1. Pre-Conference Workshop
13 March 2017
Conference
14 & 15 March 2017
Post-Conference Workshop
16 & 17 March 2017
Primus Hotel Sydney
Maximising Learning Outcomes and Workplace Engagement via
Innovative, Flexible and Targeted Approaches to Skill Development
Identifying and implementing cost-
effective blended learning models
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS
Book & Pay by 29 November 2016 to
receive an additional Value Plus Discount!
Phone: +61 2 8239 9711
www.liquidlearning.com
Booking Code - E
Developing blended programs for
future workforce needs
Utilising cutting-edge technologies
and emerging learning frameworks
Practical strategies for successful
program execution and measuring
impact and ROI
The 9th Annual
Blended Learning
Conference 2017
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Melinda Bance
Head of Capability and Professional Development
Westpac
Allison Denny-Collins
Assistant Secretary, Learning and Development
Department of Immigration and Border Protection
Anne le Blanc
General Manager, Learning and Development, Global Learning
Telstra
Ashley Spowart
Founder and Director
Spowart Consulting
Daniella Rocco
Head of LearningBank
Westpac
Lorraine Farah Global Learning Leader,
Relationship and Learning Delivery Executive
IBM
Graham Gubbels
Head of Learning and Development
Medibank
Associate Professor Philip Uys
Director, Learning Technologies
Charles Sturt University
Beth Hall Head of Group Learning
Cotton On
Col. Paddy Evans
Distributed Learning, Headquarters 2nd Division
Australian Army
Andres Jonmundsson
Head of Learning and Development
Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Ltd.
Annabelle Larkham
Head of Learning and Development
Toll Holdings
Melanie Boursnell
Director, Management Development
NSW Health Education and Training Institute
Will Blott
Chief People Officer
DNW Group
Drew Moss
Head of Learning and Organisational Development
BDO Australia
Marlene Tanner
Head of Learning
AbbVie
Tim Youle
Head of People & Culture
AMP
Leila Wearing
Director, AccorHotels Academie and Talent Development
AccorHotels
Gareth George
Organisational Development Manager
Caltex
Tricia Mawson
Manager, Learning and Development
NSW Ambulance
Michael Miitze
Managing Director
Michael Miitze Management Consulting
Matthew Gray
Head of Training and Checking
QANTAS Airways
Nicole Grainger-Marsh
Executive Coach and Consultant
TPC Leadership
Michelle Ockers
Modern Workplace Learning Practitioner
Andragogy
2. Collaborative capabilities - Redesigning your blended program to achieve continuous workplace learning
The pressure of achieving quality learning and proving ROI with a limited budget is a challenge faced by most. Targeted blended learning programs are
crucial for aligning workforce capability with organisational goals. Sourcing and implementing methodologies and technologies that align with organisational
context and engage learners is essential. However, research concludes that people only implement a fraction of their training, resulting in limited ROI and
wasted potential. One key reason lies in the separation of company training programs with the job itself.
In order to maximise impact and performance improvement, incorporating effective social and collaborative learning strategies is essential in creating
engaging and quality learning experiences. Workplace surveys have shown that a range of social learning methods are deemed more effective than
company training and eLearning. It benefits the learning process at the individual, team and organisational level and fosters self-directed learning. Utilising
an innovative blended approach, this workshop will address key issues and essential tools to revamp the learning culture to one where continuous
workplace learning is enhanced and integrated.
Facilitated by a leading practitioner in blended learning and social/collaborative learning, Michelle will provide insights and skills from a rich career in
developing and implementing complex and intricate L&D projects. She will lead this interactive workshop that covers and offers expert guidance on the
design, or redesign, of a program in your organisation. In particular, she will explore how to effectively use social learning activities and tools as part of the
blend. This workshop experience includes the opportunity for you to participate in pre- and post-workshop social learning activities.
Michelle is an independent expert in modern workplace learning, Learning and Development (L&D) strategy, social learning, collaboration and knowledge
management. She aims to improve both organisational performance and people’s experience of their work and how they learn. Her work is based on
practical experience developing and implementing learning and knowledge strategies and solutions in organisations in FMCG, telecommunications,
financial services and defence sectors.
Michelle’s most recent corporate experience was at Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA). She designed, set up and led CCA’s Supply Chain Technical Academy over a
five year period, ending in September 2016. Under her leadership the Academy was a highly commended finalist for blended learning (2013) and best use
of social / collaborative learning (2015) in the Australian Institute of Training and Development’s (AITD) Excellence Awards.
Working Out Loud is at the heart of Michelle’s professional practice. She writes a blog, is active on Twitter and is an advocate of Working Out Loud Circles.
She has spoken at many conferences, including the Association for Talent Development International Conference and Exposition (ATDICE) in Denver. She
applies modern, transformative approaches in her work. In recognition of her contribution to the wider L&D community, AITD named Michelle as a finalist in
the 2015 Learning and Development Professional of the Year.
Pre-Conference Workshop 9.00 - 4.30 - 13 March 2017
The potential of blended and social learning
• Current state of workplace learning
• The modern learner
• Modern workplace learning approaches
• Why use blended and social learning?
Understanding the need
• Analysing business problems
• Focusing on performance outcomes
• Examining the work and learner context
• Determining readiness for social learning
Designing your blended program utilising social learning
• Design principles for blended and social learning
• Current blended learning methods and tools
• Social learning activities and tools
• Adapting these tools to suit your organisation
Strategies to execute your workplace learning solution
• Roles: Who is responsible for what
• Building the capability to execute social learning
• Managing stakeholder expectations
• Monitoring and adjusting your program
Expert Facilitator:
Michelle Ockers
Modern Workplace Learning Practitioner
Andragogy
SPONSOR TODAY!
Limited sponsorship and exhibition opportunities
available. For your chance to brand yourself as a
market leader, please call: +61 2 8239 9711 or email:
partnership@liquidlearning.com.au
TEAM BOOKINGS
Receive a 20% discount when
booking a team of 8 to attend,
please call: +61 2 8239 9711 or
email: registration@liquidlearning.com.au
3. Day One
Conference
14 March 2017
Engaging and enabling your workforce
8.30 - 8.55 Registration and Morning Coffee
8.55 - 9.00 Official Welcome and Opening Remarks from
the Chair
9.00 - 9.40 OPENING KEYNOTE CASE STUDY
Revolutionising training to cater for the workforce
of the future
On the cusp of revolutionising flight training worldwide,
Qantas is utilising a range of technological and
psychological blended approaches to become the
leaders in flight training of the 21st century. Implementing
comprehensive training programs and strategies in a highly-
regulated, high reliability profession to cater for millennials
and global pilots requires a complex range of blended
approaches and technologies. Matthew will discuss:
• Challenges of revamping learning strategies and
technologies
• Overcoming resistance to change in your organisation
• Collaborating with other institutions and professionals to
maximise training results
• Utilising VR and AR for cognitive upskilling
Matthew Gray Head of Training and Checking
QANTAS Airways
9.40 - 9.50 Questions and Discussion
9.50 - 10.30 CASE STUDY
Evolving learner culture - Designing your blended
approach around the learner journey
Transforming your learning strategies only works when your
learners positively engage with it. Enabling a strong learning
culture encourages learners to take ownership of their
learning, leading to increased engagement and ultimately
performance. Using the “Experience, Exposure, Education”
principles, turbo-charged with gamification, a cutting-
edge learning portal and a focus on learning effectiveness,
AbbVie have revamped their learning culture throughout
their organisation. Focusing on the challenges and
successes of this innovative blended learning approach,
Marlene will take us through:
• Enabling high learner engagement and self-directed
learning
• Enhancing learning effectiveness through gamification
• Utilising social platforms to engage organisation-wide
learning
• Delivering to the time-poor learner
Marlene Tanner Head of Learning
AbbVie
10.30 - 10.40 Questions and Discussion
10.40 - 10.55 Morning Tea
10.55 - 11.35 CASE STUDY
Engaging a large mobile workforce with
innovative blended learning tools and strategies
As an integrated healthcare company with one of the
largest virtual call centres in Australia, Medibank’s workforce
is dispersed across various locations. Blended learning
initiatives have been instrumental to Medibank’s success,
such as the implementation of a fully virtualised induction
training program for remote GPs and nurses. Graham
heads the application of these innovative and cost-effective
engagement and management strategies. He will discuss:
• The transition to an entirely blended virtual and remotely
delivered solution
• Online tools utilised in the development, delivery and
evaluation of this program and dealing with technological
challenges
• Maintaining learner engagement
Graham Gubbels Head of Learning and Development
Medibank
11.35 - 11.45 Questions and Discussion
11.45 - 12.25 EXPERT COMMENTARY
Maximising quality learning with your budget
L&D professionals face the pressure to create learning
programs improving retention and demonstrating ROI with
limited resources and budgets. Delivering quality learning
to align business goals with capability development and
maximising your return on a limited budget are fundamental
to success. Ashley will provide tricks of the trade, drawing
on his wealth of personal experience managing learning
budgets from $200,000 to $55 million, to deduce the most
cost-effective tools to maximise learning outcomes. He will
discuss:
• Tricks to maximise return with a limited budget
• Traps to avoid with a large budget
• Identifying the right solution for your organisation
Ashley Spowart Founder and Director
Spowart Consulting
12.25 - 12.35 Questions and Discussion
12.35 - 1.35 Networking Lunch
1.35 - 2.25 INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION
Utilising and customising innovative blended
learning solutions to overcome organisational
challenges
Challenge and change are inevitable when navigating the
seas of organisational development. How does one address
the culture conundrum of a merger, or bridge learning gaps
with a diverse workforce? With the increasing rise of new,
cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, there is a
thesaurus of methods and solutions one can implement in
your organisation. But which one is the best fit, especially
with a limited budget or specific workforce needs? Offering
insights and advice from a plethora of different experiences
and industries, the panel will explore:
• Anticipating and minimizing challenges when implementing
new blended learning solutions
• Adapting technologies and methodologies to suit your
organisational needs
• Cost vs Benefit: Making the case for worthwhile
investments
Tim Youle Head of People & Culture
AMP
Will Blott Chief People Officer
DNW Group
Annabelle Larkham Head of Learning and
Development
Toll Holdings
Leila Wearing Director, AccorHotels Academie and
Talent Development
AccorHotels
Gareth George Organisational Development Manager
Caltex
Tricia Mawson Manager, Learning and Development
NSW Ambulance
Melanie Boursnell Director, Management
Development
NSW Health Education and Training Institute
VALUE PLUS DISCOUNT
Receive up to $350 off registration if you
register and pay by 29 November 2016
PLUS TWO WORKSHOPS!
Separately Bookable
Pre-Conference and
Post-Conference Workshops
4. Conference
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Receive up to $150 off registration if you
register and pay by 14 February 2017
SUPER SAVER DISCOUNT
Receive up to $250 off registration if you
register and pay by 10 January 2017
2.25 - 3.05 CASE STUDY
Adapting LMS for your organisation
Delivering a world class digital learning experience to over
19,000 learners distributed across 18 countries requires a fully
integrated Learning Management System (LMS), customised
for your needs. Cotton On have been involved in developing
this custom LMS, which focuses on measuring what matters
most to both the learner and the business. Its functionality
delivers on the latest trends and is designed to meet the global
learning needs of tomorrow. Beth will discuss:
• The journey: Challenges and opportunities of a global LMS
• Approaches to adapt the LMS for your needs
• Engaging and supporting learner needs whilst demonstrating
ROI
Beth Hall Head of Group Learning
Cotton On
3.05 - 3.15 Questions and Discussion
3.15 - 3.30 Afternoon Tea
3.30 - 4.10 CASE STUDY
Blended learning in a cost-controlled environment
The constraints of a limited budget for learning and
development are a challenge faced by most. Presenting
innovative learning solutions successfully to managers and
sponsors to obtain support is essential. Effectively navigating
the bureaucracy of a global business to gain traction for
learning investment requires understanding of organisational
goals and strategies. Along with emerging blended learning
technologies, Andres will discuss:
• Implementing real measures to prove ROI
• Strategies to present your blended learning initiatives
• Navigating bureaucracy and budget limitations
Andres Jonmundsson Head of Learning and
Development
Fuji Xerox Australia Pty Ltd.
4.10 - 4.20 Questions and Discussion
4.20 - 4.30 Concluding Remarks from the Chair
• Learning and Development
• eLearning / Social Learning
• Training Facilitators
• Technology Assisted Learning
• Organisational Development
• Talent and Capability
Development
• Human Resources / People
• Learning Centres
• Learning Management System
Administrators
• Instructional Design
• Curriculum Development
• Education
• Learning and Support
• Learning Technologies
WHO WILL ATTEND
Day Two 15 March 2017
Directors, Heads of, Managers, Consultants, Specialists, Officers and
Professionals working in:
8.30 - 8.55 Morning Coffee
8.55 - 9.00 Opening Remarks from the Chair
9.00 - 9.40 OPENING CASE STUDY
Beyond design - content curation supported by
technology
Being heavily reliant on designing and building new
content is faced by many creating training and
development programs and solutions. Telstra have
surged forward towards curating existing and open
source content. This drives continuous learning around
experience, education, exposure and environment for the
development of strategic capabilities aligned to strategy.
Complimented by digitisation and innovative technological
use, Telstra are moving to embrace a one stop shop
where learners can explore and learn. Anne will discuss
their evolution:
• How to upskill and rejuvenate existing resources and
create a new paradigm
• Getting the best value from existing funding
• Success stories and challenges faced
Anne le Blanc General Manager, Learning and
Development, Global Learning
Telstra
9.40 - 9.50 Questions and Discussion
9.50 - 10.30 CASE STUDY
Distributed learning transformation within
Defence
To enhance training synchronisation and develop
individual capability, the Australian Army has shifted
their training delivery nationwide. Having always relied
on residential, the development of their interactive,
distributed blended learning solutions towards better
learning outcomes has positively impacted individual
and collective training. Changing organisational culture
requires much discussion and listening to achieve
results, which is complex, particularly in Defence, where
effective training is fundamental. Analysing their journey
of distributed learning projects, Colonel Paddy Evans will
discuss:
• Challenges of distributed learning change
• Organisational and cultural change
• Adapting the organisational mindset
Col. Paddy Evans Distributed Learning,
Headquarters 2nd Division
Australian Army
10.30 - 10.40 Questions and Discussion
10.40 - 10.55 Morning Tea
10.55 - 11.35 CASE STUDY
Leadership and advanced facilitation skills for
learning and development professionals
Facilitating and delivering training using blended methods,
especially for a dispersed workforce, requires a specific
skill set. Increasingly, L&D professionals are having to train
larger groups of employees with limited face-to-face time.
With experience in both operational and strategic roles,
from the military to human resources, Allison will speak
about adapting and developing leadership and facilitation
skills to engage learner mindsets and lead a successful
learning and development department. Alison will discuss:
NETWORKING RECEPTION
4:30 - 5:30PM
Make the most of your experience,
join us to network over complimentary
canapés and drinks
5. Adapting blended learning solutions to your organisation
Phone: +61 2 8239 9711
www.liquidlearning.com
• Challenges and successes of their award-winning blended
solutions
• Social and self-directed learning
• Building future-focused capabilities to meet the needs of
tomorrow
Daniella Rocco Head of LearningBank
Melinda Bance Head of Capability and Professional
Development
Westpac
3.05 - 3.15 Questions and Discussion
3.15 - 3.30 Afternoon Tea
3.30 - 4.30 INTERACTIVE CLOSING ROUNDTABLE
Implementing knowledge gained back in the
workplace
This round table discussion provides an opportunity to recap
the key ideas, strategies and practical insights that have
been discussed throughout the conference. This session
allows delegates to develop these to align with their future
organisational goals. Despite rapid cutting-edge technological
advances in the industry, cultivating a learner-centric culture
with emphasis on leadership and employee engagement is
essential for successful training outcomes. A HR and learning
expert with a rich and varied career in leading multi-functional
global teams, Lorraine will invite participants to explore:
• Workplace application of tools and key learning outcomes
from this conference
• Identifying skills and skill-gaps within your workforce
• Engaging and leading diverse teams
Lorraine Farah Global Learning Leader, Relationship
and Learning Delivery Executive
IBM
4.30 Concluding Remarks from the Chair
and Conference Close
• Empowering and enabling your learning and
development professionals
• Enhanced blended learning facilitation skills
• Adapting blended learning solutions to suit your
workforce
Allison Denny-Collins Assistant Secretary, L&D
Department of Immigration and Border Protection
11.35 - 11.45 Questions and Discussion
11.45 - 12.25 EXPERT COMMENTARY
Blended learning and cutting-edge learning
technologies
The relationship between blended learning approaches
and cutting-edge learning technologies is dynamic and
complex. Through analysing the effect of digitisation on
learning and exploring how to enhance the quality of
learning using cutting edge technology, richer and more
meaningful learning experiences are created. Having
consulted globally for major organisations and for multiple
tertiary education institutions, Philip will discuss:
• Current mobile learning solutions
• Emerging learning and teaching technology trends
• Analyse how current trends maximise learning
Associate Professor Philip Uys Director, Learning
Technologies
Charles Sturt University
12.25 - 12.35 Questions and Discussion
12.35 - 1.35 Networking Lunch
1.35 - 2.15 CASE STUDY
Maximising training time to increase learning
outcomes and ROI
Moving from traditional face-to-face to increasingly intricate
online learning platforms is key for cutting training costs in
an organisation. However, challenges around increasing
the quality and efficiency of learning, particularly learning
retention and proven learning effectiveness, still prevail.
Through developing and executing an innovative firm-
wide learning strategy, BDO has seen a significant uplift
in employee engagement and retention, whilst reducing
learning time by 50%. Drew will discuss:
• Utilising pre- and post-learning initiatives to maximise
training transfer
• Reducing L&D spend while increasing learning quality
• Maximising training time
Drew Moss Head of Learning and Organisational
Development
BDO Australia
2.15 - 2.25 Questions and Discussion
2.25 - 3.05 CASE STUDY
Banking on your people - Westpac’s award-
winning self-directed and social learning solution
Westpac is a leader in social and self-directed learning,
enabled by the multi-award winning LearningBank
philosophy and platform. Through LearningBank, Westpac
have connected their workforce with experts and other like-
minded professionals to learn, teach and share from each
other in a social environment. By engaging their learners
in both a moderated and self-directed learning space,
employees can guide their own career and development.
This also actively supports development of future-focused
capabilities, which ensures their workforce skills remain
relevant for the organisational needs and goals of today and
the future. Daniella and Melinda will discuss:
As we continue to evolve our organisations and adapt to the new world
of work, we are seeing an acceleration in the evolution of new learning
technologies and frameworks available to build workforce capability. In this
environment, blended learning remains the primary means of delivering
training in most organisations. The challenge for L&D professionals lies in
perpetually adapting these approaches to suit changing workforce needs,
whilst cutting cost and enhancing learner engagement. Furthermore,
gaining insight into future trends and solutions is imperative to cater for the
workforce of the future and stay ahead of the game.
L&D professionals are faced with adapting a multitude of delivery methods
and technology solutions to suit their organisation, whilst maximising quality
learning, usually on a tight budget. Many manage diverse, often dispersed,
workforces that have specific learning needs and require advanced
technological methods of delivery to gain traction and learner engagement.
Building upon eight successful years, The 9th Annual National Blended
Learning Conference 2017 will showcase a range of award-winning
professionals from a diverse background of industries, both in the public
and private sectors. Covering a range of inspiring case studies, innovative
strategies, and advanced learning technologies, current and emerging
trends to drive your workforce learning and capability performance to the
next level will be discussed.
This interactive, insightful event will provide delegates with advanced
strategies and solutions, as well as opportunities to engage, network and
share their experiences with leaders and experts across multiple sectors
and industries. The practical tips, tools and cost-saving strategies will
give L&D professionals the knowledge and wisdom to increase employee
performance and achieve maximum ROI for your organisation. Register now
to reserve places for your L&D team at this premier event!
ABOUT THE EVENT
6. Day 1 - 16 March
Day 2 - 17 March
The neuroscience of leadership
• Understanding your brain at work
to enhance performance
• Techniques for optimising your
mental performance
• Developing self-awareness: identify
strengths and development needs
• Understanding the role of self-
regulation on thoughts, emotions
and leadership behaviour
Emotional Intelligence for leaders
• Why emotion belongs in the
workplace
• Understanding and harnessing
your emotion to enhance
leadership performance
• Using emotion to motivate and
influence
• Building and managing effective
relationships
Enhancing team capability and
performance
• Providing feedback that creates
motivation and positivity
• Leading through conflict
• Incentives and the effects they
have on team performance
• Working effectively as a team:
cohesiveness, shared direction and
motivation
Building resilience in you and your
teams
• The role and impact of judgement
and emotional resilience on
performance
• How to deal with uncertainty and
ambiguity
• Self-management exercises and
coping mechanisms to foster
resilience
• Tools for creating and maintaining
a resilient team
Learning and development professionals own a unique place within their organisation, tackling the complexities of aligning workforce capability with
organisational goals, through sourcing and implementing the perfect training methodologies and technologies.
This 2-day interactive workshop will give delegates the tools they need to effectively guide and support their team through complex changes, whilst
fostering workforce development. Delegates will learn how to tailor their communication and behaviour and will gain an insight into how this affects their
team’s capability. Throughout a series of expert-led sessions, delegates will experience a range of new techniques and processes to assist them in
overcoming the common challenges of this dynamic field.
This hands-on workshop will explore the foundations of good leadership, provide insight into communication styles and engaging with staff and
stakeholders, and provide practical solutions to problems commonly faced by learning and development professionals. Delegates will acquire and build on
the key skills necessary to enhance their leadership performance.
Expert Facilitator:
Change management for learning
and development leaders
• Creating the right mindset to
facilitate change
• Leadership drivers for successfully
implementing change
• Leading people through change
and uncertainty
• Tools to effectively manage the
process of change
Strategies for overcoming
leadership barriers
• Managing non-performance
• Understanding and setting
appropriate expectations
• Breaking down barriers to critical
thinking
• Framing situations to enhance
positive outcomes
Advanced coaching skills
for Learning & Development
professionals
• Developing a toolkit to know when
to ask and when to tell
• How to use effective questioning
techniques for accountability
• Facilitating a ‘test & learn’
environment
• Encouraging support and buy-in
The power of communication
• Creating an open communication
environment
• Strategies for ‘managing up’
• Communicating to persuade and
influence
• Overcoming communication
challenges
Nicole is a leading Executive and Career Coach, with a client list as diverse as it is long. She is uniquely positioned to support her clients, combining her
decades of senior level corporate experience with her expertise as a qualified, ICF (International Coaching Federation) credentialed Coach.
Nicole’s individually tailored coaching programs include the latest EQ (emotional intelligence) Leadership Assessments, and blend evidence based
research from the areas of positive psychology and neuroscience, with a practical, solution focussed coaching approach.
As a seasoned business leader, Nicole brings first-hand experience & extensive knowledge of the business environment to her clients. She understands
the pressures, expectations and challenges faced, having held senior roles for large corporations across the globe in multiple disciplines and industries.
She has spent more than twenty years working in high performing environments as a senior business leader for some of the World’s leading brands,
including Yahoo, Telstra, NEC, Accor Hotels and British Telecom. Nicole has led large, cross-functional teams and has been responsible for business
success, as well as the coaching and development of individuals at all levels of business.
Today Nicole combines her passion for supporting individuals to develop their careers and leadership capabilities, with her continued work in the
corporate arena as a Non-Executive Director, helping businesses to lead their people to success.
Leadership skills for Learning and Development professionals
Post-Conference Workshop 9.00 - 4.30 - 16 & 17 March 2017
Nicole Grainger-Marsh
Executive Coach and Consultant
TPC Leadership
SPONSOR TODAY!
Limited sponsorship and exhibition opportunities
available. For your chance to brand yourself as a
market leader, please call: +61 2 8239 9711 or email:
partnership@liquidlearning.com.au
TEAM BOOKINGS
Receive a 20% discount when
booking a team of 8 to attend,
please call: +61 2 8239 9711 or
email: registration@liquidlearning.com.au