Workforce Shortage Looms as Baby Boomers Drop Off, Fuels Purpose for CCASTD's Human Side of Technology Conference

In an effort to address the issues surrounding the overwhelming use of technology in workplace learning & performance and the anticipated workforce shortage as Baby Boomers retire, the Chicagoland Chapter of the American Society for Training & Development is hosting a two day learning technologies conference & expo - The Human Side of Technology - on October 18 & 19, 2006 at the University Center in downtown Chicago.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) August 5, 2006 -- The Chicagoland Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (CCASTD) has officially thrown open the doors to their latest workplace learning and performance event: The Human Side of Technology, scheduled for October 18 and 19, 2006. Sponsored by Roosevelt University (www.roosevelt.edu) and The CARA Group, Inc. (www.caracorp.com), this information-packed, 2-day conference focuses on solving the issue of an anticipated workforce shortage and the need for organizations to reevaluate their human-managed, technology-based systems for improved synergistic functionality. Attendees will come away with solid advice from industry experts on which tools, techniques, and technologies best support their learning & performance initiatives.

Featuring a star-studded speaker lineup including Stephen Denning, Lou Russell, Dick Axelrod, Dennis Glenn, Jennifer Hofmann, Catherine Mattiske, Ajay Pangarkar, and Moshe Yudkowsky The Human Side of Technology offers a peer-to-peer interactive forum where attendees can discover how to blend diverse technologies & methods into one unified learning offering.

As Baby Boomers retire from the workforce, organizations are losing key people in critical positions. This, and the ever-increasing need for technology-ready employees, has prompted millions of companies to revisit their current work performance model and strive for cost-effective, results-oriented solutions. The Human Side of Technology event attempts to address these issues as well as get the inside story on the ASTD Competency Model.

According to Trish Uhl, PMP, CPLP - CCASTD Director of Technology, "We've all had a TON of technology pushed at us, and have often learned it by the seat of our pants. There's got to be a better way. What can we learn from our peers? What are other people doing with these tools? How are they doing it? How can you do it, too?"

Each day of The Human Side of Technology learning forum offers different tracks following the nine areas of expertise as outlined in the ASTD Competency Model, including: Designing Learning, Delivering Training, Human Performance Improvement, Measurement & Evaluation, Facilitating Organizational Change, Managing the Learning Function, Coaching, Managing Organizational Knowledge, Career Planning & Talent Management.

Uhl continues, "People want practical advice. Sure, everyone likes to attend a really compelling session by a visionary in the industry, but at the end of the day, give me someone who has felt my pain and figured out a way around it." To that end, the event includes daily breakout sessions showcasing real stories and genuine experiences, with practical “how to” tips from local practitioners and industry gurus.

The Human Side of Technology conference is scheduled for October 18 and 19, 2006 at the University Center in Chicago. Additional 10% discount if you register before September 1st. Space is limited. We regret the inconvenience, but CCASTD is unable to accept walk-in registrations or registrations at the door for this event. All attendees must pre-register for this conference.

For more information and online registration, visit http://www.ccastd.org/annual_event.html

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