CPD Webinars for Training, Learning  and Online Courses 

CPD, CPE, CME and CE are all acronyms that refer to continuing education and professional development.

Continuing education and professional development courses help professionals maintain their knowledge and skill after leaving formal education. The requirement to take part in these courses is often compulsory, mandating that a minimum number of hours or points are achieved each year.  

Traditionally, the administrators of professional development courses have been professional societies/associations/institutions such as (using the legal example) the Law Society and Solicitors Regulation Authority. However, more recently, specialist business information companies such as LexisNexis have become the go-to purveyors of this continuing knowledge development.  

Even publishers have got in on the game with trade publications, such as Law.com and The Lawyer, aligning themselves with accrediting bodies to issue CPD points and certification.

Professional development points and accreditation need to be awarded by, or approved by, a professional body representing that industry in order to have any weight. Often, the accreditation means nothing without the accompanying accrediting body’s stamp of approval.

Different professions set different criteria for issuing and collecting CPD points. Often, it’s as straightforward as simply attending the online course, webinar or virtual event.  

However, sometimes the requirement is more taxing, with the user required to answer a number of questions correctly during the course or after, in order to gain their points and certification.

One of the main reasons companies started using webinars for CPD courses was because webinars allow companies to personalize and brand the CPD experience, while also being able to engage with attendees in real-time.

There are so many features built into martech webinar platforms that companies can make use of to elevate the training experience, which now include:

• Resource sections
• Integrations
• Modern interface
• Q&A
• Polls
• Built-in tests
• CPD certificates
• Data insights
• No attendee limits
• And so much more!

Webinars, webcasts and virtual events can be monetized in different ways. The main business models that companies usually opt for are:

• Member access only
• Paid access
• Sponsorships

Which model you choose depends on the profession, exclusivity, value and on how you plan on delivering the content.

Some companies might find it difficult to get delegates to pay for CPD, but it's relatively easy to attract sponsors who are looking to generate leads from your membership base. 

In our experience CPD webinars and virtual events can drive very large attendance numbers, therefore commanding significant sponsor fees.

If you are thinking about offering CPD (Continuing Professional Development) webinars, it's essential to consider the value and benefits from a business perspective. Here are some factors to weigh when evaluating whether CPD webinars are worth offering:

• Market Demand: Research the demand for CPD webinars in your industry or niche. Determine if there's a substantial audience seeking professional development opportunities.
• Competitive Advantage: Offering CPD webinars can set your company apart from competitors. It can be a unique selling point that attracts professionals seeking educational opportunities.
• Revenue Generation: CPD accredited webinars can be a source of revenue for your company. Consider pricing strategies, subscription models, or tiered access to maximize your earning potential.
• Brand Enhancement: Hosting a CPD course using webinars can enhance your brand's reputation as an industry leader and a source of valuable knowledge and expertise.
• Customer/Membership Retention: Providing CPD opportunities can improve customer loyalty and retention. Professionals who benefit from your webinars may be more likely to continue using your products or services.
• Networking Opportunities: CPD courses can facilitate networking among professionals, potentially leading to increased collaboration or business opportunities within your community.
• Employee Development: Consider how offering CPD webinars can benefit your employees. They can gain valuable experience by participating in content creation and presentation.
• Resource Investment: Evaluate the resources required to develop and host CPD webinars, including staffing, technology, marketing, and content creation costs.
• Compliance and Accreditation: If your industry requires adherence to specific CPD standards or accreditations, ensure that your webinars meet these criteria.
• Feedback and Improvement: Collect feedback from participants to continually improve the quality and relevance of your CPD webinars.
• Long-Term Strategy: Assess how offering online CPD courses using webinars fits into your long-term business strategy. Consider whether it aligns with your company's mission and goals.
• Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Be aware of any legal and regulatory requirements for offering CPD webinars, especially if they involve specific industries or certifications.

There are specific factors to consider when choosing a platform to host and market your CPD webinars effectively. Here's what you should look for:

• Hosting and Presentation Features: Opt for a CPD platform that offers robust hosting capabilities. Look for features such as live streaming, screen sharing, interactive polls, and the ability to deliver engaging presentations.
• Customization Options: Choose a platform that allows you to customize the look and feel of your webinars, including branding and design, to make them stand out and align with your brand identity.
• Audience Management: The platform should provide tools for managing your audience, such as registration management and attendee tracking.
• Content Security: Protect your intellectual property by selecting a platform with robust content security measures, including password protection and encryption.
• Marketing Tools: Look for built-in marketing tools that help you promote your CPD webinars effectively. This could include email marketing integration, social media sharing features, and analytics to track marketing performance.
• Analytics and Reporting: Access to detailed analytics and reporting is essential to understand your audience's engagement and fine-tune your CPD webinar content and marketing strategies.
• Ease of Use: A user-friendly platform makes it easier for both you and your audience to navigate and participate in your CPD webinars. This can lead to higher attendance and satisfaction rates.
• Technical Support: Reliable technical support is crucial in case you require any assistance at any stage.  Ensure that the platform offers timely support and troubleshooting.
• Integration Options: If you plan to integrate your CPD webinar platform with other tools or systems, check for compatibility and available integrations, such as CRM systems,  email marketing platforms, or with your own Learning Management System.
• Scalability: Consider the platform's scalability to accommodate your growth. You may want to start small and expand as your CPD webinars gain traction.
• Legal and Compliance Considerations: Be aware of any legal and compliance requirements related to running CPD webinars, such as data protection regulations, and choose a platform that helps you comply.
• Feedback and Reviews: Research the platform's reputation and read reviews from other content providers to gauge its effectiveness for hosting CPD webinars.