Delivering CPD seminars

Posted on June 20, 2023

CPDs Do’s and Dont’s

Delivering CPD seminars is a great way to engage with construction decisionmakers such as architects and engineers. If done right, it allows you to build new relationships, start a dialogue and discuss product specifications. Here are 10 Do’s and Don’ts when writing CPDs.

Preparing for your CPD

Before starting to write a CPD you need to do some research. Does a CPD seminar on this subject already exist? If your subject is being covered – can you offer an improvement?

Third Party Certification

You don’t need 3^rd party certification to run a CPD seminar, but there are benefits in being certified. Write the seminar following objectivity guideless and it will have greater appeal plus you can always then go for certification at a later date.

Selecting a certifier

First there is the question of do you need it? Then if you do which certification service to use. In addition to assessing the CPD material against their criteria the certification services often promote to their members – an important benefit.

Getting the CPD underway

Creating and delivering a CPD seminar requires teamwork. From the start, the insights of the sales and technical team will be invaluable. Including those who will ultimately be responsible for the delivery of the CPD is key to the success of the programme.

The format used for delivering CPD

While the traditional hour-long seminar is by far the most common format, there are other options depending on your product/service or message. You need to be able to deliver live at premises, remotely or offer pre-recorded. Each have their advantages and disadvantages.

Writing the CPD

Start with a storyboard to agree the content, running order, sales messages, value justifications and USPs. Once this is agreed the main CPD can be built with images, videos, presenter’s script written, hand-outs.

How long does it take to create a CPD?

A CPD that runs for 45 mins require effort. With typically 40-45 slides it will take around 40 hours. As the team is often multi-departmental the sharing, proofing and providing information also takes time.

The internal roll-out

The creation of the CPD is just the start of the project. Once you have finished the next stage is to walk through it with the delivery team – in terms of why each slide is included and what message it is giving.

CPD is another communications tool

Integrate your CPD into the internal and external marcoms plans – ensuring the CPD can be booked via the 3^rd party certification site and your own website. Most important ensure all members of staff are aware of the CPD and how to book it.

Follow-up after CPD delivery

You need feedback forms and certificates, but the seminar is just the start of the process, then the sales and marketing teams need to achieve project specifications and convert these into orders.

Julie Croasdale of Competitive Advantage talks through these points in our webinar.