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Training magazine’s Training 2025 Conference & Expo in Orlando was a powerhouse event, bringing together more than 2,000 delegates, 200+ exhibitors, and 200+ speakers. With such a dynamic environment, it was a whirlwind of learning, networking, and trend-spotting.
Who Attended?
With a $1,700+ price tag, this event attracted a highly engaged crowd, primarily from North America. Attendees included:
- Internal Training & Development Teams from large corporations and government agencies.
- Content Providers & Learning Management System (LMS) Vendors, who dominated the expo floor.
- A Smaller Number of Independent Training Providers, many of whom focused on delivering high-impact workshops.
What Were the Big Themes?
If one topic ruled them all, it was Artificial Intelligence (AI). Conversations around AI centered on:
- Microlearning – How AI is personalizing and optimizing bite-sized learning.
- Content Generation – The rise of AI-assisted training content.
- Security & Integrity Risks – As AI infiltrates L&D, concerns about data privacy and misinformation loom large.
Other key themes included:
- Well-Being & Personal Development – Employee mental health and resilience remain top priorities.
- ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Training – Surprisingly, this was less prominent than expected, perhaps due to shifting economic and corporate priorities.
What Should SME Training Providers Take Away from This?
For small and medium-sized training providers, creativity is key when engaging with large companies. Rather than competing with internal training teams, look for ways to collaborate. Large organizations cannot cover everything in-house, so positioning yourself as a strategic partner can open doors.
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) Continues to Rise VILT is booming, and two major trends stood out:
- Engagement Matters – Platforms like Class.com are making waves. While their $10,000+ entry cost is manageable for big companies, it’s a significant investment for SME trainers. (Check out our independent review here.)
- Effectiveness & ROI – Companies are becoming more data-driven. If you’re an SME, consider partnering with platforms like Eparamus (www.eparamus.com) to build ROI measurement into your training offerings.
Should You Attend in 2026?
If you’re a training provider wondering whether this event is worth your time and investment, here’s what you need to know:
- It’s action-packed! From keynotes to workshops, something is always happening—no downtime.
- Networking is effortless. L&D professionals are eager to connect over coffee, drinks, and even ice cream!
- Run a workshop. If you’re an expert in your field, apply to lead a one-hour session—it’s a great way to showcase your expertise.
- Stand out if you’re international. If you're not from the U.S., you’ll be unique in the crowd, making you even more memorable.
Stay Updated with The Training Pulse
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Check out The Training Pulse, our new regular column in Training magazine, where we share exclusive insights into Global Training Trends for 2025 and beyond.
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Did you attend the Training 2025 Conference & Expo? What were your biggest takeaways? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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