L&D’s future debated at Learning Technologies 2026
L&D in an AI World: Creating a New Future for the Profession - Donald H Taylor & Eglė Vinauskaitė at the Learning Technologies Conference this April in London.
As AI becomes embedded in everyday work, it is forcing a fundamental re-examination of L&D’s purpose, influence, and identity. This session block explores how the profession is shifting away from content creation toward organisational enablement, system design, and strategic impact, drawing on both global research and lived leadership experience. Together, these sessions challenge long-held assumptions about L&D’s value and offer a clear-eyed view of what it will take for the profession to remain relevant in an AI-enabled future.
L&D in an AI World: Creating a New Future for the Profession - Donald H Taylor & Eglė Vinauskaitė
AI has moved from experimentation to everyday practice in L&D, but with that shift comes a more fundamental question: what happens to the learning function when content creation is no longer its defining capability?
In this session, Donald H Taylor and Eglė Vinauskaitė share insights from their global research and real-world examples to examine how AI is reshaping the foundations of the learning profession. Drawing on data and observed practice across organisations, they explore how L&D’s role, influence, and operating model are evolving as AI becomes embedded in everyday work.
Learning Technologies Conference Chair, Donald H Taylor, said: “Rather than focusing on hype or one-size-fits-all solutions, this session helps attendees understand how to choose the right AI tools for their goals, avoid common pitfalls, and build the skills needed to use them effectively.”
Donald and Egle will then be joined on stage by James Swift, Director of Talent Development at Leyton UK, and Sandra Loughlin, Chief Learning Scientist at EPAM Systems, for a panel session chaired by Stella Collins, to share practical perspectives on how they are navigating the profession’s shift away from content production toward broader organisational impact. Building on recent research insights, the panel explores how learning teams are redefining their value, influence, and focus as AI becomes part of everyday work.
Panelists will discuss what’s changing in practice, what tensions they’re encountering, and how they are repositioning L&D to remain relevant and influential—often while balancing legacy expectations and emerging opportunities.
Key Topics Include:
- How L&D leaders are responding to AI’s impact on their function
- Moving from content creation to organisational enablement
- Tensions between traditional expectations and emerging roles
- What’s proving harder (or easier) than expected in practice
- Lessons for redefining L&D’s value in an AI-enabled world
L&D in an AI World: Creating a New Future for the Profession takes place on day two, 30 April at 11:15.
The full programme is available on the event website: Learning Technologies 2026 Conference. Conference passes are on sale, with a £100 saving for bookings before 13 March: Learning Technologies 2026 Conference Conference Passes.
Save £100 when you book before 13 March
Your Conference Pass includes all conference tracks and theatres, networking lunch and drinks and full access to both days of the exhibition. There are two ticket types, including our premium option for those looking to get the most out of your experience at Learning Technologies.
Speakers include: David Kelly, Dani Johnson, Lori Niles-Hofmann, Laura Overton, Michelle Ockers, Egle Vinauskaite, Nigel Paine, Kelsey Kates, Serena Gonsalves-Fersch and Simon Gibson; just a few of the 80+ speakers on the programme.
More information
Learning professionals can keep informed of the conference’s developments and announcements by registering for the Learning Technologies Newsletter.
Learning Technologies 2026
29-30 April 2026, London Excel
#LT26UK
learningtechnologies.co.uk
Egle Vinauskaite
Learning Strategist, Nodes
As the award-winning director of the learning innovation studio Nodes, Egle Vinauskaite’s deep expertise in learning, behaviour and technology has made her a sought-after advisor for blue-chip companies and next-gen edtech startups. With experience in AI, XR, mobile technologies, digital platforms and blended learning environments, Egle offers a wealth of insight at the intersection of technology, organisational learning and the future of work. In her capacity as an advisor and researcher, she focuses on integrating AI into L&D operations and equipping workforces with the necessary skills for AI adoption across their organisations. Grounded in both research and practical application, Egle understands the ground zero of how AI is ushering in entirely new ways of doing things in the world of L&D, learning and edtech.
Donald H Taylor
Chair, Learning Technologies London
Donald H Taylor has worked in learning and technology since the mid-1980s. He has chaired the Learning Technologies Conference in London since 2000 and writes and speaks world-wide. His annual L&D Global Sentiment Survey, started in 2014, provides a unique perspective on L&D trends from over 100 countries. From 2010 to 2021, he chaired the Learning and Performance Institute. He chairs the Workforce Development board for VC firm Emerge Education, and advises several EdTech start-ups. The author of Learning Technologies in the Workplace, Donald is a graduate of Oxford University and the recipient of an honorary doctorate from London’s Middlesex University.
James Swift
Director of Talent Development, Leyton UK
James Swift is Director of Talent Development at Leyton, a global consultancy firm accredited as an exceptional learning organization. Twice a finalist for Learning Leader of year, he leads the strategy that creates an environment that empowers performance across all levels of the organization. James is passionate about AI, skills, and data, and has been published as a leading case study for his work with AI. He is a proponent of using AI to support human capability, and has created the "swift Model" of organizational performance.
Sandra Loughlin
Chief Learning Scientist, EPAM Systems
Dr. Sandra Loughlin is the Chief Learning Scientist at EPAM Systems, a global leader in digital platform engineering and a company with three decades of experience as a skills-based organization. Sandra uses her expertise as a learning scientist and organizational psychologist to ensure EPAM’s numerous people initiatives work together under one skills umbrella and collectively drive business growth, quality, and results. She also leads the global effort to share EPAM’s skills-based experience and insights to help other organizations progress in their transformation journeys and reap the benefits of using validated skills data to make business decisions.