SIG Event: ATD NYC Learning Lab and Networking Event
Due to the popularity and success of The First Ever ATD NYC Learning Lab and Networking Event in August, we are happy to announce that we will be doing a Learning Lab event at least once a quarter. Please join us for our next Learning Lab in November! This event is part of the programming for the ATD NYC Special Interest Groups.
NOTE: Member registration is now open. Non-member registration opens on October 30th.
Program Description
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.
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 be a hit. 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.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Every Learning Lab will feature 2-3 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 are preceded and followed by optional networking events where attendees can debrief and network further.
Agenda
5:30-6:00 pm (Optional) Networking
6:00-8:00 pm Learning Lab (activities & feedback sessions)
8:00-9:00 pm (Optional) More Networking @ Connolly's Pub & Restaurant (with snacks & beverages)
THIS SESSION'S LEADERS/FACILITATORS:
- Gabrielle Bayme, trying out a new icebreaker to challenge your Scrabble skills!
- Kate Gerasimova, facilitating a variation on a structured networking activity suggested by ATD NYC member Anne Gibbons
- Harrison Kim, leading an interactive session on Sharing Effective Feedback
- David Marx & David Truzman, testing out an exercise for a new workshop they’re designing around The S.A.G.E. Approach to Challenging Conversations
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.
- Network with other talent professionals in the context of a learning 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?
First register for the event. Then use this Google Form to sign up to lead/facilitate at the November Learning Lab.
The deadline for submitting to lead/facilitate has been extended to Friday, November 1, 2019.
There is a maximum of three slots for leaders/facilitators at this session.
Proposal Criteria
Make sure the experiment you are proposing:
- Is “hands-on” and interactive – participants must do something
- Can be done in 30 minutes or less
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 2-3 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 Thursday, November 7th.
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 Connolly's the chapter will provide a small variety of appetizers. Drinks are not included.
Registration:
Registration closes at 5:00 pm November 13, 2019.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations submitted 48 hours prior to the event will be honored. Email contact@atdnyc.org to cancel and request a refund.
Event LOCATION:
Euromoney Learning Solutions
1120 Avenue of the Americas (between W. 43rd and W. 44th), NYC
Post-event networking location:
Connolly's Pub Restaurant
121 W 45th St (6th Ave), NYC
Event CONTACTs:
ATD NYC Special Interest Groups
Gabrielle Bayme, Vice President, SIGs, gabrielle.bayme@atdnyc.org
Kate Gerasimova, Assistant Vice President, SIGs, kate.gerasimova@atdnyc.org
