You recognize your employees’ potential and want to help them grow, stay updated, and bring new ideas to the company. But when you look at the training budget, conferences can mean registration fees, travel costs, hotel stays, and days away from work.
You don’t always need to send someone on a trip to meet their training needs. Sometimes, the best thing you can offer is just an hour to learn.
Webinars make it easy to access a wide range of expertise. Universities and extension programs share research and practical tips. Seed associations and professional groups host talks about policy, technology, and industry challenges. Suppliers and other companies offer training on tools and processes. Even if your team can’t attend a conference, there’s often an online session worth watching.
Start by talking with your team. Ask what challenges they face at work, what changes they’re trying to understand, or what skills would make their jobs easier. Then, encourage them to find a session that fits their needs. A webinar is most valuable when it addresses a real question or goal.
Help your team get the most out of the session. Block off the hour on the calendar so they can focus. Afterward, ask, “What did you hear that we should talk about?” Their answer could spark a better process, a helpful team discussion, or a new topic to explore.
Employees can take initiative, too. If you find a webinar that fits your role or growth goals, let your manager know why it interests you. Offer to share what you learn with your coworkers. This way, you build your own skills and help the team learn together.
Webinars don’t offer everything you get from a conference. In-person events allow for conversations and connections that are hard to match online. Still, when travel is expensive, online learning keeps professional development going. It also lets more people join in. A manager can support several employees attending free sessions, each bringing back something new.
As you plan learning for fall and winter, watch for events from organizations and experts your team trusts. Sign up for their updates, ask coworkers what they’ve found helpful, and set aside some time each week for learning.
This fall, Iowa State University is offering a free Seed Science and Technology Webinar Series. The October mid-day sessions will cover agricultural policy, new research on soybean diseases, and practical uses of artificial intelligence in seed and agriculture. You can register for each session separately.
Your employees already have the curiosity and experience to help your business grow. Give them an hour to explore a question. You might be surprised by what they discover and share.
