A few days of rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of the 2,000 Learning and Development (L&D) professionals who attended the Training 2018 Conference & Expo held February 12-14 in Atlanta. Indeed, the passion for learning burned brighter than the sun ever could.
From the fierce competition during the Not-So-Trivial Pursuit Opening Reception to the hands-on Training Technology Test Kitchen demos, Sewa Beats drum session, Lightning Shares, and Second City Works improv workouts, attendees gave it their all. They gained insights from five game-changing keynoters, including a special creative performance by dance troupe Pilobolus (see p. 42 for keynote quotes). They increased their knowledge and skills in 100-plus breakout sessions, 11 certificate programs, 16 hands-on clinics, and 23 sponsored sessions. They found out about the latest and greatest products and services from nearly 100 exhibitors in the Expo Hall. Last but not least, Training 2018 featured a brand new leadership track and another full-day special event in partnership with Duke Corporate Education, then continued on for two more days with the Innovations in Training event.
Keynoter and Jeopardy! champ Bob Harris shared his secret for retaining copious amounts of knowledge (think review, renew, and reward). Hopefully, Training 2018 attendees will spread those tips and others gained at the event throughout their organizations and keep the learning fires burning hotter than ever.
BP/OTI & ETL AWARD WINNERS
Training recognized innovative and successful learning and development programs and practices utilized by the 2018 Training Top 125 winners. Best Practice and Outstanding Training Initiative winners received crystal awards during a ceremony on the Expo Stage and were congratulated by Training Top 10 Hall of Famers Robin Renschen of McCarthy Building Companies and Stacia Thompson of Keller Williams Realty. The winners are:
BEST PRACTICES
Anthem Inc.: Flipped Classroom Strategy
Edward Jones: Insurance Partnership
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company: My Health Learning Initiative
Smith & Nephew: Integrity Selling
WellSpan Health: New Employee Orientation
OUTSTANDING TRAINING INITIATIVES
Best Buy: In-Home Advisor
Hagerty: Automotive Enthusiast Certification
Iron Mountain: Driver Growth and Revenue Program
Pacific Gas & Electric: Becker Valve Operator 3-D Simulator
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club: Star Coach
THE BIG REVEAL
The 2018 Training Top 125 rankings were unmasked during the Masquerade Ball held February 12 during the Training 2018 Conference & Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.
Attended by nearly 600 Training Top 125 representatives and Training Top 10 Hall of Famers, the black-tie gala was sponsored by Brella Learning (which produced the gala), Pelucida (crystal award provider), Seiko (official timekeeper and provider of keepsake watches and the commemorative clock for the No. 1 winner), and the Training Top 10 Hall of Fame. A special performance by dance troupe Pilobolus wowed the crowd.
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World nabbed the No. 1 listing on the 2018 Training Top 125. New York Community Bancorp and BNSF Railway Company retained their spots, No. 2 and No. 4, respectively. Sonic Automotive moved up to No. 3. Dollar General Corporation rounded out the Top 5 for the first time. Some 31 new companies broke into the Top 125 this year.
During the gala, Training inducted Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Keller Williams Realty, Inc., into the Training Top 10 Hall of Fame after they ranked in the Top 10 of the Training Top 125 companies for four consecutive years.
Earlier in the day, Training Top 125 Best Practices and Outstanding Training Initiative award winners received crystal trophies during a ceremony on the Expo Stage.
To see the full coverage of Training 2018 Conference & Expo and the Training Top 125 Gala, visit: https://pubs.royle.com/publication/?i=482831#{%22issue_id%22:482831,%22page%22:42}
