Contract Training Conference 2025

June 10 – 12, 2025

New! Hybrid. Online and On-site
The best event in Contract Training just got better.

All-New Advanced Sessions

Final Agenda Now Out!
Download the brochure here

Engineering apprentices at Ascend Institute, Dallas College

This Year’s 2 Big Emerging Trends in Contract Training
*A Problem-Solving Approach to Sales
*Leading Your Team in Change and Innovation

Keynotes
Opening Keynote: “Market Changes for 2025,” Jo Ann Hall, Moraine Park Technical College
General Session: “The Future of Contract Training,”  Rodney Holt, Global Leaders Group

This Year’s Top Issues:
*Contract Training and AI
*A Strategic Approach to Customer Engagement
*Partnerships and Collaboration
*New Product Development

*Become a Certified Contract Trainer (CCT)

Online.
June 10-11, 2025
There will be 2 Tracks of sessions online.
Some 20 sessions will be every hour on Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
-An Advanced Track with 10 new sessions will feature the best practitioners and experts in contract training and workforce development.
-The Fundamental Contract Training Track will have 10 sessions and only be offered online.

Perfect for New Staff
The Fundamental Track will prepare your staff to become Certified Contract Trainers at no additional cost. A post-conference Study Session will follow on Thursday, June 12; and then by an online Exam on Tuesday, June 17.

In-Person (optional).
June 10-Noon June 12, 2025
Harper College, Palatine, Illinois
Just minutes from Chicago O’Hare Airport.

Optional: The in-person format will feature both the viewing of the online Advanced Track sessions and additional in-person discussions.

What to do now
1.Click on the Tabs below for all the information
2.Download the brochure PDF
3.Register!

Questions?
Call Roy or Gale at 800-678-5376 or email them at info@lern.org

The best event in Contract Training just got better.
See you online and/or in-person!

All-New Advanced Sessions

This Year’s 2 Big Emerging Trends in Contract Training
*A Problem-Solving Approach to Sales
*Leading Your Team in Change and Innovation

Keynotes
Opening Keynote: “Market Changes for 2025,” Jo Ann Hall, Moraine Park Technical College
General Session: “The Future of Contract Training,”  Rodney Holt, Global Leaders Group

Send everyone, all 20 people, to the Online conference.

-Online Agenda-

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Session #1 Opening Session
Market Changes 2025 and Contract Training Responses
11 am – 11:45 ET; 10 – 10:45 am CT; 9 -9:45 am MT; 8 -8:45 am PT

Session #2
Advanced: Building Lasting Partnerships: A Strategic Approach to Customer Engagement
Fundamentals: Real World and Team Selling
Noon -12:45 ET; 11 -11:45 CT; 10 – 10:45 MT; 9-9:45 am PT

Session #3
Advanced: Anatomy of a Contract Training Sales Call
Fundamentals: Finances of Contract Training
1 pm-1:45 ET; Noon-12:45 CT; 11-11:45 MT; 10-10:45 am PT

Session #4

Advanced: Mastering the Problem-Solving Approach to Sales
Fundamentals: Teaming with the Right Instructors
2 pm-2:45 ET; 1-1:45 pm CT; Noon – 12:45 MT; 11-11:45 am PT

Session #5
Advanced: Proving Value: Crafting Compelling ROI Data for Your Customers
Advanced and Fundamentals: Panel. Skill Based Training
3 pm -3:45 ET; 2-2:45 CT; 1-1:45 MT; Noon-12:45 pm PT

Session #6
Advanced: Developing Young Leaders
Fundamentals: Pricing Contract Training
4 pm -4:45 ET; 3-3:45 pm CT; 2-2:45 MT; 1-1:45 pm PT

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Session #7
General Session: General Session: The Future of Contract Training
11 am – 11:45 ET; 10 – 10:45 am CT; 9 -9:45 am MT; 8 -8:45 am PT

Session #8
Advanced: AI and the Future of Workforce Training
Fundamentals: Marketing, Lead Generation & Client Analysis
Noon -12:45 ET; 11 -11:45 CT; 10 – 10:45 MT; 9-9:45 am PT

Session #9
Advanced:  Best Practices for Supervising Sales Teams
Advanced and Fundamentals: PANEL. New Product Development
1 pm-1:45 ET; Noon-12:45 CT; 11-11:45 MT; 10-10:45 am PT

Session #10
Advanced: Recruiting and Retaining Contract Training Instructors
Advanced and Fundamentals: PANEL. Partnerships and Collaboration
2 pm-2:45 ET; 1-1:45 pm CT; Noon – 12:45 MT; 11-11:45 am PT

Session #11
Advanced: Negotiation: Crushing Every Obstacle
Fundamentals: Needs Assessment in Contract Training
3 pm -3:45 ET; 2-2:45 CT; 1-1:45 MT; Noon-12:45 pm PT

Session #12
Advanced: Leading Your Team Through Change and Innovation
Fundamentals: Quality and ROI
4 pm -4:45 ET; 3-3:45 pm CT; 2-2:45 MT; 1-1:45 pm PT

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Certified Contract Trainer (CCT)
 Study session for conference participants who wish to earn the Certified Contract Trainer (CCT) designation.
Noon -12:45 ET; 11 -11:45 CT; 10 – 10:45 MT; 9-9:45 am PT

Online Session Descriptions

-Keynote General Sessions
-Advanced Track
-Panel Discussions
-Fundamentals Track

Advanced Track

Opening Session
   Welcome, Perry Harker,  Co-Chair of the LERN Board of
Directors; and Vice President, Corporate & Community Education, Carteret Community College, Morehead, North Carolina
The State of Contract Training 2025, William A. Draves, President, Learning Resources Network (LERN))
Opening Keynote: “Market Changes 2025 and Contract Training Responses”, Jo Ann Hall, Dean of Economic and Workforce Development, Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Building Lasting Partnerships: A Strategic Approach to Customer Engagement
Success in contract training depends on staying top-of-mind with clients through consistent, meaningful engagement—without overwhelming them. Small, strategic “touches” can nurture trust and strengthen client relationships, bypassing high-pressure sales tactics.
Learn to create a customer-centered engagement plan, with personalized communication, value-driven updates, and tailored follow-ups, ensuring each interaction reinforces the partnership.
Amy A. Lasack, Vice President, Business and Community Solutions, Northeast Iowa Community College, Dubuque, Iowa 

Anatomy of a Contract Training Sales Call
Meet the logistical requirements of your college while at the same time creating a customer experience that earns you repeat business.  Know the difference between Upskilling and Upselling. Build a training pool of vendors and adjuncts you can count on to develop a winning proposal and always reliable class delivery. Take away tips and best practices for relationship selling from a seasoned contract training expert.
Konley Kelley, CCT, CPP; Project Leader, Business Development & Employer Outreach, Ascend Institute, Dallas College, Dallas, Texas

Mastering the Problem-Solving Approach to Sales
   Apply a problem-solving mindset to sales, focusing on understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions. Learn practical strategies to build stronger relationships, increase conversions, and drive long-term success by mastering the art of consultative selling.
Mindie Boynton, Project Manager, Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Proving Value: Crafting Compelling ROI Data for Your Customers
In today’s competitive market, customers need more than just promises—they need proof. Equip yourself and your sales professionals with the tools and strategies to develop tailored Return on Investment (ROI) data that resonates with your customers. Identify key metrics, align ROI insights with customer goals, and effectively present data that demonstrates the tangible value of your solutions.
Barbara Rawson, Project Manager, Kirkwood Corporate Training, Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Developing Young Leaders
   Developing and mentoring your talent is a core responsibility for any leader. And training your corporate customers is both needed and wanted. There is a wave of younger staff. What are young people looking for, and what do they need from you and business leaders as they prepare to become the next generation of leaders?
Daniel Thorpe, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

General Session: The Future of Contract Training
 A global trainer looks at the future of contract training in North America.
And delivers a SWOT analysis of the field from his unique perspective.
  Rodney Holt, Global Leader Group; Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Rod has over a decade of experience with contract training working at Red Deer Polytechnic before joining the Global Leader Group, where he does consulting on a national and international level. 

AI and the Future of Workforce Training: Establishing a Regional AI Center
AI is transforming workforce training—are you ready? This session offers an inside look at how the Central Wisconsin AI Resource Center is reshaping workforce education, creating key partnerships, developing real-world applications, sharing lessons learned along the way. Discover insights that can help your college navigate the evolving AI landscape and better prepare businesses for the future of work.
   Brad Gast, Ed.D, MBA, CPP; Dean, Workforce Training & Professional Development, Northcentral Technical College, Wausau, Wisconsin

Leading Success: Best Practices for Supervising Sales Teams
A well-supervised sales team is essential for achieving enrollment goals, fostering long-term relationships with prospective students, and promoting the overall mission of the Workforce Development and/or Continuing Education department. Acquire valuable insights into motivating, guiding, and developing your team to maximize their potential while staying aligned with the unique needs of adult learners.                     
Molly Salisbury, Director of Business Solutions, Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas

Recruiting and Retaining Contract Training Instructors
   Tips on recruiting instructors for your training contracts, plus ideas on keeping your instructors. The current environment presents challenges for recruitment, with skills and time being in high demand for knowledgeable people. And we face different issues in retaining those instructors.
Instructors, a core resource, are a top priority now. Just one new idea can save you time and dollars in your efforts.
   Kori Hesser, Program Developer, Corporate Training, Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Negotiation: Crushing Every Obstacle
   Do you know what causes failure in most negotiations? Not skill, not power, not fear—a lack a preparation! In this fast-moving session we’ll cover the 4 key steps to preparation, one by one. Know your ‘buttons.’ Sell with honesty and directness. Conquer presence under pressure. Going to the balcony and other tactics for win-win.
Your new poise as a deal-maker will help cement successful, long-term business relationships. This is a life-skill, a lifestyle of creating wins for yourself and others.
Rod Holt, Global Leader Group, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

Leading Your Team Through Change and Innovation
Your team can achieve more!  Quick assessments to improve communication. Drive innovation and change to exceed client expectations!  How do you make sure communication is open, everyone’s voice is heard, and you maximize the contribution of each team member?  Learn about using a variety of assessments, including DISC, Strengthsfinder and Working Genius help.    Help your team achieve more!
   Jo Ann Hall, Dean of Economic and Workforce Development, Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Panel Discussions

Skilled Based Training
  Panel and Discussion on bridging the gap between theory and practice. Discuss real-world exercises, technical tasks, and simulations. Whether upskilling for career advancement, or exploring a new industry, share your experience and thoughts on helping your clients gain proficiency in key skills.
PANEL led by Brittany Shinsky, Director, Community Engagement, Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood, Pennsylvania

New Product Development
   Voted the #2 issue in contract training in 2025 by top contract trainers. Brainstorm with your colleagues innovative product ideas and concepts; market research and analysis; budgeting new product development; and your go-to-market strategy.
Come away with ideas and tips on responding to our ever-changing business environment.

Partnerships and Collaboration
   Voted the #1 issue in contract training in 2025 by top contract trainers. Brainstorm with your colleagues partnerships and collaboration ideas and concepts. Then discuss ways to achieve goals and success greater than what just your program could do alone.
Come away with ideas and tips on responding to maximizing resources and outcomes through partnerships and collaboration.

 

Fundamentals

Real World and Team Selling
– Your Contract Training Sales Kit
– Contract Training Staffing Structure: Team Selling
– Real World Selling
   Michael K. Ross, CCT, Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC

Finances of Contract Training
– LERN Financial Format and Ideal Percentages
– Key Contract Training Formulas
– Data to Collect & Quarterly Analysis
   Brendan Marsello, LERN Vice President, Jackson, NH

Teaming with the Right Instructors
– Important Skills for a Contract Training Instructor
– Finding Instructors
– Clarifying Things from the Start
Michael K. Ross, CCT, Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC

Pricing Contract Training
– Understanding Contract Costs
– Formula Pricing and Market Pricing
– Pricing Best Practices
Dr. Travette Webster, LERN Vice President, Houston, TX

Marketing, Lead Generation & Client Analysis
– Marketing Contract Training & USP
– Lead Generation Best Practices
– Analyzing Your Clients
Michael K. Ross, CCT, Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC

Needs Assessment in Contract Training
– What Is Needs Assessment?
– Why Do Needs Assessment?
– 8 Step Needs Assessment Process
Brendan Marsello, LERN Vice President, Jackson, NH

Quality and ROI
– Two-Phase Quality Assurance
– Dealing with Complaints
– Determining ROI
Michael K. Ross, CCT, Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC

Hybrid Format Explained

You asked for it. You got it.
We surveyed last year’s participants on format for 2025. Here’s what they said:
8% All in-person
52% All online
40% Hybrid, both
an online option and an in-person option.

We are pleased to respond to 92% of our participants’ needs.

 

The Best of Both Worlds 
Send all your staff, especially new staff, to the online part of the conference.
Staff can attend the Fundamentals track and prepare for the Certified Contract Trainer (CCT) designation. The CCT study session and online exam are included in the Organizational base fee.

Leaders and managers of contract training and workforce development will particularly be interested in the discussion and F2F networking with colleagues at the optional in-person part of the conference.  All individuals with a registered Organization are welcome at the optional in-person part of the conference.

How it works    

All participants, both online and in-person, need to be included in the Organization’s base fee for the online sessions, which includes up to 20 people from your Organization.

After registering your Organization at the base fee, any individual or individuals who want to attend in-person may register for the in-person part of the conference for the modest fee covering your meals and our expenses.

What’s Online, What’s F2F   

Online.  The online sessions are listed on the “Online Agenda” and “Online Session Descriptions” tabs.   The Fundamentals and CCT sessions are only offered online.

F2F. The in-person sessions are listed on the “Optional: In-Person Agenda” tab designated as “F2F” or “F2F Only.”
Selected online sessions will be available for viewing and follow-up discussion in the hybrid classroom at Harper and are designated on the “Optional: In-Person Agenda” tab.

All Online sessions are recorded, archived, and will be available to all individuals, both those attending online and those attending the in-person part. The archived sessions will be accessible for 60 days after the event.

Optional: In-Person Agenda

Experience the Conference In-Person

Tuesday, June 10 – Thursday Noon, June 12
William Rainey Harper Community College
Palatine, Illinois (just 18 minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport)

When you register your Organization for the online conference, individuals from your Organization then have the option of attending in-person for a small additional fee.

Hosted by Corporate & Community Education, William Rainey Harper Community College, Palatine, Illinois. Scott Cashman, Senior Manager for Corporate & Community Education.

Network, brainstorm, share, get acquainted and interact with your colleagues in contract training.
*In-person discussion sessions;
*Meals;
*Social hour;
* 1:1 sharing; and
*F2F follow up discussions to the online sessions.

                             In-Person Agenda

*Online sessions will be viewed from the hybrid classroom.
*Face-to-face (F2F) sessions will be held in a roundtable-setting room.

Monday, June 9, 2025
5-6 pm Reception, Hotel, Schaumburg

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
7:55 am Take Uber/Lyft to Harper College

8 am  Breakfast Networking.  Breakfast rolls and coffee

9 am   F2F. Welcome Session. Introductions. Sharing: One skill, one expectation for the conference.

10 am  Online. Opening Keynote: “Market Changes 2025 and Contract Training Responses”, Jo Ann Hall, Dean of Economic and Workforce Development, Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

10:45    Break.

11 am   Online. “Building Lasting Partnerships: A Strategic Approach to Customer Engagement,” Amy A. Lasack, Vice President, Business and Community Solutions, Northeast Iowa Community College, Dubuque, Iowa

12 Noon  Lunch (included) and “Morning Sessions: First Reactions.” Table discussions

1 pm  Sessions. Choose from:
Online. “Mastering the Problem-Solving Approach to Sales,” Mindie Boynton, Project Manager, Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

F2F. Discussion Session. “Micro Credentials and Digital Badging.”

1:45 Break

2 pm Sessions. Choose from:
Online. “Proving Value: Crafting Compelling ROI Data for Your Customers,” Barbara Rawson, Project Manager, Kirkwood Corporate Training, Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

F2F
Discussion Session. “Noncredit Training to Credit.”

3 pm F2F Only. Discussion Session. “Share a Challenge”. Your colleagues brainstorm solutions.

4 pm F2F Only. Discussion Session. “Training for Employer Retention.”

Wednesday, June 11, 2025
7:55 am Take Uber/Lyft to Harper College

8 am  Breakfast Networking.  Breakfast rolls and coffee

9 am   F2F. Day One Debriefing. The 5 Best Ideas.

10 am  Online. General Session: The Future of Contract Training, with Rodney Holt

10:45    Break.

11 am   Online. “AI and the Future of Workforce Training: Establishing a Regional AI Center,”  Brad Gast, Ed.D, MBA, CPP; Dean, Workforce Training & Professional Development, Northcentral Technical College, Wausau, Wisconsin

12 Noon  Lunch (included) and  “Morning Sessions: First Reactions.” Table discussions

1 pm  Sessions. Choose from:
Online“Recruiting and Retaining Contract Training Instructors,” Kori Hesser, Program Developer, Corporate Training, Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

F2F.   Discussion Session. “AI in Contract Training.”

1:45 Break

2 pm Sessions. Choose from:
Online.   “Negotiation: Crushing Every Obstacle,” Rod Holt, Global Leader Group, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

F2F.  
Discussion Session. “Partnerships and Collaboration.”

3 pm F2F Only. Discussion Session.  “Best Tips from the Conference.”

4 pm F2F Only. Discussion Session. “Share a Success Story.” Be prepared to brag for 10 minutes.

Thursday, June 12, 2025
7:55 am Take Uber/Lyft to Harper College

8 am  Breakfast Networking.  Breakfast rolls and coffee

9 am   F2F Only.  Discussion Session. “New Product Development.”

10 am  F2F OnlyDiscussion Session. “Developing Young Leaders.”

10:45    Break.

11 am   F2F Only.   Discussion Session. “Challenges and Opportunities: The Changing Environment of Higher Education.”

12 Noon  Conference Ends.

12:05 Take Uber/Lyfts to O’Hare Airport.

++ All Conference Online Sessions will be recorded and available afterward to all participants, including In-Person Conference Attendees, for 60 days. You don’t miss a thing.

Optional: In-Person Location

William Rainey Harper Community College
1200 W Algonquin Rd
Palatine, IL 60067

Phone: (847) 925-6000

In-person attendees will participate in two college meeting rooms:
-A hybrid classroom specifically designed for online and in-person sessions held at the same time;
-A Discussion room with tables in rooms best for in-person discussions.

 

From O’Hare Airport
Lyft, Uber and taxi rides are available from O’Hare Airport.
Uber and Lyft are abundant in the Palatine and Schaumburg area for getting to, and from,Harper College.

 

Hotel
  There are many hotels near to Harper College. Attendees may stay at any hotel.
The Hyatt Chicago/Schaumburg is recommended.

Hyatt Place Chicago/Schaumburg
1851 McConnor Parkway
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: 888-440-3846
Complimentary Breakfast

The hotel is just 4 miles and 8 minute  Uber/Lyft drive to Harper College.
No deadline for reservations if not sold-out. There is no LERN room block.
For additional hotel recommendations, email us at info@lern.org

Online Fee.
-The base fee is only $995 flat per LERN member organization. It includes up to 20 individuals.
-Non-member organizations pay a base fee of just $1,295 flat, also covering up to 20 individuals from the same organization.
-All online sessions are included.
-As many of your 20 staff may attend online.
There is no deadline for online registrations and adding up to twenty people to your organizational registration.

In-Person Fee.
-An additional charge of $295 per person, for those on your staff who wish to attend in-person at Harper College.
-Hotel, food, any transportation and other costs are at your own expense.
-The in-person registration deadline is May 15, 2025.

Click Here to Register for the Online Conference ($995 for up to 20 participants for LERN Member. $1,295 for up to 20 participants for Non-Members).

Please call (800) 678-5376 or email info@lern.org to register for the In-Person Conference ($295 per person but your organization must be registered for the online conference).