The Training 2025 Conference & Expo orchestrated a harmonious blend of learning, networking, collaborating, and groovin’ to the beat this February at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. SMB Amped DJ Reatha Cruz-Johnson and bassist Joela Oliver pumped up the keynote crowd of nearly 2,000 Learning and Development (L&D) professionals each morning. Keynoter Sarah Hicks, principal conductor, Live at Orchestra Hall, Minnesota Orchestra, shared the communication techniques and leadership best practices of symphony orchestras that bring individuals together to create harmony in harmony—and invited several attendees on stage to take the baton.
Narrative 4’s Candice Cole and Lee Keylock presented an equally interactive keynote in which attendees shared personal stories with each other and explored how authentic narratives break down barriers, spark innovation, and unite teams.
The conference featured 100-plus breakout sessions, 10 certificate programs, and 13 hands-on clinics. More than 60 exhibitors packed the Expo Hall, which also showcased a Virtual Engagement Lab, the Innovations in Training Test Kitchen, a new Podcast Lab, and Ask Me Anything Stations. Attendees also learned how to level up their training at the co-located Learning Leaders Summit (see p. 40) held at MS2 Lake Nona Accelerator.
“The insightful discussions and engaging, lighthearted moments made this event both educational and energizing,” noted one attendee. “I’m excited to bring these learnings back and see how they shape my organization’s future!”
KEYNOTE QUOTES
“The fastest way to collapse the distance between people is when you see the other person’s story. Stories humanize all. Stories transform perceptions. Stories build bridges. Stories drive change.” —CANDICE COLE, Executive Director, and LEE KEYLOCK, Senior Director, Programs, Special Initiatives, & Innovation, Narrative 4
“Conductors lead via collaboration and influence. A good conductor—as a good leader—helps each player understand their role in the whole ensemble. They rely on the talent and expertise of the players. The conductor needs the orchestra, and the orchestra needs the conductor. When we are on the stage, we agree to agree.” —SARAH HICKS, Principal Conductor, Live at Orchestra Hall, Minnesota Orchestra
ALL HAIL, JUDY HALE!
Prior to the second day’s keynote, Training recognized longtime conference speaker (40-plus years!), author of nine books, and certification expert Dr. Judy Hale for her contributions to the industry. As noted in the recognition, “Judy is the queen of credentialing, a fierce advocate for performance-based evaluation, a powerful presenter, and a lifelong learner. She deeply believes that training can, indeed, change hearts and mindsets.”
MAKING CONNECTIONS
2024 EMERGING TRAINING LEADERS
Twenty-two of the 25 2024 Emerging Training Leaders attended an awards ceremony held on the Expo Stage. 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/ld-mvps/
L&D SILVER JUBILEE AWARDS GALA
Cheers to 25 Years of Recognizing Stellar Training
It was a celebration to last throughout the years—25 years, to be precise! Just as it has for the last quarter of a century, Training magazine recognized organizations for their excellence in employee training and development at a special black-tie awards event February 17. Some 400-plus Learning and Development (L&D) professionals attended the 2025 L&D Silver Jubilee Gala held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, FL.
Sponsored by Adobe, Awarding You, and The Brainier LMS (now ClearCompany Learning), and produced by Training’s event management partner, Brella Productions, the awards ceremony revealed the 2025 rankings and recognized the winners’ stellar learning and development achievements with crystal trophies.
Some 19 newcomers broke into the rankings of the 95 winning companies this year. ESL Federal Credit Union (#1) and Applied Materials, Inc. (#2) now are eligible for 2026 induction into the Training Hall of Fame, which saw The Haskell Company; State Compensation Insurance Fund; and Paychex, Inc., inducted this year.
Five winners also were recognized with Best Practice Awards, and another five winners received Outstanding Training Initiative Awards (see opposite page).
This awards program was recently rebranded as the Training MVP Awards.
• ESL Federal Credit Union
• Forvis Mazars, LLP
• JLL
• Johns Hopkins Medicine: Patient Access
• Walden Security
OUTSTANDING TRAINING INITIATIVE AWARD WINNERS
• Carilion Clinic
• Dexian
• Gilbane Building Company
• Mariner Finance LLC
• Michigan State University Federal Credit Union
TRAINING HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
IT’S a CELEBRATION!
