Training Really Does Matter

A series of tragic events—ranging from mass shootings to natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes—have rocked the world recently, and my heart aches for all those who suffered the loss of family and friends. But many other lives were saved—by the bravery, grit, and, yes, training of the people on the scene.

These last few months certainly have been trying times. Mother Nature unleashed her fury in Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Nate and the devastating earthquake in Mexico. Wildfires scorched more than 200,000 acres of land and decimated 5,000-plus structures in California. Man added to the heartbreak with the shooting spree in Las Vegas.

Tragically, many lives were lost in all of these instances, and my heart aches for all those who suffered the loss of family and friends. But many other lives were saved—by the bravery, grit, and, yes, training of the people on the scene. And others will be on hand to help the survivors heal, both physically and emotionally. I was reminded yet again that training really does matter.

I was amazed and humbled by the number of Training Top 125 applicants who contacted me asking for an extension to submit their 2018 application. Many of them had no power, no computer, no way to work, but they still desperately wanted the chance to tell the story of their employee training and development.

I was especially glad to see the results of our 2017 Training Industry Report, which showed that companies are investing in employee development and training—our report found that total 2017 U.S. training expenditures rose 32.5 percent to $90.6 billion. And our Salary Survey revealed that average training salaries rose 5 percent to $83,745.

Our fall events—2017 Online Learning Conference (OLC) and Innovations in Training (IIT)—showcased where some of that investment is going: to the latest in training technologies. They also explored new ways to collaborate on creative training experiences. Check out “When the Trainers Came Marching In” for coverage from the events, including the 2017 Top Training Video winners and the 2017 eLearning Design Challenge winners.

Next up is the Training 2018 Conference & Expo February 12-14, 2018, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta (http://www.trainingconference.com). The conference will boast two new co-located events: The Duke CE Leadership Experience: Are You Ready for What’s Next?—created in partnership with Duke Corporate Education for senior-level Learning and Development professionals—and the next iteration of Innovations in Training (IIT), where participants will get up close and personal with hands-on training centers at Delta and UPS, among other locations. We’ll also offer a new high-level leadership track, Leading for What’s Next, developed by Duke Corporate Education.

I urge you to join us and be a game changer—both at the conference and back in the office. I also urge you to nominate one of your colleagues or direct reports for the 2018 Emerging Training Leader awards. It is so important to recognize stellar accomplishments and commitment to excellence. Please visit https://trainingmag.com/ nominate-2018-emerging-training-leader-today to download the nomination form.

I wish you a happy and safe holiday season with your loved ones. And I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta. Let’s show the world training really does matter—each and every day!

Lorri Freifeld
Lorri Freifeld is the editor/publisher of Training magazine. She writes on a number of topics, including talent management, training technology, and leadership development. She spearheads two awards programs: the Training APEX Awards and Emerging Training Leaders. A writer/editor for the last 30 years, she has held editing positions at a variety of publications and holds a Master’s degree in journalism from New York University.