This year’s I4PL 2024 annual conference provided a fascinating opportunity to discuss some of the most important and interesting developments in L&D, including leveraging AI and data to maximize the impact of training and learning on workplace performance.

The I4PL printed sponsor board highlights a series of key sponsors, with about 25 sponsor logos, including Say Yeah, alongside the conference theme, "Shake it up!".

Say Yeah was excited to participate as a sponsor, offering a suite of technology to accelerate learning transfer through scenario-based, data-driven learning programs. Sharing our handy Say Yeah notebook with every conference attendee, we know we packed ours with exceptional insights from a series of informative and inspiring conference sessions. We’re eager to share some of these insights with you.

I4PL 2024 conference takeaways

The main stage room at I4PL boasted over 30 roundtables with engaged attendees focused on the keynote stage and interactive presentations.

Let’s check out the key takeaways along the following themes:

  • Tracking behaviour change
  • Trends driving learning innovation
  • Authentic learning with measurable results
  • The future of L&D

Tracking behaviour change

Chris Taylor’s standout session emphasized how we can use technology to bridge learning and business goals by going well beyond evaluating knowledge retention and participant satisfaction. Chris shared a series of models that culminate in tracking corollaries to behaviour change early in order to ensure pathways to business impact.

This jam-packed session was full of insights that aligned with our own approach to personalizing learning for greater impact and maximizing digital learning ROI.

Here are a few key insights:

🔑 For every 1 part of content that is introduced, 3 parts contextualization are needed. For example:

  • 10 minutes of content = 30 minutes of discussion and reflection

🔑 The goal of behaviour change needs to be embedded in all aspects of training programs. This starts with asking participants: What is one thing that you can put into practice that will make the biggest difference in your work?

🔑 Learning happens through interactions with colleagues, regular check-ins, and accountability partners.

Remember: A community of practice is critical to the most impactful learning programs.

Trends driving learning innovation

The pandemic reshaped training delivery—and it’s sticking. With 70% of organizations conducting less than 25% of their training in-person, digital transformation is here to stay.

Organizations know they have skills gaps in areas of digital transformation: 74% say they do—we’re inclined to believe the remaining 26% are in denial. 😉

Interestingly, the priority remains on training soft skills over growing digital excellence.

AI dominated the conference floor, with vendors showcasing tools to personalize and enhance learning experiences.

Personalization for every learner continues to top the list of priorities, helping participants engage more deeply with tailored content.

Authentic learning with measurable results

A session from TD Wealth by Randy Sabourin & Courtney Appleby highlighted the importance of upfront research, strategic planning, and measurable outcomes.

This slide highlights the key spokes of the deliberate practice wheel, including: interleaved skills, person-to-person learning, interval reinforcement, realistic context, safe practice, real-time interactive engagements, coaching & emotional feedback, and measured skills.

Key highlights:

🔑 Use clear rubrics and coaching to normalize feedback across teams with multiple facilitators.

🔑 Create opportunities for immediate practice and feedback, with 1:1 practice sessions with a colleague, facilitator, or subject matter expert, not group role-playing.

🔑 Design “bring your own challenge” scenarios for practical, real-world learning.

Remember: Practice scenarios 1:1, not with group role-playing.

The future of L&D

A keynote by Dan Pontefract reminded us that L&D is more than a function—it’s a fulcrum for workplace transformation. By integrating tools like AI and fostering empathetic, human-first training, L&D professionals can act as human performance change agents. This call to action sets an inspiring path for 2025!

A successful and inspiring I4PL 2024 conference!

The conference was a strong reminder that L&D isn’t just about delivering content—it’s about designing experiences that inspire action, change, and growth.

We’re inspired to integrate these ideas into our own work and help others leverage human-centred learning technology to make a measurable business impact with their training programs.

Ready to transform your training programs with personalized, adaptive technology?

Let’s talk