DIRECTIONS
Lauren Harbert
Hello LTEN community, and happy July! The heart of summer is here, and with it this year’s LTEN Annual Conference — our biggest and most vibrant gathering of the year. While the entire event is filled with inspiring sessions, powerful connections and energizing experiences, this year I’m especially thrilled to share a fresh take on a cherished tradition: the LTEN Excellence Awards.
We’ve reimagined the celebration to elevate the experience for our finalists, winners and attendees alike. For the first time, the LTEN Excellence Awards ceremony is breaking away from the traditional Wednesday morning slot to become a standalone evening celebration. By separating the ceremony from the keynote, we’re giving it the space and spotlight it truly deserves — and creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.
The Excellence Awards have always been more than just a ceremony. They’re a celebration of the creativity, innovation and leadership happening across our industry. The categories are intentionally broad — recognizing everything from strategic impact and learning design to team collaboration and culture-building. We want to shine a light on the work that often happens behind the scenes but makes a huge difference in driving results. This year’s categories include:
Leadership & Teams: From emerging leaders to powerhouse teams of all sizes, we’re recognizing those creating impact through people and purpose.
Learning & Content Design: Celebrating creative learning strategies, compelling content and breakthrough solutions.
Strategy & Impact: Showcasing programs that are measurable, scalable and truly making a difference.
Culture & Collaboration: Honoring the programs that build connection, support well-being and elevate partnerships.
We’re also proud to induct five new members into the LTEN Hall of Fame — outstanding individuals who have not only shaped their organizations but have left a lasting mark on our LTEN community. Their leadership, service and contributions have helped elevate the entire profession.
You can read more about them in Board President Laura Last’s May column, and you’ll see them center stage alongside our 2025 Members of the Year and board members as they help present this year’s awards.
Join us on Wednesday evening for a two-part celebration of connection, recognition and community. We’ll begin at 5 p.m. local time with the Spotlight Social, featuring poster presentations by this year’s award finalists. This informal, engaging session is open to all attendees and offers a great opportunity to hear directly from the teams behind some of the most innovative and impactful programs in our field. With light appetizers, drinks and networking built in, it’s the perfect warm-up for the evening ahead.
At 5:30, the doors open for our Excellence Awards Gala Dinner & Ceremony — a ticketed event open to all registered conference attendees. While space is limited and advance RSVP is required, the evening is not just for nominees — we encourage all attendees who want to celebrate excellence in our field to attend. Dinner will be served promptly, and the ceremony begins at 6 p.m. This year’s theme, “Denim & Diamonds,” brings a touch of flair to the evening, perfectly capturing the balance between grit and glamour that defines so many of our award winners.
If you aren’t attending in person, you can still join us! The ceremony will be live streamed, allowing our LTEN community to tune in and celebrate these achievements in real time. Details on how to access the live stream will be shared ahead of the event.
In an industry that’s always evolving — with new technologies, shifting regulations and growing learner needs — it’s essential that we take time to recognize the individuals and teams who are not just keeping pace, but setting the pace. These awards offer real-world examples of what’s possible when innovation meets intention, and when collaboration drives strategy.
More than just trophies, the LTEN Excellence Awards shine a light on the path forward — helping all of us learn from each other, grow together and stay inspired to raise the bar in our own work.
I hope you’ll join us for this unforgettable evening. Whether you’re cheering on your colleagues, meeting new peers or soaking in the stories of our finalists and winners, you’ll leave energized — and maybe with a few sparkling ideas of your own.
See you in Colorado!
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.
