Executives Learn Through Experiential Courses

By Douglas MacMillan

Even with shrinking budgets for lavish off-sites, companies are pouring money into programs that promise unique ways to develop top talent. The $12.3 billion market in leadership development is expected to expand annually by up to 5% over the next few years, according to research firm Bersin & Associates, almost double the growth of overall corporate training. And Bersin has found one-third of companies now use some form of "experiential" leadership development—where managers learn by engaging in an activity such as sailing, archeological digs, fire walking, and even horse whispering. Read on to find out which companies have signed up and how much they're paying.

*Prices include food and lodging