2012 Hudson-Mohawk ASTD Workplace Learning & Performance Conference

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Session handouts are available for download - there will be no paper copies available at the conference.

 Keynote

Tony Bingham is the dynamic leader of the world’s top learning and workplace performance trade association, the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD).  He and the organization are at the forefront of trends in learning and workforce development. As President and CEO, Bingham oversees 128 chapters in the United States and 20 international partners.

Tony is the co-author of The New Social Learning published in August 2010. Through stories and case studies, he and Marcia Conner offer compelling evidence for the training profession on how to transform learning using social media. Tony’s 2007 book, Presenting Learning, was co-authored by Tony Jeary. It was written to help learning professionals articulate the business case for learning more persuasively, position themselves as a strategic partner, and communicate a compelling story about the impact of learning on business results.

With broad-based business, financial, operational, and technical management expertise, Tony joined ASTD in 2001 as the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Information Officer. He became President and CEO in February 2004.

Learning professionals from across upstate New York State and New England have a unique opportunity to interface with one of the foremost authorities in the world on learning and workplace performance.

We hope you take full advantage of hearing an engaging speaker who is up to date on the latest techniques in the field.

 

 

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.	Registration / Exhibitor Fair / Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.	Welcome from Conference Chair and Chapter President
8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m	Keynote Address: "Learning from the Top" - Tony Bingham, President and CEO, ASTD
10:00 a.m – 10:30 a.m.	Break / Exhibitor Fair
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.	SESSION 1 "Brain Based Training" Joseph Argenio	SESSION 2 “Boldly Beyond the DVD” Leanne Robinson-Maine/Chris Conto	SESSION 3 “Harnessing Your Vocal Power” Dale Klein	SESSION 4 “You’ve Got Them, Now What Do You Do With Them?” Denise Mallow
12:00 p.m – 1:00 p.m.	Lunch / Exhibitor Fair Award Presentation
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.	SESSION 5 “LinkedIn: Networking Made Easy” Peter Coombs	SESSION 6 “INSTRUCTIONAL MOMENTS: Insightful Learning Through Improv” Izzy Gesell	SESSION 7 “Prevent People from Pushing Your Buttons” Janet Pfeiffer	SESSION 8 “Training Techniques to Knock ‘Em Out of the Park” Joan Hebert
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.	Break / Exhibitor Fair
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.	SESSION 9: "Is That Your Final Answer?" (General Session)
4:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.	Closing and Drawing of Prizes

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Learning from the Top

Tony Bingham, President and CEO, ASTD
http://www.astd.org

Senior executives are focused on growing their organizations. To do that, they know their workforce must be highly skilled and knowledgeable or the organization risks losing its competitive edge. An important part of attracting and retaining top talent, growing leaders, and achieving success is providing relevant and effective learning and development opportunities.

In this session you will hear about CEOs from small and large companies who champion employee development, align learning to business strategies, and demonstrate the impact of learning using metrics that are most important to the organization.

 

SESSION 1
Brained Based Training That Improves Retention and Transfer of Learning

Joseph Argenio, President, Performance Improvement Management Associates
http://www.nypima.wordpress.com

Brain-based research has provided us with a clearer understanding of how the brain absorbs, processes and stores information.  In this session, participants will discover important principles about how the brain learns and how these principles can be used to guarantee satisfied audiences, ensure optimal learning and promote transfer of learning.  This interactive session will provide many practical, easy to use, yet powerful research based tools, techniques and strategies that participants can begin to use immediately.

Participants will learn how to:
•    State the research based principles of brain compatible learning.
•    Describe training strategies that apply these principles to training.
•    Apply these strategies to future training activities.

Joe Argenio has over twenty-five years’ experience in professional development. He received his Master’s Degree in Social Studies Education from the University of Buffalo.  Joe served as a Supervisor for Professional Development at Erie 1 BOCES before establishing Performance Improvement Management Associates (PIMA) in 1992.  PIMA is a consulting and training firm that provides services designed to maximize individual and organizational performance and quality. For the past eighteen years, he has been on the faculty of the Education Department at Daemen College in Amherst, New York as an adjunct instructor and served as the full time Director of Special Graduate Programs in Education at the College.  Joe is currently a member of the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development and has served as its president.

 

SESSION 2
Boldly Beyond the DVD: Greener Digital Video Delivery Formats

Leanne Robinson-Maine, Producer,  & Chris Conto, Senior Producer/Writer New York Network
http://www.nyn.suny.edu

In the age of “green,” we all recognize that distributing video content on DVDs can be a waste of resources.  Digital delivery is a smarter choice for the environment and the bottom line, but navigating through the technical terms and various formats can be confusing.  For those looking to break away from mass DVD distribution, it helps to have an understanding of the fundamentals of digital video. This session will provide a context for how digital video is created and review a cross-section of formats for Mac and PC including QuickTime, Windows Media, and Flash. We will also explore file exchange and delivery methods such as FTP, webpage embeds, YouTube, and Podcasts.

Participants will learn how to:
•    List 3 benefits to using digital video delivery instead of DVD.
•    Cite the three most common digital video file formats.
•    Explain the factors that should be considered when deciding on a type of online delivery method.

Leanne Robinson-Maine is a Producer at New York Network, a state-of-the-art production facility located at the Empire State Plaza. Well-versed in scriptwriting, video production and live training events, Leanne has a library of instructional videos and an award-winning documentary film under her belt.  She has also worked extensively in the corporate sector as an instructional designer and standup trainer. Leanne holds a Bachelor’s Degree from th2e University of Notre Dame and a Master of Fine Arts from Ohio University.

Chris Conto is Senior Producer/Writer for New York Network.  He has been writing and producing television projects  for over 25 years.  He has  garnered dozens of industry accolades, including multiple “Telly” awards along with The State University of New York’s prestigious “Chancellors Award of Excellence.”  Chris is a graduate of the State University College at Plattsburgh, and is also an avid free-lance writer and Producer.

 

SESSION 3
Harnessing Your Vocal Power: How to Convey Vim, Vigor and Vitality!

Dale Klein, Corporate Communication and Speech Specialist, Profitable Speech, LLC
http://www.profitablespeech.com

This unique session is invaluable in assisting trainers, educators, speakers, coaches and consultants to use their most precious asset more effectively. That asset is their voice. They will understand why they usually don’t like the sound of their own voice and then go on to learn how to be easily heard, be viewed as engaging and how to protect their voice for a lifetime.

Participants will learn how to:
•    Wake up and warm up their voice to ensure its best quality.
•    Effectively and efficiently project their voice using breath support.
•    Improve their vocal intonation and sound more engaging.

By training, Dale Klein is a speech and language pathologist and has extensive clinical experience. As of 1994, Dale created Profitable Speech and now has an international clientele. Those who hire her seek to improve their skills in interviewing, presenting, public speaking, networking and leading meetings. Dale’s services include group presentations, private coaching and webinars as well as podcasts.

 

SESSION 4
You’ve Got Them, Now What Do You Do With Them?

Denise Mallow, PHR, Principal, DGM Associates in HRD, LLP

This session will focus on basic facilitation and presentation skills for the new trainer, subject matter expert or new supervisor or manager.  Participants will leave the session with tips of the trade to fill their toolbox with ways to engage their learners and transfer knowledge.

Participants will learn how to:
•    State the basic rules for facilitation.
•    Describe the tips for making the transfer of knowledge fun and interesting.
•    State effective presentation techniques.

Denise Mallow, PHR is the Principal of DGM Associates in Human Resource Development, LLC.  She has spent 20 years in the corporate world of Health care, Health Insurance, Training & Development and Human Resources.  Denise is a certified AchieveGlobal Leadership Trainer and Integrity Systems Trainer.  She is also WELCOA certified in Workplace Wellness.  As a previous Staff and Development Trainer, Director of Human Resources and Assistant Vice President of HR Support Services, she has developed and led training programs across the country.  She is also a former recipient of Hudson Mohawk ASTD’s Capital Area Trainer of the Year and Training Team of the Year Awards.  She is the past Chairman of the HMASTD Annual Conference and is a two time Past President of the Chapter.  She currently holds the position of Vice President of Marketing on the Board. Denise’s areas of expertise center on HR Administration and Training, Management and Staff Development and Workplace Wellness.  In addition to her consulting business, Denise also holds the position of Manager, Human Resources for TCT Federal Credit Union.

 

SESSION 5
LinkedIn: Networking Made Easy

Peter Coombs, Principal, FRONTLINE Training & Consulting
http://www.frontlinetraining.com

Are you on LinkedIn, but you’re not sure why? Do you have a group of connections, but you don’t know what to do with them?

This highly interactive session will explore the social media tool LinkedIn, and how it can greatly improve your networking success.  Most people who are signed on to LinkedIn don’t know how to use it.  This session will give you the knowledge to help you use LinkedIn as a powerful networking tool, connecting you in a simple and professional way to a large network of current prospects and future customers. Learn how to build your business through a strong network.

If you are able, bring a charged laptop with you. You do not have to have a laptop to benefit from this program.

Participants will learn how to:
•    Build a LinkedIn Network – easily and strategically.
•    Capitalize on their LinkedIn connections.
•    Establish themselves as a subject matter expert.

Peter Coombs brings over 30 years of sales, management and training experience to his role as principal of FRONTLINE Training. His experience includes national sales management positions, inside and outside sales roles, both as a direct salesperson, as well as a multi-line manufacturer’s representative.

Since founding FRONTLINE in 1987, Peter has worked closely with a wide range of organizations, including Ford Motor Company, Transamerica, PepsiCo, MapInfo, Godiva Chocolatier and numerous Federal and New York State agencies. Training programs have included Presentation Skills, Sales Training, Time Management, and Communicating Effectively. He has trained throughout the United States and Europe. Recently, Peter began a series of workshops to help business people who would rather not have to sell and present. Peter has helped develop many individuals as a business coach.

Peter is past President of the New York State chapter of the International Customer Service Association (ICSA). He has served on the board of the Hudson-Mohawk American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), He is board president of the Berkshire Entrepreneurs Network (BEN), as well as being a member of Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce, The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Consulting Alliance.

 

SESSION 6
INSTRUCTIONAL MOMENTS(tm):  Insightful Learning Through Improv Theater Techniques

Izzy Gesell, Head Honcho, IzzyG & Company
http://www.izzyg.com
During transformational times, organizations expect people to adapt quickly to changes that will enhance accomplishment of their visions, goals, and strategies. They need people who are able to react positively to new realities, are driven to achieve desired outcomes, and to work cooperatively to resolve conflict and reach agreement. Trainers need to be nimble, confident and creative in order to personally thrive while inspiring others. Interestingly, the same is true of Improv Theater performers AND the skills that make improvisers so successful are the same ones that make trainers successful. By understanding and practicing the concepts and structures of Improv, participants will begin to develop the powerful personal qualities of presence, acceptance and trust within themselves. This experiential session (using volunteers only) encourages participants to relate to others without assumption or judgment, to relish process as much as focusing on outcome and to enjoy and value working with and learning from others.

Participants will learn how to:
•    Incorporate the activities into his/her own work in a way that is meaningful to the trainer and insightful to her/his participants.
•    Explain how unspoken self-talk affects group dynamics.
•    Understand how Improv activities offer opportunities for insightful debrief sessions.

Izzy Gesell M.ED, CSP is an “organizational alchemist” who helps people navigate their internal logjams and emerge more confident, spontaneous and effective. Through keynotes, breakouts, coaching and facilitated sessions, Izzy offers imaginative, intuitive and immediately useful insights and programs. He delivers meaningful material in an enjoyable way.

Among the first to use Improv Theater concepts as tools for personal and organizational learning, he is the author of Playing Along: Group Learning Activities Borrowed From Improvisation Theater, a co-author of Humor Me: America’s Funniest Humorists on the Power of Laughter, a co-author of Cancer and the Healing Power of Play and a contributor of a chapter on improvisation as a facilitation tool in the IAF Group Facilitators Handbook.

Clients include NASA, American Institute of Architects, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Cargill and many regional and national associations.   A former stand-up comic and special education teacher, he has earned a BA in Psychology, an MS in Education.

 

SESSION 7
How to Prevent People from Pushing Your Buttons and Getting You Angry 

Janet Pfeiffer, President, CEO, Pfeiffer Power Seminars, LLC
http://www.pfeifferpowerseminars.com

Most people mistakenly believe others push their buttons and make them angry. That simply is not true. In this session, Janet will show people what anger really is (it’s not what most think) and provide them with the knowledge and skills to dramatically reduce the amount, intensity and frequency of anger. And she will provide for them the keys to living a serene life.

Janet will clarify the difference between the root cause of anger and the triggers; how to express anger appropriately; to improve relationships by setting and enforcing healthy boundaries; to prevent angry outbursts in 3 simple steps; the only effective alternative to controlling anger; eliminate blame and victimization; discover where true personal power lies and how to maximize it; and how to completely heal anger and be at peace. Once you know how, it’s really quite simple.

Participants will learn how to:
•    Empower attendees with the knowledge of where anger really comes from vs what triggers it using the TECO Magic Technique.
•    Prevent angry, aggressive outbursts using the 3 step SWaT Strategy.
•    Reduce blame, victimization, frustration and resentment while improving interpersonal relationships.

Janet Pfeiffer, internationally known speaker and award-winning author, is a leading authority in the field of anger management and conflict resolution, Janet serves as a consultant to such companies as the U.S. Army, U.S. Postal Service, AT&T, Hoffman-LaRoche, Rutgers University, Carnival Cruise Lines, United Way, YWCA, New Jersey Education Association, among others.  As an inspirational speaker and private consultant, Janet is a frequent guest on radio and TV and has appeared on CNN, The 700 Club, Lifetime, NBC News, Fox, CBS News, The Harvest Show, TruTV, Celebration and more than 100 top radio stations.  She is a former columnist for the Daily Record and hosted her own cable TV and radio shows. Janet has also been a contributing writer to Woman’s World Magazine, Living Solo Magazine, Prime Woman Magazine and N.J. Family. She has recently appeared in Fusion, Alaska Business Monthly and more than 50 other publications.  Janet’s books include The Secret Side of Anger, 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Vol.3 (co -authored with Mark Victor Hanson of Chicken Soup For the Soul), and Dying To Be Safe: Ultimate Solutions to Violence.

 

SESSION 8
Training Techniques to Knock ‘Em Out of the Park

Joan Hebert, President, Hebert Performance Training
http://www.heberttraining.com

Did you ever admire a presenter and wish you could “wow” them like a pro? Learn the most fun and effective ways to invigorate the learning environment by getting trainees more involved. Learn how to make any topic exciting (even the “dry” stuff), get them more engaged, and create “energy” among the group. Whether you are a new presenter, experienced, or sporadically deliver presentations, you’ll be sure to learn some new tricks to make your sessions more dynamic. Bring your best “tricks” and join us for this fun session!

Participants will learn how to:
•    Energize any training session by making it fun and memorable by utilizing 11 simple yet effective techniques!
•    Create a leaner-focused session by warming up the group, utilizing positive body language, integrating “interactive” questions, and other “keys to success.”
•    Have more fun, instill more confidence in trainees, and make sure they know what they need to know!

Joan Hebert, MBA, MS, principal of Hebert Performance Training (HPT), specializes in customer service, leadership, presentation/training skills, team building, customer-focused sales, and communication skills. HPT is celebrating 14 years serving nationwide clients such as Time Warner Cable, Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals, National Grid, U.S. Department of Defense, Citizens Savings Bank, New York State government, and numerous educational institutions, which describe Hebert as “energetic, humorous, captivating, down-to-earth, and able to gain the interest of trainees!” Hebert is a certified Achieve Global and American Management Association instructor, as well as Syracuse University Adjunct Professor.

Prior to HPT, Hebert spent 15 years with AT&T as a #1 nationally ranked master trainer. HPT is a NYS certified “Woman-Owned Business Enterprise”, member of HMASTD, CRHRA, listed on the NYS Eligible Training Provider List, and the federal government CCR. Joan is a frequent ASTD and SHRM presenter, as well as the Vermont State HR Conference. Hebert has written numerous articles on leadership, training, and customer service.

 

To inquire about being a sponsor  contact the HMASTD office.