In these disruptive times, learning and digital methodologies are evolving exponentially. Learning and Development (L&D) is feeling the impact and frenetic pace keenly. Learners’ needs are changing, technology is evolving, automation is altering processes, and globalisation is transforming reach. With an increasing number of employees seeing ongoing professional development as a desirable condition of employment, advanced learning programs have become a strategic means of attracting and retaining talent. Being competitive requires more than just keeping up, it demands vision and the ability to harness innovation to its fullest potential.
Each year, Learning Innovation Africa (LIA) shines a spotlight on the latest developments in learning in South Africa, Africa, and internationally. This year’s event, scheduled for September 3 – 4 at The Wanderers Country Club in Johannesburg, will serve as not just a showcase but also create a platform for sharing best practices.
‘So what. Now what?’
Helen Nicholson of The Network Company elaborates “Innovation is happening all around us all the time, but until we contextualise trends like cloud technology, gamification, and big data, they remain abstract. By demonstrating the value they can add to learning and development, we inspire local operators to take human capital to the next level. The capability already exists. We just need to show the ‘where to from here’. This is the rationale behind this year’s theme, ‘So what. Now what?’.
Learning being ‘UBER’ed
The two-day event will remain true to its ‘wisdom in the room’ philosophy, delivered through an impressive, speaker line-up:
- David Wentworth (International keynote), Principal Learning Analyst, Brandon Hall Group (USA)
- Christine Tutssel, Axonify and Co-founder, Impact Zone
- Professor Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor of Education, Stellenbosch University
- Graeme Codrington, Futurist, Board Advisor, Author, and Speaker, Tomorrow Today
- Debbie Craig, Managing Director, Catalyst Consulting / Co-Author, Accelerated Learning
- Brad Shorkend, Co-founder, Still Human
- Andrea Golding, Co-founder, Still Human
- James Van der Westhuizen, Founder and Managing Partner, KnowHouse
- ltha Taljaard, Founder, Futurist and Creative Strategist.
Learning Innovation Africa intends to build on previous successes by maximising case study-based learning and peer-to-peer networking. “This is not your typical PowerPoint-driven information dump,’ explains Nicholson. “We’re talking about disrupting how learning is delivered. It’s only fitting that we shake things up a bit ourselves. Taking our cue from the successful TED Talk concept, we’re focussing on shorter, more impactful content and incorporating several interactive forums designed to encourage direct engagement, collaboration, and open dialogue.”
On the agenda is a Millennial Council, intended to provide perspective on how these generations learn and need to be taught, as well as insight into their value systems around work and business. There’s also a uniquely interactive Aware Simulation, which will highlight how to incorporate creative habits like deep user empathy, radical collaboration, and rapid experimentation.
“We’re offering delegates the opportunity to immerse themselves in a non-traditional conference environment, learn from the best, and grapple with some of the issues that everyone is grappling with,” concludes Nicholson.
Futureproof your organisation
A world-class learning experience, this two-day conference promises to stimulate new thinking and inspire action as some of the industry’s top thought leaders and pioneers tackle human capital biggest change disruptors. Outcomes include:
- Insight into new learning technologies from across the world, including micro-learning, gamification, augmented reality, next-generation learning technology, big data, and the cloud.
- A network of colleagues grappling with similar challenges.
- A clear vision of how the innovative organisations of the future look and behave.
- Exposure to the most innovative case studies in Africa: what these organisations have done differently, how they failed, some of their challenges, and what the success factors are.
Don’t miss the most exciting INNOVATION in human capital! The 2018 Learning Innovation Africa Conference takes place 3 – 4 September 2018 at The Wanderers Country Club, Illovo, Johannesburg. Ticket prices are R8950 per delegate. For further information and bookings, go to www.learninginnovationafrica.co.za.