Symposium's application sharing capabilities allow us to host the sales automation application on a PC at headquarters and simultaneously walk all participants through the new features of the product. If an individual doesn't understand something, we give them control of the application so they can actually input data or work through a process. It is incredibly effective. BPO wanted to retain the traditional collaboration between the leader and participants, believing interactivity is an important part of the learning experience. Symposium meets that need, keeping participants engaged by enabling them to talk to the session leader, asking questions and receiving immediate answers.
Participants can raise their hands, answer yes or no, and give feedback in real-time.
Leaders can track individual participants to ensure they understand the material and are keeping pace with other participants. Symposium delivers training directly to participants' desktops over the Internet. One of four divisions within Armstrong, BPO manufactures and sells acoustical ceilings and grid suspension systems for commercial and residential interiors. Taking the sales force out of the field for even three or four days would have a serious impact on customer satisfaction and revenues. According to Scott, BPO saw an immediate return on their investment in Symposium.