The Training 2026 Conference & Expo was like a swap meet for 2,000-plus Learning and Development (L&D) professionals as they exchanged knowledge, insights, experiences, and best practices this February in Orlando. The event offered a brand new Braindate networking kickoff, followed by one-on-one/small group conversations throughout the conference; a safe space for sharing and reflection during poet Pádraig Ó Tuama’s keynote; plus a chance to explore how much training matters in Space (with a capital S) in the keynote presented by former NASA Space Operations Chief Engineer Heather McDonald.
The conference featured more than 100 breakout sessions, 10 certificate programs, and 13 hands-on clinics. Some 66 exhibitors filled the Expo Hall, which also showcased Virtual Engagement and Podcasting Labs, the Innovations in Training Test Kitchen, and the new Startup Alley. Attendees also learned how to elevate their training at the co-located Learning Leaders Summit (see p. 42) held at Central Florida Tech Grove.
“Being surrounded by training professionals who are passionate about the same things created an energizing environment, rich with opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from peers whose perspectives and experiences broadened my own,” noted attendee Simona Vidican, director, Training & Development, Cleveland Clinic. “I left feeling inspired and reset—recharged by the conversations, shared purpose, and sense of belonging that comes from spending time with like-minded professionals who truly care about learning, growth, and impact.”
KEYNOTE QUOTES
“Looking ahead at the next three years, I believe we’ll see more of a convergence around the roles people play and how AI can help enable that better, faster, cheaper. We will see the continued development of AI tools that can do things in learning and development quickly, such as creating games in 20 minutes. But that also will lead to ‘disposable’ training and possible ‘AI slop,’ which can impact the quality of training.” —DAVID METCALF, Director, University of Central Florida’s Mixed Emerging Technology Integration Lab
“We all know training matters, but it especially matters in space as space is unforgiving. When training fails in space, everyone remembers. Some lessons we’ve learned in space that can apply to all organizations:
- Look for failure of imagination in your training.
- Train people to speak up.
- Train continually, deepen experience, learn lessons, and seek opportunities.”
—HEATHER McDONALD, Former NASA Space Operations Chief Engineer
—PÁDRAIG Ó TUAMA, Poet and Conflict Mediator
2025 EMERGING TRAINING LEADERS
Eighteen of the 25 2025 Emerging Training Leaders attended an awards ceremony held at the Training magazine booth. The Emerging Training Leaders awards program highlights training professionals who have been in the industry between 2 and 10 years and have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, business savvy, and training instincts. To read about the winners, visit: https://trainingmag.com/rise-shine/
MVP, MVP, MVP!
We’re used to hearing the MVP chant at sports championships, but it recently applied to the Learning and Development (L&D) industry as Training magazine recognized the 91 winners of its 2026 Training MVP Awards. Some 350 L&D professionals celebrated their excellence in employer-sponsored training at the black-tie Field of Dreams Gala at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, FL.
The awards ceremony revealed the 2026 ranking and recognized the Most Valuable Players in the L&D industry with crystal trophies; Southern New Hampshire University took the top spot. Sponsors included ELB Learning, Seiko, and Walker- Clay/Sweeter Cards. Gala partners were Awarding You, the Training Hall of Fame, and Brella, which helped optimize the event.
Some 18 new companies broke into the Training MVP Awards ranking this year. Five winners also were recognized with Best Practice Awards and another five earned Outstanding Training Initiative Awards (see opposite page). In addition, Applied Materials, Inc., and ESL Federal Credit Union were inducted into the Training Hall of Fame (see p. 40).
BEST PRACTICE AWARD WINNERS
- JLL
- Limbach Holdings, Inc.
- Michigan State University Federal Credit Union
- Panda Restaurant Group
- Walden Security
OUTSTANDING TRAINING INITIATIVE AWARD WINNERS
- Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
- Blue Sprig Pediatrics
- Carilion Clinic
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Patient Access
- LPT Realty
