As learning and development leaders, you know that a core part of staying on your game is practicing what you preach and taking the time to learn and develop in your role, and that includes attending the best elearning conferences around.
And because they provide such excellent opportunities to learn, it’s no surprise that conferences, events, and expos abound within the L&D community.
Things move especially fast when it comes to elearning and digital learning formats. So, which events should corporate learning leaders be attending to stay ahead of the curve?
We’ve rounded up the best elearning conferences and provided a little background so you can decide which ones are for you!
DevLearn
DevLearn has gone from strength to strength in the last 15 years, and today it’s one of the biggest and best out there when it comes to elearning conferences.
DevLearn doesn’t do gimmicks, just industry leaders and dynamic, thought-provoking sessions that delve into the latest and most significant trends in learning technology.
In 2019 the event will focus on AI, data analytics, and augmented reality, showing that DevLearn is always on the cutting edge of learning technology. Best of all, if you can’t make it to the main event, there are a series of co-located events to accommodate the time-starved L&D professional.
You can catch Cognota at DevLearn 2019!
Elliott Masie’s Learning Conference
One of the most well-known elearning conferences out there, Learning was founded by analyst and speaker Elliott Maisie and is now in its 29th year.
In an ever-changing business world, Learning aims to help L&D leaders separate fad from true value, especially when it comes to elearning and new technologies.
With 2,000+ learning professionals in attendance, 140+ activities, and an array of exciting keynote speakers, Learning is an event that will enrich your industry network.
HR Tech
With industry leaders like Josh Bersin delivering a keynote, HR Tech’s agenda reads like a “who’s who” of learning and talent development.
It’s specifically focused on technology for HR and has been running for 20+ years. Known as “the industry’s annual meeting,” HR Tech represents the intersection of learning, HR, and IT.
Although 450+ vendors are exhibiting, it’s not just about buying new HR technology, but learning how to leverage your existing stack.
ATD International
ATD is one of the largest events for talent development professionals in the world. So it’s no surprise that elearning and learning technology is a huge focus for their annual programs.
From keynotes to networking and a host of vendors showing off their latest developments, ATD International Conference & Exposition is the place to be! 12,000+ attendees can enjoy sessions from over 400 speakers while kicking back over networking sessions and meeting potential vendors at the expo.
Learning Live
This conference is free to attend and is specifically geared towards learning leaders with an agenda that is custom-built by attendees.
The crowdsourced agenda guides the conference towards providing practical solutions to industry challenges rather than merely describing them.
If you’re tired of going to events with interesting content but lacking in practical solutions and advice, Learning Live is definitely worth a look.
Training Magazine’s Training Conference & Expo
Training magazine’s “train the trainer” event has been providing real-life practical instruction for learning and development professionals for over 40 years.
Attendees can take part in three-day certification courses, attend keynotes, and mingle with their peers from across all industries and experience levels.
Training Magazine’s TechLearn Conference
Another contribution from Training magazine the (formerly learning Online Learning Conference) is all about discovering how technology empowers learning.
Learning and development professionals will receive practical advice and instruction on topics like elearning, gamification, mobile learning, social learning, AI, instructional design, and more.
From pre-conference Certification Programs to two co-located events, TechLearn offers every opportunity for professional development and substantial learning.
Chief Learning Officer Symposium
Organized by Chief Learning Officer magazine, this conference looks at trends, technology, and practices that are transforming employee development. Learning leaders in attendance are provided with content that helps them keep pace with the industry and maintain success in the future.
A combination of speakers, including thought leaders and peers keeps things interesting, and as the audience consists of learning leaders, it makes for some great networking opportunities.
Training Industry Conference & Expo
For corporate learning leaders, TICE provides a highly interactive experience that is focused on workshop sessions rather than an abundance of keynote speakers. This means attendees can meet peers, develop ideas, and discover solutions to address their own specific challenges as L&D leaders.
TICE offers the opportunity for smaller groups and closer interactions with instructors and speakers, which has made it a popular option for L&D professionals looking to expand their perspectives
and skillsets.
Canadian eLearning Conference
Hosted in Cognota’s hometown of Toronto, the Canadian eLearning Conference is a non-profit event organized by a group of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about eLearning design and technology.
In 2019 the conference is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Having quickly evolved from a group of peers spending a day discussing project proposals and elearning design into a two-day conference, this event is definitely one to watch!
There are plenty more conferences, events, and expos out there, no matter where you are in the world, but this list is a good place to start. We hope to see you at some of them soon!
