My pre #FestivalOfWork Thinking

It is always a pleasure to be asked to get involved with the CIPD conferences, this time it’s the #FestivalOfWork at Olympia in London.

I’m heading to the Conference and Exhibition on Wednesday 12 June. I’ve been invited to attend the conference as one of three people who will be sharing Festival updates and insights. I’ll be there all day, dipping in and out of conference sessions and walking around the free exhibition. 

I think we are lucky as a profession that we have so much at our finger tips to help us develop. Whether it’s a networking event, podcast, blog, book, Branch event, workshop, talk or conference sessions – we have many routes to professionally grow and develop. 

At the conference this year there are a good mixture of conference sessions, I will be blogging about these:

A4: Data-driven learning – using data insights to design learning and measure its effectiveness

We have data all around us however, historically, the L&D professional or team hasn’t always made the most of it. Sometimes we don’t even know where to start to find the data to help us design well in the first place. 

I’m looking forward to hearing Catherine Pinchen (PwC) and Mike Collins (River Island) discuss this topic and share their experience of data-driven learning.

B4: Tech-enabled learning cultures – using technology to enable collaborative and self-directed learning

Self-directed learning is a topic I am really onboard with. I work with my clients to support their L&D teams to build collaborative and social learning into the workplace learning culture. It is not easy! 

This interactive panel discussion will explore different perspectives and approaches, including the use of technology in this space.

D2: The science of change – learning from behavioural science to drive people through transformation

This session is aiming to support HR professionals to understand the impact of change on people. If we as People professionals are to effectively support our colleagues and clients, then we need to understand how people might react when impacted by a changing work environment. 

Exhibition

The free #FestivalOfWork Exhibition is bigger than ever and has a variety of free talks, learning sessions and vendors to meet. So whether you’re a Conference ticket holder or not, I’d definitely recommend it. 

I am particularly keen to explore the Wellbeing Village – discover mindfulness sessions, massages and yoga to relax and unwind! 

Mental and physical wellbeing are crucial, if we are going to support others in our work, then we need to consider our own wellbeing too. 

Within my work as a freelance learning and development consultant I do my best to keep a healthy work life balance. 

I must also share a personal interest in the wellbeing and mental health side of the workplace.. I am currently studying 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, the insight it is giving me about the mind-body connection is huge. I am looking forward to seeing how my new learning and skills in Yoga intertwine with my work in the L&D / OD space!

I hope to meet new and old friends / connections alike tomorrow. It would be great to hear other people’s perspectives on the sessions I’ll be in tomorrow. Please feel free to comment below on my blog, tweet me or include me in your social media posts. 

Finally, whilst conferences and exhibitions are brilliant.. remember to take time out here and there to eat, water and rest. 🙂

See you at the CIPD #FestivalOfWork!