Now in its 21st year, the World of Learning retains its reputation as the UK's most comprehensive event for all aspects of learning and development (L&D).

The event, which takes place on 1 and 2 October at the NEC, Birmingham, is a 'one-stop-shop' offering solutions and inspiration.

The conference, chaired by Reeta Chakrabarti, the BBC’s education and social affairs correspondent, features experts from GE, Admiral Group, Thomson Reuters, FirstGroup and many more. Rick Jackson, vice president & head of CIS at DHL Express, will deliver the opening address, entitled ‘L&D’s strategic role in transforming the business’ exploring how to introduce change that turns loss to profit and motivates across the business.

On the second day of the conference, Sameena Bashey will discuss how to deliver world-class L&D in a global business with multiple functions through her talk, ‘Leading a global organisation through learning and development’. In her keynote address, she will give an insight into the award-winning leadership development at General Electric (GE), and demonstrate how a strategic approach to L&D can drive ‘the best people’ to take on ‘the world’s toughest challenges’. Sameena is country HR director, UK & Ireland at GE Healthcare.

Dr Maren Deepwell, chief executive at the Association for Learning Technology, will close the conference with her address – ‘Learning for tomorrow’s technology and tomorrow’s workforce’. Maren is set to explore the latest technology developments and discuss how learning professionals can keep pace with future technologies and the needs of the emerging workforce.

Alongside the World of Learning conference is an extensive exhibition, enabling visitors to meet face to face with a host of expert suppliers. Visitors will find companies showcasing the latest innovations across all sectors of L&D, from e-learning, m-learning and social media in learning and consultancy, to experiential learning, coaching and informal learning.

World of Learning offers the unique opportunity to see and sample a wide-range of solutions in everything from e-learning and mobile learning to experiential and classroom learning. Visitors can also meet face-to-face with expert suppliers via a series of pre-arranged one-to-one meetings allowing attendees to engage with relevant, high quality organisations that can make a positive impact to business learning.

Visitors can get to grips with the latest innovations in the Technology Test Drive area. A popular section of last year’s exhibition, the Technology Test Drive enables visitors to experience and evaluate the latest innovations in learning technologies as well as discover how the latest software can make the L&D processes more efficient.

The comprehensive seminar programme of over 50 free seminars and workshops reflects the current concerns of the L&D industry including the topics of talent development, staff engagement and leadership and organisational change. The informative sessions draw on case studies to bring the subjects to life and offer the opportunity to hear from experts with advice on the latest products, services and solutions. and sample the latest L&D developments.

A series of Professional Skills Workshops provide visitors with advice to benefit their role, their career as a whole and boost new business generation. The workshops allow small groups to work together in interactive and involving half-hour sessions.

A new addition to the World of Learning is the Hosted VIP Buyers Club offering many exclusive privileges to top H&R and L&D professionals. These include one-to-one meetings with selected exhibitors, pre-booked by the event organisers. This helps visitors to make the best use of their time at the show by enabling them to meet the right people and fast–track their project decisions.

The Hosted VIP Buyers Club is open to senior decision makers who are actively looking to source solutions for projects during their visit to the show.

They can beat the queues by taking advantage of priority seating at the popular free seminar programme. In addition, they will be invited to join an exclusive 'Leadership roundtable session' in the VIP lounge at 3pm on Tuesday 1 October. Led by Colin Hatfield, founder of Visible Leaders, a specialist consultancy that helps leaders identify, unlock and then leverage their own personal leadership style, the session will explore the role of communication in effective leadership.

A drinks reception takes place on the first day of the show, exclusive to VIPs, delegates and exhibitors, allowing them to relax and network with peers and suppliers. Likewise, hosted buyers can attend the VIP lounge, where they can meet with colleagues and contacts while enjoying complimentary refreshments. Other key benefits for VIP visitors include fast-track entry to the show and free parking.

To nominate yourself or your colleagues for a VIP place, please contact sophie.barnes@vmgl.com.

Andrew Gee, senior project manager for the World of Learning, concludes:

“A varied conference and seminar programme and exciting range of exhibitors and interactive features ensures a visit to the World of Learning Exhibition is a valuable day out of the office.

“The introduction of one-to-one meetings is another welcome addition to the event, designed to help visitors to plan their day in advance to ensure meaningful conversations with relevant exhibitors.”

The World of Learning 2013 is held in association with the British Institute for Learning & Development, the Institute of Leadership Management and UK Trade and Investment. It is supported by the following industry titles: Training Journal (a conference media supporter), Changeboard and HR Magazine.

To book the conference and register free for the exhibition visit www.learnevents.com

For the latest news and updates about the World of Learning 2013 follow the exhibition on Twitter at #WOL13 and www.twitter.com/Learn_EventsUK, and join the World of Learning Conference & Exhibition group on LinkedIn.

• To book the conference call +44(0)20 8394 5171 or book online at www.learnevents.com quoting ‘HDR1’
• To register FREE for the exhibition at www.learnevents.com quoting ‘HDR1’