Earlier this year, Warwick Conferences launched the L&D Barometer. Designed to support those working in the learning and development industry understand the strengths and potential weaknesses of their programmes, we have received many positive reviews since the tool went live.

Planning an L&D programme is no easy task. In a world where fast content is becoming the norm, developing content that will inspire your audience and keep them engaged is an ongoing challenge. Throw in the added pressure of delivering a positive return on investment (ROI) and you realise the level of commitment required.

As restrictions ease here in the UK, retaining and upskilling staff who have been there throughout the pandemic is essential. Running L&D programmes is a sure-fire way to ensure these colleagues feel valued and are able to progress their personal development.

Twelve months ago I was inspired by so many of my LinkedIn connections. Faced with the most difficult of circumstances, I saw many of my peers share updates about online professional courses that they had completed during the early lockdown days.

As the meetings and events industry begins its return following lockdown, businesses will be keen to provide staff that have been there throughout the pandemic with training and development opportunities. These show colleagues they are valued, while also progressing their personal development which is key to any business’s success.

When the UK government announced England’s roadmap out of lockdown, a sense of optimism – albeit cautious optimism – swept the nation. As businesses prepare for life after lockdown, plans can now be put into place to ensure the staff, which have helped organisations run during the most difficult of recent business periods, are supported.

One year ago, it would have been strange to image a world without face-to-face meetings. While we have become familiar with online meetings and working remotely, there are signs that many people are ready to partly return to the working world we previously knew.

In February, a roadmap started to be formulated regarding the easing of lockdown in the UK. As we look forward to putting plans in place to welcome delegates back in a physical setting, we must also acknowledge the way in which conferences and events are run has changed.