Organizing a Learning Expedition for one's executive team marks a turning point in the life of a company, and cannot be left to amateurs. Designing, organizing, and facilitating Learning Expeditions requires the kind of unique expertise WDHB has been offering since 1988.

The permanent WDHB staff includes seven people - six in California and one in Europe. Three of them manage our network, identify companies and experts that best match client objectives, and arrange corporate visits. WDHB continually documents American business practices and developments in order to put them in perspective for Europeans. WDHB has arranged meetings with a vast number of companies (over 2500), enjoying close ties with a number of them as well as with a range of leading thinkers and presenters.

WDHB constantly endeavors to be a "Learning Organization" and spares no effort in providing services not one, but two generations in the lead.

Group size
Groups have ranged from 5 to 70 participants. The ideal is 12 to 35. Larger groups divide among two or even three parallel company visits throughout the week to multiply the range of information gathered and to enhance cross-communication among participants. The schedule and format are tailored to the size of the group, as well as to the objectives, level of participants, and style of the client company.

Lead time
Preferably 3 to 4 months. But WDHB has successfully prepared Learning Expeditions in as little as five weeks. Others have been scheduled over a year in advance.

Interpretation
All visits and presentations are interpreted unless English is the official working language of the client company.

Intensity and nature
Participants should be advised in advance that the content and density of the program make this an intensive seminar. It is not a vacation and does not allow time for tourism. Since group discussions are frequent and intense, things are said as directly as possible. Participants are encouraged to say it like it is, not tiptoe around matters. Straight talk enables the whole group to learn and move forward. Eliciting different points of view within the group constitutes a key aspect WDHB's role as facilitator.

Quality of service, style
WDHB aims to provide exemplary service. The style is comfortable, but not luxurious.

Air travel
Suggested arrival and return on the Saturday afternoon just before and just after the seminar. (Given the time difference, this means departing from Europe Saturday afternoon and arriving back Sunday morning a week later). For Learning Expeditions in California, Air France and United Airlines both offer flights that generally accommodate this schedule. Between Europe and the East Coast, many direct flights are available.

Services included in each Learning Expedition

• Preparatory meetings
• Background research on the themes of the seminar
• Program design and modification
• License to use the program for the duration of the seminar
• Organization of company visits
• Identification, preparation and remuneration of outside contributors
• Continuous, hands-on facilitation throughout the week
• Consecutive English/French (or other language) interpretation
• Transportation to and from the airport
• Hotel accommodations
• All meals, including breakfast, with the exception of one dinner
• Beverages accompanying meals, tips
• Meeting rooms, A/V and/or computer equipment
• Preparatory and on-site background documentation on the themes of the Learning Expedition, practical information.

Services not included

• Air transportation
• Personal expenses (telephone, dry cleaning, etc.), paid directly to the hotel by each participant
• Insurance of any kind (liability, accident, health, dental, cancellation, repatriation, baggage, etc.)

If in doubt, any reasonable service not mentioned in the contract but that contributes to a successful seminar will be considered included .