Conference Chairperson & Opening Remarks

Sue McLoughlin MBA, Founder and Managing Director, StriveToThrive.ie

Harnessing the Power of Emerging Technologies in L&D

Speaker: Camille Donegan, Creative Tech Producer, Adaptas Training

• Explore AI, VR, and AR tools transforming corporate learning
• Learn how to integrate artificial intelligence to personalize learning experiences and improve outcomes
• Practical applications of gamification in L&D for increased learner engagement and retention

Aligning Training with Organisational Strategy for Long-Term Success

Speaker: Sue McLoughlin MBA, Founder and Managing Director, StriveToThrive.ie

• Practical strategies for aligning learning and development with overall business goals
• Techniques for measuring L&D ROI and demonstrating the value of training programs to senior leadership
• Building a data-driven approach to adjust and optimise programs in real-time for maximum impact

Innovating Learning Programs—Designing for Engagement and Impact

Speaker: Sean Delaney, Founder, Cobblestone Learning

• How to design interactive and immersive learning experiences that boost engagement and knowledge retention
• Applying creative problem-solving and gamification techniques in program design
• Case studies from companies that have successfully implemented innovative learning strategies

Cultivating a Continuous Learning Culture and Effective Feedback Mechanisms

Speaker: Barbara Lynch, Lynch Training & Development Ltd

• Building an environment that fosters continuous learning at every level of the organisation
• Practical frameworks for integrating regular, actionable feedback loops into your L&D programs
• Techniques for creating a psychologically safe space where employees feel comfortable sharing and receiving feedback

Designing Inclusive and Accessible Training for Diverse Teams

Speaker: Laura Barry, Head of People Development, Insight HR

• Best practices for designing training programs that cater to a wide range of learning styles and accessibility needs
• Strategies to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into your training and development initiatives
• Practical tools to ensure equal access to training for all employees, including those with disabilities

Developing Soft Skills to Drive Organisational Growth and Collaboration

Speaker: Niamh Moynihan, CEO, Better Workday

• Training employees in conflict resolution, adaptability, and emotional intelligence to improve team dynamics
• How to foster cultural intelligence and create collaborative learning opportunities in hybrid or diverse teams
• Key soft skills for driving employee engagement, innovation, and organisational resilience

The Importance of Upskilling and Reskilling

Speaker: Fredericka Sheppard, Co-Founder and Managing Director (Joint), Voltedge Management

• Understanding the business case for upskilling and reskilling to keep pace with industry trends and technological advances
• Identifying critical skill gaps and developing targeted programs to future-proof your workforce
• Leveraging learning platforms, microlearning, and AI-driven tools to implement scalable and personalized training solutions
• Exploring real-world examples of organisations that have transformed through effective upskilling and reskilling initiatives
• Creating a practical framework to assess and launch upskilling and reskilling programs within your organisation

Integrating Career Planning, Coaching and Mentoring to Guide L&D Initiatives

Speaker: Marian Crowley-Henry, PhD, Professor of Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour at Maynooth University School of Business

• An overview of new tools and strategies for training and upskilling talent in times of change 
• Connecting development strategies with business priorities to deliver in-demand skillsets 
• Taking a skills inventory to identify gaps and determine if positions can be filled in-house
• Harnessing AI to develop personalised career plans for key talent by matching their skills with new projects and career pathways