Keynotes, Speed Coaching & More: Welcome to the LTEN Annual Conference
Overview – By Tim Sosbe
Whether this will be your first time at an LTEN Annual Conference or whether you’ve been with us before, you’re in for a great event. This year’s agenda truly offers something for everyone in the life sciences training industry to enjoy, learn from and take part in. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect.
Main Stage Presentations
You can read more later in this issue about specific speakers and events, but be sure to join us for the general sessions on June 4, 5 and 6 in the Grapevine C & D ballrooms. From our keynote speakers to the 5th Annual LTEN Excellence Awards ceremony to the LTEN Talks presenters, we’ll be sharing great ideas, amazing energy and inspiring stories on the conference main stage.
Networking Opportunities
One of the true highlights of the LTEN Annual Conference is the chance to connect. With a record number of LTEN members expected, there’s always someone you should meet. In addition to random conversations in hallways and before or after workshops, you’ll be able to talk to your professional peers at breaks, at the welcome reception, at the networking reception, in the Learning Village, during the poster session and any other time you get a chance. If you’re looking to connect to someone specific, be sure to use the conference app to message them and set up an in-person conversation.
The value of networking at an event like this can’t be overstated … the value you need from the event may come outside the formal agenda, maybe even when you least expect it. And be sure to keep the supplier community in mind when you’re networking; provider partners have a great understanding of the training industry from their work and from their clients, and they’re resources that should be utilized.
LTEN On-the-Go Conference and Member App
The conference app is a tool that deserves some special attention. Be sure to download it prior to the conference from your favorite app store. In addition to housing the most up-to-date information on the agenda – including the inevitable last-minute changes – the app’s messaging tool lets you reach out to literally anyone attending the conference. You’ll also be able to review workshop sessions, share thoughts and pictures through the message board function and sort through workshop sessions and speakers to build the agenda that works for you.
In addition to the app serving as a powerful tool to navigate the event, the LTEN On-the-Go app is also the official LTEN member app. Use it all year long to participate in forums, access all LTEN events, connect with members and more. And don’t worry about connectivity – as with last year’s conference, the wi-fi access throughout the event is on us.
Learning Village
There’s more about the Learning Village exhibit hall later in this issue, so just remember this: It’s the hub of the conference and we hope you spend plenty of time there learning and connecting. In addition to visiting the supplier booths from sponsors who make the conference possible, you’ll also congregate there for meals, for the June 3 welcome reception, to meet the tabletop sponsors in the Exploration Station, to visit the LTEN booth and to attend the popular 20-minute Learning Lab presentations.
While you’re there, please do thank our sponsors and exhibitors for helping make this conference happen each year.
Speed Coaching
Finally, in the spirit of saving the best for last, speed coaching is perhaps the most exciting new offering this year, which is saying something. Think about it: You’ve come to a conference with more than 1,000 people attending, and you want to sit down and chat with an industry leader. What are the odds of finding him or her? Further, what are your chances of getting 15 minutes of his or her full attention?
At the LTEN Annual Conference, those odds are 100 percent.
For the new speed coaching program, LTEN members will have the chance to sign up for a 15-minute speed coaching session, where you can discuss whatever professional topic fits your needs: Career advice, how to resolve a business issue, best practices in a certain area – basically, whatever is on your mind.
Coaching will be provided by LTEN Board of Directors members, LTEN Advisory Council members and various senior directors of training from key industry companies. Conference attendees signing up for the speed coaching program will be matched with a coach based on availability and specific needs.
Stay tuned for more information on how to sign up for speed coaching. This is an opportunity you’ll definitely want to take advantage of.
Tim Sosbe is editorial director for LTEN. Email Tim at tsosbe@L-TEN.org.
