How do you REALLY feel about the government targeting travel and conference costs in efforts to cut insufficient federal spending?    In May 2012, The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced that starting in October, federal travel expenses will be cut by 30% and the government will prohibit more than $50,000 to be spent on conferences.   

Good move?  Bad move?

On the positive side, agencies are projected to spend 30% less funding on travel expenses from FY 2012 through FY 2016.  Conferences will be monitored by senior-level to ensure appropriate levels of funding match the participation and training requirements for the meeting.  In the words of Jeffrey Zients, Acting Director of OMB, "These are all common sense steps that will save taxpayer dollars by eliminating waste and improving government operations — all while maintaining the core government functions that the American people count on.”

Fair enough. 

We all agree budget cuts are necessary in making strides to cut federal spending and increase effectiveness in both management and performance.  But why target training?  Does this cut imply the government is putting employee training and education on a lower rung on the priority ladder? 

Absolutely not. 

Training is as important as ever.  The method and delivery of training, however – is what's questionable.  It seems as though the OMB is discovering a concept 3LG markets every day:  Let's cut training costs and use more effective, streamlined methods that reduce time, travel, and monetary expenses.

It's true.  Even the U.S Government is realizing that training can be maximized by using other forms of media – audiobooks, mobile downloadable devices, video conferences, online training tutorials.  There are numerous modes to choose from – for all levels of technical proficiencies.  For those traditionalists concerned with losing human interaction - - follow up review sessions can be scheduled after technical training  to ensure all requirements are met and all questions answered.     Cross-training on a local scale can be implemented to encourage face-to-face interaction and to supplement independent tutorials. 

Bottom line – there is a world of training beyond the need for physical travel and in-person conferences.  There are plenty of opportunities in digital training that can be securely and effectively implemented – even in the federal space. 

The time has come – time to cut travel plans, time spent, and budget restrictions when it comes to training.  There is a multitude of areas in which these savings can be allocated.  Not to mention, salvaging a deep federal deficit. 

We're glad the U.S. Government hopped on our band-wagon for “the pros of mobile, digital, and audio training”. 

Not to toot our own horn, but – we told you so :)