This year, National Registry Summit attendees had the pleasure of seeing and hearing  exceptional keynote guest speakers up-close. The energy in the room was high, as the crowd was eager to learn from Matt Havens, generational expert, and then Cindy Huggett, digital learning expert. 

If you have listened to any other discussion about generational issues at work, then you have undoubtedly been told there are four distinct generations operating side-by-side in today’s working world. If you’ve ever been frustrated by how impossible it seems to employ four different strategies to manage four distinct generations, then Havens’ session, Stop Acting Your Age!, was exactly what you needed. Havens’ energy and fun could be felt throughout the ballroom. 

First, Havens discussed the “matures,” Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y and Generation Z. However, forget what you have heard. According to Havens, there are only two groups of people we put everyone in: a young person or old person. To better understand why each group is the way they are, we must first understand each other. This is what Havens’ presentation highlighted. 

Studies show we can maintain caring, personal relationships with roughly 150 people. However, one of the greatest inventions that shaped young people was the introduction of the internet. Today, we are uploading two million articles to the web each day. This is a lot of information and misinformation to handle. Younger people’s world has always been global, whereas older people had the opportunity to grow up within a much smaller community. The older generation then made their choices with the limited options they had at the time. So, how can the older generation meet the younger folks halfway? Remember, loyalty is earned and should not be assumed.  

How we build connection with people we trust, spend time with together, those that push us and challenge us. For leaders, do these things to connect with your young team. Simultaneously, it is important for younger people to realize that “none of the older people you work with got where they are overnight.” Havens’ enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject were contagious and attendees were thrilled he was able to share his expertise in-person.

In Huggett’s interactive session, Trends in Training: Creating Successful Hybrid Learning Events, she discussed trends and best practices for simultaneous in-person and virtual learning environments. The audience discovered what it takes to hold an effective simultaneous delivery method learning event, and lessons learned from organizations who have been doing it. 

Between in-person and remote work lives a hybrid schedule. As such, the big question was, “What do the best training facilitators do to engage a hybrid audience?”

According to Huggett, her definition of hybrid is a synchronous event with some attendees together, and others remote. Step one in creating a successful hybrid event is determining what hybrid means for your organization and audiences. In addition, Huggett recommended setting the program up for success before it even starts by focusing on content, activities and tech. One of the biggest challenges in any event is overcoming distractions and the biggest benefit to working remote is you are in your own workspace.

Additionally, keep in mind that some studies show multitasking happens more often during morning meetings. So, when planning a hybrid learning event, try not to begin first thing in the morning. When planning, remember the people experience. Another great way to do this is by setting up roles and responsibilities for certain individuals. Once you have that in place, be sure your audio and video is working properly. This may seem obvious, but it is important to note, nonetheless. 

Near the end of the presentation, Huggett shared the importance of the shared experience, equalizing the experience and including everyone, as well as showing extra attention to remote attendees. The presentation was timely and impactful, and we thank Huggett for sharing her insights.