Gamification is a huge buzzword right now, and for good reason. While it can seem confusing, the concept behind gamification is actually, quite literally, fun. I think everyone’s favorite flying nanny, Mary Poppins, says (well, sings) it quite succinctly:
In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. Find the fun and, snap, the job’s a game.
We use gamification with children all the time in order to make tasks more entertaining. The concept is often used in educational environments to engage child and adolescent learners. Somewhere along the road to adulthood, people stopped being encouraged to find the fun in their work.
However, studies show that people who enjoy their jobs show increased productivity, creativity, loyalty and collaboration and make better leaders, overall. In short, happy employees are good for business. How do you get happy employees? You engage them. Enter gamification. Gamification increases employee engagement, which, in turn, improves company culture and employee satisfaction.
Where can you learn more about gamification? I’m glad you asked.
Introducing GamiCon 2018: Defining Moments to Create Meaningful Learning Experiences
First, the logistics:
What’s this all about?
GamiCon is the gamification conference for learning and development and the only conference exclusively for the design and delivery of Gamification for corporate training, adult learning, employee motivation, productivity, innovation, and culture change.
Who’s it for?
GamiCon is the Gamification Event of 2018 for business leaders, training directors, instructional designers, trainers, facilitators, project managers, and adult educators looking to learn more about effective gamification techniques to engage adult learners.
When’s it going down?
October 6-8, 2018
Where are you taking me?
Chicago, Illinois
Why should I go?
Headlined by the world’s leading gamification strategists, researchers, and solution providers, this event will bring together individuals and organizations who seek to design and create productive outcomes with gamification.
How awesome will it be?
Wicked awesome. But don’t take my word for it. The schedule is jam-packed with information, events, and, of course, engaging fun. The conference kicks off Saturday night with a party at Chicago’s Motor Row Brewery and a pop-up Escape Room experience that promises to be both educational and entertaining. Sunday and Monday each begin with general sessions offering big picture ideas in gamification innovation and application before breaking up into more in-depth, hands-on labs and workshops. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of time built in for networking and collaboration with colleagues, peers, and industry leaders at the Graffiti Wall and Collaboration Corner.
Speakers include GamiCon Gamemaster and Founder and CEO of Sententia Gamification, Monica Cornetti; Amazon Alexa’s Global Knowledge Management Team Lead, Chuck Sigmund; MotiviUX Co-founder and Gamification Specialist, Gustavo Fortes Tondello; and many more leaders in the field. Don’t miss TechnologyAdvice’s own Brandon Coughlin, who will be speaking at one of the breakout sessions.
Agenda
Saturday
Kick-off party at Motor Row Brewery
Pop Up Escape Room
Sunday
General Sessions, Hands-On Learning Quests, Gamification Project Throw Down Showcase, Ambassador Adventure, GeoTeam Event – The Chase, Optional Dine Arounds. Get involved:
Gamification Project Throw Down
Many L&D, HR, and Adult Educators are looking for ways to use gamification to create engaging and more intriguing digital learning experiences. The Gamification Project Throw Down showcases low tech, no tech, and technology-based gamification of learning projects with a special focus on not just the projects themselves but also the results they’ve produced. This fun and social event gives GamiCon participants the opportunity to see and present a variety of projects and talk with you, the designers and developers, about the strategies, tools, and processes you used to build them. Get the recognition you deserve for driving learning and business objectives. Because Throw Down spots are limited, we encourage you to complete and submit your application sooner rather than later. Enter your gamification project in the GamiCon 2018 Gamification Throw Down TODAY!
GeoTeam Event – The Chase
The Chase is a high-tech scavenger hunt to search for hidden locations and complete missions by photos and videos. With an emphasis on networking, problem solving, information sharing, and leadership development, teams will focus on multiple challenges, work under a time constraint, master new equipment, and develop new patterns of behavior within a team environment. The Chase ends at Reggies Chicago Rooftop for a celebration with food, drinks, and fun, highlighted by a digital slideshow set to music to announce the team results and award a prize to the winners.
Optional Dine Arounds with Conference Speakers/Ambassadors
Choose from a curated list of unique and popular restaurants perfect for meeting and mingling with your fellow GamiCon attendees, speakers, and industry leaders.
Monday
General Sessions, Gamification Design Build Workshops, Round Table Birds of a Feather – Networking Lunch, Closing Keynote, Experience What’s Cookin’ in the Training Magazine OLC Training Test Kitchen, Gamification Project Throw Down Awards. Get Involved:
Experience What’s Cookin’ in the Training Magazine OLC Training Test Kitchen
Chop-chop! Put on your apron and get hands-on with the latest eLearning technologies and design techniques. Participate in multiple demos and create recipes for success with a variety of eLearning experts. The Test Kitchen will open its doors on Monday with a reception and the first round of demonstrations. You’ll rotate tables every 10 minutes, capturing tips and techniques as you go. At 5:30, you’ll view and vote on the 5th Annual Top Training Videos while you enjoy the world-famous Garrett’s Popcorn.
Gamification Project Throw Down Awards
The GamiCon Gamification Project Throw Down Awards recognize excellence in gamification strategy design and implementation in the L&D, HR, and Adult Education Community. Winners will be selected by a panel of Gamification Master Craftsman who will vote on submissions in a variety of categories. Winners will receive a prestigious award for excellence from GamiCon and Training Magazine.
Enjoy the Windy City
GamiCon has a number of events built in that are unique to the Chicago experience, but if you’re looking for a few more things to do around town, there’s no lack of adventure to be had. Since the conference falls mainly on Sunday and Monday of Columbus Day weekend, you’ve got all day Saturday to enjoy the city before the big kick-off party. Better yet, get to town Friday and make it a long weekend.
One big note: The Chicago Marathon is on Sunday the weekend of the conference, so you want to book your rooms early and watch for road closures. The conference is right by the route. Entries for the marathon are already closed, but if you’re up for a run, you can enter the Advocate Health Care International Chicago 5K happening Saturday.
Other than the marathon, there are plenty of things to do around town. Justin Timberlake fans will be excited to that JT is performing at the United Center Friday night, and there’s no waiting list for Hamilton tickets at CIBC Theatre.
Family friendly favorites include:
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Shedd Aquarium
- Soldier Field
- Field Museum
- Navy Pier
Whatever you do, you’re sure to have fun. How can you not at a conference about learning to make things fun?
To register or learn more, visit https://gamicon.us
Listen to our podcast interview between Monica Cornetti and our VP of Sales, Zach Jones, for a sneak peak into Brandon’s breakout session.
Melissa Reinke is a writer for TechnologyAdvice.com. She is a storyteller, editor, writer, and all-around word nerd extraordinaire. She spends her days managing web content and her nights unwinding in myriad creative ways, including writing for herself and others. From personal memoirs to professional solutions, when writing and editing for others Melissa’s singular goal is to sculpt each piece into its best, most successful form while maintaining the integrity of the original voice and vision. Based in Music City, USA, Melissa can often be found enjoying great live tunes with even better friends. Then again, she’s just as likely to be found curled up with a good book and a tasty beverage.
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