Elevating Hospitality Training with SparkLearn at CHART 106

Aug 30

At the recent CHART 106 conference in Chicago, hospitality leaders gathered to explore cutting-edge trends in training and development. We were thrilled to be back at CHART, reconnecting with familiar friends and meeting new faces from great companies. The conference featured a number of sessions we thought were particularly relevant, so we thought we’d share some of our favorites with you. The event highlighted three critical areas where SparkLearn can play a pivotal role in transforming your team's potential:

Empowering Leadership:
Effective leadership is essential for success in the hospitality industry. The conference underscored the importance of ongoing leadership development, with sessions dedicated to refining the skills necessary to inspire and guide teams. Donna Herbel, FMP, SPHR, CEO and Chief Igniter of Blue Phoenix Learning and COO of Savii, showcased 'The Leadership Game,' a small-group, game-based session that promotes positive change through communication and connection. This innovative experience helped teams grasp the core values and principles of effective leadership, laying the foundation for a strong workplace culture and impactful results. We really enjoyed this session and hope others might use some of the same sorts ot techniques to make their presentations more engaging. Creating tailored training content is a way to help learners stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Innovative Training Techniques
CHART 106 spotlighted the adoption of innovative training methodologies, emphasizing the importance of engaging employees meaningfully. From gamification to mobile learning, the focus was on creating dynamic, interactive experiences. Lisa Holloway, M.A., ABD. PhD, SHRM-SCP, Global Director of Learning and Organizational Development at CKE Restaurants, led a session tailored for new Learning and Development leaders. This session equipped participants with tools and strategies to unlock their teams' full potential and drive impactful organizational results. Key topics included effective onboarding practices, building a cohesive team culture centered on innovation and collaboration, and leveraging technology for optimal team management and performance tracking.
We echo these thoughts in our product design by offering multimedia-rich content that captivates and motivates learners, whether they are new hires or seasoned professionals. Keeping these thoughts in mind, leaders can elevate their techniques and inspire greatness in their teams through engaging and tailored learning experiences.
Driving Operational Excellence
Operational efficiency and exceptional service quality are essential in the hospitality industry. Several sessions at the conference provided valuable insights into overcoming operational challenges and enhancing guest experiences. Jennifer Belk White, Ed.D., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CHT, Leadership and Learning Consultant at JBW Consulting, and Jesse Boehm, Training Development Associate Manager at Buffalo Wild Wings under Inspire Brands, highlighted the importance of understanding how your team fits into the company’s overall organizational structure and strategy to achieve operational excellence. They emphasized the need to distinguish between training solutions and operational roadblocks.
It can really help to look at the data your learning platforms provide to help you in this part of your day-to-day responsibilities as a hospitality learning professional. SparkLearn agrees that real-time analytics and microlearning capabilities empower teams with just-in-time information, improving on-the-job performance and driving consistent excellence across all operational areas. With these tools, organizations can ensure their teams are aligned and equipped to meet the demands of a fast-paced industry.

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of these trends is crucial. Being involved in organizations like CHART and going to their events and conferences, can really help you do just that. Whether you’re looking to develop your leaders, innovate your training approach, or enhance operational efficiency, platforms exhibiting at the conference like SparkLearn can provide the tools and resources to keep pace with that change and lead the way.
Ready to elevate your hospitality training? Learn more about how SparkLearn can help your organization thrive.