The American Society for Training & Development is the biggest association worldwide devoted to workplace learning and performance. The ASTD started activities in 1944 when it carried out its first Annual Conference. Today it counts over 70,000 members and associates in more than one hundred countries, and thousands of organizations of every size in both public and private areas, including universities, consultancies, and suppliers.

In year 2000 the Society started an effort towards its “internacionalization”, with the creation of branches in other countries. Thus came to light the 24 Global Partners Network, of which Brazil is a part.

Learn more about ASTD, its Conference, and trends in the area in the interview with Jennifer L. Homer, Senior Director of Public Relations with ASTD:

p&n – What were the most relevant changes in the T&D area in recent years?

Jennifer – We can point out some changes: more than in the past, the need and pursuit have been growing among professionals to learn and know more about their business, to be able to understand strategies and make a link between their own job and these strategies. This didn’t exist some years ago, but today it’s very important. For example, it is critical today that people in every area of an organization should understand all aspects of that business, and should understand how their specific work is related to the organization’s goals. Further still, we have to show how training can contribute to help this organization achieve its strategic goals, and we must have the whole organization understand that training is a critical issue, regardless of the economic moment the company is in: whether good or bad economic moments. I believe that professionals understand this more than they did some time ago.

There is also a growth in the measurement of rewards on investment. With measurement, it becomes much more clear that training brings specific results for the organization performance. This is a big focus.

Another focus is e-learning. Six years ago we were speaking about how technology would be affecting training, and today this is not questioned. Technology is used for many things and impacts the way in which people learn; and in some cases it is not just e-learning versus something else, but e-learning technology is part of something, and it is really used in a lot of organizations.

p&n – Let’s talk about the Conference. What is the biggest challenge in organizing an event such as this?

Jennifer – I think the event is a wonderful opportunity to put everything together: programs, educacional sessions, and also the Expo, besides networking and professional development. We have a community of volunteering professionals who offer advise on our program and help us in the planning of all educational sessions. We are planning for the next Conference already, before the current one is finished. In addition to this, we study with all seriousness the feedbacks offered by participants in the congress, in order to make the event ever better. Everybody in ASTD is involved with the Conference, in one way or another. It is a big event, and I hope the public also see it this way.

p&n – What are the most common errors that people make when they come to the Conference? 

Jennifer – I don’t know if these are errors, but I’ll mention three things that every person should have in mind before coming to our Conference: (1) Try to look up as much information about the Conference as possible – such as the program that is available on line – before coming, so you can try and conciliate our program with your professional goals. There are so many things, so many sessions, that people should think: “what can I do to make most of my time: should I be quite specific about one topic, or should I try to understand different topics?” I do think that if you’ve never been to an ASTD Conference, you should consider all the things you’d be able to do, and then work out a plan. In our site you have the opportunity to create your own timetable so you’ll be able to maximize your time when you’re here. (2) Another opportunity is for you to take advantage of networking in occasions such as the “Welcome reception” and the “Lunch in Expo”, as well as during meetings with suppliers... which are good opportunities to talk with your colleagues, and with lecturers. This is a good way to learn how other people are dealing with challenges in their own organizations. And I think it is a way through which you may learn how you can keep inside the game. (3) You can also look for new publications that are available in ASTD store. It sells lecture presentations, books... and there are sessions and chats with authors of new publications, so it is a wonderful way to spend your time.

p&n – So take  the cue and be invited to the next ASTD Conference that will take place in Atlanta from 3 to 6 June, 2007. (See more in www.astd.org )

See you there!