The inaugural Free Spirits LIVE! virtual event next month is designed for L&D independent L&D professionals who crave connection, clarity and practical support. With a lively online community, real-time sessions and a laser focus on freelance life, it promises something different – and genuinely useful – for those building a solo business.

If you’ve ever been to a conference and thought, “well what about the freelancers?”, we’ve got you covered. Free Spirits LIVE! is the very first conference from Kim Ellis and L&D Free Spirits, and when we say it’s a little bit different… we mean it.

✅ Imagine a conference that’s more than just a day

✅ Imagine a conference built on real human connection

✅ Imagine a conference that helps you grow a thriving business

That’s exactly what Free Spirits LIVE! is all about.

The big day happens on Wednesday 1 October 2025, but the experience doesn’t begin or end there. From 22 September until 13 October, you’ll be part of our Conference Village, a pop-up online community hosted in Slack. It’s the place to meet your fellow delegates, chat with speakers and hosts, and dip into exclusive content. It’s a proper chance to build connections before the main event and keep the conversation flowing long after.

Here’s what you can expect on the big day

The LIVE day itself is designed for choice and variety. You’ll be able to join:

• Expert Speaker Sessions – curated talks to give you real value in your business
  
  
• Skills Labs – practical, hands-on workshops where you’ll do the work, not just hear about it
  
  
• Discussion Panels – honest conversations with people who understand the ups and downs of running your own show
  
  
• Sponsor Surgeries – your chance to quiz industry partners, no waffle, just useful answers
  
  
• Speed Talks – quick bursts of inspiration from three-minute presentations
  
  
• Breakout Rooms – five themed spaces to connect, reflect, and share

No fluff, no endless sales pitches, no pre-recorded filler. Just live, practical sessions and real people.

How this conference is made for you

If you’ve ever had those “mountains and valleys” months, you’ll know how important it is to have a strong network and up-to-date knowledge. Free Spirits LIVE! gives you both. It’s a chance to step away from the day-to-day, reflect on your business, and soak up ideas that will help you win work, deliver better for your clients, and stay sane in the process.

And you’ll be surrounded by people who get it. No need to explain the rollercoaster of freelancing, the joy of chasing invoices, or the puzzle of pricing. Everyone there is walking a similar path. That’s why the Village is such a vital part of the whole experience.

Just imagine the difference this conference could have on your business

Free Spirits LIVE! is built by freelancers, for freelancers. We understand what it’s like to start out on your own, struggle to price a gig, or feel like you’re shouting into the void on social media. We get it – and we’ve got you.

Tickets are available now and cost £25 for members and £100 for non-members. Once you’ve got yours, you’ll be welcomed straight into the Conference Village which opens on Monday 22 September. Be there from day one and you’ll even have your say in shaping some of the Skills Labs.

If you’re quick and fancy bagging yourself a free ticket, our media partners Training Journal are giving away three. Just send a 200-word statement on what you’ll get from the experience to hello@ldfreespirits.com by 2pm, Sunday 21 September. Winners will be contacted that evening.

If you’re still on the fence about attending – just go check out what we’ve got on the agenda.

Imagine the difference those sessions could have to your business.