Using templates to create eLearning
By
Cath Ellis
In this episode of The Learning Pro Live, I sat down with the incredible Cara North to talk about one of the most exciting events in the L&D calendar: DemoFest.
We started the session with a little bit of a humblebrag—both Cara and I are previous DemoFest winners. I took home the Best Onboarding award in 2018, and Cara won Best of Show (Non-Vendor) in 2019 for her “Multiple Choice Mayhem” game.
But this isn’t about us. It is about why you need to enter this year. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a student just starting out, DemoFest is the ultimate platform to showcase your work, gain peer recognition, and battle that nagging imposter syndrome.
Here is why you should stop overthinking it and submit your entry.
In previous years, entering DemoFest meant flying to Las Vegas for DevLearn. While we all miss the buzz of the expo hall (and the post-conference cocktails), this year’s virtual DDX format levels the playing field.
You don’t need a travel budget or approval for international flights. If you have built a learning solution that solved a problem, you can enter from anywhere in the world, including right here in Australia.
A common fear is that your project isn’t “fancy” enough. We discussed a great comment from Mark at the Learning Guild during the stream: “We are not looking for the best of the best; we are looking for real solutions to solve real-world problems.”
You don’t need to have built a complex AR/VR experience to win. Cara’s winning entry was an assessment game designed to help teachers write better questions. It wasn’t about the flashiest tech; it was about an elegant solution to a genuine business need. If you have a project that worked, it is worthy of a submission.
If the thought of pitching live in a noisy conference hall makes you sweat, you will love this year’s format. Instead of a live, repetitive sales pitch over a loud crowd, you will submit a pre-recorded demonstration video (approx. 5-7 minutes).
This is a massive advantage. You can script your pitch, perfect your audio, and ensure you highlight exactly what matters without interruption. You can control the narrative completely.
One of my top tips for your video entry is to embrace transparency. Don’t just show the shiny final product.
When I presented my winning onboarding project, I didn’t just show the course. I opened my tabs and showed them my Trello board, my evaluation strategies, and my source materials. I walked them through the how, not just the what. This is a learning conference, after all, peers want to see your workflow and your problem-solving process.
Cara touched on a really important point regarding imposter syndrome. Winning an award that is voted on by your peers, people who do exactly what you do every day, is incredibly validating.
It is fantastic for your personal brand and a powerful addition to your CV. And for students? There is a dedicated student category. Imagine entering the job market with an “Award-Winning Instructional Designer” title before you’ve even landed your first full-time gig.
The deadline is approaching fast. Don’t let perfectionism hold you back. Trust your work, fill out the simple form, and get your project in front of the community.
