On Friday, December 10, 2010, ASTD Memphis held its first event to celebrate Employee Learning Week. The event was held at Bethel College - Memphis campus. The theme of the event was "Celebrate Learning 2010: What's New? What's Next?". The idea behind the theme was to not only celebrate the fact that we're all learners, growing and evolving constantly, but also to take a look at what we need to be better in 2011 and beyond.
There were four sessions designed around this theme; two on social media and two on personal enrichment. Participants had their choice of two sessions in the morning. They could learn more about relaxation, stress reduction, personal wellness and meditation or they could learn about the basics of social media - especially Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. We were all treated to an assortment of goodies throughout the day along with a fabulous lunch. No one went away hungry! In the afternoon participants chose to learn more about interviewing, resume' writing, and power networking or how to use social media to teach, educate and train.
The presenters for the four sessions were top in their fields. Participants came from across the Mid-South and represented many different industries and careers. We were also fortunate to have many different exhibitors with us throughout the day, teaching us about their excellent products and services.
One of the more unique aspects of this event was that it was tied to a service learning project for a class in the Hospitality program at Southwest Tennessee Community College where I'm an instructor. The students in my Convention and Meeting Planning class helped the planning committee for ASTD Memphis plan and implement the event. The students opted early in the semester to either participate in this event as part of their grade for the class or to write a research paper on one of the elements of helping clients plan and hold events in hotels. By participating in the planning of the event, the students were providing a community service and gaining knowledge in a real world setting.
Of the 17 students enrolled in the class, 15 opted to work on the event. Students were asked to choose a focus area to work on; either Event Marketing, Logistics, Exhibitor Sales and Service, or Program Content. Students were then assigned to one or more members of the ASTD Memphis planning committee to shadow and take on assigned tasks. Tasks ranged from using social media to market the event, making phone calls, visiting vendors, brainstorming logistics, setting up break out rooms, preparing and serving meals, greeting guests as they arrived, assisting and introducing presenters. All along the way they've been journaling about their experiences. They share their journals with me as part of their course grade as well.
Students participated in committee meetings either during class or at other assigned times in preparation of the event. They were aware of the event's budget and learned about pricing and procuring goods and services according to the budget. They learned teamwork, leadership, time management and customer service.
As an educator and trainer, I've never been prouder than I was when I watched the students take on the responsibilities and carry out the tasks they were assigned both during the planning and implementation phase of the event. They showed pride in their work and confidence in themselves. Many of the students opted to sit in on the sessions when they weren't busy with tasks and assignments.
I was fortunate also to work with committee members who are top in their fields. I don't think any of us really knew how much work was going to be involved with making the event a success. I was amazed at how hard everyone worked and how well we worked together. We formed, stormed, normed and boy did we perform! I'm very proud to have worked shoulder to shoulder with such wonderful professionals and wonderful individuals.
Next Wednesday we'll come together for the last phase of our team development - when we'll officially adjourn. We plan to hold a debrief session to analyze our "roses and thorns" for the event. I want to document the entire journey in the hopes that future events will be even better and run more smoothly. I can't WAIT to hear what the students have to say!
Take a look at the pictures from the day - Go to Facebook and search for e3 Consulting. You'll get a real sense of what it was like to bring this amazing group together for a fun day of learning, connecting and celebrating!
