The most important trait for a training professional is the ability to convey information to their learners in the most effective way possible. Too often as trainers, we are taught that there is only one way to effectively facilitate a training session, and the result are classes where the trainer is trying to use "trainer techniques" that come off as phony or just plain bad. The reality is that the most effective trainers choose to identify and embrace themselves, rather than generic "one size fits all" approaches. Join three Past CHART Presidents as they present best practices and tips on how to train others and speak in public while not losing the most important part of the presentation - you! Learn how to prepare yourself, present key topics, and get your trainees to your ultimate goal: learning without hating their trainer!
John Isbell
Vice President of Training and Operations Services, Improv Comedy Clubs
John Isbell is the Vice President of Training and Operations Services for the Improv Comedy Clubs, which has 24 units in many major markets in the U.S. Prior to joining The Improv, John worked as Executive Director of Training and Development for IHOP, were he spent 13 years. He was also in the Air Force Reserves for 8 years where his last position held was Unit Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (Unit NCOIC) of Training and Development for the 452nd Air Mobility Wing. Isbell, a restaurant industry veteran, has been featured in many trade magazines such as Nation's Restaurant News & Food and Wine, while also making numerous presentations at trade shows and conferences across the US, including twice speaking at the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show.
John has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in Workcenter Education and Development and holds an Associate Degree from the Community College of the Air Force in Educational and Instructional Technology. He is a Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT) with the Educational Institute and in 2009 was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Foodservice by the North American Food Equipment Manufacturers Association (NAFEM) for his contributions to the Foodservice Industry. John is a past President of the Council of Hotel And Restaurant Trainers (CHART), having also served on the board of advisors as President-elect, VP of Education and Treasurer. John is a member of the American Society of Training & Development. He is supported in his personal life by his beautiful wife and 2 awesome children.
Curt Archambault
FMP; Regional Training & Development Mgr., Jack in the Box
Curt Archambault is a 28+ year employee of Jack in the Box Inc. His career started in operations as a maintenance employee at the age of 16 years old. For the next 10 years, Curt moved up the ladder of operations, ultimately moving into a multi-unit supervisor role. The advancement through the operational ranks provided him with an understanding and perspective of the business that prepared him for a move into the training department. For the last 18 years, Curt has advanced through the ranks of the training department culminating in his current role as the Organization Effectiveness Manager. He has been in this role for the Northwest Region for more than 12 years. In that time he has played a key role in many projects designed to continuously improve the performance at Jack in the Box Inc. These projects include: an employee deployment program, certified training restaurant program, conversion of classroom training to computer based training, and Internal Service employee survey, and a redesigned management training program. In addition to these project teams, Curt introduced and lead the implementation team for an organization wide personal development program titled Increasing Human Effectiveness which has had a profound effect on how employees approach their personal and professional work lives. Curt spearheaded the process for Jack in the Box's nomination package and subsequent selection as the 2005 NRA/NRAEF Spirit Award winner in the Quick Service category. This past year, Curt introduced and implemented a program titled The Red Bucket that assisted the Operations team in the Northwest to move Guest Satisfaction scores 20+ points as measured by Guest feedback calls.
Curt is a 10+ year member of the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART). He has been a mentor, served on the Seattle and San Diego conference teams, conducted member breakout sessions, and been a member of the Executive Committee. His first role on the Executive Committee was as the Treasurer and later served as the President. Through his affiliation with CHART, Curt has had the opportunity to speak at the National Restaurant Association Show, MUFSO, and many local HR and Training Associations in Washington State. He currently holds the Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) designation from the National Restaurant Association.
Josh Davies
Vice President of Training and Development, Sage Hospitality
Josh Davies is the Vice President of Training and Development for Sage Hospitality Resources, a national hotel management group headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Sage manages more than 50 hotel properties across the country, and in addition operates more than a dozen restaurants and water resorts. Prior to joining Sage, Josh worked with Magnolia Hotels, Omni Hotels, and as an outside partner for Marriott International and Interstate Hotels. Davies is a published author and is frequently cited for his expertise in publications such as Hotel and Motel Management Magazine and the New York Times. He has made presentations to numerous organizations across all 50 states, including the American Society of Training and Development and the National Restaurant Association. In preparation for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, he led the training for all 10,000 volunteers and more than 5,000 local service providers for the event. His professional areas of expertise include internal service branding and associate retention.
An avid runner, Josh graduated from American University with a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies, and is a Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT) with the Educational Institute. In 2007, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Foodservice by the North American Food Equipment Manufacturers Association for his contributions to the foodservice industry. He is the past President of the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART), having previously served as both President-Elect, and Vice President of Education. In addition to CHART, Josh is also a member of the American Society of Training and Development, and serves on the Marriott Franchise Advisory Council and the Advisory Council of the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association.