Learning Technologies 2026 opens with a challenge to how we think with AI
The Learning Technologies 2026 opening keynote from Giovanni Giamminola, argues that AI’s biggest impact is cognitive not technical, reframing learning leadership as a governance issue.
As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in everyday work, many organisations are concentrating their efforts on tools, use cases, and efficiency gains. Yet the most significant shift is not technological but cognitive. This session explores how AI is changing the way people think, decide, and create at work, and why organizations must move beyond skills training toward a more intentional approach to governing human thinking in an AI-enabled environment.
Cognitive Governance and the Augmented Workforce - Giovanni Giamminola
Most organizations approach AI through familiar lenses such as automation, productivity, and scale. Training programs often focus on how to use tools effectively, assuming that better usage naturally leads to better outcomes.
In this opening address, Giovanni Giamminola, Author of The Augmented Manager, challenges that assumption. Drawing on his experience as a CEO, general manager, and advisor to executive teams, he examines how AI functions as an external cognitive layer that reshapes reasoning, judgment, and decision-making. When left unmanaged, this shift can lead to cognitive delegation, where individuals unknowingly transfer critical thinking and creative responsibility to machines.
Learning Technologies Conference Chair, Donald H Taylor, said: “Rather than treating AI primarily as a technology problem, this session reframes it as a leadership and governance challenge. Giovanni introduces a set of cognitive postures that help individuals and organizations use AI to enhance thinking rather than replace it. For learning, enablement, and talent professionals, the discussion offers a practical and timely lens on how their role must evolve to support not just new skills, but new ways of thinking about work itself.”
Giovanni Giamminola's opening keynote takes place on day one, 29 April at 09:30.
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 70+ speakers on the programme.
More information
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Learning Technologies 2026
29-30 April 2026, London Excel
#LT26UK
learningtechnologies.co.uk
Giovanni Giamminola
AI Advisor for Business Transformation, Author of the book "The Augmented Manager"
Giovanni Giamminola is an Artificial Intelligence Advisor for Business Transformation with over twenty years of experience as CEO and General Manager across Europe and North America, leading companies with revenues exceeding one billion euros. He holds a degree in Economics from Università Cattolica in Milan and executive education from Harvard Business School. Adjunct Professor at UCL and member of the Steering Committee of the Executive Master “AI-Driven Business Models” at Università Cattolica, he authored the bestsellers Il Manager Potenziato and Il Brand Potenziato. He created the “Manager Potenziato Method,” combining strategic and agentic AI to accelerate organizational transformation