Explore new opportunities to speak, learn, volunteer and help shape the future of L&D.

Dear Learners,

There’s plenty happening across AITD as we head into the final months of 2026, with new opportunities to contribute, connect and continue building capability across our profession.

Our 2026–2027 Divisional Councils are now in place around Australia, and we’re looking forward to introducing our new councillors and seeing the ideas and activities they bring to their local L&D communities. We’ve also recently updated AITD’s By-Laws, providing greater clarity around Life Membership, Divisional Councils and the important contribution of our volunteers.

There are several ways to get involved in the weeks ahead. Applications are now open for the Emerging Professional Scholarship, and in October we’ll bring practitioners together for the AITD and Big Bloom L&D Career Pathways Hackathon to help explore how AITD can better support L&D professionals throughout their careers.

Behind the scenes, we’re also continuing to expand the ways members can learn and develop with AITD. Our first self-paced AI Fundamentals program is nearing launch, work continues to make curated Capability Framework resources more accessible, and new and evolving courses are helping us respond to the changing needs of the profession.

Looking further ahead, preparations are well underway for two of the biggest dates on AITD’s 2027 calendar. Applications are now open to speak at the AITD Conference 2027, and early bird registrations are available for those planning to join us in Canberra from 28–30 April. The AITD Excellence Awards 2027 are also now open for entries, and we’re inviting experienced practitioners to apply to join our judging panel. Follow the links to learn more, submit an application or secure your place.

You’ll find more on these initiatives, opportunities to participate and what’s coming up across AITD below.

Regards,

Ben Campbell | Chief Executive Officer

Australian Institute of Training and Development

The current issue of Training & Development magazine (Spring 2026) is now available, exploring the theme Reskilling for a Changing World. Published by AITD and widely respected across the L&D and HR sectors, the magazine features contemporary thought leadership, practical insights, case studies and industry perspectives designed to keep professionals at the forefront of practice. Each quarterly issue is included with AITD membership, with members also able to access the digital edition, making it one of the most valued benefits of being part of the AITD community.

On the Ground: AITD Highlights

👥 QLD Division – Creativity Night – 17 September

More than 35 L&D professionals came together in Brisbane on 17 September for an evening exploring creativity, connection and new ways of thinking.

Through hands-on activities incorporating Artful Inquiry, weaving and LEGO® building, participants explored how visual prompts, making and play can encourage different perspectives, spark conversation and help us approach ideas and challenges in new ways.

🏆 NZATD – 2026 Awards Gala Dinner – 10 September

AITD was delighted to join our NZATD colleagues in Auckland on 10 September for the NZATD Awards Gala Dinner, celebrating excellence and achievement across New Zealand’s learning and development community.

Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and award recipients, and to the NZATD team for delivering a wonderful evening at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre.

👥 NSW Division – Sydney Networking Breakfast – 17 September

More than 30 L&D professionals joined us in Sydney’s CBD on 17 September for a sold-out AITD NSW Networking Breakfast, bringing together new connections and familiar faces for an informal morning of conversation and networking.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the AITD NSW Divisional Council for continuing to create opportunities for the local L&D community to connect and strengthen their professional networks.

⭐ Volunteer Spotlight - Joseph Atkinson

This month we’re recognising Joseph Atkinson, a member of AITD’s VIC/TAS Divisional Council since 2024.

Joseph has supported the delivery of in-person events in Melbourne and online webinars for the wider AITD community. Passionate about contributing to the profession, he values opportunities to connect L&D professionals and create spaces where people can share ideas and learn from one another.

Joseph is currently Culture and Capability Lead at Wesfarmers Health and is also the founder of Lugy Studios, which explores simulation-based learning through gamification, behavioural science and collaborative problem-solving.

AITD events are a great opportunity to connect with other L&D professionals while exploring the latest industry topics and trends in a relaxed environment.

Everyone's welcome - both members and non-members - so bring your colleagues along. Online events can be attended from anywhere in the world and, if you're in the area for any of our local face-to-face events, feel free to join whether it's your home state or not.

High-Performance Learning Teams: A Human First Approach

7 October | 5.30pm - 7.30pm
The Wharf Hotel, Melbourne

Learning teams are being asked to deliver more amid competing priorities, limited resources and increasing demands. Join Tina Paterson, Founder of Outcomes Over Hours, and Therese Joyce, Founder and Principal Consultant at Snow Daisy, as they explore how learning leaders can build high-performing teams without sacrificing wellbeing. Through two short presentations and a facilitated panel discussion, you’ll discover practical, human-centred approaches to strengthening team performance, focusing effort on what matters most and creating the conditions for people to thrive through change.

AI Sense-making for L&D

20 October | 5.30pm - 7.15pm
TIME Education & Training, Henley Beach

As AI becomes part of everyday work, L&D professionals have an important role in helping people distinguish useful insight from distraction. Join Tessa Kowaliw, Founder of Circle Round, for an interactive session exploring how to recognise signal and noise in AI-enabled workplaces, apply critical judgement to AI-generated outputs, and support workforce capability and AI sensemaking. Through discussion and practical activities, you’ll leave with concepts and questions you can apply to AI-related learning and conversations in your organisation.

Re-learning to play: Keeping your L&D toolkit fresh through curiosity, creativity & play

21 October | 5.00pm - 7.30pm
Clifton's Canberra

When was the last time you really played? Join Mei-Ling Chin, certified LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator and founder of Fair Play LSP, for a hands-on evening exploring how play can spark creativity, encourage participation and open up new ways of thinking. Experience LEGO® Serious Play® for yourself, discover how playful approaches can bring fresh ideas to your learning and facilitation practice, and connect with fellow L&D professionals along the way.

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