Your Essential Guide to Learning Technologies 2024's Standout Sessions
Learning Technologies 2024 is almost here, and it's massive! With over 200 sessions to choose from, knowing where to spend your time can be a challenge. If only someone spent the time to categorize and review every session, then provide a list of suggestions organized by theme…
Good news!
I’ve spent this week doing exactly this.
Why?
Why is a question I asked myself more than a few times during this process, but in truth, this is an amped-up version of what I always do before attending events. There's nothing worse than sitting down in a seminar, only to realise 2-minutes in that this was a bad choice. Hopefully, this article can save you from this fate.
Categorization by Theme
I, or rather we, started by collating every session from the exhibition, conference, and bitesize learning zone into a single spreadsheet. This included the theme listed against the session.
I then reviewed each session in a given theme and selected the sessions I felt merited your attention.
Making the Cut
Whittling down more than 200 sessions to a manageable number of suggestions is not a small or easy job. Not least because there are so many great sessions this year. I decided to keep my criteria simple, but flexible enough to allow for some variation between themes.
- Timeliness - Does the session cover topics that we need to hear about right now?
- Speaker Quality - Are the speakers experts in their field? And, are they known to present well?
- Originality - Have I heard this one before? The idea may not always be original, but I always look for a new take or application.
- Applicability - Will this session help you do something new or improve something old? If the answer to both is no, then why attend?
It’s important to note that we all have some biases when it comes to picking sessions at events. For this reason, I’ve tried to explain my rationale for each choice in this article. Each category has its own set of suggestions, so you can skip through to the subjects you are most interested in.
AI & Technology
There’s no ignoring it; AI is the headline right now—not just in the learning tech space but in almost every industry! Naturally, this has led to many sessions at the conference and exhibition.
For these suggestions, I tried to find sessions that could better inform and equip you to make strategic and near-term decisions about using AI tools.
Delivering personalized, skills-based content experiences using AI
Wednesday, 17th April
10:40 - 10:55
Bitesize Learning Zone 2
This session with Chriss Giddings and Adam Atkins from Cornerstone promises to examine the importance of better curating and personalizing content and AI's role in supporting these activities.
At a time when ‘more content’ is often the default response, this session's focus on curation and personalization stood out.
T1S4 - Artificial intelligence
Thursday, 18th April
11:15 - 12:25
Conference Theatre 1
This roundtable, chaired by Donald H. Taylor and featuring Egle Vinauskaite and Markus Bernhardt, promises to explore AI's potential beyond content creation.
At an event packed with expert-led sessions, this stands out as bringing together three no-nonsense voices we should all listen to.
A world in flux: AI and the forces transforming work, and what we can - and should - do about it
Wednesday, 17th April
9:30 - 10:30
Conference Theatre 1
The conference's opening address, given by Daniel Susskind, explored the opportunities and challenges presented by the development of AI and what it all means for the future of work.
For those wondering where we are in the AI ethics debate, you couldn't ask for a better grounding.
The vital role of human skills in leveraging AI effectively
Wednesday, 17th April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 10
This exhibition seminar, featuring Remy Reurling from Goodhabitz, draws attention to the essential human skills required to use AI in the workplace successfully.
This session will prove helpful for anyone starting their AI implementation journey or struggling with one already in progress.
AI, AI everywhere, but what will work for me?
Thursday, 18th April
12:30 - 13:00
Seminar Theatre 1
Okay, perhaps I’m a little biased here, but we wouldn’t be speaking if we didn’t have something worthwhile to share. I’ll share a helpful process and tool to help you build an effective and efficient L&D techstack.
At a time when there are more options and more noise than I’ve seen in a long time, this session will help you discern the signal you need to make better technology and partnering decisions.
From hype to reality - Using AI to create, learn & upskill
Wednesday, 17 April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 7
Niloufar Zarin and Helen Marshall will discuss how AI can support effective social learning experiences. With so much talk about how AI risks removing the human element, this is a refreshing topic of discussion.
This session brings together two experts in their fields and opens an interesting conversation about AI's role and potential.
Honourable mentions
Look, whittling down so many sessions was tough. And a few deserve a mention and your time if you can make it.
T2S3 - Learning personalisation
Wednesday 17 April
15:50 - 17:00
Conference Theatre 2
This session, chaired by Nial Gavin and featuring Peter Manniche Riber and Tiffany Abinsay, explores how data and AI can revolutionize learning personalization.
Choosing the Best Learning Standard to Future-Proof Your Tech Stack
Thursday 18 April
10:40 - 10:55
Bitesize Learning Zone 2
Chris Tompkins from Rustici Software will discuss CMI5 adoption and selecting the right learning standard. This may not seem as revolutionary as some other topics this year, but getting this right is vital to building your L&D tech stack.
Assessment & Measurement
The importance of assessment and measurement cannot be overstated. As an industry, we are being challenged to show value more clearly than ever before, and that’s a good thing.
For these suggestions, I’ve focused on sessions that will empower you to track, measure, and report unquestionable value to your organization.
T4S4 - Learning Impact
Thursday 18 April
11:15 - 12:25
Conference Theatre 4
This session, chaired by Anthony Williams and featuring Alice Thompson, Fran Butler, and Tayn Pavelic, promises to explore the demonstration of strategic value to your organization.
Roundtables like this are always excellent opportunities to crowdsource the very best thinking on a subject.
Your golden ticket to quantifiable ROI
Thursday 18 April
14:45 - 15:15
Seminar Theatre 4
Adrian Harvey, CEO of Elephants Don't Forget, will deliver a session showing how a client has done it right. These case studies are useful because they provide examples of exactly what those who are seeing success are doing.
If you’re not sure where to start in terms of showing ROI in your organization, this session is for you.
How to Optimize Employee Evaluation to Drive Business Forward
Wednesday, 17 April
13:15 - 13:45
Seminar Theatre 5
Nadya Stels, Global Partnerships Head at iSpring Solutions, will be running a session on looking beyond the moment of assessment and exploring how we communicate results to learners. This topic interests me because it's not one I see being discussed often.
If you’re trying to engage learners in a longer learning journey beyond the point of assessment, this session is worth seeing.
Compliance
Compliance remains the constant in the world of L&D. It may not be the most exciting content we engage with, but it’s one of L&D’s biggest opportunities to make a real-world impact.
This section is shorter as there were only a few sessions to choose from.
T5S2 - Compliance
Wednesday 17 April
13:55 - 15:05
Conference Theatre 5
This session, chaired by the one and only Michelle Parry-Slater, features Robert Waggot, Matt Price, and Sarah Twaites. The discussion of how technology can revolutionize compliance training is well-timed and much-needed.
Compliance training is a constant requirement in every organization I’ve worked in or with, making this session highly relevant for just about everyone.
A gamechanger to Compliance Learning with Dr. Martens
Thursday 18 April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 4
Simon Truckle and Catriona Razic from Skillcast will be discussing a real-world example of how to create engaging and effective compliance training.
My desire to include this session is simple: most compliance training doesn’t work. It’s dull, disengaging, and ineffective. If you want to start fixing this in your organization, this is worth attending.
Learning Methods and Approaches
This is always a busy collection of sessions. But, it's also a veritable treasure trove of case studies, blueprints and discussions that are immediately actionable.
For this section I selected the sessions I felt promised the most practical value.
Blended Learning Done a Lidl Differently
Thursday 18 April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 11
Alistair Cumming from Lidl will be joining Jack Quantrill of Learning Pool and will be sharing the award-winning blended learning program that delivered great results and saved the company millions.
These case studies are an excellent opportunity to see how the very best are doing it. This session is bound to yield many practical takeaways.
Mastering Competencies: The Met Office's Skill Mapping Blueprint
Thursday 18 April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 8
Brendan Kilshaw will be sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how competencies are used at the Met Office to develop a people framework.
If skills development is on your list, this is the session for you.
The 3 Laws of Attraction: Creating a “pull” approach to serious learning
Wednesday 17 April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 6
Ceri Jones from the LEGO Group will be sharing the three guiding principles that she uses at The LEGO Group to attract learners to serious learning topics.
This kind of practical, actionable session is what I love about Learning Technologies. One not to miss!
T2S2 - Storytelling
Wednesday, 17 April
13:55 - 15:05
Conference Theatre 2
Kinga Petrovai will chair this session, which will feature Hadiya Nuriddin, exploring how we take business data and use it to craft stories with impact.
Storytelling is a skill that unlocks a world of potential. This is a great way to develop your skills in building stories that matter.
T5S3 - Business-aligned learning
Wednesday, 17 April
15:50 - 17:00
Conference Theatre 5
Michelle Parry-Slater will chair a session featuring Laura Overton on aligning learning to organizational objectives. Need I say more? When we talk about delivering unquestionable value, this is what it's all about.
This session features 2 of my favorite L&D voices and covers a topic we must all learn to do better. If you can attend, you should.
Learning Platforms and Tools
Learning platforms can seem a little dull, but nothing could be further from the truth. Almost every learning intervention today is experienced through the lens of the platform in which it lives.
For this section I looked for session focussed on universally application processes. Sessions that are only useful with a specific product can be great, but obviously have limited application.
Systems Training 101: The Ultimate Guide
Wednesday, 17 April
14:00 - 14:30
Seminar Theatre 1
Leena Randhawa from Omniplex will share some best practices for systems training. We’ll all have had some experience with this topic; whether it's an update to the office suite or a proprietary billing platform, system training can be tough.
Omniplex has an excellent reputation for delivering value in its sessions. Although this topic may not grab headlines, it has the potential to offer massive value.
When is an LMS Like a Writing Desk?
Thursday, 18 April
11:45 - 12:15
Seminar Theatre 7
In this session, Jessica Myles will share a real-world use of eLearning authoring tools, platforms, and processes.
I’m always on the lookout for speakers I’ve never heard before, and this session stood out.
eLearning for International Audiences: Strategies for Effective Learning Transfer across diverse markets
Wednesday, 17 April
13:15 - 13:45
Seminar Theatre 9
Designing great learning experiences is tough; deploying them effectively across diverse markets is another level. In this talk, Chetan Khushal promises to explore the cultural preferences and expectations we need to consider.
Localization is critical to success in multi-cultural and location workplaces. Any opportunity to discuss cultural preferences and their impact on learning is worth looking at.
Engagement and Development
Engagement and development is a broad theme, but there are some standout sessions here. Given the need for so much change in this field, I’m pleased to see a good range of topics.
I chose these topics for their focus on real-world deliverables and their variety. From coaching to performance support and finishing up in the world of mentoring, there’s a lot to see.
Unlock your potential - reflective coaching workshop with Behavioural Scientists
Wednesday, 17 April
15:40 - 15:55
Bitesize Learning Zone 1
In this session, Mat Piaggi and Sarah Henson discuss reflective coaching. They promise valuable tools and strategies to enhance self-awareness, manage transitions, and cultivate resilience in the face of change.
I love to see practitioners take a scientific approach. If reflective coaching is new to you or you want to improve your skills, this is the session for you.
T1S3 - Performance support
Wednesday, 17 April
15:50 - 17:00
Conference Theatre 1
This session, chaired by Sarah Ratcliff and featuring Ben Kirby and Daniel Redman, is about the pivot we need to make from content to performance outcomes. This is what modern learning and development is all about: workplace performance outcomes.
If you’d like to move toward delivering measurable performance outcomes in your business, this is worth attending. Sarah is a passionate and engaged L&D pro, so you’re in safe hands!
AI is not the (only) answer: unlock the power of your workforce with mentoring
Wednesday, 17 April
10:15 - 10:45
Seminar Theatre 6
Mike Pryke and Hattie Pursell from Guider will share their thoughts on why human-centric mentoring programs are essential to L&D’s future success.
I included this session precisely because we need to know when AI is and isn’t helping us. Mentoring is a vital part of our work, so if you’re not utilizing it already, this is a great place to start.
Professional Development
One of the things I love most about our field is our openness to professional development. Events like learning technologies are a hotbed for discovering new ways of working and defining our next steps.
I’ve chosen these sessions because they address some of the biggest development needs in our industry today.
The L&D Strategy Equation: A pragmatic approach for the busy Learning Leader
Thursday, 18 April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 6
Josh Cardoz from Sponge will run this session and share a framework for aligning with your organization's strategic objectives. This may sound simple, but I know many of us struggle to do it.
This is a big focus in our industry right now. To deliver value, we must help the business achieve its stated objectives.
Amplifying your business reach with extended enterprise training
Wednesday, 17 April
15:30 - 16:00
Seminar Theatre 3
Sven Becker and Karien Stroucken from IMC will discuss how to extend enterprise training to external stakeholders. If you’ve ever tried training external contractors, you’ll know how tough this can be.
Everyone should attend this session if they can. The ability to deliver results in external contexts is becoming increasingly important.
L2S1 - L&D and Sustainability
Thursday, 18 April
12:40 - 13:20
This session, chaired by Rob Hubbard and featuring Natalie Ainsworth, Jodie Pritchard, and Bryan Hopkins, is totally different and very important. Sustainability is a hot topic, but we leave it to others often. Here, we’ll hear exactly what we can do to effect positive change.
I’ve included this talk because the speakers are excellent, and the topic is one we rarely hear about. We have much to learn in this area, so let's begin.
Social, Ethical, and Accessibility
Some of the sessions I enjoyed most fall under this theme. From accessibility to social learning and psychological safety, these sessions make you think.
My choices here were tough, as I wanted to include all of them. I chose these three based on where I would start on these topics.
The True Cost of Accessibility
Wednesday, 17 April
14:45 - 15:15
Seminar Theatre 6
Gemma Nunn from Mint will share the costs to organizations for not delivering accessible learning experiences. This is often overlooked or, perhaps worse, paid lip service to.
Gemma is a fantastic speaker and an expert practitioner in creating accessible content.
Is there a right way to get it wrong? Three ways to build psychological safety at work
Wednesday, 17 April
15:30 - 16:00
Seminar Theatre 10
Simon Riddlesden, Dr. Hazel Harrison, and Dani Saadu will discuss one of my favorite topics: failure. More accurately, they will discuss psychological safety and the need to get things wrong and learn from them.
This session is worth attending if you want scientific insight into this process and what is needed to support it.
T4S2 - Social learning
Wednesday, 17 April
13:55 - 15:05
Conference Theatre 4
Claire Doody and Starling Hunter will discuss social learning and, more specifically, enhancing communication and knowledge flow. This area is too often ignored, and in-depth content is not the answer.
This is a must-attend conference session if you want to implement a social learning program.
Organizational and Cultural Considerations
This theme is an opportunity to engage more broadly with the businesses in which we work. After all, L&D is a servant enterprise to the wider organization. We work to support others in achieving objectives, so we need to engage with those around us and understand the broader culture in which we work.
My choices here are aimed to give you an idea of just how varied this space is and how much we have to learn.
Let's Build a Winning L&D Business Case [Live Workshop]
Wednesday, 17 April
14:50 - 15:05
Bitesize Learning Zone 1
Chris Chesterman is running this workshop to share how to create effective business cases. I have struggled with this skill for a long time, and I am pleased to see it featured here.
This is a skill everyone in L&D needs, so if you’re not sure about your ability to do this, I suggest you make 15 minutes for this session.
T3S5 - Learning leadership
Thursday, 18 April
13:55 - 15:05
Conference Theatre 3
This session, chaired by Donald H. Taylor and featuring Heather Stefanski and Chara Balasubramaniam, explores the skills needed to lead L&D and what the future looks like in terms of L&D roles and our place in the broader businesses in which we work.
Great leaders in L&D are rare indeed. If you are a leader in your function or want to be one, this is an ideal session for you.
What didn’t I include?
Well, there's lots of stuff! With so many sessions and competing priorities, it’s impossible to include everything. The sessions listed in this article stood out to me as having the most evident and immediate value.
That said, I will definitely have missed some. So, if there is a great session that is not on this list, please let me know! Similarly, on both days, I’ll be roaming the corridors of the Learning Technologies Exhibition, mic in hand, searching for your thoughts on the event. If you see me, say hello and share what you’re taking back to the office.
