Transforming Volunteer Training at TIFF: How SkyPrep LMS Played a Role

In the bustling world of film festivals, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) stands out not only for its captivating cinematic experiences but also for its commitment to inclusive and efficient volunteer management. Training over 1,700 volunteers annually—many from international locations like Australia, the Philippines, and the UK—presents unique logistical challenges. TIFF’s solution was the integration of SkyPrep LMS, a cloud-based learning management system that streamlined their volunteer and staff training processes. Here, we explore how TIFF leveraged this technology to enhance volunteer onboarding and festival operations.

Overcoming Logistical Hurdles

Prior to adopting SkyPrep LMS, TIFF faced limitations in training capacity. In-person orientation sessions were constrained by venue size and scheduling conflicts, especially as preparations intensified in August. The need for repeated sessions increased resource demands and posed accessibility challenges for volunteers abroad. This often limited the pool of available volunteers and placed a significant strain on TIFF staff.

Why SkyPrep Was a Game-Changer

With SkyPrep LMS, TIFF discovered a tool that was not only intuitive but also highly customizable. The platform accommodated TIFF’s need for diverse training modules complete with quizzes and progress tracking. Key features included:

• Progress Monitoring: Enabled administrators to track volunteer training completion, prompting actions where necessary.
• Interactive Learning: Integrated videos and quizzes to keep volunteers engaged.
• Accessibility: Provided volunteers the flexibility to complete training asynchronously, accommodating those with tight schedules or accessibility needs.

Expanding Volunteer Reach and Efficiency

SkyPrep’s implementation had a substantial impact on TIFF’s operations. It opened doors to a broader, more diverse volunteer pool and streamlined training time, allowing TIFF’s team to focus on other aspects of festival preparation. Results were clear as more volunteers opted for the online system, with a decrease in in-person participants, from 40.3% in 2022 to just 28.7% in 2023.

Enhancing Volunteer Experience

Volunteers reported a preference for the online training model, citing the convenience of revisiting training materials at their own pace. This flexibility also allowed TIFF to accommodate volunteers for specialized roles with recorded training sessions. Volunteers from varied backgrounds enriched the festival experience for patrons, thanks to SkyPrep’s effective onboarding.

Real-Life Stories of Success

One noteworthy example was a volunteer from the United States who missed an in-person orientation due to travel delays. Thanks to SkyPrep, they completed the training online and participated as a valued festival volunteer. Such stories underline the importance of a flexible training system for an international event like TIFF.

Broader Applications and Future Integration

While initially focused on volunteers, TIFF plans to extend SkyPrep across different departments for seasonal staff training. The platform’s adaptability has set a precedent for continuous improvement and innovation in festival operations.

An LMS for Various Industries

TIFF’s successful partnership with SkyPrep LMS demonstrates the significant advantages of embracing modern, cloud-based training solutions. With customization flexibility and user-friendly design, TIFF recommends SkyPrep to other organizations seeking enhanced training capabilities.

TIFF’s successful partnership with SkyPrep LMS demonstrates the significant advantages of embracing modern, cloud-based training solutions. With customization flexibility and user-friendly design, TIFF recommends SkyPrep to other organizations seeking enhanced training capabilities.

Interested in transforming your organization’s training processes? Request a demo of SkyPrep today and explore more success stories like TIFF’s.