 - 10.00 - Learning Technologies: What Managers Really Think, GoodPractice
Don’t miss our MD Owen Ferguson on the morning of Day 2. He’ll be up bright and early to share the findings from our latest L&D research, produced in association with ComRes. You’ll hear the surprising results about what managers really think about the learning technologies provided by their L&D functions, and how useful and accessible they perceive them to be. If you don’t manage to make it along, you can pick up your copy of the report and meet the GoodPractice team at Stand 432.

12.30 - 13.00 - Technology in L&D: critical considerations for digital learning, Melanie Green, CIPD
With many different tech options available to support the work of L&D, a perennial challenge is how to evaluate what’s available and then select the right approach. We’re looking forward to hearing more on this from Melanie, in particular how to cut through the hype surrounding tech for learning and overcome assumptions about organisational capacity for self-directed, digital learning.

13.15 - 13.45 - The human factors of GDPR, Henley Business School
For organisations currently grappling with the ramifications of the GDPR legislation, the majority will be focusing their efforts on updating systems and ensuring compliance around data management processes. At its heart however, GDPR is founded on the principles of accountability and transparency - so this session on the human impact of the legislation will be interesting.

14.00 - 14.30 - L&D that drives performance, latest research from Towards Maturity and CIPD
Towards Maturity and The CIPD are two stalwarts of the HR and L&D landscape, both producing leading-edge research that informs the evolution of these professions. In this session, they’ll be sharing the fruits of their combined research efforts and presenting a approach for L&D that can be used to truly underpin organisational performance - we are looking forward to being inspired!