A lunch and learn session, also widely known to many as a seminar, are often mixed up with the idea of a workshop. Although they are relatively similar in terms of providing opportunities for anyone and everyone to learn, but they still hold to a certain extent of difference. However, whatever difference between them does not make one better than the other.
A lunch and learn session (a.k.a. Seminar) and a workshop are mostly certificate oriented courses that are conducted to impart the latest knowledge to learners in their respective professions that are dependent on practical skills. Majority remain confused by the differences between a lunch and learn session and workshop as they are unable to decide on one or the other. There are basic differences in the style and methodology of these two types of courses and here, you will be able to understand and differentiate better between the two to ease your decision-making process on which one is best suitable to go for depending on your requirements.
What is a Lunch and Learn session (a.k.a. Seminar)?
A lunch and learn session is typically a lecture-style session. While it delivers the same content to the learners as how a workshop does, but the involvement and interaction with the learners is limited or at least, less in comparison to a workshop. A lunch and learn session is mostly held at places with large conference halls or in a classroom environment with audio visual aids make up as an integral part of the presentation. With the current COVID-19 situation, this lunch and learn session can also be delivered virtually LIVE stream via any online platform tools.
Lunch and learn sessions are short term training courses (60 to 120 minutes long) that are designed to help working professionals enhance their hands-on and knowledge skills. Personalized attention is not ideal due to the high number of attendees. However, the trainer and facilitators can still make the sessions lively with their training and facilitation skills.
What is a Workshop?
A workshop, on the other hand, provide opportunities for the learners to be more pro-active and at times, some personalized help and assistance from the trainer and facilitators. Individual attention on the learners is possible as normally, the number of learners attending the workshop is kept low on purpose (unlike a lunch and learn session). A workshop is mostly held at places that are more open and spacious that what is required for a lunch and learn session – this is essential, as the learners will have a clear view of the techniques or activities being shared and demonstrated by the trainer and facilitators.
Workshops are longer term training courses which often last for one or two days maximum, or perhaps slightly more depending on the course requirements.
Planning on Either (Lunch and Learn session or a Workshop)
One of the other differences between lunch and learn sessions and workshops is the planning and implementation phase of each. Planning for a lunch and learn session tends to be much less time in comparison to the planning for a workshop, and of course, cost intensive. Reason being, a workshop tends to require a lot more manpower to pull off the event, such as managing the breakout groups for the hands-on activities and other logistics possibly required.
Another major differences between lunch and learn sessions and workshops would be that workshops may have several different kinds of activities, whereas lunch and learn sessions will only have the main lecture and no further follow-up activities are required for the learners to apply the knowledge on what they have learned during the session.
The primary differences between lunch and learn sessions and workshops would be the form of communication involved. Lunch and learn sessions tend to have a one-way street of communication, whereas workshops will have to run both ways between the trainers, facilitators, and the learners.
However, as much as how we notice the grey areas between these two types of trainings, the line is not really clear. What’s most important is that everyone has a good time and learns something out of the training they’ve attended, be it from a lunch and learn session or a workshop. It’s always good to know exactly what you are getting yourself into, especially if you are presenting a paper or giving a lecture.
What makes your training successful?
There are many factors that contribute to a successful lunch and learn session, or a workshop. If you are the organizer, it is easy to become fixated on the small fine details and worry that the venue, the catering, or the travel arrangements will make or break your training plans. However, let’s face the reality – people attend these training sessions mainly to network, exchange ideas, and engage in professional development. Due to this, the most important details of your training plan would be the kind of learners you invite, and the quality of the training presented.
Choosing the right keynote speaker, trainer, and facilitator
If you know your way and choose the right keynote speaker, trainer, and facilitator for your training plans, you can attract more people to attend the training. Naturally, when people notice high-profile names, they will be more eager to attend. Having a disappointing keynote speaker, trainer, and facilitator, can and will overshadow an otherwise successful training. An exciting and successful training will also have high-quality work shared in innovative ways.
To organize a Lunch and Learn session or a Workshop?
Additionally, you can consider to fully customize the training curriculum you and your organization require. That’s a bonus!
Still feeling undecisive on whether to organize a lunch and learn session or a workshop for your employees?
Reach out to us for a non-obligatory quick consultation at (65) 6720 3333 or training.aventis@gmail.com and our amazing team from Aventis Learning Group will get back to you in less than 24 hours.
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