IN THIS ARTICLE

• ASTD draws 10,000 learning professionals from around the world.

• Conference materials from Jonathan Halls session on creating an innovative workplace are available by clicking the links below.

• A link to the reference book on influencing leaders, that was cited by Jonathan in the influencing leaders panel discussion, is provided below.

I can’t believe it’s over.  ASTD’s International Conference and Expo was once again a learning marathon.  So much to learn from the world's leading experts in learning and performance development.

So how appropriate was it that San Diego's annual marathon ran the same weekend as ASTD started its world renown conference. 

In a way it was a great metaphor because so much of training today is understood in terms of performance.  And in today's world as we experience the gloom of an economic slow-down, everything truly is focused on performance.

Conservative estimates put attendance at more than 10,000 people.  And international attendees made up a huge proportion this year of the conference.

I’m not sure someone in my position should ever rate a conference as being his favorite.  But if I am to be honest, I have to admit that ASTD has been my favorite since the turn of the century. 

Because, I can’t remember an ASTD conference where I haven’t been inspired by the people I meet.  Nor a conference where I haven’t left inspired and moved forward in my own learning from the experts who run the 300 or so seminars.

This year, it was my privilege to share in a number of ASTD events.

Leading innovation in your workplace

240 people attended this session on Monday afternoon.  In it, I looked first at what creativity is and then how leaders can create cultures within their organization that nurture and turbo charge innovation. 

We used the ICE Creativity model as the paradigm for understanding creativity.  And then drew on case studies and research to look at methods that will change your organization.

The session was attended by trainers and thought leaders from many organizations.  These include profit and not- for-profit organizations like Honda, Expedia and the NHS.

Missed the presentation?

If you’d like to hear the session, CLICK HERE to purchase ASTD's MP3 or CD of the workshop. 

You can view the powerpoints in PDF format, by CLICKING HERE.  (Note the slides are designed to work hand-in-hand with the presentation so are not standalone.

If you'd like to see the handouts from this workshop session, CLICK HERE for the PDF which you can print out.

Your innovation revolution – creativity/innovation action plan

At this session, I talked briefly about Talkshow’s Innovation Revolution program.  This is a simple method to kick start either your own personal creativity or your organization’s innovation. 

My intention was to pass out the cards that will help you start this.  However, despite a service agreement, the printing company shipped the cards to San Diego three days after their delivery promise.

The cards are now being shipped to London.  We’ll mail these to people who left their cards with me.  If you didn’t give me your card but would like one sent out, email me at jonathan@talkshowcommunication.com.

Influencing at the leadership level

I sat on a panel with Jenny Yan (Motorola University), Susan Bahl (Bahl & Associates) that was moderated by Fernando Sanchez from Venezuela. 

The topic of the panel was how to engage business leaders in learning and influence the senior leaders how crucial a planned learning strategy is to the success of their company.

I recommended a book that I believe is helpful.  It’s by Theresa Seagraves and published by ASTD.  It’s called, Show me your value. 

While understanding Kirkpatrick and Phillips is important to measure training impact and ROI, Theresa’s book looks at how your communicate with managers at various language, talking in their language. 

Before the panel, I checked the ASTD store to see there were copies because I wanted to be sure people could easily get their hands on the book.  There were plenty of copies – probably about 30.  Two-days later they were sold out.  So if you missed out getting your copy and need the book, CLICK HERE for a link to the book on Amazon. 

Jonathan Halls
jonathan@talkshowcommunication.com