(Alexandria, VA) January 6, 2021—Virtual training is here to stay and getting comfortable with technology is critical for engaging online audiences. In _Producing Virtual Training, Meetings, and Webinars: Master the Technology to Engage Participants (_ATD Press, January 2021), virtual learning expert Kassy LaBorie provides facilitators—learning professionals, presenters, and businesspeople—with the knowledge and skills they need to take charge of the technical aspects of using web conference software to successfully run virtual events every day.

As trainers have quickly turned to technology and web conferencing software to support the rapid shift from in-person events to virtual meetings, trainings, and webinars, most have encountered a new and very real challenge of simultaneously delivering content and teaching learners while navigating technology. The production tasks can be daunting, and an event’s results can suffer—often leaving audiences disengaged—if virtual trainers are unfamiliar with what it takes to successfully produce a live online session.

“The lack of understanding of how to engage online and the lack of skill in how to use the software effectively run rampant in live online sessions, with the technology distracting from the point of the presentation,” explains LaBorie. “Many trainers, facilitators, and presenters do not realize this at first and have not taken the time to develop the knowledge and skills to effectively manage the required technical aspects. Engagement suffers as a result.”

Presenters, trainers, salespeople, and others are being asked to focus on technology details and production tasks in addition to content and session outcome details. These tasks can keep trainers and presenters from being their best, most engaging selves because they are uncomfortable in the environment. For many, it is so unfamiliar and overwhelming that they simply do not use the features of the platform, opting instead to share slides and call for questions at the end.

“To combat this issue, trainers and presenters must deal with the problem head-on by separating the content from the technology,” states LaBorie. “Instead of assuming one person can and should do everything, clarify what exactly needs to be done and then decide who is the best person to do each task. With this book, it is my intention to show everyone how they can get comfortable with the technology and set up a successful production and training strategy to maximize audience and learner engagement.”

About the Author

Kassy LaBorie is the founder and principal consultant at Kassy LaBorie Consulting. She is a virtual classroom master trainer specializing in developing trainers to be engaging and effective when facilitating programs in platforms such as Zoom, Webex, and Adobe Connect. She has worked with many Fortune 500 firms in a wide range of industries and sectors, including hospitality, pharma, energy, government, NGOs, and nonprofits. She also trains and coaches producers, the virtual classroom trainer’s partner in effective facilitation, as well as instructional designers tasked with creating or converting content for virtual classroom delivery. In addition, she advises learning and development leaders in areas including virtual classroom strategy, technology selection, and logistics. She has more than 20 years of experience in passionately helping organizations, learning teams, and training professionals successfully move to the virtual environment.

She co-authored Interact and Engage! 50+ Activities for Virtual Training, Meetings, and Webinars (ATD Press, 2015).

About ATD and ATD Press

The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations. ATD’s members come from more than 120 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. ATD Press publications are written by industry thought leaders and offer anyone who works with adult learners the best practices, academic theory, and guidance necessary to move the profession forward. For more information, visit td.org/books.

Producing Virtual Training, Meetings, and Webinars: Master the Technology to Engage Participants

ISBN: 9781950496259 | 228 Pages | Paperback

td.org/books/producing-virtual-training-meetings-and-webinars

To order books from ATD Press, call 800.628.2783.

To schedule an interview with Kassy LaBorie, please contact Kay Hechler, ATD Press senior marketing manager, at [email protected] or 703.683.8178.