DIRECTIONS
Lauren Harbert
Submissions for the 2025 LTEN Excellence Awards are now being accepted! We can’t wait to hear your success stories!
Nominations are open through March 3, 2025. Don’t miss this chance to spotlight the innovations and achievements of yourself, your team, your clients and your peers.
Visit www.l-ten.org/awards to view the categories and submit your nominations today.
Hello LTEN community, and happy January! The start of a new year always brings fresh energy, new goals and exciting possibilities, and this January is no exception. I’m thrilled to start the new year off by sharing an exciting change to our LTEN Annual Conference, which will take place this summer in beautiful Colorado.
After much thought and planning, we’re shaking things up in the best way possible: introducing a celebratory evening gala to honor the LTEN Excellence Awards nominees! Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Gaylord Rockies in Denver, this evening of celebration and elegance will honor the best in the learning profession like never before.
And you’re invited!
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 30, 2025. We’ll transform the evening into a memorable celebration, with this year’s theme “Denim & Diamonds — Where Rustic Charm Meets Sparkling Elegance.”
This new format represents an evolution of the LTEN Excellence Awards celebration. Previously held during Wednesday morning’s keynote address, the awards were an inspiring part of the program but often had to share time with other activities.
By creating a standalone evening gala, we’re giving these important recognitions the attention and celebration they truly deserve. The event also allows us to spotlight excellence and inspire our community in a more immersive and memorable way.
The gala is more than just a dinner — it’s an experience that celebrates excellence across the learning industry. Here’s what I believe will make this year’s event so special:
Spotlight Social Hour: Ahead of the gala, join us for an engaging social hour featuring poster presentations by awards finalists. This unique opportunity will allow attendees to learn from the best, ask questions and connect with the finalists in a relaxed and interactive setting.
An Unforgettable Evening: The gala will feature a live ceremony celebrating finalists, winners, Members of the Year, Hall of Fame inductees and scholarship recipients. This event is designed to ensure everyone — whether you’re part of a large team, new to LTEN or attending for the first time — feels welcomed and appreciated.
Celebrate in Style: Dinner reservations will open with conference registration in early spring. Member pricing, finalist discounts and single-day passes will be available, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to join the fun.
The LTEN Excellence Awards gala aligns with our mission to celebrate success, foster community and create lasting memories. It’s a night to honor the brightest in our field while enjoying the grandeur of the Colorado Rockies. I hope you’ll plan to join us, either as a nominee or a supporter.
In the meantime, here’s to a year of excellence and celebration ahead! Let’s make it successful, memorable and special for everyone we touch with our work.
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.