Learning Technologies Barcamp 2026 Explores the Shift from Content to Capability

Hosted just ten minutes from the main conference venue, this free fringe event promises practical insights from learning leaders and an informal setting where learning professionals can debate, challenge and connect.

"This year’s theme reflects how L&D is changing," said Martin Couzins, barcamp organiser and founder of Insights Media. "Organisations realise that AI can help shift the focus of L&D away from content and on to the rest of the adult learning process - practice, feedback and validation. And do this at scale. That’s why we’ve brought together our expert speakers to share how we can do this well - and at scale."

The format is fast and informal. Each speaker will host a short roundtable conversation - rotating tables every 10–15 minutes until all groups have met every speaker.

The speaker line-up includes:

• Idris Fabiyi, Head of Innovation and Technology across BPP School of Technology, Estio Training and Firebrand Training on how AI assessment evaluates complex problem-solving in real-time, scoring intent and methodology, not just the final answer.
  
• Helen Marshall, Tech Academy Lead at Booking.com and ex-CLO at Thrive on how an AI-first, academy-based model is shifting L&D from content delivery to strategic partner.
  
• Matt Smith, Head of L&D at Nesta Group (home to the Behavioural Insights Team) and founder of Matthew Smith Learning will Drawing on an initiative to build a feedback culture at Nesta, we'll consider the core conditions for developing judgment - practice, feedback, honest conversation.
  
• Zac Brown, Learning Consultant, HSBC on how AI enables L&D to develop true learning experiences delivered as capability builders in the flow of work and move out of our eLearning factories.

Barcamp 2026: From content to capability, takes place on Wednesday 29 April 2026, 18.00 to 19.30 near London’s ExCeL.