Welcome to the "Measurable Learning" unConference, a groundbreaking no-cost event exclusively designed for federal training professionals, including Training Coordinators, Training Officers, and Chief Learning Officers. This isn't your typical conference—it's an unConference, where you drive the conversation, share insights, and shape the future of training within federal agencies.
Join us at Graduate School USA in Washington, DC for a dynamic day of collaboration, innovation, and practical learning focused on measurable outcomes. Whether you're a practitioner looking to enhance your agency's training programs or a leader aiming to align learning with organizational goals, this event is tailored to meet your needs.
First create an account on the Mighty Networks TOC Platform. Once you create an account, you'll be able register for the UnConference.
Why Attend?
- Collaborate and Innovate
Participate in the unique unConference format, where every voice is heard, and every idea matters. Dive into interactive discussions and workshops designed to foster collaboration and ignite innovation in training. - Learn from Experts
Engage with industry thought leaders and peers as you explore cutting-edge strategies in learning measurement, data-driven decision-making, and fostering a continuous learning culture. - Expand Your Network
Connect with fellow federal training professionals, share best practices, and build relationships that will support your agency's learning initiatives long after the event. - Earn Training Credits
Enhance your professional development with 0.3 Continuing Education credits, recognizing your commitment to advancing your expertise in measurable learning.
First create an account on the Mighty Networks TOC Platform. Once you create an account, you'll be able register for the UnConference.
What to Expect
- Pre-Conference Engagement
Begin your learning journey even before the event starts! Join the Mighty Networks platform to connect with other participants, engage in discussions, and access information that will prepare you for the unConference experience. - Knowledge Café
You’ll engage in structured, participant-driven conversations on key topics where you’ll rotate between tables every 15-20 minutes, sparking dynamic discussions with your peers. Topics include:- Defining learning outcomes aligned with organizational goals.
- Leveraging data analytics for evaluating training effectiveness.
- Measuring behavioral change resulting from training interventions.
- Cultivating a culture of continuous learning within your agency.
- Collaborative Education Sessions
Dive deep into focused sessions, tailored to practitioners and leaders alike, based on real-time input from attendees. Whether you're on the frontlines or in a leadership role, these sessions offer insights directly applicable to your work. - Keynote Q&A
Interact with leading experts in an engaging keynote session that includes live polls and a Q&A segment. This is your chance to get answers to your most pressing questions about measurable learning.
Event Schedule
3 Hours = 0.3 CE Credits
- 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Registration / Networking / Early Lunch Start the day by checking-in for your conference swag, connecting with peers, exploring the Post-It wall where you can ask your questions to be used in our collaborative education sessions. - 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks Hear from Steve Somers (GSUSA) & Shanda Adams (TOC) as they set the stage for the day’s events. - 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Keynote Presentation Engage with a thought-provoking keynote speaker, Megan Torrance the CEO & Founder of TorranceLearning. - 12:25 PM - 1:15 PM
Collaborative Education Sessions Choose from two tracks:- Track 1: Learning Measurement for Practitioners
- Track 2: Measuring Impact for Leaders
- 1:25 PM - 2:15 PM
Knowledge Café Participate in rotating discussions on defining learning outcomes, data-driven decision-making, adaptive learning and more. - 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM
Knowledge Café Debrief Share highlights and explore the next steps for implementing what you’ve learned. - 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Closing Remarks and Next Steps Recap key takeaways and learn about upcoming opportunities to continue the conversation.
Event Speakers
Steve Somers|President, Graduate School USA
Steve Somers is the President of Graduate School USA, where he focuses on enhancing the institution's legacy of federal workforce training. He led the acquisition of Graduate School USA by APEI in 2021 and has played a key role in its strategic growth. With extensive experience in the training industry, including building Kaplan Professional into a $200 million enterprise, Steve is dedicated to advancing high-quality training solutions for federal employees.
Shanda Adams | Leadership and Career Development Specialist, Leadership Institute
Shanda Adams is the Chair of the Training Officers Consortium (TOC), where she brings her extensive experience and passion for professional development to the forefront. As a Leadership Development Specialist at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (Department of the Treasury), Shanda has dedicated her career to enhancing the skills and capabilities of federal employees. Her involvement with TOC has been instrumental in fostering a community of learning and growth among training and development professionals.
Megan Torrance | CEO & Founder, TorranceLearning
Megan Torrance is the CEO and Founder of TorranceLearning, where she leads innovative strategies in learning design and data. Her firm supports Fortune 1000 companies worldwide, influencing millions of employees.
An industry thought leader, Megan authored "Agile for Instructional Designers," "Data & Analytics for Instructional Designers," and "Making Sense of xAPI." She created the W.I.S.E. A.T. A.I. framework and the AI Driver’s Permit and teaches at eCornell, Cornell, and Penn State.
Heather Zink | Sr. Director of Learning Design, Graduate School USA
Heather Zink is the Senior Director of Learning Design at Graduate School USA, where she leads a team of learning designers and curriculum experts dedicated to delivering high-impact training programs for the federal workforce. With over 15 years of experience in edtech, instructional design, and online education, Heather is known for her innovative approach to learning. Her expertise in leveraging AI tools and human-centered design makes her a thought leader in the development of modern, effective training solutions.
Robert Swanwick | Vice President, Product and Learning Design, Graduate School USA
Robert Swanwick is the Vice President of Product and Learning Design at Graduate School USA, where he oversees the creation and promotion of quality learning content tailored for the government workforce. Robert brings two decades of experience in education and product management, having previously led strategy and product at another federal workforce training firm. His background in K-12, adult education, and higher education, coupled with his deep understanding of customer needs, informs his strategic approach to enhancing federal training programs.
Michael Dwyer | Vice President, Business Development, Graduate School USA
Michael Dwyer is the Vice President of Business Development at Graduate School USA, where he crafts and executes strategies to address the evolving needs of the federal workforce. With over 25 years of experience in government-focused business development, Michael has a proven track record of leading transformational initiatives that impact millions across the United States. His extensive experience in executive leadership positions makes him a key driver of innovation and growth in federal training solutions.