New ideas.
Shared perspectives.
Improved learning.
Key Information for ConnectED 26
22/10/26
The Alex Hotel, Dublin
Invitation Only
Where the learning community connects.
ConnectED is Cobblestone Learning’s annual event for sharing insights, exploring new ideas and meeting peers from across the learning community.
It brings together learning and development professionals, HR and people leaders, organisational development teams, educators, digital learning specialists and others who shape and influence how learning is planned, designed and delivered.
ConnectED creates space for conversations that go beyond presentations and theory. It is an opportunity to hear how other organisations are approaching real learning challenges, reflect on your own work and connect with professionals from different sectors and backgrounds.
Express your interest in attending below
There is no charge to attend. To maintain an open and interactive setting, places are limited and attendance is by invitation.
Complete the form to express your interest in attending ConnectED 2026. Our team will review submissions and contact selected attendees with a formal invitation.
Submitting this form does not confirm your attendance.
What happens when artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life?
Few people are better placed to explore that question than Dr. Lollie Mancey. An anthropologist, futurist, broadcaster, and Head of Innovation at InsTech.ie, Lollie works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, human behaviour and innovation, helping organisations understand emerging technologies and prepare for what comes next. She is also a former Programme Director at UCD Innovation Academy.
Known for making complex ideas both accessible and entertaining, she has engaged audiences across Ireland and internationally, including Pendulum Summit, AI Con Belfast, and RTÉ's Futureville Ireland.
At ConnectED, Lollie will present “Congratulations, You’re Human”, a thought-provoking look at the growth of AI, how it is reshaping the workplace, and why distinctly human qualities such as creativity, judgement, empathy and curiosity may become more valuable, not less, in the years ahead.
ConnectED 26
Looking beyond content to improved learning.
Learning teams are working in an increasingly complex environment. Organisations are balancing business priorities, changing technologies, accessibility requirements, stakeholder expectations and the needs of busy learners.
At the same time, new tools are making content easier and faster to create. This raises important questions about where learning professionals can provide the greatest value and what organisations need to consider before development begins.
ConnectED 2026 will explore the thinking, expertise and collaboration behind effective learning. The focus will be on understanding the right problems, designing appropriate responses and creating learning that supports people, performance and organisational goals.
The final theme, agenda and session details will be announced closer to the event.
Topics We Expect to Explore
- Understanding the need behind a request for training
- Designing learning around real people and real work
- Balancing organisational objectives with learner needs
- Accessibility and inclusive learning design
- The changing role of learning and instructional design
- The opportunities and limitations of emerging technology
- Supporting performance, behaviour and capability
- Demonstrating the wider value of learning
Who is it for?
An event for professionals who care about better learning.
ConnectED is designed for professionals involved in planning, commissioning, designing, delivering or supporting learning.
The event may be particularly relevant to:
- Learning and development professionals
- HR and people leaders
- Training and development managers
- Organisational development professionals
- Instructional and learning designers
- Digital learning specialists
- Learning technology professionals
- Public sector learning teams
- Education and training professionals
- Researchers and subject-matter experts
- Leaders responsible for organisational learning initiatives
ConnectED brings together professionals from public, private and not-for-profit organisations, creating opportunities to learn from different perspectives and experiences.
What to expect
Designed to spark new thinking.
Expert-Led Panel Discussions
Our panel sessions are designed to bring clarity, challenge assumptions, and offer new perspectives across a range of learning topics.
Real project, real results
Hear directly from industry professionals as they walk through the successes, setbacks, and lessons learned from recent learning initiatives.Practical strategies that work
Panelists share the tools, processes, and mindsets that helped them drive engagement, meet compliance, and bring content to life for diverse audiences.Insight you can apply
Expect candid reflections and forward-thinking ideas you can take back to your own organisation. No fluff, just useful insights.
Insightful Lightning Talks
Our lightning talks give you a fast-moving look at the trends, tools, and topics shaping modern learning; offering food for thought that sparks deeper conversations throughout the day.
Big ideas in small packages
Each talk distills a key concept or challenge into a focused, high-impact session. Giving you just enough to ignite curiosity without overwhelming.Voices from the frontline of learning
Our speakers come from across the L&D landscape, from designers and technologists to researchers and end users, each offering a fresh take.Thought starters, not lectures
Designed to lay the groundwork for richer discussions in our fireside chats and networking sessions.
Interactive Fireside Chats
No stage, no script
Step away from the formality of panels and into real conversations, led by our team and open to all voices in the room.A hands on experience
Get closer to the work with live demonstrations, project showcases, and open Q&A. There are no question too big or too niche.Warm settings and thoughtful exchange
Each station is designed to spark open dialogue in a welcoming space, complete with digital fires and friendly faces to keep things flowing.
Why attend?
What you can expect to take away.
Fresh Perspectives
Practical Ideas
Real-World Insight
Time to Reflect
Meaningful Connections
Greater Clarity
Explore how to move from an initial request for training towards a more considered response to performance and capability needs.
The venue
An intimate venue for sharing.
ConnectED is returning to The Alex Hotel in Dublin City Centre.
- Light lunch served upon arrival
- Coffee, tea, snacks, and beverages available all day
- Optional networking reception at the close of the day
- Comfortable, informal spaces to relax and connect
Networking opportunities
