8 Learning and Development Conferences You Need to Attend in 2025

As an L&D or HR professional, it is absolutely important to keep up with the learning and development industry trends and best practices. Learning and Development conferences not only give you a chance to learn from the best industry leaders but also offer opportunities to network while getting hands-on with new tools and techniques. To help you out, we made a list of key learning and development conferences you should attend in 2025. Each of these events promises to provide valuable knowledge, inspiration, and insights. Ready, set, level up your L&D game!

Essential Learning and Development Conferences in 2025

Much like every other industry, learning and development evolves and you have to keep up with these changes to be successful. The learning and development conferences listed here offer a wide variety of topics within the L&D world, whether you’re interested in exploring new technologies, best practices, or the latest trends. They’re not just opportunities to attend talks—they’re about networking, sharing ideas, and discovering actionable insights that you can immediately apply to your work. Whether you’re a seasoned L&D pro or just starting out, these events give you the tools to level up both personally and professionally.

Think of this list as your roadmap to growing in 2025. Each conference presents a chance to refine your skills, gain fresh perspectives, and bring value back to your team.

1. World of Learning Summit

February 4-5 2025 | Olympia London, UK

The World of Learning Summit is an ideal event for those looking to explore the newest advancements in learning and development. This conference and exhibition is one of the UK’s most important events focused on learning and development. Leading experts, brands, and professionals from the L&D community will come to learn, interact, and build networks.

What’s in it for you:

• Free Seminar Programme: Open to all visitors, featuring informative sessions delivered by leading L&D experts.
• The Life Skills Lounge: Facilitated by Liggy Webb, offering complimentary bite-sized books and digital resources to help L&D professionals develop their own skills and those of their teams.
• Learning Design Live: Specifically for those involved in learning technology design.
• Business & Networking Lounge: A place to relax, connect, and discuss new learning opportunities.
• Mental Wellbeing Zone: Facilitated by Jigsaw@Work, offering group workshops and one-on-one discussions about mental wellbeing.
• Interactive Roundtable Sessions: Engaging 30-minute sessions led by industry experts.

2. ATD TechKnowledge

February 12-13 2025 | Las Vegas, USA

ATD TechKnowledge annual conference is a big event for professionals interested in learning technologies and talent development. With over 10,000 participants from more than 80 countries expected to attend, it’s a gathering that focuses on shaping tech strategies, adopting innovative tools, and implementing best practices.

What’s in it for you:

• Industry leaders share their perspectives and experiences.
• Sessions that empower participants to elevate their knowledge.
• Get equipped with actionable insights, hands-on strategies, and the right tools to succeed.

3. Training Conference & Expo

February 14-16 2025 | Orlando, USA

The 48th Annual Training Magazine’s Training 2025 Conference & Expo is the premier event for training and development professionals looking to expand their expertise. Hosted by Training magazine, this conference covers essential topics like instructional design, leadership development, behavioral analytics, and digital learning.

With 104 interactive breakout sessions, 13 hands-on clinics, and 10 certificate programs, attendees will gain practical skills and innovative strategies to enhance workplace learning. The Virtual Engagement Lab offers a unique space to develop virtual event skills while engaging with industry leaders.

What’s in it for you:

• Gain expertise in train-the-trainer essentials, from instructional design to evaluation and measurement.
• Explore innovative approaches like serious games for learning, behavioral analytics, and emerging technologies.
• Develop leadership skills to drive high-performing teams and effective learning strategies.
• Enhance virtual engagement capabilities through hands-on experience in the Virtual Engagement Lab.
• Network with L&D professionals to share insights, challenges, and solutions.
• Earn industry-recognized certifications to boost your credentials and professional growth.

4. People Development Summit

March 12-14 2025 | Lisbon, Portogal

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the People Development Summit is a premier event designed to foster meaningful connections between L&D leaders and solution providers. This invite-only gathering brings together 80 senior L&D professionals from top UK and Ireland corporations and 30 leading L&D solution providers, including business schools, learning technology innovators, and leadership development experts.

Discussions will cover AI in L&D, neurodiversity, proving L&D ROI, psychological safety, and the future of workplace learning. The event provides a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge strategies and engage with key decision-makers shaping the future of learning and development.

What’s in it for you:

• Gain insights into AI-driven L&D, talent management, and data-driven learning strategies.
• Explore solutions tailored to boost engagement, enhance learning impact, and prove ROI.
• Learn from top L&D leaders about workplace wellbeing, neurodiversity, and psychological safety.
• Build high-value connections with industry peers and solution providers.
• Discover the latest advancements in leadership development and learning technology.

5. Learning Technologies Conference 2025

April 23-24, 2025 | London, UK

Get ready to experience Learning Technologies 2025, where workplace learning meets innovation. Whether you’re an L&D veteran or just getting started, this event will fuel your growth and spark new ideas to take back to your team. With over 200 exhibitors, 200+ free seminars, and plenty of opportunities to get hands-on with the latest L&D tools, it’s the place to be if you want to stay ahead of the curve. You’ll also dive into data and analytics to make smarter decisions and enhance how learning is delivered in your organization.

At the heart of Learning Technologies 2025 is the idea that learning is for everyone, and this conference will help you unlock potential—not just in your workforce, but in yourself. From networking with peers to hearing inspiring talks from thought leaders, you’ll leave feeling recharged, informed, and ready to put what you’ve learned into action.

What’s in it for you:

• Stay ahead of the game by learning how to integrate AI, data, and analytics into your L&D strategies.
• Discover innovative ways to approach skills development and build talent within your teams.
• Gain actionable insights into learning experience design to create engaging, impactful learning programs.
• Explore future trends in L&D and how to align them with your organizational goals.
• Walk away with practical ideas and solutions you can immediately apply to improve workplace performance and leadership development.

6. HCI International 2025 Conference

June 22-27, 2025 | Hybrid Event; Gothenburg, Sweden

Get ready to connect with innovators, researchers, and practitioners in the field of Human-Computer Interaction at the HCI International 2025 Conference. This unique hybrid event ensures that whether you’re attending in person or virtually, you’ll experience the same world-class content and networking opportunities.

Kicking off with fully virtual sessions from June 22-24, you’ll engage in paper presentations, workshops, and interactive courses—all accessible remotely. The hybrid portion, from June 25-27, invites participants to dive deeper into the discussions with both in-person and online attendance options, ensuring flexibility for every attendee. With 21 international boards overseeing the event, you’re guaranteed insights from the brightest minds in the field.

What’s in it for you:

• Get hands-on with the latest HCI research and practical applications in areas like AI, virtual reality, and UX design.
• Engage interactively with workshops and sessions that offer you real-time feedback and collaboration.
• Be inspired by leading experts sharing actionable insights and future trends in HCI that will shape tomorrow’s digital experiences.
• Expand your network by connecting with professionals and academics.
• Equip yourself with future-ready skills, focusing on the intersection of technology, design, and human behavior.

7. ATD 2025 International Conference & EXPO

May 18–21, 2025 | Washington DC, US

Get ready for ATD Conference and Expo 2025, where thousands of talent development professionals from across the globe will converge to share, grow, and innovate in the field of workplace learning. This isn’t just another conference—it’s your chance to expand your horizons, gain fresh perspectives, and reignite your passion for personal and professional development.

With 300+ expert-led sessions across 13 tracks, from instructional design to leadership development, ATD 2025 promises something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to future-proof your organization, explore the latest advancements in learning science, or simply enhance your skills, you’ll find endless opportunities to push your career forward.

But ATD 2025 is more than just sessions—it’s a dynamic space for real connection and collaboration. Imagine engaging with 300 of the industry’s top providers, experiencing cutting-edge solutions firsthand, and networking with peers from around the world, all united by a shared passion for learning and development.

What’s in it for you:

• Sharpen your leadership toolkit with sessions that give you the insights needed to drive strategy and nurture a thriving workforce.
• Elevate your instructional design skills with practical strategies to improve learning experiences and drive performance.
• Leverage the latest technology to create agile, effective learning solutions that meet the demands of today’s workforce.
• Strengthen your L&D function, learning to align programs with organizational goals and deliver measurable impact that resonates with leadership.
• Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of your learning initiatives, ensuring they support both individual growth and organizational success.

8. Learning Ideas Conference

June 11-13, 2025 | a hybrid event held both in New York and online

The 18th Annual Learning Ideas Conference is a global gathering that unites researchers, educators, technologists, and L&D professionals who are passionate about using technology to transform education and workplace learning. With participants from over 50 countries, the conference offers a rich blend of perspectives, insights, and expertise.

What’s in it for you:

• Discover innovative approaches to integrating technology into education and workplace learning.
• Network with a diverse, international community of thought leaders and practitioners.
• Gain insights into the latest research and trends in e-learning, XR, gaming, and user experience design.
• Explore practical applications of emerging technologies like XR, AI, and data analytics in education.
• Engage in discussions that shape the future of learning methodologies.

Read our blog on 7 Best Leadership Conference Themes to inspire you team, foster leadership development and gain free resources.

Why Are Learning and Development Conferences a Must-Attend?

Attending these learning and development conferences isn’t just about ticking off professional development boxes—it’s about immersing yourself in a community that’s as passionate about learning and development as you are. These events offer a chance to step away from the everyday grind and dive into new ideas, innovative solutions, and fresh perspectives that can directly impact your career and your organization. Whether you’re looking to future-proof your skills or explore the latest in leadership, technology, or instructional design, these learning and development conferences provide a treasure trove of insights that can help you stay ahead of the curve.

What truly sets these events apart is the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals from across the globe. You’re not just attending sessions—you’re sharing your experiences, learning from others, and building a network of peers who are navigating similar challenges. The conversations you have and the relationships you build can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations that extend far beyond the conference. When you walk away, it’s not just with new knowledge but with actionable strategies you can take back to your workplace to make a real, lasting impact.

How to Choose the Right Conference for Your Professional Goals?

Choosing the right learning and development conference starts with aligning it to your career goals. Think about what you want to focus on—whether it’s leadership development, instructional design, or staying ahead in talent development. Find conferences that offer workshops and sessions tailored to these areas.

Beyond the topics, look for events with engaging speakers and networking opportunities. It’s not just about learning—it’s about making connections and gaining insights that will benefit you and your organization long after the event. By being intentional, you’ll make the most of your time and investment!

Explore more resources to hone your L&D skills:

• Top 7 Learning And Development Podcasts You Must See
• 7 Top Learning And Development Newsletters
• Top 8 Learning And Development Career Paths: with Essential Skills To Succeed

Conclusion

Attending learning and development conferences is very important. These events help you stay updated on industry trends and support your professional development. They provide valuable insights, chances to network, and new ideas to grow your career. Make sure to take part in key learning and development conferences in 2025 to improve your skills and knowledge. Joining events like these can give you a competitive edge. By being active at these learning and development conferences, you can stay ahead with the latest L&D industry trends and find new opportunities for your personal and professional growth.