DevLearn Conference & Expo has always been the place to explore where the industry is headed, but it is also where we uncover where learning professionals want to go next.
We took the time at DevLearn 2025 to talk with influential voices in the space to ask “What do you hope to see at next year’s event?” and their answers pointed towards even more meaningful moments, practical applications, going beyond the hype of AI, talking about failure, and more.
Here’s a closer look at what 2025 Influencers told us, and what it might mean for DevLearn 2026.
The moments between sessions
Again and again, conversations came back to the same idea: DevLearn is one of the few moments when learning professionals can truly be in the same room. Influencers talked about the value of creating space for more intentional connections, such as small meetups, mentorship moments, and conversations that help people feel part of something larger. Especially for those attending on their own, these human touchpoints are what take DevLearn beyond being just a conference and into a community.
Learning that takes you further
There’s a growing expectation and reality that DevLearn doesn’t stop at the basics. Influencers shared a desire for sessions that dig into why challenges persist, what’s hard to implement, and how to move forward when familiar approaches fall short. The learning that resonates most is the kind that stretches thinking and opens new doors.
What AI looks like in the real world
AI continues to be a major point of curiosity, but the most interesting conversations are no longer about what’s possible, they’re about what’s actually working. Influencers want to see how teams are using AI, what’s changing as a result, and how organizations are navigating the realities that come with it. The most compelling conversations focus less on what AI could do and more on what it’s already doing in practice.
The stories we don’t always tell
Several voices emphasized the need for more stories of failure to be shared. Not everything works, and that’s where some of the most valuable learning happens. Influencers pointed to the power of case studies, failures, and candid reflections that go beyond polished success narratives. These types of conversations open the door to collaboration, problem-solving, and shared understanding at DevLearn.
More voices & more ways to participate
DevLearn’s community-driven spirit continues to stand out. Influencers highlighted moments where the program felt shaped by the people attending, including elements like student presentations, emerging voices on stage, and creative ways the community contributed. Those experiences reinforce the idea that DevLearn isn’t just something you attend, it’s something you help build.
Fresh perspectives that break the mold
Looking outside the learning and performance improvement world was another recurring theme. Influencers expressed interest in keynotes and experiences that challenge familiar thinking, especially when ideas from other industries can be translated back into learning practice. These moments of surprise often leave a lasting impact, sparking ideas long after DevLearn ends.
The ideas shared above aren’t just reflections on what attendees hope to see more of. They’re part of an ongoing dialogue that helps guide how DevLearn evolves year after year. As planning for DevLearn 2026 continues, that community feedback remains at the center of the process. We’re excited to keep building on what’s working, exploring what’s next, and sharing more about what’s ahead in the months to come.
