DDI’s Talent Management Intelligence

Having a Great Time, Wish You Were Here!

by Aviel Selkovits

Tuesday was another great day at ASTD!

So far this conference hasn’t disappointed with lots of interesting conversations and sessions, including a great one by DDI’s own Bill Byham and Pete Weaver on the Lost Secrets of Effective Leadership Training, which talks about essential skills for leadership success. There have also been great topics on new learning technologies and learning journeys.

Back at the DDI candy store—or Leadership Sweet Spot  (see our booth photo below)—we’ve had many interesting and thought provoking conversations with the trainers and HR folks who have stopped by. Oh, and we’re almost out of cake pops, so better stop over fast if you want one!

I’ll be sad to leave tomorrow, but energized to head back to DDI headquarters with lots of new ideas! Weigh in about what you've enjoyed most about ASTD (if you're here), why you wish you were at ASTD (if you aren't here), or, heck, why cake pops are awesome (this one's an all-skate).

Here's our booth being built:

Denver or Bust! See you at ASTD next week.

by Aviel Selkovits

We're packed and ready to go...are you?

So we are finalizing our shipment and packing our bags in preparation for the ASTD 2012 International Conference & Expo and I have to say I am very excited! This will be my fifth time attending the conference and every year it gets better. The agenda is packed with great keynote speakers and presentations (some great ones from DDI experts, of course) and I’m thrilled to hear all the new, exciting and innovative practices shared throughout the four days. Here are the three things I’m most excited about:

1. Focus on future leaders. I see a number of sessions focused on the next generation of leadership talent. How are organizations identifying these leaders, and how are they preparing them?
2. Learning technologies. Gaming, gamification, learning 2.0, social media…all these terms have made their way into presentation titles or descriptions. It’s a hot topic, and the Learning Technologies track is filled with topics related to using these new tools and methods to drive organizational learning and leadership development.
3. Networking! This is always one of the conference aspects I get most excited about! I enjoy meeting others in our profession, across industries, who are looking to learn, share and grow with one another throughout the week. Expanding my thinking and my network…now that’s what I call an engaging show!

 So are you going? What are you most looking forward to? Comment here or visit me at Booth #800!