SIG Event: The First Ever ATD NYC Learning Lab and Networking Event
When it comes to talent development practices, many of us stick to the tried and true because, let’s face it, when you're in front of key decision makers, it is not the time to experiment with untested approaches. We may be making our clients happy but are we pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone? Is there something amazing that we’re not trying because we can’t risk failure?
Before Chris Rock hosted the Oscars he dropped into several local comedy clubs to test out his material and work on his timing. What if talent professionals could do the same thing? Imagine a place with a live audience of learners that would give you real time feedback on new things you’re trying out, so you get a chance to practice and refine your work before presenting it to your clients in “prime time.”
Well, look no further. The ATD NYC Learning Lab is that place.
We are excited to announce the pilot of the ATD NYC Learning Lab: a safe space where talent professionals can practice and take risks. A place to try out new and innovative tools and techniques for helping people learn and grow. Some of these experiments may succeed. Some may completely bomb. But that’s okay. We can learn just as much from the failures as from the successes. This is a no-judgement zone for learning and innovation.
This event is part of the programming for the ATD NYC Special Interest Groups. It is a pilot event. If successful, we hope to offer Learning Labs to ATD NYC members once every quarter.
What to Expect
Every Learning Lab will feature 2-4 individuals from among those who register who will lead/facilitate a short 15-30-minute stand-alone hands-on “experiment” followed by feedback from the audience of learners, which will consist of the rest of the group.
Learning Labs will be followed by optional after-events where attendees can debrief and network further (since our VR World after-event was so successful!)
The after-event for the August 22 session will be at a TBD location within walking distance of the main event.
Agenda:
5:30-6:00 pm (Optional) Networking
6:00-8:00 pm Learning Lab (2-4 participant-led “experiments” followed by feedback)
8:00-9:30 pm (Optional) After-Event Networking at Pier A
This session's leaders/facilitators:
- Jack Appleman, doing a potential new exercise for his "Write like you speak" workshop
- John Censor, testing a digital business game called "Bottom Line Leadership"
- Linette A Gomez, doing a mini-experiment on Diversity and Inclusion
What’s in it for those who attend without leading/facilitating?
- Exposure to what new learning techniques you’ve heard about look like in practice.
- An opportunity to learn from other talent professionals through hands-on experience.
Examples of Potential Learning Lab Experiments
Learning Lab experiments should be interactive and hands-on for participants. Don’t simply show the group something and ask for feedback. Your experiment must require one or more participants present to do something. For example:
- Malcolm is intrigued by a new coaching model but is concerned it has potential dangers as well as benefits. He decides to try it out with a few people at the Learning Lab (with others acting as observers) to get feedback and some more insight on what he thinks of the model.
- Ash wants to use virtual breakout rooms in a webinar session they’re designing but has never used this tool before and is afraid it won’t work as anticipated. Ash brings the virtual breakout activity to try out at the Learning Lab.
- Preeta is trying to move away from using PowerPoint as a crutch in the training she designs and delivers and wants to challenge herself to deliver a training “sans slides,” using only interactive activities. She decides to use the Learning Lab as a safe space to practice and build more confidence in working this way.
- Quinn has been asked to design a full-length training on a process that she feels probably only needs a good performance support resource. She designs a job aid for the process and brings it to the Learning Lab to test if her resource is sufficient for getting participants through the process.
What do I need to do if I want to lead/facilitate as part of the Learning Lab?
The deadline for submitting to lead/facilitate has passed.
How are the leaders/facilitators for the session selected?
Those who submit the proposal form and meet the above criteria will be accepted for the available slots on a first-come, first-served basis with ATD NYC members taking priority over non-members.
There are 2-4 slots for leaders/facilitators at this session. The exact number of spots depends on the amount of time needed for the proposed learning experiments.
We will announce the leaders/facilitators for this session by end of day Wednesday, August 15th.
What if I just want to attend without leading/facilitating?
Just register here to attend and be prepared to participate in and provide feedback on a variety of hands-on learning experiments.
Cost:
ATD NYC Members: $0
Non-Members: $15
Note: For the optional post-event networking at Pier A the chapter will provide a small variety of appetizers. Drinks are not included.
Location:
Main Event: WeWork, 25 Broadway, 10th Floor, NYC
Optional Post-Event Networking: Pier A, 22 Battery Place, NYC
(within walking distance of main event)
If you have questions, please contact:
Gabrielle Bayme, ATD NYC Vice President of Special Interest Groups
Kate Gerasimova, ATD NYC Assistant Vice President of Special Interest Groups
