Whether mandated by a state or to maintain industry association membership, many architects and interior designers must complete continuing education units (CEUs). Fortunately, A&D professionals have lots of ways to find and complete their CEUs in any given year.
For brands serving the A&D community, creating a CEU presentation offers many benefits. CEU presentations must remain educational and non-brand promotional. But manufacturers can use CEU presentations to showcase their knowledge of a topic or trend. This helps with competitive positioning and thought leadership. And, when marketed smartly, the CEU presentations can increase brand visibility and support potential sales.
Here are three ways manufacturers and brands can develop a rock-solid CEU presentation:
1. Identify a Need or Trend – The A&D industry is dynamic and ever-changing. Architects and designers must be knowledgeable on a wide range of topics from global societal shifts to changes in product materiality. For example, designers today must address challenges ranging from DE&I in the workplace to supporting employees with mental wellness. Understanding what architects and designers really need to stay sharp in their day-to-day work is critical. Likewise, finding an emerging topic – one that has not been fully explored or covered – is also important. Brands that can clearly identify a need or trend will make their CEU presentation attractive to potential participants.
Timely presentation topics, like this one we developed for our HAT Collective client, can be attractive to architects and designers seeking CEUs.
2. Create Specific Learning Objectives – The ability to nail specific learning objectives is key. In fact, the AIA says on its CEU webpage, “Good learning objectives are the foundation for a quality learning program.” It’s like starting from the end first. Once you clearly define what each participant will learn (the outcome), you can then develop the content needed to meet that learning objective. If you’re interested in knowing how to write learning objectives, check out AIA’s on-demand webinar titled, “Writing Good Learning Objectives.”
3. Support with Relevant Research – A key component to any presentation, whether for CEU purposes or sales, is credibility. And one of the best ways to establish credibility is through the use of trusted facts. Using highly credible facts is even more critical for presentations related to emerging trends. According to the IDCEC, one of the most frequent reasons a CEU might be declined is for a “lack of bibliography or justification statement.” Therefore, spend time collecting, reviewing and incorporating highly relevant and recent research into your CEU presentation.
Take Away:
Brands serving architects and designers should offer CEU presentations as part of their ongoing business strategy. Strong and timely CEU presentations bring benefits to the architects and designers who receive them, as well as the brands that develop and deliver them.
If your organization would like assistance in brainstorming or developing a CEU presentation, feel free to email Matt Spaulding at matts@spauldingcommunications.com or call 404-324-6031.