TrainingPros Sponsors NALES Conference in San Diego, Contributing to Forward-Looking Conversations on the Future of L&D
TrainingPros was proud to sponsor the recent NALES conference in San Diego, where senior learning leaders gathered for several days of peer-driven dialogue, practical insight sharing, and candid conversations about the future of learning and development.
Hosted in a scenic setting overlooking a golf course with warm weather and the Pacific Ocean providing a beautiful backdrop, the event offered an ideal environment for both strategic reflection and meaningful connection. TrainingPros was represented by Relationship Manager Kara Kirby and President Leigh Anne Lankford, who spent time engaging with learning executives across industries, roles, and organizational sizes.
Executive Table Talks: Reflecting on the Past Five Years and the Next Five
A highlight of the conference was the themed executive lunch discussions, designed to encourage deeper, peer-to-peer conversations around the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing L&D today. TrainingPros hosted a table discussion titled:
“Reflecting on the Last Five Years and Charting the Next Five: The Transformative Journey of L&D.”
Participants at the TrainingPros table explored how the learning and development function has fundamentally shifted in recent years moving from content-centric delivery to a more strategic role focused on performance, capability building, and business impact. Conversations touched on the long-term effects of rapid digital transformation, changing workforce expectations, evolving leadership capabilities, and the growing influence of data and AI in learning decisions.
“What made this conversation powerful was how honest and grounded it was,” said Kara Kirby, Relationship Manager at TrainingPros. “Leaders weren’t talking in hypotheticals. They were sharing what’s actually changed in their organizations and where they still feel tension as they look ahead.”
Other executive table talks throughout the conference covered a wide range of timely topics, including:
- Practical approaches to AI adoption in learning
- Building skills-based organizations
- Leading L&D teams through organizational redesign
- Designing learning for multigenerational and multicultural workforces
- Balancing human connection with learning technology at scale
These small-group discussions gave leaders the space to compare notes, challenge assumptions, and learn directly from peers navigating similar realities.
Breakout Sessions Focused on Strategy, Technology, and Impact
In addition to the table talks, NALES featured a robust lineup of practitioner-led breakout sessions that addressed both strategic and tactical dimensions of modern L&D. Sessions explored topics such as:
- Preparing L&D programs for the future amid shifting skill needs
- Building actionable dashboards to demonstrate learning impact
- Defining and optimizing digital learning and AI strategies
- Governance models to manage growing demand without sacrificing quality
- Marketing L&D offerings internally to drive adoption and visibility
- Aligning learning initiatives more closely with business priorities
Across sessions, a consistent theme emerged: learning leaders are being asked to do more with greater speed, tighter alignment, and clearer evidence of impact, often with the same or fewer internal resources.
“What we heard again and again is that leaders want flexibility and control,” said Leigh Anne Lankford, President of TrainingPros. “They’re thinking differently about how work gets done, how teams are resourced, and how to stay responsive as priorities change. The conversations reinforced just how much the L&D role has matured.”
Connection, Community, and Giving Back
Beyond the formal agenda, attendees connected for two evening drinks receptions featuring live music, creating relaxed opportunities to continue conversations and strengthen professional relationships.
The conference also incorporated a meaningful community service activity. Attendees participated in assembling school bags for school-aged girls in the local Latin community. This was a great hands-on experience that resonated deeply with many participants.
It was a great reminder that learning and leadership are ultimately about people,” Lankford added. “Being able to give back together made the experience even more impactful.”
TrainingPros extends sincere thanks to NALES, fellow sponsors, speakers, and attendees for the thoughtful dialogue, shared learning, and sense of community throughout the event.
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