The program theme for the 9th annual Southwest Learning Summit and Exposition for 2009 is Go to Grow.  This event is sponsored by the Dallas chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD).  ASTD membership includes corporate training professionals, educators and teachers, human resource professionals, consultants, universities and students. The mission of Dallas ASTD is to provide leadership and resources to Human Resource Development professionals interested in enhancing their work-related competence, performance and fulfillment.  Their annual summit and expo is held each summer in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolis.  This year it will be in Addison, Texas on August 18.   

The Go to Grow program includes three educational topic areas offered through nine presentations, a panel discussion with local Chief Learning Officers (CLO), and multiple exhibitors offering various training materials and other knowledge growth opportunities.  The three topic areas for 2009 are e-learning, leadership development, and career development for trainers.  The educational presenters and their topics include: Bjorn Billhardt (Creating The Blended Learning Classroom Of The Future), Alice Dendinger (The Indispensable Trainer), Michael Fischer (Developing Future Leaders:  How To Get Extraordinary Results!), Helen Harkness (Positively Capitalizing On Career Chaos), Chris Huber (Best Practices From The Best Companies For Leaders), Jani Rogers (Only 3 Steps To Expert), Barry Shipman (Developing A Blended Learning Strategy), Chuck Ward (How Resourceful, Resilient And Relational Leaders Succeed Against The Odds), and Hugh Wilson (Implementing Practical, Interactive E-Learning Programs).

The panel discussion topic is “Leading Development Practices That Improve Organization Performance” featuring local CLOs.  This panel will take place during lunch at the Learning Summit and Exposition.  It will be a facilitated discussion on best practices and experiences related to employee development strategies being implemented; the impact on employee engagement, satisfaction, retention and/or performance; and how to measure success.  CLO panel members include Christine Cernach, Phyllis Wright, and Bob Willey.  The discussion will be moderated by Holly St.John Peck.

Besides the many exhibitors, this event will offer a resource center where participants can browse ASTD Press Books and InfoLines, meet local authors, learn about social networking, and register for a prize drawing.  Local book authors who will be present at the resource center during the day will include: Deborah Avrin (The Management Map: Navigation Tools for the New Manager), Shirley Lee (R.A!R.A!  A Meeting Wizard's Approach), Carlos Sanchez (Leaders Without Borders: Building Bridges Between English and Spanish Speakers), and Doris Sims (The 30-Minute Guide to Talent and Succession Management).

Every year since its inception, this event attracts hundreds of participants including decision makers from dozens of the largest and most recognized Texas employers. Additionally through networking at this event, the participants can share new learning ideas, the latest trends in training, and best development practices to help their employees accomplish performance excellence on their jobs. Registration costs and other details on the Southwest Learning Summit and Exposition may be found on the Dallas ASTD website at http://www.dallasastd.org.