A pearl is a natural gem created by a living organism. When a foreign object introduced into an oyster or a mussel, the organism coats the irritant with a substance called nacre, the same material with which it builds its shell. Over time, the layers of nacre build up to form the pearl. The longer the time the irritant remains in the organism, the more layers of nacre and often, the better the pearl.

The same is true with “breakthroughs” in workplace learning and performance improvement. Human Resource and Organization Development (HROD) practitioners are continually faced with issues, challenges and adversities. In these difficult times, HROD practitioners discover innovative approaches and share world class practices —forming “pearls” and achieving “breakthroughs” in the field of workplace learning and performance improvement.

As the Philippines Society for Training and Development (PSTD) marks its Pearl Anniversary National Convention, it is only fitting that we use the analogy of how pearls are formed to how breakthroughs in workplace learning and performance improvement are achieved. The journey has not been easy. It took a lot of valuable time, deliberate effort and yes, even a considerable amount of pain. It continues to be a work in progress — each intervention seeking to answer the question, “what else can we do better and how can we further improve?”

This convention aims to take a closer look at these breakthrough — experiences, models, strategies, and results. This three-day convention will provide a venue for sharing world class practices, growing leadership and managerial talent, discovering innovative approaches, and developing HROD practitioners — session tracks that would allow convention delegates to focus on areas that would best meet their current needs and requirements.