32 | Ignitemag.ca | September | October 2019 DETAILS: Brad Ryder, president and CEO of Electric Mobility Canada, says the annual EV2019VÉ Conference and Trade Show is a premier networking event for policy- makers. Yet each year EV/ VÉ invests in a highly popular ride-and-drive event for dele- gates, media and the public. It’s multi-modal, says Ryder. “We use cars, bikes, electric scooters, trucks, electric buses, and this year there was even an electric sidewalk vac- uum cleaner on display.” Even transit was experiential—with delegates whisked between sites via electric shuttle. BENEFITS: “Often people get into the weeds on policies and GETTING HANDS-ON WITH YOUR INDUSTRY: EV2019VÉ Ride N’ Drive Event DETAILS: Norris describes a walking meeting she joined at a Canadian trade show that has educational components. “The speaker was trying to stress the importance of health and wellness in sessions, and how knowledge is better absorbed when you’re active… So he was talking to us about the ben- efi ts of the walking meeting while we were walking.” Enter experiential learning. While the concept of “learning by doing” isn’t new, Norris says in the conference space, where didactic lecture formats prevail, there’s been a move towards including some active learning elements. (See “How We Learn” on page 33 for a closer look at the experiential learning cycle.) Why the change now? First, younger attendees love interactivity. But there’s also a growing aware- ness that hands-on learning is more effective pedagogically. Studies often peg retention rates for experiential learning at a whopping 75 per cent– compared to fi ve per cent for lecture-style learning. “Experiential learning allows you to retain the knowledge a lot longer,” says Norris. “If you have not done your homework in regards to the retention of that knowledge, then in my mind you’ve failed as an event manager.” In the spirit of experiential learning, let’s dive in. Wondering how to integrate experiential learning elements into an event? Here are some examples to inspire you: TWEAKING THE TRADITIONAL MEETING: Walking Meeting debating issues and looking at it from spreadsheets,” says Ryder, adding Ride N’ Drive lets delegates touch and feel what they’ve been talking about. “The number of EV models and products is growing exponentially across Canada so it’s really a great opportunity to change people’s perceptions as well.” TIPS: Ryder says knowing your audi- ence is always key (to arrang- ing the right mix of vehicles), as is having staff on hand to facilitate, and good marketing beforehand to drive aware- ness and participation. TWISTS: Take attendees offsite to visit an industry manufacturing plant, followed by a debrief. Studies often peg retention rates for experiential learning at a whopping 75 PER CENT–COMPARED TO FIVE PER CENT for lecture-style learning GETTING HANDS-ON WITH YOUR INDUSTRY: GETTING HANDS-ON WITH YOUR INDUSTRY: EV2019VÉ Ride N’ Drive Event GETTING HANDS-ON WITH YOUR INDUSTRY: ness that hands-on learning is more effective pedagogically. Studies often peg retention rates for experiential learning at a whopping 75 per cent– compared to fi ve per cent for lecture-style learning. “Experiential learning allows you to retain the knowledge a lot longer,” says Norris. “If you have not done your homework in regards to the retention of that knowledge, then in my mind you’ve failed as an In the spirit of experiential learning, let’s dive in. Wondering how to integrate experiential learning elements into an event? Here are some examples BENEFITS: Besides the benefi ts of physical activity, interactive environments (versus stan- dard theatre/classroom set- ups), encourage networking and collaboration, says Norris. TIPS: It’s always crucial to incorporate debriefi ng, says Norris. “Discuss ‘How did that make you feel?’ and ‘How are you going to implement that at work?’ and ‘Why did that not work?’” TWISTS: Arrange a meeting that incorporates stationary bikes, treadmills, etc.
