AIIM Audioconference.

TITLE: AIIM Audioconference

EVENT SPONSOR: AIIM

FREQUENCY/RUNTIME: monthly, approx. 1 hour

PRICE: $125 members/ $150 non-members

CONTACTS: Kerry O'Boyle, Manager, Event Content Development, [phone] or [e-mail]; to register for an upcoming audioconference contact KRM, [phone]

We learn by seeing -- as when we read and observe. Most of us learn better when audio enhances the visual presentation -- as when we watch television, or view films and videotapes. Recently the Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) began offering audioconferences to members, a relatively new way to deliver education in the field of information management and one that may well become more prevalent in the future.

In July 1998, I participated in AIIM's audioconference New Federal Regulations and found it to be a very effective mode of learning. In September of 1998, AIIM offered the audioconference Knowledge Management: Benchmark Results, which I found worthwhile but not as effective as the July offering.

The topic of the first audioconference I "attended" was timely -- a review of recent IRS, SEC, and FDA changes to rules and procedures affecting electronic recordkeeping. The presenter, Don Avedon, was outstanding; he is highly regarded in our field and is an approachable, down-to-earth teacher. The content of the conference was relevant to my needs and was presented in an easily understood manner.

The topic of my second audioconference was Knowledge Management, with presenters James Watson and Richard Medina of Doculabs. Their informal "tag team" approach added interest to the presentation. However, I felt that the title was slightly misleading. The focus was clearly on a review of several selected knowledge management software products, not on the advances and benefits of Knowledge Management practices, as was expected.

Both sessions allowed me to make notes on my personal computer while I listened. Speaker phones can make this easy.

The registration process was efficient. As part of the audioconference registration process, I received a conference announcement about two to four weeks in advance of the event. Participants may call in or fax registrations to KRM, to whom AIIM has outsourced coordination. KRM sent the directions for tying into the conference and a copy of the presenter's handout by express mail.

On the day of the audioconference it was easy: the telephone connection instructions worked impeccably on both occasions. The quality was such I really couldn't tell whether the presenter was speaking live or was pre-recorded.

Three breaks in the audioconference provided opportunities for listeners to ask questions before the presenter continued. All listeners could participate in the exchange, so all benefited from the questions and answers given. The speaker and listeners handle the questions and answers live. So, as with any live presentation, be prepared to hear sometimes critical remarks by other listeners. It added a spontaneous and sometimes comical facet that was very refreshing.

In addition to a smooth registration process, the price was affordable ($125). (An audio copy of each session is also available for purchase through KRM-AIIM for $75.) The audioconference format allowed me to enjoy it in the privacy and quiet of my own office without the distractions that accompany a group setting. I also saved time by not having to commute anywhere to participate. Overall it was an educational and entertaining break in my day -- something we can all appreciate.

Kathleen G. Glasgow Sparks, CRM, is the President and Senior Executive Consultant of QDM Inc., a consulting firm. She may be reached at [e-mail].