Last updated: June 2026. I have been attending conferences and exhibitions for many years. Some of them no longer exist. From ECTS, the European Computer Trade Show, which ran its final show in 2004, to the Bett Education Show and the National Science Teachers Show. I have attended larger international events and plenty of local and regional ones too.
More recently I have been reading about exhibitions and conferences in the UK and overseas, and there is a real opportunity being missed. I had the chance to attend two overseas conferences after the cost of attending one UK exhibition came in at £8,000, and they did not even let me visit first to check it out.
There was a clear gap: finding out what is on and where to go. So I built this list. It is not the definitive list, and there are LinkedIn and email communities that will keep you updated on the latest. But this is a single, reliable, independent resource. I do not get paid to include events, and it is not a list of my mates or the events I get invited to. Too many lists, in my opinion, are exactly that. Too many people end up left out.
One thing I have not included here is sector-specific exhibitions and conferences. I think these are genuinely undervalued. I have spent time at exhibitions in IT, cyber security, oil and gas, and general business. You still meet L&D people, but you also get a completely different set of ideas. Getting out of the L&D bubble is an excellent thing to do.
You might find that a URL does not work or a date has changed. Check the details before you travel. Organisations update websites and move dates. If you find a good event we have missed, let us know and we will add it.
Quick picks: which L&D event should you attend?
If you are short on time, it helps to choose an event based on what you need to get out of it.
- Best for learning technology: Learning Technologies, DevLearn, TechLearn and LEARNTEC.
- Best for UK L&D teams: Learning Technologies, World of Learning, LEARNING LIVE and CIPD Festival of Work.
- Best for talent development: ATD International Conference and Expo, AITD Conference and People Development Summit.
- Best for HR and future of work: CIPD Festival of Work, SHRM and UNLEASH World.
- Best for digital learning and elearning: eLearning Expo, OEB Global, LEARNTEC and Adobe Learning Summit.
How to choose which L&D event to attend
Before booking a ticket, look beyond the event title and check what you will actually get from attending. Some exhibitions are useful because you can meet suppliers, compare learning platforms, watch product demos and attend free seminars in one day. Others are better for deeper conference sessions, peer networking, workshops or leadership-level discussion.
A good place to start is by asking colleagues and peers for recommendations. Large events are not always the best fit. Sometimes a smaller specialist conference can give you better conversations, better ideas and a clearer return on your time. Think carefully about the sessions too. There are speakers who appear at multiple conferences throughout the year. Ask yourself whether you will be getting genuinely new information.
Check out our review of the Learning Leaders Conference that Scott visited in December 2024 in the US. Remember that something that works for one person may not work for another. And think about attending a conference in a different country or sector. The L&D world is not the only place where learning ideas come from.
Questions to ask learning suppliers at an exhibition
If you are visiting an L&D exhibition to compare suppliers, it helps to prepare a few questions before you arrive.
For learning content, I would ask:
- How quickly can the content be deployed?
- Does it work on our LMS or LXP?
- Is the content SCORM-ready?
- How often is the content reviewed or updated?
- Is the library available in multiple languages?
- Can we see sample courses before buying?
- How does pricing work?
- Can we start with a smaller set of courses before expanding?
For platforms, I would ask:
- How long does implementation usually take?
- What support is included?
- What data and reporting can we access?
- Can the platform support our existing content?
- What are the hidden costs buyers often miss?
You can also read our guides to off-the-shelf elearning content providers, off-the-shelf elearning courses, elearning platforms and LMS pricing models if you are using events to compare suppliers.
Upcoming L&D conferences in 2026
The events below are the remaining confirmed events for 2026. Events that have already passed are listed in the 2027 section with their next confirmed dates.
SHRM26 Annual Conference and Expo
Summary: SHRM26 is a large HR conference and expo covering workplace strategy, HR leadership, compliance, technology, talent and people management. More HR-focused than L&D-specific, but relevant for learning leaders working closely with people teams.
- Date: 16 to 19 June 2026
- Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, USA
- Format: In person and virtual
- Best for: HR leaders, people teams and L&D teams connected to wider HR strategy
- Website: SHRM Annual Conference
Training Industry Conference and Expo 2026
Summary: TICE is a corporate learning event for L&D leaders, training professionals and workplace learning teams. It focuses on learning strategy, emerging technology, leadership, workforce performance and practical training challenges.
- Date: 16 to 18 June 2026
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Format: In person conference and expo
- Best for: Corporate learning teams, training managers and L&D decision-makers
- Website: Training Industry Conference and Expo
Adobe Learning Summit 2026
Summary: Adobe Learning Summit focuses on learning design, AI, data, personalisation and Adobe Learning Manager. Useful for teams using Adobe tools or exploring intelligent learning experiences at scale.
- Date: 23 to 25 June 2026
- Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas, USA
- Format: In person summit
- Best for: Adobe Learning Manager users, learning designers and digital learning teams
- Website: Adobe Learning Summit
ATD Government Workforce 2026
Summary: Designed for public sector workforce, training and talent development leaders. Focuses on workforce capability, leadership development and modernising talent systems in government.
- Date: 10 September 2026
- Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC, USA
- Format: In person conference
- Best for: Public sector workforce development and government L&D teams
- Website: ATD Government Workforce
LEARNING LIVE 2026
Summary: LEARNING LIVE is the Learning and Performance Institute’s flagship conference for learning leaders. Designed for senior people responsible for learning, talent and people development inside organisations.
- Date: 16 to 17 September 2026
- Location: Convene 133 Houndsditch, London, UK
- Format: In person conference
- Best for: Senior L&D leaders, learning decision-makers and talent leaders
- Website: LEARNING LIVE
TechLearn Conference 2026
Summary: TechLearn Conference focuses on training technology, elearning design, delivery, gamification, learning tools and workplace performance.
- Date: 6 to 8 October 2026
- Location: New Orleans, USA
- Format: In person conference
- Best for: Training technology, elearning design and corporate learning teams
- Website: TechLearn Conference
World of Learning Conference and Exhibition 2026
Summary: World of Learning is one of the UK’s main L&D events. It brings together learning suppliers, workplace learning teams, conference sessions, free seminars and networking. Co-located with Workforce Solutions 2026 for HR professionals.
- Date: 6 to 7 October 2026
- Location: NEC Birmingham, UK
- Format: In person conference and exhibition
- Best for: UK L&D teams, workplace learning suppliers and learning technology research
- Website: World of Learning Birmingham
Leaders Conference Orlando, one of the key events for L&D professionals in the USA.
ATD Intensive AI 2026
Summary: A virtual event for L&D and talent development professionals exploring how AI can support learning workflows, workplace transformation and responsible decision-making.
- Date: 8, 15 and 22 October 2026
- Location: Virtual
- Format: Online event series
- Best for: L&D teams exploring practical and responsible uses of AI
- Website: ATD Intensive AI
UNLEASH World 2026
Summary: UNLEASH World is a major HR and future of work event covering HR technology, workforce transformation, recruitment, talent and learning.
- Date: 20 to 22 October 2026
- Location: Paris Convention Centre, Paris, France
- Format: In person conference and exhibition
- Best for: HR leaders, talent teams, learning leaders and workforce technology buyers
- Website: UNLEASH World
ATD Asia Pacific Conference and Expo 2026
Summary: A regional talent development event for HR and L&D professionals across Asia Pacific, focusing on connecting people, AI and strategy.
- Date: 27 to 29 October 2026
- Location: Taipei International Convention Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Format: In person conference and expo
- Best for: Asia Pacific HR, talent development and L&D professionals
- Website: ATD Asia Pacific Conference and Expo
DevLearn Conference and Expo 2026
Summary: DevLearn is one of North America’s largest learning technology events. It focuses on learning technologies, instructional design, AI, immersive learning, microlearning and performance support.
- Date: 4 to 6 November 2026 (Pre-conference: 1 to 3 November)
- Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA
- Format: In person conference and expo
- Best for: Learning technology, instructional design, digital learning and elearning teams
- Website: DevLearn
CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026
Summary: One of the main UK events for HR and people professionals. Useful for L&D teams working closely with HR, talent, people analytics and organisational development.
- Date: 4 to 5 November 2026
- Location: Manchester Central Convention Complex, Manchester, UK
- Format: In person conference and exhibition
- Best for: HR, people, talent and L&D professionals
- Website: CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition
Future of Work APAC 2026
Summary: Brings together HR, employee experience, talent and learning leaders across Asia Pacific to explore workplace change, skills, AI, people strategy and leadership.
- Date: 17 to 18 November 2026
- Location: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Format: In person conference
- Best for: HR, L&D, talent and future of work leaders in APAC
- Website: Future of Work APAC
OLC Accelerate 2026
Summary: Focuses on online, blended and digital learning. More education and higher education focused than corporate L&D, but relevant for digital learning professionals and instructional designers.
- Date: 16 to 19 November 2026
- Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
- Format: In person conference
- Best for: Online learning, digital learning and instructional design
- Website: OLC Accelerate
Didac India 2026
Summary: A large education exhibition and conference covering EdTech, skills, learning resources, education infrastructure and digital education.
- Date: 25 to 27 November 2026
- Location: Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bengaluru, India
- Format: In person exhibition and conference
- Best for: Education technology, skills development and learning suppliers
- Website: Didac India
OEB Global 2026
Summary: OEB Global is a cross-sector event focused on technology-supported learning and training, bringing together people from education, workplace learning and training technology.
- Date: 2 to 4 December 2026
- Location: InterContinental Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Format: In person conference and exhibition
- Best for: Digital learning, workplace training and learning technology
- Website: OEB Global
Meeting Real Projects at an event?
We attend a number of L&D exhibitions throughout the year. If you want to arrange a meeting or find out more about our content library before or after an event, get in touch.
L&D conferences confirmed for 2027
The events below have already passed for 2026. I have listed the confirmed 2027 dates where available.
Learning Technologies France 2027
- Date: 20 to 21 January 2027
- Location: Paris Porte de Versailles, Paris, France
- Website: Learning Technologies France
Bett UK 2027
- Date: 20 to 22 January 2027
- Location: ExCeL London, UK
- Website: Bett UK
World of Learning Summit 2027
- Date: 2 to 3 February 2027
- Location: Olympia London, UK
- Website: World of Learning Summit
LEARNTEC 2027
- Date: 2 to 4 February 2027
- Location: Messe Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Website: LEARNTEC
Training Conference and Expo 2027
- Date: 22 to 24 February 2027
- Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
- Website: Training Conference and Expo
Future of Work Canada 2027
- Date: 2 to 3 March 2027
- Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Website: Future of Work Canada
People Development Summit 2027
- Date: 10 to 12 March 2027
- Location: Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium
- Website: People Development Summit
The Richmond L&D Forum Spring 2027
- Date: 21 April 2027
- Location: Savoy Place, London, UK
- Website: The Richmond L&D Forum
AITD Conference 2027
- Date: 28 to 30 April 2027
- Location: Canberra, Australia
- Website: AITD Conference
Learning Technologies 2027
- Date: 5 to 6 May 2027
- Location: ExCeL London, UK
- Website: Learning Technologies
ATD International Conference and Expo 2027
- Date: 16 to 19 May 2027
- Location: Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, USA
- Website: ATD International Conference and Expo
eLearning Expo Paris 2027
- Date: 9 to 10 June 2027
- Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris, France
- Website: eLearning Expo
CIPD Festival of Work 2027
- Date: 9 to 10 June 2027
- Location: ExCeL London, UK
- Website: CIPD Festival of Work
All year L&D events
L&D Shakers Events
L&D Shakers is an international community for learning and development professionals. It runs community events, meetups and online sessions throughout the year.
- Date: Various dates throughout the year
- Location: Online and community-led events
- Website: L&D Shakers
Please check all details before booking or travelling. All dates, locations, and information may change. Always verify with the event organiser before committing.
How to share conference insights with your team
The real value of an event often comes after it ends. If you attend a conference, do not just come back with a few notes and a tote bag full of supplier brochures. Turn what you learned into something useful for your team.
- Write a short summary of the three most useful ideas.
- Share useful supplier links with the right people internally.
- Record a quick voice note while the event is still fresh.
- Turn session notes into a short internal update.
- Agree one or two actions rather than trying to act on everything.
That way, the event becomes part of your learning strategy rather than a day out of the office.
Submit an L&D event for this list
If you organise an L&D conference, exhibition, webinar series or workplace learning event, let us know and we will review it for inclusion. Please send the event name, date, location, format, official website and a short description of who it is for. We only include events that are relevant to learning and development, workplace learning, talent development, HR, elearning, digital learning or skills.
Contact Real Projects to suggest an event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best L&D conferences to attend?
The best L&D conference depends on your goals. If you want to compare learning technology and suppliers, a large exhibition such as Learning Technologies or World of Learning can be useful. If you want deeper discussion, workshops or peer networking, a paid conference or smaller specialist event may be a better fit.
Are L&D exhibitions usually free to attend?
Many exhibitions offer free visitor passes, especially for supplier halls and seminar theatres. Conference sessions, workshops and premium networking events may require a paid ticket, so always check the event website before booking.
How should I choose an L&D event?
Start with your current learning priorities. Look at the agenda, speaker list, suppliers, location, ticket cost and expected audience. The most useful event is the one that helps you solve a real problem or make better decisions for your organisation.
Can L&D conferences help you compare learning suppliers?
Yes. Many L&D conferences and exhibitions include suppliers covering LMS platforms, content libraries, elearning tools, leadership training, coaching, analytics and workplace learning technology. Preparing questions in advance helps you compare suppliers properly.
What should I ask an elearning content provider at an exhibition?
Ask about course topics, LMS compatibility, SCORM files, languages, accessibility, pricing, implementation support and how often the content is updated. Ask to see sample courses before making a decision.
Should suppliers attend L&D conferences?
Yes, many learning providers, LMS companies, content libraries and consultants attend L&D events to meet buyers, understand market trends and build partnerships. The best results usually come from having a clear reason to attend before you go.
Scott Hewitt
Scott Hewitt is the founder of Real Projects, an off-the-shelf elearning content library trusted by organisations including HowNow, OpenSesame, Ticketmaster, and easyJet. He has built a library of over 800 courses across nine languages, with a focus on practical workplace training that’s ready to deploy on any major LMS.
Scott has spent over 25 years working in elearning as a buyer, supplier, and creator. He regularly attends L&D exhibitions and conferences in the UK, Europe, and the USA, and built this list because he could not find a single, independent resource that covered the full range of events without commercial bias.
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