World of Learning

Learning, Mental Toughness, and Driving Business

Birmingham (UK), June 2015 - L&D experts from LinkedIn, Capital One International, and Manchester Metropolitan University are among the keynote speakers at this year's World of Learning Conference. Taking place 29-30 September at Birmingham's NEC, the highly respected conference provides valuable insight into the key issues facing L&D, from talent management, employee engagement, leadership development, and coaching, to collaborative learning, eLearning development, and delivering business growth.

Chaired by Robin Hoyle, renowned author and learning designer, the conference begins with an opening address by Karen Bowes, HR Director at Capital One International focusing on "creating a learning culture that drives business growth".

LinkedIn’s Head of Learning Technologies, Robert Todd, wraps up the first day with his insight into the "latest developments in learning technologies". Robert will explore technology-driven content, eLearning, and the rise of short video learning content. He explains, "The whole point of technology is to empower the workers. My session will therefore provide an opportunity to highlight how, if L&D is to 'survive', it must transition from an enterprise-driven learning agenda to a talent-driven learning agenda."

Mental toughness is the topic explored by Peter Clough, Chair in Applied Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University. In the opening keynote on the second day, Peter will explain how to cultivate mental toughness, a current buzzword in L&D. He comments, "Success and mental toughness go hand in hand, no matter what sector, nationality, gender, or race – it’s a pattern that cuts across all demographics. Businesses are recognising this when considering the makeup of their organisation. They have to decide whether their organisation needs staff members who are predominantly mentally tough, or would a balance of both tough and sensitive types better suit requirements?"

Nigel Paine, former Head of BBC’s Training and Development Operation, has extensive experience in leadership and consultancy with public-service broadcasters, SMEs, global industry players, government, and education institutions. He will look to the future with his closing address, "The top ten challenges the learning professional will face in the next ten years".

The distinguished conference also features speakers from renowned international companies such as Coca-Cola, American Express, and Santander sharing valuable advice to support L&D professionals in the current and future business environment.

The conference sits alongside an exhibition that includes a range of interactive areas where visitors can receive hands-on, practical advice. These include the Technology Test Drive area, enabling visitors to test the latest innovations. The Mindfulness Zone provides strategy on increasing employee productivity and engagement, while the Experiential Learning Zone delivers a series of interactive bite-sized skill sessions on key areas including emotional intelligence.

Conference delegates are encouraged to book early - before 26 June - to take advantage of a saving of up to forty percent.