Pre-Meeting: A great start to the CPD journey
With the SMERALD Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course just weeks away, the project kicked off its preparations with a productive and engaging pre-meeting. Held online on Monday 25 November, the meeting provided an opportunity for participants to network, learn about the project and get a preview of the CPD agenda.
Laying the foundations for success
Despite busy schedules, several SME employees and project partners joined the meeting, bringing enthusiasm and curiosity to the virtual room. The pre-meeting introduced participants to the SMERALD vision and laid the groundwork for an engaging CPD event in December.
Agenda of the Pre-Meeting
1. Introduction to the SMERALD project:
- The meeting began with a brief overview of the SMERALD project, its objectives and its mission to equip SMEs with digital data, data analytics and AI skills.
- The role of the project in fostering innovation and collaboration across Europe was highlighted.
2. Elaboration of the training agenda:
- Participants were guided through the four-day CPD agenda, which includes hands-on activities, group work and prototyping tailored to participants’ professional needs.
- The session emphasised how the course is structured to develop practical, job-specific competences.
3. Potential use of the SMERALD idea:
- A discussion followed on how the SMERALD concept and tools can support participants in their daily work and contribute to their organisational growth.
- Examples of AI applications were briefly mentioned to stimulate interest and ideas.
4. Participant introductions:
- To foster collaboration, participants introduced themselves and shared their professional backgrounds and expectations from the training course. This short ice-breaking activity created a welcoming atmosphere and set the stage for meaningful interactions in Palermo.
A promising start
The pre-meeting successfully set the tone for the upcoming training course, giving participants an early sense of community and a clear understanding of what was to come. The meeting not only highlighted the relevance of the SMERALD project, but also the importance of collaboration and capacity building in achieving its goals.
As December approaches, the SMERALD team looks forward to building on this momentum and making the training course a memorable and impactful experience.
Stay tuned for more updates as we head towards the CPD event in Palermo!