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Learning Indaba 2026 Set to Shape the Future of Workplace Learning
New Leaf Technologies has announced the return of Learning Indaba 2026, its flagship learning and development (L&D) conference. The event is designed to equip organisations with global perspectives on the technologies, trends and strategies transforming workplace learning.
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Scheduled for Thursday, 12 March 2026, the event will take place at Randburg, Gauteng. It is expected to attract learning professionals, HR leaders and organisational development practitioners from across South Africa and beyond.
Focus on AI, Digital Learning and Skills for the Future
The 2026 edition will explore the future of learning in an era of rapid technological change. There will be strong emphasis on AI-powered learning technologies, digital learning strategy, and workforce skills development. There will also be focus on performance management, and human-centred learning design.
The programme combines global thought leadership, practical client case studies and hands-on workshops, helping organisations translate learning innovation into measurable business impact.
Global and Local Experts Take Centre Stage
Headlining the conference are international learning experts Eva Spekman and Robbert Ladan from global learning platform aNewSpring. Their sessions will examine the real return on investment (ROI) of modern learning technologies, highlighting how organisations can save time, improve performance and demonstrate impact through smarter learning design.
Also featured is award-winning UK-based eLearning specialist Jonathan Hill, who will deliver a keynote on how storytelling theory can transform digital learning. Drawing on author Kurt Vonnegut’s “Shape of Stories”, Hill will demonstrate how narrative structure can elevate learning experiences from functional to unforgettable.
Practical Workshops and Client-Led Insights
The agenda includes client-led sessions where organisations share real-world learning challenges and successes, alongside three dedicated afternoon breakaway tracks:
- L&D Innovation Workshop focused on emerging tools and methodologies
- Advanced Articulate Storyline Workshop, covering personalisation, live polling and learner engagement using JavaScript and Google Forms
- HR Total Solutions Workshop addressing integrated people and learning strategies
In-person delegates will also enjoy a hosted networking lunch and conclude the day at the Learning Indaba Cocktail Party, designed to foster peer connection and industry collaboration.
Building Global Competitiveness in South Africa’s L&D Industry
Paul Hanly, CEO of New Leaf Technologies, said the conference is intentionally designed to strengthen South Africa’s learning industry and make it globally competitive.
“The Learning Indaba is our way of giving back to the industry. By bringing international thought leaders and globally relevant technologies to South Africa through a heavily subsidised event, we’re giving organisations clear insight into what’s driving learning innovation worldwide—and how to apply it locally to deliver real, measurable impact,” Hanly said.
Bigger Venue, Expanded Content, Greater Value
Building on the success of previous editions, Learning Indaba 2026 promises a significantly enhanced experience, featuring a larger venue, expanded content and more choice through parallel sessions.
“This year is simply bigger and better,” Hanly added. “More speakers, more depth, more interaction—and more value for every delegate.”
Attendance Options and Ticket Information
Learning Indaba 2026 will be available both in person and online:
- In-person early-bird tickets: R1,150 (available until 16 February 2026)
- Online attendance: Free access to main conference sessions (workshops and networking excluded)
All tickets are issued via invoice, and early registration is encouraged to secure availability.
World-Class Venue in Gauteng
The event will be hosted at the Randpark, Randburg, offering a premium environment for learning, networking and industry engagement.
Early-bird registration is now open. For more information, visit www.newleaftech.zohobackstage.com/LearningIndaba2026
