The top 45 professional development events that make careers soar! 

Summary

• Enhanced engagement and growth: Discover dynamic professional development events to keep your team inspired and advancing right at their workplace, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Unlimited opportunities: With Sched’s enhanced event planning, you can organize unlimited events with unlimited free participants for smaller gatherings, providing endless opportunities for skill-building and team bonding.
• Boost retention and career growth: Companies investing in employee development see a 58% increase in retention, addressing the 76% of employees looking for career expansion and the 86% willing to switch jobs for more growth opportunities.
• Diverse event options:  From impactful workshops and engaging speaker sessions to industry conferences and technical training, there are 45 professional development events designed to make careers soar and transform your workplace into a center of excellence and innovation.
• Networking and mentorship: Leverage networking mixers, mentorship programs, and peer coaching sessions to build strong professional relationships and provide valuable guidance, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Flexible learning solutions: Utilize online courses, live webinars, and virtual conferences to offer flexible learning opportunities, ensuring continuous professional development without the need for travel.
• Recognition and motivation: Implement awards ceremonies and recognition dinners to honor outstanding achievements and boost team morale, motivating your employees to strive for excellence and innovation.

Struggling to keep your team engaged and constantly growing? Transform your workplace with dynamic professional development events. Imagine your team constantly inspired and advancing, right at their place of work.

We’re here to help you create a culture of continuous learning and development. With our enhanced event planning options, every session can be an opportunity for skill-building and team bonding.

Picture this: unlimited events with unlimited free participants for smaller gatherings all year round. No more restrictions, just endless opportunities to empower your colleagues and foster growth.

Ready to revolutionize your professional development program and overcome engagement challenges? Here are the top 45 professional development events you can organize with your Sched plan! From impactful workshops to engaging speaker sessions, let’s make your workplace a center of excellence and innovation.

Ignore professional development events at your peril

Before we dive in with these professional development events, here are some quick stats that stress why any of this matters: 

• 76% of employees are looking for opportunities to expand their careers.
• 86% of employees say they’d switch jobs for one with more chances to grow.
• Companies that invested in employee development saw a 58% increase in retention.

In short, if you ignore the professional development of your employees, members, or volunteers, you will lose their talent. 

Now, let’s crack on with the top professional development ideas that will make careers soar! 

Conferences and seminar professional development events

 

1. Industry Conferences: Large gatherings for professionals in the same field. They provide networking opportunities and industry insights.
2. Seminars and Webinars: Educational sessions, in-person or online. They offer valuable knowledge and skill development.
3. Panel Discussions: Experts discuss and debate topics in front of an audience. They provide diverse perspectives and deepen understanding.

• MAKE IT BETTER – Here are some top solutions to make your panel discussions more engaging. Deploy them at your next professional development events and your attendees will flourish! 

1. 1. Academic Conferences: Events for scholars to present research and findings. They foster collaboration and advance knowledge in various fields.
   2. Trade Shows: Exhibitions where businesses showcase products and services. They drive innovation and create business opportunities.

 

Workshops and training professional development events

 

1. Skill-Building Workshops: Interactive sessions to develop specific skills. They enhance personal and professional abilities.

• MAKE IT BETTER – To make these professional development events as effective as possible, you need to understand Why Workshops Fail (and what the solutions are. So read it and benefit! 

1. Technical Training Sessions: Hands-on training in technical skills and tools. They improve proficiency and keep participants up-to-date with technology.
2. Leadership Development Workshops: Programs focused on developing leadership skills. They prepare individuals for leadership roles and boost confidence.
3. Certification Courses: Courses that provide official certification upon completion. They validate expertise and enhance career prospects.
4. Sales Training: Training programs to improve sales techniques and strategies. They boost sales performance and effectiveness.

SUCCESS STORY – Learn how Caudleading the Way utilized Sched to power up their workshops, when they launched a hugely successful and brand new education coalition in California!  

Say Bye to Back-and-Forth Emails: Manage Speakers with Sched from Sched Support on Vimeo.

 

Networking professional development events

 

1. Networking Mixers: Casual events for professionals to meet and connect. They build relationships and create collaboration opportunities.
2. Professional Association Meetings: Regular gatherings of association members. They foster community, share updates, and discuss industry trends.
3. Alumni Networking Events: Events for former students to reconnect and network. They strengthen alumni bonds and open professional doors.
4. Business Card Exchanges: Events where attendees swap business cards. They facilitate quick introductions and potential business opportunities.
5. Speed Networking Sessions: Fast-paced networking with brief conversations. They maximize connections in a short time and boost professional networks.

SUCCESS STORY – To see successful networking in action, come and see how Civic Spirit used Sched to build community spirit! 

Mentoring and coaching professional development events

 

1. Mentorship Programs: Long-term relationships where experienced mentors guide mentees. They provide support, advice, and professional growth.
2. Peer Coaching Sessions: Collaborative sessions where peers help each other improve. They enhance skills through mutual feedback and support.
3. Executive Coaching: One-on-one coaching for executives. It develops leadership skills and enhances decision-making abilities.
4. Career Counseling Workshops: Workshops that offer guidance on career paths and job searches. They help participants make informed career decisions.
5. Roundtable Mentoring Events: Small group discussions with mentors and mentees. They provide diverse insights and foster community learning.

CASE STUDY – The Independent Book Publishers Association mentors their members to forge their way in the publishing work. With Sched’s tools, they had their most successful conference yet! 

From Organizing to Execution – How Sched Simplifies In-Person Event Planning from Sched Support on Vimeo.

 

Lectures and talks

 

1. Guest Lectures: Invited experts share knowledge on specific topics. They enrich learning with real-world insights and experiences.

• MAKE IT BETTER – Bad speakers lead to unhappy attendees. Never give your participants the chance to frown – utilize these top tips on booking the best guest speakers!

1. Keynote Speeches: Prominent speakers deliver main addresses at events. They inspire and set the tone for the occasion.
2. TED-style Talks: Short, powerful presentations on innovative ideas. They engage audiences with thought-provoking content.
3. Book Talks with Authors: Authors discuss their books and writing processes. They deepen understanding and connect readers with creators.
4. Expert Q&A Sessions: Experts answer audience questions on specific topics. They provide clarity and personalized insights.

Retreats and team-building professional development events

 

1. Corporate Retreats: Offsite events for employees to relax and bond. They improve team cohesion and boost morale.
2. Team Building Exercises: Activities designed to strengthen teamwork. They enhance collaboration and communication among team members.
3. Strategic Planning Retreats: Sessions focused on long-term goals and strategies. They align team efforts and set clear future directions.
4. Outdoor Leadership Activities: Leadership training in outdoor settings. They develop leadership skills through challenging, hands-on experiences.
5. Creative Problem-Solving Workshops: Workshops that teach innovative approaches to solving problems. They foster creativity and improve critical thinking skills.

CASE STUDY – The Outdoor Writers Association of America is an amazing story in how to do professional development events. Dive in and see how they used Sched to teach their members outdoor storytelling! 

Maximize Sponsor Exposure: Highlight Your Sponsors using Sched from Sched Support on Vimeo.

 

Online learning and e-learning professional development events

 

1. Virtual Conferences: Online events where participants join from anywhere. They provide networking and learning opportunities without the need for travel.
2. Online Courses: Courses delivered over the internet. They offer flexible learning at your own pace.
3. Live Webinars: Real-time online presentations and discussions. They allow for interactive learning and immediate Q&A.
4. MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses): Free or low-cost online courses available to many people. They provide access to education on a wide range of subjects.
5. Interactive E-Learning Modules: Digital learning units with interactive elements. They engage learners through activities and quizzes.

BONUS ADVICE – If this is what you’re into, then you’ll love this: amazing small event ideas that will boost professional development! 

Specialized industry professional development events

1. Technical Demonstrations: Showcases of how products or technologies work. They provide hands-on understanding and practical insights.
2. Product Launches: Events to introduce new products to the market. They generate excitement and drive initial sales.
3. Research Symposia: Gatherings to present and discuss research findings. They advance knowledge and foster academic collaboration.
4. Patent and Innovation Showcases: Displays of new inventions and patents. They highlight innovation and attract potential investors or partners.
5. Industry-Specific Training Days: Focused training sessions for a particular industry. They enhance relevant skills and keep professionals updated.

BONUS ADVICE – The secret to specialized industry events is speakers who are relevant and add value. Here’s how you can craft better Call for Papers that lure in the real talent out there! 

How to Create an Event Schedule that Will WOW Your Attendees from Sched Support on Vimeo.

 

Recognition and awards for professional development events

 

1. Awards Ceremonies: Events to honor outstanding achievements. They recognize excellence and motivate continued effort.
2. Recognition Dinners: Formal dinners to acknowledge accomplishments. They show appreciation and strengthen team morale.
3. Employee of the Month Celebrations: Monthly recognition of standout employees. They boost motivation and highlight exemplary performance.
4. Innovation Awards: Awards given for creative and innovative contributions. They encourage out-of-the-box thinking and progress.
5. Service Awards: Recognition for long-term dedication and service. They honor commitment and loyalty to the organization.

BONUS ADVICE – The costs for these events can sometimes get out of hand. However, with these hot tips on making savings to your event budget, you can do them in style without wreaking havoc on your bank balance! 

The takeaways 

45 glorious professional development events, and there’s something to inspire everyone. From workshops and seminars to networking and team-building activities.

PLUS, with unlimited events and free participation for smaller gatherings as part of your Sched plan, you can offer career success to your people that they can’t walk away from! 

And if that’s not enough, here are even more: 150+ event types you can plan with Sched for free!

But that’s enough reading about what Sched can do for your professional development events. Now it’s time to see for yourself. Try Sched for free now!