This is your opportunity to shape, share and celebrate L&D: Awards, Career Pathways & Conference 2027.
Dear Learners,
Great work in learning and development deserves to be recognised, and the future of our profession should be shaped by those working within it.
AITD is opening new opportunities for practitioners to showcase their achievements, contribute their experience, and share the work making a difference across the sector.
Entries Now Open: 2027 AITD Excellence Awards
Submissions are now open for the 2027 AITD Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding achievement, innovation and impact across learning, capability and performance.
Whether you have delivered a transformative learning program, built organisational capability, embedded innovative technology, created a high-performing learning culture or achieved exceptional results through your team, we invite you to share your success.
Three new categories have been introduced for 2027:
Best Use of AI in L&D, recognising innovative, responsible and effective applications of artificial intelligence;
Learning Evaluation and Impact, recognising excellence in demonstrating the value and impact of learning initiatives; and
L&D Team of the Year, celebrating teams delivering outstanding outcomes through collaboration, innovation and effective practice.
The award format and criteria have also been refined in response to feedback. Please review the eligibility and submission requirements carefully before preparing your entry.
Award winners will be announced at the AITD Excellence Awards on Thursday, 29 April 2027 at Hotel Realm, Canberra, held in conjunction with the AITD National Conference.
Help Map the Future of L&D Careers With an AITD + Big Bloom Hackathon
A passion for helping people learn, bringing out the best in others and contributing to organisational success draws many of us to L&D. Yet navigating a career across the profession—from establishing your foundations to moving into senior practice and leadership—is not always straightforward.
AITD wants to help map clearer and more intentional career pathways for practitioners at every stage—and we want to build that roadmap with you.
On Thursday, 15 October 2026, AITD is partnering with Collective Intelligence and innovation specialists Big Bloom for a high-energy, three-hour online Hackathon.
This is not a traditional webinar or presentation. With no pre-work and no sitting on mute, participants will work in facilitated small groups to:
share experiences and insights across different career stages;
co-design practical tools, frameworks and initiatives that AITD can introduce;
experience Design Thinking and Collective Intelligence methods in action; and
connect with L&D professionals from across Australia
We are looking for practical ideas, compelling case studies, new perspectives and credible evidence of what is making a difference in contemporary L&D.
The strongest sessions go beyond broad inspiration and give delegates ideas, approaches and insights they can apply. Proposals should clearly explain the challenge or opportunity addressed, the approach taken, the results achieved and what others can learn from the experience.
You do not need to be a professional speaker or an AITD member to submit. We welcome established experts, experienced practitioners and compelling new voices.
Speaker Expressions of Interest close Wednesday, 25 November 2026
Save the Date: AITD Conference 2027
Impact in the New Learning Landscape: Amplifying the human edge, tech advantage and strategic influence
28–30 April 2027 - Hotel Realm, Canberra
Across two and a half days, the conference will explore the human capabilities that matter as technology advances, the effective and responsible use of AI and learning technologies, and the strategic influence of L&D within our organisations.
The program will feature practical case studies, workshops, presentations, panels, research and fresh perspectives from practitioners, organisations and thought leaders across the profession.
The preliminary program overview is available now, with earlybird registration opening soon.
The current issue of Training & Developmentmagazine (Winter 2026) is available, exploring the theme Learning in the Flow of Work. 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. AITD is currently accepting submissions for the Summer edition on the topic Sustainable Business Impact & Organisational Resilience. Learn more.
AITD's short courses and webinars are designed by L&D professionals for L&D professionals.
They offer practical, hands-on learning for every stage of your L&D career, delivered by experienced practitioners and focused on real-world tools, current industry practice and skills you can apply straight away — with options to learn in person, online or through tailored in-house delivery.
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