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ATD Blog

Your Next Training Program Should Be a Party

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Thu Jun 23 2016

Your Next Training Program Should Be a Party

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Learning should be treated as an event. So what can instructors or learning practitioners learn from event planners? What are some of the things event planners think about when designing or planning the perfect party? What are the behaviors party planners try to encourage? What makes an event or party memorable? 

First, parties are designed to be social. And while we don’t want classroom experiences to be raucous and obnoxious, a bit of learner-driven small talk is not a bad thing. Probably the simplest way to encourage interaction is through the seating arrangement. At a recent ATD event, I was happy to see the classroom set up with round tables. These round tables encouraged us as participants to talk with one another. We asked one another questions and helped one another out: an instant team of learners.  

Second, what party isn’t a hit without some memorable games? In a learning situation, how about offering practice scenarios, such as completing a small, in-class project? Learners gain a sense of accomplishment as they build these in-class projects and instantly apply what the instructor teaches.  

Third, every event has decorations or a theme to bring everyone together. In a face-to-face classroom, contextual posters, informational presentations, and other items are great ways to decorate and get learners in the right mindset. This mindset can even be started with the “invitations,” such as the pre-work or other materials you send to learners before the main event. 

Event planning takes work and is all about the details, and training events are no different. But if you encourage conversation, have tactile games or practice opportunities, and decorate with a theme of learning the subject matter, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable event.

About the Author
Bronson Janes

Bronson Janes has been employed in the training industry for 10 years as an instructional designer and trainer. He has worked as a contract instructional designer, creating e-learning courses for various clients including Deutsch Bank, Wachovia Bank, and others. He has also worked as a trainer for Xerox with clients such as Verizon Wireless and PrePass. Currently he is a training specialist for Weber State University’s information technology division, building the training presence to include both instructor-led and web-based platforms for faculty and staff. Bronson received a BA in English literature from Arizona State University and an MA in English and publishing from Rosemont College.