Author Lectures, Business Forums: Great Learning Opportunities, Often Free, Taken for Granted 2


Outstanding free learning opportunities in our area – from library and bookstore author events, to university forums and business development workshops – should not be taken for granted!

Dr. Dan Caldwell’s talk on origins of the conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan; and Dr. Linnda Durre’s lecture on how to overcome a toxic workplace are now on the Sunroom Desk Community Calendar. These Friends of the Glendale Public Library events are free and open to the public, 3-hour parking included. Glendale Library events this past year featured famous prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi, award-winning journalist Garin Hovanessian, master chef Leslie Bilderback, anti-war activist Tom Hayden, LA city council member Gil Garcetti, and others.

The Drucker Business Forum’s excellent roster of 2010-2011 speakers in finance, investment, business, and media gave attendees expert perspectives on economic challenges, trends, and developing business models and opportunities. Most of the presentations, with time for audience Q&A afterwards, took place at KPCC’s Crawford Family Forum in Pasadena.

Business Life Magazine with lead sponsor Woodbury University is planning a September women’s business conference at the Glendale Hilton, featuring free workshops on leadership development (led by Woodbury instructors), job-hunting survival skills, contracting opportunities and more.

These are (or were, if you missed them) great opportunities. Networking happens, because others interested in the subject attend and are eager to ask questions. Students and job seekers gain broader views on their field and leads to pursue in class or an interview. The only potential costs are transportation and purchasing the author’s book, both cheap compared with costs for continuing education seminars.

Setting fees to continue offering such events at libraries, bookstores, and other venues has been a big theme in opinion articles this summer (see here and here for starters); these are wake-up calls to those who take such events for granted.


2 thoughts on “Author Lectures, Business Forums: Great Learning Opportunities, Often Free, Taken for Granted

  • Karen E. Klein

    Excellent point, Elyse! Anyone needing insight, information and help with a business or job-search can find ample opportunities for free or low-cost if they take the time to look.

  • Editor Post author

    Very true. And the folks who organize, speak, and staff these events are great resources and easy to talk to – they are there because they want to share advice and tips.

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