Instructional Design (ID) lies at the heart of modern learning, seamlessly blending technology and teaching to craft engaging educational experiences. It's the art and science behind creating effective online courses, interactive modules, and digital learning materials.
The Instructional Design Professionals Conference in 2023 drew an impressive attendance of 2,919,261 individuals, with over 16,703 attendees hailing from the US and Canada combined.
What You'll Discover?
In this blog, we'll delve into the world of instructional design conferences in 2025. We'll explore how these events impact your learning journey, why they're hosted in the first place, and which ones you should mark on your calendar. Here's what you can expect:
- What happens at learning conferences?
- What topics are covered in learning conferences?
- Why should you attend instructional design conferences?
- A Comprehensive List of Instructional Design Conferences in 2025
- Top Virtual Instructional Design Conferences in 2025
- What are the best ways to make the most of instructional design conferences in 2025?
1. What happens at learning conferences?
Learning conferences are events that bring together:
- Professionals
- Educators
- Researchers
- Stakeholders
Most of them are active in the field of education. These conferences allow the congregation to discuss, exchange ideas, and share best practices related to learning and teaching.
What topics are covered in learning conferences?
These conferences cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Instructional design
- Educational technology
- Pedagogy
- Curriculum development
- Assessment
- Educational psychology
Attendees have the opportunity to participate in various sessions, workshops, keynote presentations, and panel discussions led by experts and practitioners in the field.
Why should you attend instructional design conferences?
By attending instructional design conferences, you can grow your career and stay updated with industry trends. Let’s see some major benefits you can achieve:
1. Networking Opportunities
a. Conferences provide an opportunity to network with:
- Industry professionals
- Colleagues and experts in instructional design.
b. You can exchange ideas with them and forge meaningful connections.
c. This association can lead to possible collaborations and job opportunities.
d. Also, by networking, you can expand your circle and build lasting relationships that can support your career advancement.
2. Access to the Latest Trends and Technologies
a. Instructional design conferences offer a firsthand look at:
- Latest trends
- Technologies
- Best practices shaping the industry
b. You get to learn about emerging instructional design models and become aware of cutting-edge e-learning tools (e.g., Authoring Tools)
c. By staying updated with these advancements, you can maintain competitiveness and expedite your professional growth.
3. Professional Development and Skill Enhancement
a. Conferences are often designed to enhance professionals' skills and knowledge.
b. These feature a wide range of:
- Workshops
- Sessions
- Keynote presentations
c. You, as an attendee, have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops.
Here, you can learn new techniques and software applications directly from industry experts. Overall, instructional design conferences offer a rich learning experience that can enrich your skills, broaden your knowledge, and empower you to excel in your role as an instructional designer. As the demand for skilled instructional designers continues to rise, so does the importance of staying informed and connected within the industry, which can be achieved either through ID certifications or ID conferences.
A Comprehensive List of Instructional Design Conferences in 2025
Let us explore the in-person instructional design conferences that will be held in 2025:
ATD TechKnowledge is a reimagined experience for L&D professionals focusing on the intersection of learning and technology. The conference will explore tools and techniques to elevate learner engagement, future-proofing L&D strategies, and designing scalable, technology-driven learning ecosystems. Networking opportunities with industry experts, known as “TK Rockstars,” will also be available.
- Interactive sessions
- Hands-on workshops
- Networking opportunities
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Date: February 2025
How do you register for the instructional design conference?
You can register individually by clicking here. To participate, you will be required to pay standard rates, which are:
- $1,895 for ATD Members and
- $2,095 for Non-ATD Members
This conference focuses on the technical aspects of learning design and development, making it ideal for professionals looking to stay current with e-learning trends. It offers in-depth workshops on e-learning development tools.
It brings together professionals and promotes innovation in learning technology. It is designed exclusively for instructional designers and covers tools, ideas, and strategies for success.
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Date: June 9–12, 2025
- Best for: Instructional designers, e-learning developers, and learning architects.
- Registration: Estimated cost ranges from $1,200 to $1,500. More details can be found on the official website.
How to register?
You can register for the event through this link. At the time of writing this article, the registration was supposed to open in due time.
3. 2nd edition of the FICCI Learning & Development Summit
The 2nd edition of the FICCI Learning & Development Summit is scheduled for January 28, 2025, at FICCI, New Delhi. The summit will run from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with registration starting at 9:30 AM. The theme for this year is "Adapt, Evolve, Lead: The Next Generation of Learning & Development." Also, you get to engage in networking spaces and have exclusive one-on-one meetings with groundbreaking solution providers.
Inaugural Session:
- Welcome Remarks: Director General/ASG/DSG, FICCI (To be confirmed)
- Keynote Address: Ms. Lakshmi C, Senior Managing Director - CHRO, Accenture in India
- Theme Address: Mr. Prem Singh, President, Group CHRO, JK Organisation
Registration Details:
- Fee per delegate: INR 2,000 plus 18% GST (Total: INR 2,360)
- Registration Form: Available online
Registration: How do I do it?
It is an “invite-only” summit. You can express your interest by filling out this Google form.
4. World of Learning Summit 2025
The World of Learning Conference & Exhibition is a premier two-day event bringing together experts and professionals from the L&D community at NEC Birmingham.
The free-to-attend exhibition also provides access to various free seminars and interactive zones.
You, as an attendee, can benefit from the following:
- Interactive presentations
- Panel sessions
- Debates
Also, you will learn how to deliver practical solutions and fresh ideas. The free-to-attend exhibition also provides access to various free seminars and interactive zones, such as:
- Mental well-being zone
- Business & networking lounge
- Learning Design Live
- Life Skills Library
- Live Demo Zone
Some key details
Location: NEC, Birmingham
Date: 4 & 5 February 2025 at Olympia London
Date: 7 & 8 October 2025 at NEC, Birmingham
Best for:
- Chief Learning Officers (CLO)
- Senior L&D professionals
- Training manager
How to register for the instructional design conference?
Registration is completely free. You can confirm your participation by filling out the dedicated form using this link for 7 & 8, October 2025 and use this link to register for 4 & 5 October 2025.
5. The Learning Ideas Conference 2025
It's a gathering of global researchers, practitioners, and L&D professionals exploring innovative approaches to education and workplace learning. The conference welcomes participants from various fields, including education, computer science, cognitive science, game design, and user experience design. What are the best ways to use new technologies?
- What is the best way to conduct interdisciplinary research?
- What are the best ways to create a new learning experience?
This international and multidisciplinary conference welcomes participants from academic and professional fields such as:
- Education
- Computer science
- Cognitive science
- Game design
- User experience design, and many more similar fields.
Some key details
Location: New York and Online
Date: June 11-13, 2025: A hybrid conference, in New York and online
Best for:
- Researchers
- Learning and development professionals
- University faculty
- User experience (UX) designers
- Technologists
Registration: How do I do it?
You can register for this event by clicking on this link. It is a paid registration and you will be required to pay:
- $625 as a participant
- $525 as a speaker
- $295 if you are a full-time student
After successful registration, you can access all conference sessions and their complete recordings, including those featured in the special tracks.
6. DevLearn 2025 Conference & Expo
DevLearn brings together professionals and promotes innovation in learning technology. It is designed exclusively for instructional designers and covers tools, ideas, and strategies for success.
Best for: Chief Learning Officers, corporate training and development executives, training directors and managers, instructional designers, e-learning developers, instructional technologists, and learning architects
Registration: Details are available on the official website.
Some key details
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas
Date: November 12 – 14, 2025
Registration: How do I do it?
To participate in the roundtable, you will be required to “request an invitation. Kindly visit this link and fill out the online form.
7. Training Magazine’s Techlearn 2025 Conference
The TechLearn 2025 Conference, presented by Training magazine, is specifically made for L&D professionals. By attending this conference, you will become aware of cutting-edge learning research and learn about training technologies that enhance workplace performance.
This conference covers a wide array of topics and content, such as:
- Design & Implementation
- Evaluation & Assessment
- E-learning
- Virtual Classrooms
- Game-based Learning
- Simulation and Augmented Reality
- Artificial Intelligence
Some key details
Location: New Orleans
Date: October 6-8, 2025
Best for: Professionals in the training industry looking to explore the latest trends and technologies.
Registration: How do I do it?
You can register for this event using this link. The organizers offer online payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Top Virtual Instructional Design Conferences in 2025
Unable to take corporate leaves? or have vacation plans scheduled? Don't miss out on learning by attending virtual or online conferences instead. See the list below of the top online conferences scheduled to be held in 2025:
This online website offers a virtual event in Learning and Development (L&D) known as MicrolearningCONF. You can attend this event to learn, network, and gain inspiration related to microlearning. Some common program attendees include:
- Chief Learning Officers
- Training & Development Executives, and
- Instructional Designers
This event exclusively focuses on microlearning and teaches you how to break down learning into standalone units of study.
Some key details
Date: March 6, 2025
Time: 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT
Cost: Free
How to register for a virtual instructional design conference?
To participate in the free virtual conference, you will have to fill out the registration form. Access it from here.
2. Ninth Annual Learning Experience Design Conference (LXDCON’25)
LXDCON’25 explores how play, games, and gamification can transform the learning experience. This conference is ideal for those who want to elevate their Learning Experience Design (LXD) skills and explore innovative methods to design educational experiences with practical applications and theoretical insights.
Target Audience:
- Learning Experience Designers
- Instructional Designers
- Gamification Experts
Some key details
Date: June 10 to 13 2025.
Time: 30 PM GMT+5:30
Cost: USD 98
How to register for a virtual conference meeting?
The tickets for this online program start at From €64.10. You can purchase them using this link.
What are the best ways to make the most of instructional design conferences in 2025?
Make your visit worthwhile. To maximize your conference experience, you will be required to plan strategically and remain actively engaged throughout the event. Let’s see some practical tips:
- Plan Ahead
- Before the conference, you must:
- Review the schedule
- Identify sessions and workshops
- Search for networking events that align with your interests and professional goals
- Also, create a personalized itinerary to make the most of your time
- Network Strategically
- Initiate conversations with fellow
- Attendees
- Speakers
- Exhibitors
- Be prepared with a brief introduction
- Always have specific questions or topics in mind to facilitate meaningful discussions.
- Exchange contact information and follow up with new connections after the conference
- Engage with Speakers
- Attend sessions led by industry experts
- Actively participate by:
- Asking questions
- Sharing insights
- Offering feedback
- Engage with speakers, establish rapport, and try learning from their expertise.
- Don't hesitate to approach speakers during breaks to continue the conversation.
- Stay Open-Minded
- Be willing to explore topics outside your comfort zone
- Identify opportunities for interdisciplinary learning
- Try to gain insights into diverse perspectives within the instructional design community.
- Take Notes and Reflect
- Bring a notebook or use a note-taking app to jot down key takeaways, ideas, and action items.
- Explore how you can apply these insights to your work
- Review your notes periodically to:
- Reinforce learning and
- Identify areas for further exploration
- Follow Up and Continue Learning
- After the conference, follow up with contacts you've made.
- Send personalized emails or connect on professional networking platforms
- Express gratitude to them and try exploring potential collaborations
Conclusion:
As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the importance of continuous learning and professional development cannot be overstated. By actively participating in instructional design conferences, you're not just investing in your career; you're embracing a community of learners and leaders dedicated to shaping the future of education.
How Calibr Can Help?
Make microlearning courses in mere minutes! Use Calibr.AI, a cutting-edge course development tool powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Thanks to our user-friendly authoring tool, Calibr Craft, you can now effortlessly create impactful learning experiences. Also, don’t forget to try our learning experience platform, Calibr LXP.
Reach out to us today and start for free.
FAQs
1. What is instructional design?
Instructional design is the process of creating effective learning experiences by applying principles of pedagogy, technology, and psychology to develop educational programs and materials.
2. Why should I attend instructional design conferences?
Attending these conferences helps you stay updated on industry trends, expand your professional network, and enhance your skills through workshops and sessions.
3. How can I network effectively at a conference?
To network effectively, be prepared with an elevator pitch, engage in meaningful conversations with speakers and attendees, and follow up after the event.
Sanju has a wealth of experience and expertise in instructional design, bringing innovative ideas and a fresh perspective to e-learning content development. She is passionate about merging technology and creativity for dynamic e-learning. Her passion for creating engaging and effective learning experiences aligns perfectly with Calibr's commitment to excellence. She also enjoys writing about e-learning trends in the corporate world.