2 & 3 OCTOBER 2012
NEC, BIRMINGHAM

Adapting learning and development (L&D) to the changing workforce and making the most of new learning technologies will be among the essential industry issues covered by keynote speakers at the highly respected World of Learning Conference taking place at the NEC in Birmingham on 2 and 3 October 2012.

Now in its 20th year, the event has built up a reputation for delivering an impressive line-up of leading names with key industry topics under debate, offering just what HR professionals need to address the current issues affecting learning and development (L&D) within the workplace..

Director of People and Policy at BT, Caroline Waters OBE, delivers the opening address, entitled How will L&D have to adapt to the changing workforce. This will explore the challenges of a multi-generation workforce and the role flexible working can play.

Steve Wheeler, associate professor of learning technologies at the University of Plymouth, will explore some of the emerging technologies and how they can be used in L&D in Learning innovation with tomorrow’s technology tools. Steve has spent his entire career working in media, technology and learning, specialising in research on e-learning and distance education.

The second day of the conference will be opened by Sue Miller, Metro and Corporate L&D Manager at Hilton Worldwide. She will share with the audience How Hilton Worldwide developed into a learning organisation to drive performance and profitability. The final day will close with a focus on integrating apprenticeship schemes into your organisation’s learning strategy with Ann Brown, Vice President of HR from Capgemini.

The highly regarded conference, also features experts from Tesco, Dixons, Barclaycard, Fujitsu, npower, Macmillan Cancer Support and many more. Chaired by Declan Curry, presenter and broadcaster, the conference is designed to enable HR specialists to develop their skills and consult with their peers and experts, to ensure they have the capabilities to implement effective L&D strategies.

Alongside the conference there is a packed agenda of more than 50 free seminars and workshops. The seminars are delivered by leading experts across a range of specialities sharing the benefit of their experience and drawing on case studies to bring the subjects to life.

There are several inspiring features at the exhibition including the ever-popular free seminar programme, the Professional Development Zone and the International Zone, which attracts L&D buyers from overseas. New features for this year include the Technology Test Drive where visitors can sample the latest in everything from e-learning and mobile applications to Moodle based LMS and personality profiling. The Modern Life Skills Zone, facilitated by the Learning Architect, offers bite size modules focusing on key life skills such as cognitive, personal and interpersonal abilities to support organisations and individuals through challenging times.

Visitors to the free exhibition will also find over 120 companies offering the latest in products and services in all sectors of L&D, from e-learning, m-learning and social media in learning and consultancy, to experiential learning, coaching and informal learning. Leading organisations taking part include Impact International, e2train, Fourmative, Redware, Mind Click, Qwizdom, jigsaw@work, and SML Training & Consultancy.

Andrew Gee, Senior Project Manager for the World of Learning Conference & Exhibition, comments:

“The World of Learning Conference & Exhibition has established itself as an essential date in the diary for all leading L&D and HR professionals, providing visitors with the skills and support they need to keep pace with what is a fast evolving sector.”

“We’re pleased to see a positive climate in the learning and development profession, and this has been reflected in the comprehensive conference programme and extended exhibition, which makes this year’s event one of our most exciting yet.”

The UK’s most comprehensive learning event is held in association with the British Institute for Learning & Development and is supported by the following associations and industry titles: Personnel Today, HR Magazine, Changeboard, Training Journal, TrainingZone.co.uk, the eLearning Network, PersonnelZone.com and Learning Magazine. A new event partner is The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), a sector-led body formed to accelerate quality improvement, increase participation and raise standards and achievement in the Further Education (FE) and Skills sector in England.

For more details about the World of Learning 2012 and to register for the event, head to www.learnevents.com. For the latest news and updates about the World of Learning 2012 follow the exhibition on Twitter at #WOL12 and @Learn_EventsUK, and join the World of Learning Conference & Exhibition group on LinkedIn.

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