DLE DECLARES 2023 THE YEAR OF COMMUNAL LEARNING

Experiences that create community are trending large for 2023. NPR recently highlighted that communal eating is the culinary vibe for the new year. “People are really looking for a sense of community. It just has never been stronger,” declares the New York Times’ food editor Kim Severson in this featured interview.

In response, the food industry is introducing shared snack offerings and other group consumption selections. “There’s a sense of community coming through … a new snack from Frito-Lay with tiny little Cheetos and SunChips in canisters that have specifically been designed to share and pour into friends’ hands. And at restaurants, there are appetizer towers and dessert towers and large-format cocktails.”

In a report on 2023 social trends, Sendible affirms that community matters more than followers. “One of the ongoing messages we see on social media is that you need to build a community,” says the London-based social media management platform provider.

DLE research indicates similar trends for professional development. A recent survey of community members who attended the DLE 2022 Leadership Immersion revealed overwhelming interest in group learning exchanges. Programs with emphasis on networking and building professional relationships stood out as most requested by members completing the DLE 2023 Direction Survey conducted in December 2022.

Another dominant trend emerged in the requested format of future programs. More than 60% of respondents indicated in-person matters most in 2023.

Responsive to members’ feedback and distinctive of our trendsetting practices, the DLE will elevate communal learning opportunities in 2023 through intentionally designed programming for professional and personal development. Volunteer members who serve on planning committees for the ever-popular Culture Chat, networking events and community service will be guided by ideas and insights submitted in the 2023 Direction survey.

Also in discussion are new professional development opportunities that would unite community members with leadership experts and authors, similar to the interactive sessions that earned hearty accolades at the DLE 2022 Leadership Immersion. As one attendee described their communal learning experience, “The Immersion provided valuable networking opportunities, community support and stellar interactive learning. This is by far the best conference I have ever attended. I left with new knowledge and new contacts, new inspiration and a practical, actionable plan for growth going forward.”