Are YOU the future of Learning Leadership?

The Thirty Under 30 program is one of my favorite parts of the Learning Conference. Each year, we select 30 innovative, energetic young learning leaders to honor.

Prior honorees have included people who’ve founded their own companies, started nonprofits, pioneered new programs at corporations around the world — and so much more. The energy, creativity, passion for learning, and enthusiasm to share their experience is inspiring and impressive.

This year’s Thirty Under 30 cohort members will participate in special programming at the Learning 2022 event — but the program offers so much more than that! Throughout the year, members engage with each other, and with leaders and guides from prior Thirty Under 30 groups, to network, build their skills, share opportunities, and learn from one another.

What do we look for in applicants? Good question!

We get far more applications than we can accept. We pay close attention to applicants’ engagement with the learning and development community and evidence of their leadership. What this might look like:

• Evidence of thought leadership through creating or sharing valuable social media content
• Participation in local L&D organizations and chapters of national organizations, especially in leadership roles such as holding offices or organizing events
• A clear career trajectory and recognition for their work, such as awards or promotions
• Contributions to research in L&D-related areas, including leading studies, authoring or co-authoring research papers, or similar activities
• Presenting at prior Learning Conferences or other Learning Guild events
• Exemplifying our core values of building a learning community, sharing what works, supporting our L&D peers, and challenging ourselves and our peers to advance our industry

Does this sound like you? Your colleague?

If you will be under age 30 during the Learning 2022 event, or you have a talented colleague who will be — now is the time! Applications open on June 15 — and close on July 15. Apply today, or send the link along to a rising star you think would be a good fit.

Note that all applicants selected as part of the Thirty Under 30 cohort commit to attending the Learning 2022 event and participating throughout the year and must have assurance that their organization is willing to sponsor them.

Thanks for being a part of the Learning Community! We look forward to receiving your submissions.