8 Learning and Development Conferences You Need to Attend, 2024-25

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 post September 2024 and into 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 2024-25

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 2024-25. Each conference presents a chance to refine your skills, gain fresh perspectives, and bring value back to your team.

1. World of Learning Conference & Exhibition 2024

October 8-9, 2024 | Birmingham, UK

The World of Learning Conference 2024 is your chance to dive into the big issues facing senior L&D professionals today. Designed specifically for leaders like you, this two-day event delivers a mix of cutting-edge research, firsthand case studies, and insights from industry experts. It’s not just about the theory—you’ll walk away with real-world solutions you can apply immediately to both your day-to-day challenges and long-term strategies. You’ll be part of lively discussions, interactive workshops, and panel debates with L&D’s most progressive thought leaders. Expect to be inspired, challenged, and motivated to take your organization’s learning strategy to the next level. What’s in it for you:

• Practical solutions from firsthand case studies to improve your L&D outcomes.
• Insightful strategies for addressing current and future workplace learning challenges.
• Fresh perspectives from top industry experts on where L&D is heading.
• The chance to connect and share ideas with other senior L&D leaders.
• Actionable takeaways that align your learning initiatives with business goals.

2. CLO Symposium 2024

October 21-23, 2024 | The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

If you’re looking to take your L&D strategy to the next level, the 2024 Chief Learning Officer (CLO) Symposium is an event you won’t want to miss. This three-day gathering is designed specifically for learning executives who are ready to align their learning and development efforts with their organization’s bigger business goals. Expect insightful keynotes, peer-led discussions, and hands-on workshops—perfect for tackling today’s most pressing challenges like talent mobility, leadership development, and the integration of emerging tech. This is your chance to engage with industry leaders, exchange ideas with peers, and walk away with strategies that can immediately impact your team and your business. It’s not just about learning—it’s about connecting L&D to measurable results. What’s in it for you:

• Learn how to integrate your L&D strategy with overall business objectives.
• Get hands-on with the latest trends and tools to boost workforce performance.
• Walk away with practical strategies for talent mobility and leadership development.
• Refresh your approach to succession planning and skills agility.
• Connect with a community of like-minded professionals who share your drive to innovate.

3. DevLearn 2024 Conference & Expo

November 6-8, 2024 | Las Vegas, US

If you’re an L&D professional who’s excited about shaking things up, DevLearn Conference and Expo is the event you can’t miss. It’s not just another conference—it’s where innovators, problem-solvers, and tech enthusiasts come together to push the boundaries of what’s possible in learning. This is the place to explore the future of L&D, from AI integration to immersive AR/VR learning experiences, with content created by the community, for the community. At DevLearn, you’re not just sitting through sessions—you’re gaining real, hands-on experiences that you can take back and apply immediately in your work. You’ll walk away with a treasure trove of ideas to elevate your learning programs and a network of fellow trailblazers who are as passionate about changing the game as you are. What’s in it for you:

• How to seamlessly integrate AI into your learning systems
• Strategies to use real-time analytics to make smarter decisions in L&D
• Gamification tactics to engage employees like never before
• Effective microlearning strategies to make learning stick
• The potential of AR/VR to create immersive, interactive training experiences
• Best practices for managing remote training that actually works
• Scalable strategies for managing L&D at the enterprise level

4. CIPD Annual Conference & Exhibition 2024

November 6-7, 2024 | Manchester, UK

The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition is the perfect event for those who are passionate about creating positive change in their workplace. Whether you’re an HR leader, L&D expert, or people manager, this is your opportunity to dive into innovative strategies and gain the confidence to implement them. Across two days, you’ll be immersed in hands-on sessions, interactive workshops, and exciting features that make this more than just a conference. Imagine joining over 6,500 like-minded professionals, exchanging ideas, and making valuable connections. With 130+ leading solution providers and 140+ industry experts sharing their knowledge, this event is all about collaboration and hands-on learning that you can directly apply in your day-to-day work. What’s in it for you:

• Practical strategies to improve productivity and workplace culture.
• New ideas on integrating AI and addressing workplace conflicts.
• Valuable connections with HR, L&D, and business leaders from around the globe.
• Hands-on insights from leading thinkers to drive meaningful change.

5. Learning 2024 Conference

December 4-6, 2024 | Orlando, FL, USA

Learning 2024 Conference is the place for L&D leaders who want to drive real change in their organizations. If you’re ready to move beyond the basics and push your team’s learning strategies to the next level, this event is made for you. It’s not just another conference—it’s an opportunity to explore what’s coming next in L&D and to develop actionable insights that can elevate your leadership and make a measurable impact on your business. Expect to leave feeling energized and empowered, thanks to an incredible lineup of keynotes that will spark new ideas. You’ll dig into the latest on AI, data analytics, and organizational learning strategy. Whether you’re focused on building a strong workplace culture, upskilling leadership, or navigating change, Learning 2024 offers practical solutions that you can bring back to your team right away. What’s in it for you:

• Real strategies to align learning with business goals and boost the ROI of your programs.
• Fresh approaches to using AI and data analytics to personalize learning experiences and scale effectively.
• Actionable ideas on upskilling and leadership development that help future-proof your workforce.
• Insights into creating a strong workplace culture that promotes growth and innovation.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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!

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 2024-25 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.