DIRECTIONSLauren Harbert
Hello LTEN community, and happy March! There’s something about March that naturally turns our attention toward what’s ahead. Days are getting longer, momentum is building and we begin to look forward to the experiences that will shape our year. For our community, one of those defining moments is the LTEN Annual Conference — and I couldn’t be more excited about what awaits us this June in Kissimmee, Fla.
Each year, we thoughtfully curate keynote speakers who challenge perspectives, inspire growth and equip you with insights that extend far beyond the conference experience. Our 2026 lineup does exactly that, beginning with two extraordinary voices who embody what it means to learn boldly, lead intentionally and grow continuously.
We will open the conference Tuesday with Dr. Keith Keating, a globally respected voice in organizational learning and talent development. Keith’s personal story alone is a testament to the transformative power of education — from high school dropout to earning multiple degrees, including a doctorate with distinction from the University of Pennsylvania. But what makes his message particularly powerful for our community is his unwavering belief that talent is an organization’s greatest asset and that lifelong learning is the engine that unlocks human potential.
In his newest book, Hidden Value: How to Reveal the Impact of Organizational Learning, Keith challenges one of the most persistent frustrations facing learning leaders today: proving our impact. Rather than accepting that learning is difficult to measure he flips the narrative — suggesting that the true opportunity lies in how we seek, create, measure, and communicate value in ways business leaders unmistakably understand.
For a deeper look at Keith’s newest release, be sure to visit this month’s Book Briefs, where LTEN Board Vice President Kristy Callahan shares additional insight into the ideas shaping this important work. It’s a great preview of the thinking he’ll bring to the keynote — and well worth the read!
On Wednesday morning, we will continue the momentum with Suneel Gupta, whose work sits at the intersection of well-being, performance and purposeful leadership. As a healthcare entrepreneur, bestselling author, Harvard Medical School visiting scholar and investor in some of today’s most innovative companies, Suneel has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations sustain energy, sharpen focus and thrive amid relentless demands.
Suneel poses a question that feels especially relevant in today’s environment: How can an organization excel on the outside if its people are exhausted on the inside? His research and teachings offer science-backed tools to prevent burnout, build emotional resilience and reconnect “who we are” with “what we do.” When that alignment exists, we don’t just perform better — we experience greater fulfillment in our work and leadership.
Together, these keynote experiences reflect our broader intention for the 2026 LTEN Annual Conference: creating space for both professional advancement and personal renewal.
Yes, you will gain practical strategies and actionable ideas you can bring back to your organization immediately. But just as importantly, you will reconnect with your purpose, expand your perspective and invest in your own growth.
Because here is what we know to be true — when learning professionals grow, organizations grow. When you feel energized and supported, innovation follows. And when this community comes together, the impact reaches far beyond what any one of us could accomplish alone.
June may feel months away, but I encourage you to begin thinking not only about what you hope to learn, but how you want to grow. Come ready to challenge yourself, to be inspired and to invest in the future you are shaping for both your learners and your organization.
Now is the time to make that commitment to yourself. The most impactful professional development rarely happens by accident — it happens when we intentionally step away from the day-to-day to gain perspective and connect with those who elevate our thinking.
If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that the pace of change in life sciences learning is only accelerating. Those who thrive will be those who continue to evolve, adapt and expand their influence.
Secure your seat, mark your calendar and plan to join us in Kissimmee this June. I am confident you will leave with ideas — and momentum — that carry you forward long after the conference concludes.
The future of learning isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we build together.
Lauren Harbert is executive director of LTEN. Email Lauren at lharbert@L-TEN.org or connect with her through www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-harbert/.