We wrap up the best learning and development events you need to attend in 2026.
L&D events are a treasure trove where you can meet like-minded individuals, hear from your favourite L&D thought leaders, and see what’s new on the market.
But, which one should you attend?
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to learning and development events, both in the UK and abroad.
From exhibitions and conferences to roundtables, there are a whole host of opportunities for you to learn, get inspired, and improve your L&D strategy.
Ready for the best list of L&D events in 2026? Get your calendar ready… ๐๐
But first, there are some L&D events in 2025 to do first!
Don’t rush to 2026 just yet. There are some keys learning and development events in 2025. So keep them on the calendar as the year isn’t out yet!
- Dev Learn: 5-7th November at ๐MGM Grand, Las Vegas
- CPD Expo: 12-13th November ExCeL London
- CIPD L&D Conference: 5-6th November at ๐Central Convention Centre, Manchester
- LN Connect: 14th November at๐St Paul’s, London
- Future of Work: 18-19th November at ๐Park Plaza, London
World of Learning Summit
The World of Learning Summit is a two-day Conference & Exhibition that brings together leading experts, brands, and professionals from the L&D community under one roof.
Held at Olympia London, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity for L&D professionals to learn, discover, interact, and network.
The thoughtfully curated Conference programme gives delegates the chance to hear from thought leaders within the L&D community, in an informative yet informal environment.
๐ 3rd & 4th February, 2026
๐Olympia London
HR Summit 2025
HR Summit is something a little different for your L&D calendar and we know the title might seem like it’s just HR professionals.
But this event is exclusive, invite-only, for a small number of attendees looking for valuable, quality networking.
๐ 11th February, 2026
๐Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport
People Development Summit
The People Development Summit is an exclusive gathering of senior L&D decision-makers focused on finding the best solutions to achieve their company’s learning and development objectives.
The People Development Summit offers a relaxed and efficient setting for like-minded professionals to connect, explore new market trends, and identify potential partners for upcoming projects.
๐ 11th – 13th March, 2026
๐Dolce CampoReal, Lisbon
Learning Technologies
Learning Technologies is Europeโs premier showcase for organisational learning and the technologies that support workplace education.
Featuring over 200 free L&D seminars, more than 200 exhibitors, and an exhibition hall displaying the latest innovations, Learning Technologies provides an unparalleled experience, and keeps its position as one of the biggest L&D events each year.
๐ 29th – 30th April, 2026
๐ExCeL London
Skills & Education Group Conference
The Skills and Education Group Annual Conference is the event of the year for anybody working in education.
In 2025, the theme is ‘Collaborate, Innovate, Elevate’ which aims to address the skills gap, foster lifelong learning and nurture a resilient workforce.
This is a unique event for those working in education to meet other industry leaders, educators, and policymakers.
๐ 20th May, 2026
๐Eastwood Hall, Nottingham
ATD International Conference & Exposition 2025
Hosted by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), this is one of the largest global events for L&D professionals.
It offers in-depth sessions, world-renowned speakers, and an expo featuring the latest tools and solutions in talent development.
๐ 17th – 20th May, 2026
๐LA, USA
The Richmond L&D Forum
The Richmond L&D Forum is a prestigious event that brings together senior learning and development professionals for a day of insightful discussions, networking, and knowledge sharing.
Designed to foster collaboration, the forum combines keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and one-on-one meetings with leading L&D solution providers.
It offers a unique platform for attendees to explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in organisational learning, helping them drive success within their own businesses.
๐ 21st May, 2026
๐Savoy Place, London
CIPD Festival of Work
The CIPD Festival of Work explores the future of work, bringing together experts in HR, L&D, and tech to discuss strategies for creating better workplaces.
The event covers a wide range of themes relevant to todayโs workforce, including employee experience, digital transformation, leadership development, and employee well-being.
It also delves into emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics, which are reshaping how we learn, work, and manage talent.
๐ 11 – 12th June, 2026
๐ExCeL London
The Learning Ideas Conference
The Learning Ideas Conference in New York is an annual event that brings together educators, corporate training professionals, researchers, and tech innovators to explore the latest in learning and development.
It focuses on bridging the gap between academic research and practical, workplace learning applications.
You can gain insights into cutting-edge topics like adaptive learning, virtual and augmented reality in education, AI for personalised learning, and instructional design innovations.
The event is ideal for anyone involved in L&D who wants to leverage technology to create impactful, learner-centred experiences and foster a culture of continuous learning.
And remember, just because it’s in New York, doesn’t mean you can’t attend! They also offer hybrid offerings meaning you can get involved online.
๐ 10th – 12th June, 2026
๐New York City
Learning Live
Hosted by the Learning and Performance Institute, Learning Live is tailored to L&D leaders, covering high-level themes like learning strategy, organisational performance, and innovation in training.
It offers thought-provoking sessions on the strategic side of L&D, including how to design programs that align with organisational goals.
๐ 16th – 17th September, 2026
๐Convene 133, Houndsditch, London
World of Learning Conference
This is the northern counterpart to the World of Learning Summit that takes place earlier in the year.
Another 2-day event, you can expect more leading voices, products and partners all at the NEC.
This is a widely-attended event, so one that may provide you more value.
๐ 7 – 8th October, 2026
๐NEC, Birmingham
DevLearn 2026
DevLearn is one of the largest events for the eLearning industry, with a focus on cutting-edge learning technologies, VR/AR, and immersive learning.
It’s ideal for professionals interested in experimenting with new tech-driven learning approaches, from immersive simulations to AI-powered personalised learning.
๐ 12th – 14th November, 2026
๐Las Vegas, USA
CIPD Learning and Development Conference
Organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), this event focuses on the latest in people management, employee engagement, and professional development.
The show covers everything from leadership development to organisational change.
This is an ideal opportunity for L&D professionals to stay up-to-date with effective training strategies and HR trends that enhance workforce engagement and productivity.
๐ 5 – 6th November, 2026
๐Manchester, UK
LN Connect
LN Connect is packed with powerful keynote speakers, hands-on case studies, and unique networking opportunities.
Its focus?
To show how L&D can take an active role in leading organisational change, especially in times of constant disruption.
By the end of the day, you will leave with fresh tools, actionable insights, and the confidence to drive innovation. Jam-packed with influential speakers; names you’ll likely recognise from LinkedIn, you can expect to leave with a pad full of notes.
๐ 14th November, 2026
๐St Paul’s, London
Future of Work (Europe)
Learn from over 100 forward thinking and inspirational practitioners at the Future of Work event. Remember, this event takes place worldwide, so you can find these events in the USA, Canada and Asia-Pacific.
It focuses on examining and shaping the future landscape of work, typically exploring how changes in technology, workforce demographics, and workplace expectations will impact businesses and workers alike.
๐ 25th – 26th November, 2026
๐London, UK
Wrapping up
L&D events are a sure-fire way to learn from professionals, meet colleagues and see new products in action.
But if you’re not up for leaving the comforts of the office, or you need something a bit closer to home, there are other ways to learn and upskill.
First, check out some other key opportunities for growth like our lists of:
- top L&D podcasts
- best L&D books
- key L&D related resources
- and of course, L&D thought leaders to follow
But that’s not all.
Learning more about L&D is easier with the right platform in play.
Why not book a demo with our team to see our Edition of Totara in action, and get our expert advice. Even better, we can give you a free healthcheck on your current Totara LMS.
FAQs
What are some free Learning & Development events?
There are lots of free L&D events available for visitors. Some may also offer paid-for tickets which will give you access to more demonstrations, presentations or areas. Free L&D events include World of Learning and Learning Technologies.
What is the best L&D event to attend in 2025?
We couldn’t possibly choose one L&D event. We always like to attend Learn Tech and World of Learning, but we know that some of our customers enjoy more of the smaller roundtable events, or even bigger events like Dev Learn in the US.
When is Learn Tech 2026?
Learning Technologies 2026 is set for 29th – 30th April 2026 in Excel London