Free Spirits LIVE!
Free Spirits LIVE is a one-day virtual conference for self-employed L&D professionals who want to grow a business with courage, clarity and confidence. On 4 March 2026 you’ll get inspiring keynotes, energising talks, practical skills labs and engaging panels, plus space to process and network. Expect hands-on learning, honest conversations and opportunities to connect with peers. You’ll also get three weeks of access to the Conference Village for extra resources and networking before and after the event.
Free Spirits LIVE is a one day virtual conference for self employed professionals in the Learning and Development space who want to build a thriving business on their terms. It is a space for honest insight, practical tools and real connection with peers and peers to be. This is not theory for theory’s sake. It is grounded, relevant and rooted in the everyday realities of being self employed in L&D.
Across the day you can expect hands on learning, energising talks, inspiring keynote sessions and expert led skills labs. Every session is designed to help you build confidence, capability and clarity in how you show up, how you work and how you grow your business.
The conference opens with award winning author and behavioural expert Liggy Webb, whose keynote on resilience and behavioural agility sets the tone for the day. Liggy explores how belief, tenacity and clear purpose help freelancers thrive even when uncertainty hits, leaving you with practical encouragement and habits you can apply immediately.
Throughout the programme you will hear from experienced practitioners tackling the realities freelancers face every day. Linnéa Sjögren shares her Trojan Horse approach to handling tricky client briefs without compromising your values. Rob Hubbard focuses on strengthening creativity and resilience, two essential but often overlooked ingredients in a sustainable freelance career. Emma Klosson introduces her Blueprint for Recognition, helping you confidently evidence and communicate the impact of your work.
You will also gain practical insight into expanding your opportunities. Andrew Jacobs demystifies public sector tendering, breaking down where to find opportunities and how to approach them with confidence. Tess Robinson brings sustainability and purpose into focus, offering realistic, eco friendly strategies for doing good business. Dave Plunkett explores relationship led growth, sharing a clear framework for building referrals rooted in trust rather than awkwardness.
The day closes with a powerful keynote from social anthropologist Jasmine Gartner, who uses stories about power to help you connect big ideas to your own journey and leave with clarity for your next steps.
These sessions are just the tip of the iceberg. Alongside the main talks, expert hosts and facilitators will run skills labs, Q&A rooms and discussion panels, plus a live recording of the Free Spirits of L&D podcast.
Beyond the live event, all attendees receive three weeks of access to the Conference Village. Opening on 18 February, this dedicated community space offers resources, conversations and networking before and after the conference, so the learning and connections continue well beyond 4 March.
Free Spirits LIVE! is sponsored by Evolve L&D, IDTX and Your Best Next Move. Our media partner is Learning News.