The ASTD ICE 2011 EXPO featured exhibitors from around the world showcasing learning and development tools and services. The expansive trade show floor was populated by booths representing companies from Brazil, Korea, Kuwait, and other global markets. Games, simulations, and conflict management solutions were popular among exhibitors. Free books, iPad prizes, snacks, and massages were some of the giveaways used to attract attendees. Authors were also present signing copies of their books covering topics like leadership, communication, and change management. Virtual recordings of the conference were available for those unable to attend.

1. ASTD ICE 2011 EXPO EXPOSED!Brought to you by

2. Some sights around the Expo & environs...

3. The tradeshow floor started out vast and a bit bleak:

4. But quickly was populated—showing that hospitality Orlando is so well known for:

5. The Global Village was a welcoming meeting point for delegates from abroad:

6. People convened from around the world, with an especially large turn out from Brazil, Korea and Kuwait this year.

7. National flags were a frequent element of booth design, representing the global audiences of tools and services in training today.The Training AssociatesTell Me More

8. International Communication by Design

9. Even one charming interplanetary traveler in the house...

10. There were Exhibitors from A to Z...2011 Exhibitor Listhttp://www.astdconference.org/ice11/public/ExhibitorSearch.aspx?ID=3792&sortMenu=104003

11. Psycho-Geometrics® LLCAny real estate is fair game as amessaging spaceCitrix Online

12. Displays with light boxes brightened up the floorPfeifferCitrix

13. Games of all typesplayed a prominentrole...whether as a training aide,Trainers Warehouse

14. Or boothactivityQ Center

15. Blackboard

16. eLogic Learning

17. Tailor-made games to mimic specific business processes, understand decision making and profit drivers...SIMDUSTRY®

18. Could you guess the amount of cash in this jar?It went to the closest estimator.Lucky Tim, of Delta Airlines!Extended DISC

19. It seems due to stress and overworked employees, Conflict Management solutions are big today...National Conflict Resolution Center /Exchange

20. You can get “Have a Nice Conflict”for your KindleCheck it out on Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Have-A-Nice-Conflict-ebook/dp/B004MPRV4C

21. Learning how to play well with others just can’t be emphasized enough!

22. Being nice in many languagesHigh Performance Learning, Inc.

23. “THE” give-away for 2011 was an iPad.

24. But as a consolation prize and afternoon pick-me-up, chocolate was never far off...

25. A luxurious reward for stopping by a booth...a mini-massageThe Energy Project

26. A set of blank thank you notes was a thoughtful idea as a booth give-away and something to use for colleagues, staff, any anyone who deserves thanks.The Energy Project

27. Recognizing employees is always importantTrainers Warehouse

28. Despite shortened attention spans, books are STILL relevant and were a verycoveted give away.TalentSmart®

29. And ASTD ICE was a jackpot for readers, with many hardbacks being GIVEN AWAY FREE!

30. Some of the dozens of titles...(Hmmmn...common theme of how to have conversations! Good communication never goes out of vogue as an important skill.)

31. Real, live authors were in the house to visit with us:Tim ScudderMike PattersonKent MichaelThat’s me, I’m not one of the authors!

32. Winning smile AND an author!Marcia Hugheshttp://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Developing-Emotional-Social-Intelligence/dp/0470190884

33. Onsite bookshops sprung up here and there...Pfeiffer

34. ...with titles mirroring popular booth themes and trends...like introducing games into training..

35. ...many on being a compassionate leader and other relationship-building principles

36. Embracing and creating change was another ubiquitous topic—printed book excerpts serve up a taste (and are less weightyin the luggage than hardbacksyet moretangible than an ebook )

37. One of the best booth elements...genuine smiles!coachInc.com

38. And if you’re really jonesing for more ASTD ICE action, you can take advantage of a virtual recap (recordings) of 2011’s program:or, get a jump start by submitting a proposal to speak at ASTD ICE 2012 !http://www.astd.org/content/conferences/http://www.astd.org/content/conferences/international/RFPice/

39. See you next year!