6 Learning and Development Events You Won’t Want to Miss

The world of workplace learning is changing at a breakneck pace. Training and development professionals are juggling an increasingly varied array of technologies under tight deadlines and finite resources. What’s an industry insider to do? Learn from others facing—and finding solutions to–the same challenges.

Here are six events we think everyone in the realm of workplace knowledge would benefit from experiencing (including ourselves). Check out the list below, and make sure to say hello to the Inkling team if you attend!

Get creative

What: Learning Solutions (Orlando, FL, on March 16-18)

Why: When you see Bill Nye the Science Guy on the keynote speaker list, you know this isn’t your typical industry conference. At Learning Solutions, you’ll be inspired to approach training and development in new, creative ways—with more than 100 concurrent sessions on eLearning best practices, case studies, and new trends, as well as specialized sessions focused on higher education and hands-on technical training, you’re guaranteed to come back to the office inspired. How many other opportunities will you have to hear Bill Nye talk about fostering curiosity?

Impact the bottom line

What: CLO Breakfast Club (Chicago, IL, on March 24)

Why: Employee knowledge is integral to your business success, which is why learning can’t happen in a silo. This highly interactive, morning-long session brings together a panel of innovative industry experts–including the editor-in-chief of CLO magazine, the VP of General Business for Udemy, and our own CEO Matt MacInnis—to discuss how companies can integrate workplace learning and business strategy. In particular, the panelists will focus on two timely topics: the next-generation learning department and learning’s role in talent management.

Find your knowledge support network

What: Training Industry Conference and Expo (Raleigh, NC, on May 10-12)

Why: The agenda for this event includes six tracks of sessions focused on empowering workplace learning leaders with workshops like “The Art of Scaling Virtual Learning” and “Lessons of Failure and Success in L&D.” As one of the smaller industry events with just 150 attendees, TICE offers a unique opportunity to sit down with industry influencers, attend intimate and interactive sessions, and form career-long relationships with fellow attendees.

Meet the disruptors

What: ATD International Conference and Exposition (Denver, CO, on May 22-25)

Why: ATD is one of the most well-attended and diverse talent development conferences around. This year boasts more than 300 educational sessions from industry game changers and another 300 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge talent management products and solutions. Go to ATD to network with a huge swath of innovators and immerse yourself in a broad range of ideas and technologies—plus, in addition to your own notes, you can leave with a stack of relevant must-reads from the ATD 2016 Bookstore.

Boost your tech prowess

What: FocusOn Learning (Austin, TX, on June 8-10)

Why: It’s no secret that technology is shaking up the way we work—and while there are a plenty of solutions available for distributing knowledge and increasing performance in the workplace, there are also plenty of questions. This event aims to answer them for tech novices and experts alike, with a specific focus on mobile, video, and performance support. You’ll find sessions on everything from making a business case for mobile technologies to developing a micro-performance support solution.

Put learning into action

What: DevLearn (Las Vegas, NV, on November 16-18)

Why: Hit up Sin City in November for one of the learning industry’s longest-running events. While anyone can benefit from DevLearn, it’s especially helpful for people who work hands-on with workplace learning programs: With more than 200 learning activities, pre-conference blended courses, and certificate programs, you’ll walk away with more than just a conference agenda and swag bag. In addition, DevLearn has one of the largest training and development technology expos around, allowing you to see the latest innovations in workplace learning in action.

Which conferences will you be attending this year? Let us know in the comments section, and check out more events we’re attending here.