Significant technological progress combined with an increased understanding of human performance are changing how we approach learning and talent development. These advancements have helped us realize the promise of “anytime, anywhere” learning as well as learning personalized to individual needs. The ADL Initiative, a U.S. Government research program, has recently completed a multi-year study on the future of learning, and developed an implementation blueprint for connecting lifelong learning experiences across time, location, purpose, and context. This co-created plan responds to external demands, such as the pace of global change and increased need for technical expertise, and it simultaneously considers emerging capabilities, including advancements in AI and neuroscience. The resulting concept, referred to as the “future learning ecosystem,” promises to substantively change the way we learn, moving away from old models of disconnected, disjointed experiences to a connected continuum of lifelong learning, personalized, driven by data, and delivered across diverse locations, media, and periods of time. How do we harness this new power to modernize learning as we know it?

In this presentation, we will discuss the rationale and influences driving this radical shift in learning from external demands, such as the pace of global change and increased need for technical expertise, to the promise offered by emerging capabilities, including advancements in AI and neuroscience. You will learn about the relevant strategic goals and corresponding case studies from business, academia, and government, and discuss specific steps needed in technology, learning science, policy, organizational dynamics, and other supporting structures to realize this vision. Finally, you will take away several practical actions to leverage these advancements to modernize your own learning and development systems—whether in the K-12, industry, academia, and/or government sectors.

You will learn:
- about future trends, learning science and technology trends, and change drivers
- about recommendations for evolving talent development enterprises for the future
- how to take a data-driven approach to learning and development
- how to improve your own learning and development offerings using research-based recommendations

Are you leadership fit? This is not about whether you can run a mile or do an hour of hot yoga. Being leadership fit is about operating at your personal best – for you and those you lead. It requires a leadership mindset and commitment to continuous improvement. The challenge: today’s leaders are faced with ever-increasing demands on their time, as well as a crowded leadership landscape. As a result, many leaders are simply too busy to focus on their development or they don’t know where to start. This session helps you navigate the crowded landscape, identify low-cost, high-impact leadership development activities, and how to incorporate them into your regular routine.

Emotions matter. They inform our thinking and decisions, the quality of our relationships, our physical and mental health, and our creativity and everyday performance. What we do with our emotions is especially important. The goal of my presentation is to (1) inspire a new mindset around the power of emotions to transform our lives, (2) describe five key underlying emotion skills, known as the “ RULER” skills, which help us to use our emotions wisely, and (3) provide innovative strategies and tools for developing emotion skills so that emotions help, rather than hinder, our well-being and success at home, school, work, and in everyday life.

A panel of experts will discuss the importance of standardizing what it means to be a leader within the public sector. They will also discuss existing best practices across different agencies as well as opportunities for improvement.

A panel of experts will discuss the changing landscape of government leadership and its importance in ensuring diversity among the top ranks. Join the conversation as the panel covers topics regarding equitable staffing and programs on inclusion.

A panel of experts will discuss the importance of developing and maintaining a leadership pipeline. Join the conversation as the panel covers topics such as mentoring and overall talent development of future government leaders.

A panel of experts will discuss their thoughts on identifying the intrinsic factors that empower employees to give it their all within the federal workplace. Join the conversation as the panel covers topics such as accountability and the importance of connection within the workplace.

A panel of experts will discuss the best practices of effectively managing employee performance. Consistency and feedback are key. Join the conversation as the panel shares their perspectives about how to improve employee performance through constructive and consistent feedback.

This panel of experts will discuss the best way to gauge employee interest and motivation. Join the conversation as the panel covers topics related to analytics, ROI, and program evaluation.

A panel of experts will discuss the effectiveness of formal and informal mentoring and coaching programs within various government agencies. Join the conversation as the panel uncovers key strategies and tactics for making these programs work.

We learn best by doing, which makes simulations and experiential learning particularly effective ways to train. In this session, our panel will discuss the best practices of using simulations and experiential learning within the public sector.

A panel of experts will discuss the importance of federal workers continuing to learn outside of the traditional classroom. Join the conversation as the panel discusses best practices for creating cultures of learning within the federal workplace.