L&D has always been part of the business. Now it needs to play a bigger role in shaping what happens next.
AI is changing jobs, workflows, expectations and the way organisations get work done. At the same time, L&D professionals are under increasing pressure to show value, influence decisions and connect learning more directly with performance.
The TJ Conference 2026 is about helping L&D step more confidently into that space.
This will not be a day of sitting quietly while speakers tell you what the future looks like. With only 60 places, the conference is designed around conversation, participation and practical work.
Together, we’ll explore questions including:
- How does L&D become involved earlier in the conversations that shape organisational priorities?
- What does good human and AI work actually look like?
- How might our own L&D roles need to change as work changes?
- How do we connect learning more clearly with performance and business outcomes?
- What needs to change in our organisations, as well as in our own practice?
You’ll hear new thinking, work with people facing similar challenges and have space to apply the ideas to your own role and organisation.
The aim is simple: You should leave a conference with more than notes. You’ll have practical ideas ready to put to work.
At a glance
- Date: Monday 21st September
- Time: 9.15am for a 9.45am start. The conference runs until 5.30pm, followed by optional networking drinks
- Location: Royal Society of Chemistry, London – Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA
- Places: Limited to just 60 attendees
- Ticket cost: £250 + VAT. Ticket sales close 14th September
Early bird is just: £125 + VAT, giving you 50% off for the first half of our available places
Keynote and workshop
The AI fire hydrant: Turning more output into better performance
With Erica Farmer, AI strategist, speaker and founder of Quantum Rise
AI is helping individuals produce more, faster. But many organisations are pushing that extra output through ways of working that haven’t changed.
Managers are reviewing more. Teams have more to assess. Meetings haven’t reduced. Sign-off is still slow. And people are often using AI in fragmented ways, without shared practices for good human–AI work.
The result? More output does not automatically mean better performance.
In this interactive keynote, Erica will explore what needs to change if organisations are to turn individual AI gains into stronger decisions, better work and improved performance.
From keynote to action
The keynote will lead into practical workshop activity exploring how your own role may need to change, what you need to do differently and what needs to shift around you.
The focus: What does your role need to become as the work around you changes?
Erica Farmer is an AI strategist, global speaker, trainer, and author specialising in future skills, human potential and the future of work.
With more than 25 years’ experience across learning, development and apprenticeships, she has worked with organisations including LV=, British Gas, Specsavers and Virgin Care.
A TEDx speaker, LinkedIn Learning instructor and host of the AI for the Average Joe podcast, Erica is known for making AI practical, accessible and human.
Her work helps leaders and teams turn technological change into better work, stronger performance and greater confidence. She is also the author of the book AI for People Professionals, published by Kogan Page.
More speakers and programme details will be announced shortly.
Why only 60 places?
We’re keeping it intimate and outcomes‑focused:
real conversations, practical takeaways, time to think, connect and contribute
Who should come
- You want L&D to be involved earlier in business and performance conversations
- You’re trying to show clearer value and influence senior stakeholders
- You’re thinking about how AI is changing work, roles and what L&D needs to become
- You want to connect learning activity more directly to organisational priorities and performance
- You’re looking for practical thinking you can apply, whether you work in-house, independently or as a consultant
- You’re ready to contribute as well as listen
If you work in L&D and these are the conversations you want to be part of, this day is for you.
What was last year like?
See highlights from the 2025 TJ 60th Anniversary Conference and get a feel for the conversations, participation and atmosphere on the day.
Accessibility
The venue is wheelchair accessible, with a lift to the event. All seats are at round tables. When you book your ticket please let us know any other accessibility needs and dietary options.
Dress code
Come as you are; bring curiosity.
Filming
On the day there will be a videographer from Raiveon capturing the event. During the event please let Kevin Davids or a member of the team know if you would like to be interviewed about the event and key topics.
Want to sponsor or partner?
We work with a small number of aligned partners to add genuine value, please contact the Editor for more information.
