Ahead of HPC’s sponsorship of the L&DI’s National Learning & Development Conference, the Sunday Times’ article on “Future-Proofing Growth: Ireland’s L&D leaders tackle AI, automation and skills transformation” explores the themes that will be at the heart of this key event on 19 November at Croke Park.
Artificial intelligence is rewriting the rules of work. Machines can think faster and learn quicker, but they can’t imagine, empathise, or inspire. To stay ahead, people need to grow just as fast as the technology that surrounds them.
Enter the National Learning & Development Conference 2025, at which Ireland’s top learning minds will tackle how to future-proof human potential. The conference brings together Ireland’s leading professionals in the learning arena to explore the theme: “Future-Proofing Growth: Skills and Human Potential.” The event is designed to help learning leaders build resilient, future-ready workforces, focusing on the skills, mindsets, and cultures required to thrive in an era that is dominated by automation, artificial intelligence, and constant change.
The conference promises a full day of immersive learning experiences. Delegates will hear from high-profile keynote speakers and participate in interactive workshops designed to provide practical tools to strengthen organisational learning capability. Panels will tackle pressing topics including the integration of AI into training, skills transformation, and leadership in uncertain times. Networking opportunities throughout the day will allow professionals from across industries to share ideas, collaborate, and learn from one another.
This year’s keynote speakers include Daniel Susskind, bestselling author and economist, who will explore the future of work in the age of AI, drawing on his bestselling books, ‘The Future of the Professions’ and ‘A World Without Work.’
He will highlight advances in AI, with new systems, from ChatGPT to DALL-E. What does all this progress mean for the future of work? It is one of the greatest questions of our time.
Tom Kelley, bestselling author of ‘Creative Confidence’ and IDEO leader, will share strategies to help learning teams lead with imagination, empathy, and courage. Along the way, he’ll offer a fresh perspective on mentorship and tools for staying future-ready, with a focus on how to strengthen human-centred leadership in the age of AI.
Speaking ahead of the event, Kevin Hannigan, CEO at HPC, highlighted the importance of collaboration and adaptability.
“As the pace of change accelerates, learning professionals face a stark reality: yesterday’s solutions won’t solve tomorrow’s problems,” he said.
“The rise of AI, shifting workforce expectations, and relentless disruption demand that we rethink everything, including how we build skills, ignite human potential and create agile mindsets. At HPC, we’re proud to sponsor this conference because real progress comes from sharing big ideas in a collaborative environment. We look forward to joining fellow learning professionals from across the country to spark new thinking and equip our organisations to shape what comes next.”
Whether you are a seasoned learning professional, a business leader, or emerging talent, the L&DI National Conference 2025 is designed to equip delegates with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration needed to future-proof their organisations.
L&DI & HPC Contributors
Sinéad Heneghan – L&DI
As CEO of the L&DI, Sinéad leads the Institute’s strategic development work and oversees research and engagement with members. This informs the ongoing development of the member offer and continuous professional development opportunities for practitioners.
She has vast experience with Individuals, Corporates, Further and Higher Education Providers and State Agencies and has represented the industry in an influencing and Advocacy role for many years.
She holds an MBA from DCU, MSc in Leadership & Change Management, a BA in Local and Community Development from Maynooth University and a Certificate in Training & Development.
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Kevin Hannigan – HPC
Kevin is HPC’s CEO. He works with clients to develop, deliver and evaluate bespoke solutions that drive performance across their business.
He is a highly skilled consultant and facilitator with a wealth of experience in designing the systems and processes that support effective learning, measurement and talent development.
Before joining HPC in 2013, Kevin was head of learning and development for Matheson, Ireland’s largest law firm and for C&C Ireland.
kevin.hannigan@wearehpc.com
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