Learning is an important focus for events like the Detailing Summit that I was fortunate enough to attend in March 2025. Events like these may focus on teaching or training- instead of learning. While correlated, a focus on the latter is both more important and effective. I'll quickly explain the differences and share some of my experiences during this Detailing Summit.
Teaching or training by itself sucks. It is instructor based with a unilateral information flow. Typically this is during a "next slide" lecture. This misses opportunities for feedback and sharing experiences, which limits the breadth of possible knowledge expansion. This type of education is delivered in a pre-rehearsed manner regardless of need. There will be some disengagement when the content is inappropriate. Sometimes it's too basic and the reiteration seems condescending. Other times it's too complicated and the learner feels inferior or just plain lost.
Learning should be the goal of education sessions. Teacher, trainer, instructor, whatever the title- many can't pull it off, though. There has to be an opportunity for bilateral information sharing. By listening to and observing the learner, formative feedback is gained. A great instructor uses this to determine what each individual learner needs. The lessons are customized on the fly and this engages the learner. The commonality of those skilled enough to promote learning is that they are truly subject matter experts.
The Detailing Summit I was fortunate enough to attend welcomed many of the industry's best who were. Educators and attendee's listened to others' experiences in a true 360 degree knowledge sharing session over the course of 4 days. Learning from subject matter experts and peers in an open and inviting environment made DS6 an incredibly rewarding experience. The appropriate class size allowed everyone sufficient time to practice with new tools and techniques. Everyone's voices were heard and I believe that everyone left there better than when they walked in.
A hobby detailer for over 25 years and now detailing as a business since 2020, I advocate lifelong learning. There's always room for improvement, alternative techniques for efficiency, and exposure to new innovations. What I valued learning most from DS6, though, was that there are amazing people in this industry who care about each others' success. I made some new professional connections that I look forward to working with in the years to come.
