DIRECTIONS Lauren Harbert
Hello LTEN community, and happy December! As we wrap up another incredible year, December offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on LTEN’s achievements in 2024.
What a year it was! Together, we’ve continued to evolve, innovate and strengthen our impact in training in the life sciences industry.
Let’s celebrate some of the highlights that brought us here.
This year marked significant advancements in technology across the industry, including internally for LTEN. We improved both member experience and operational efficiency, with advancements in many ways. In 2024, the LTEN team:
Transitioned the LTEN association management system (AMS).
Built a new L-TEN.org website.
Introduced new features in our conference registration platform.
Enhanced the career center.
Shifted LTEN webinars to the Zoom platform.
Refreshed our eLearning Lounge modules, ensuring our relevant content is accessible to all.
Laid a strong foundation for connectivity, learning and community.
Our LTEN 2024 Annual Conference deserves special recognition as the pinnacle of the year, setting new records in attendance and participation. And here too we innovated:
We welcomed a greater number of Preferred Industry Partners (PIPs) and exhibitors than ever before, showcasing innovative solutions and ideas.
Fresh programming, such as Thursday’s “AI Day” and interactive walking tours, offered attendees unique insights and hands-on learning experiences.
We reimagined our Tuesday evening charity activity and reception into a more engaging and inclusive event.
The New Attendee Lounge provided a warm welcome and support for first-timers.
Our expanded Excellence Awards program introduced new categories and an exciting poster contest.
Other new features like the Walking Challenge and a helpful conference ChatBot were launched to enhance the attendee experience.
The LTEN team and leadership also worked to make connections fruitful for all members this year, including senior leadership.
The LTEN Learning Executive Series brought new energy in 2024 with quarterly guest authors in LTEN Focus on Training magazine and virtual mixer events.
At the annual Learning Executive Forum, new Executive Exchange sessions took learning deeper, and the LTEN Board of Directors members led additional breakout sessions.
LTEN also worked with executives and TGaS to provide a benchmarking report with industry insights and best practices, as well as quarterly Focus articles.
This year’s membership mixers were intentionally redesigned for deeper connections, and several were hosted onsite at training headquarters by our member companies. We even held our first outdoor mixer (and the weather cooperated beautifully!).
And, of course, LTEN launched some new tools, resources and spotlights to shine on our members.
Inside LTEN Focus on Training magazine, we recognized a Volunteer of the Month each issue. The initiative kept community engagement strong, honoring those who contribute selflessly to our mission.
We also added a new Focus feature, “The Last Laugh” column, giving us a lighthearted close with humor and reflection. If you haven’t contributed a lighthearted anecdote to that yet, please do share with us … I know you have stories to tell!
I’m going to mention the new AMS tool here too, because it’s designed to make your LTEN experience easier. If you haven’t updated your profile lately, you really should … we’re kicking networking up a notch too.
As we close 2024, let me wish you the happiest of whatever holidays you celebrate this season. I feel a deep gratitude for each of you, whether you’re a longstanding supporter, a new member or someone who has rejoined the LTEN family. We’re excited to continue building on this year’s accomplishments with all of you engaged, growing and actively contributing to our vibrant community.
Here’s to further growth, deeper connections and impactful achievements as we step into 2025 together!
Lauren Harbert is executive director of LTEN. Email Lauren at
lharbert@L-TEN.org or connect with her through
linkedin.com/in/lauren-harbert-25373b35.