Ep. 16 Why L&D Conferences Need a Total Rethink
pdfl - ep16 - show notesThe Future of L&D Conferences: Breaking the Mould with Anamaria Dorgo and Dinye HernandaEpisode SummaryIn Episode 16 of Product Design for Learning, host Greg Arthur is joined by Anamaria Dorgo, Learning and Community Consultant at Handle with Brain, and Dinye Hernanda, Founder and Learning Designer at haus of ilmu. Together, they explore the current state of learning and development (L&D) conferences, discussing what works, what doesn’t, and how a shift towards more participatory, community-led formats could transform the way L&D professionals gather, collaborate, and grow. From personal experiences to organising their own “nonference”, this is a candid, insightful conversation about designing conferences that actually enable learning.Guest Profile🎙 Anamaria DorgoRole: Learning and Community Consultant at Handle with Brain Highlights:Creator of L&D Shakers, a global community of practiceSpecialises in learning experience design, social learning, and facilitationAdvocate for experimental formats and inclusive peer learning🎙 Dinye HernandaRole: Founder & Learning Designer at haus of ilmu Highlights:Extensive experience building L&D functions in startups and scale-upsFocuses on leadership development, inclusion, and climate-conscious learningAuthor of a widely discussed article critiquing conventional L&D conferencesKey Take-AwaysTraditional L&D conferences are often passive, overly scripted, and fail to reflect how professionals actually learn.A lack of diversity in voices, especially from practitioners, limits the relevance and impact of many events.Conferences need more participatory design, including workshops, discussions, and collaborative formats.The L&D Shakers Nonference serves as a successful example of flipping the script—centred on co-creation, experimentation, and community energy.The future of L&D events lies in designing for practice, not just performance—highlighting real stories, including failure, and welcoming all levels of experience.How Did You First Engage with L&D Conferences?Dinye Hernanda: Her first major L&D event was Online Educa Berlin, where she engaged as a speaker, attendee, and behind-the-scenes contributor. While she valued the exposure, she found the experience overly polished and lacking deeper learning impact.Anamaria Dorgo: Also attended OEB, describing it as large, impersonal, and not designed for solo attendees. Although it was energising to be among peers, she noticed a lack of deliberate structure to encourage meaningful networking or engagement.What’s the Current State of Learning Conferences?Anamaria: Described most conferences as content-heavy marathons with minimal design for participant interaction. Often overwhelming, with too little reflection space.Dinye: Argued that most L&D conferences contradict what L&D professionals themselves advocate: learning isn’t an event. Conferences should embody the principles we preach—yet most don’t.Where Are We Missing Opportunities?There’s a need for more voices from actual practitioners, not just polished...
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