Learnovation 2025

9 October
Aviva Stadium Dublin

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RESKILL  |  RETHINK  |  REINVENT

Learnovation is Ireland’s premier global learning summit. At our award winning conference we seek to inspire a new wave of educational strategies that cater to diverse needs and prepare learners for the challenges of the 21st century and the future of work and learning.

 

9 October | Aviva Stadium Dublin

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Learnovation 2024 stats

600

Registrants

36

Global speakers and panellists

4.5/5

Attendee rating

85%

Attendees made connections

96%

interested in attending Learnovation 2025

17

sponsors

71

Learnovate member organisations

219

Different organisations

Event Partners

Event partners for  Learnovation 2025 include…

Trinity Microcredentials
Brickfield Labs
Trinity Innovation & Enterprise – Portal
Dublin Tech Circuit

Learnovation 2025 Speakers

Nessa McEniff

Managing Director, Learnovate

Nessa is a learning technology leader with extensive experience at Touchpress, Digital Skills Academy and Independent News & Media. Formerly VP at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Riverdeep, she holds an MSc in Innovation & Technology Management from UCD….

Eric Paquin

Head of Research, Innovation & Development, Learnovate

Eric leads Learnovate’s research, innovation and technology agenda, shaping strategies for the future of work and learning. With 20+ years in technology, he drives human-centered innovation, digital transformation and inclusive design and actively contributes to Ireland’s innovation ecosystem….

John Hannaway

Business Development Director, The Learning Rooms

John is the 2025 Chair of Learnovate’s Patron member Thought Leaders Circle meetings. John collaborates with learning teams in Ireland and internationally to deliver innovative, research-driven digital learning solutions….

Brenda Sugrue, PhD

Strategic Advisor & Former EY Chief Learning Officer

With over 25 years’ experience leading learning transformation and innovation in global organizations, Brenda was EY’s Global Chief Learning Officer from 2014 to 2024….

Sharon Claffey Kaliouby

Co-founder of #WomenInLearning

Sharon co-founded #WomenInLearning to champion gender equity in learning and leadership. A seasoned HR and learning strategist, she has led global initiatives in HRTech, talent management and digital learning, earning multiple industry awards and recognition as a speaker and thought leader….

Tadelayo Sodipe

Instructional Designer & Digital Learning Specialist (SUEZ R&R UK)

Tadelayo is a creative and forward-thinking Instructional Designer with over a decade of experience designing inclusive and impactful projects across a range of sectors, including renewable energy, software development, and education….

Dr Des Conroy

Head of Capability Building, Prova Health

Des is a medical doctor who has worked across clinical practice, health tech, consulting and education….

Egle Vinauskaite

Director, Nodes

Named one of HR’s Most Influential Thinkers in 2025, Egle is director of the learning innovation studio Nodes. An award-winning L&D strategist, she advises global brands and edtech start-ups on AI, upskilling, and organisational transformation….

Peter Gillis

Innovation Lead, Learnovate

Peter is an experienced EdTech researcher and team lead, specialising in innovation, digital strategy and corporate management. He lectures on the psychology of learning, holds an MSc in Technology Enhanced Learning and is pursuing a PhD on motivation and learning….

Kim Brandes

Director co-creation, National Education Lab AI (NOLAI), Netherlands

Kim is Director of Co-Creation and EdTech Programs at the National Education Lab AI, Netherlands. She develops responsible AI prototypes for schools, fosters collaboration across education, business and academia and drives innovation within the EdTech ecosystem….

Heidi Lammassaari

Project Manager, Helsinki Education Hub

Heidi Lammassaari is Project Manager at Helsinki Education Hub, fostering EdTech innovation by connecting researchers, startups, educators and students. She leads incubation programs and community initiatives to create evidence-based digital learning solutions that drive meaningful impact….

Annelies Volckaert

Innovation & Research, Edtech Station, Belgium

Annelies Volckaert, with a background in Pedagogical Sciences, has led roles across special education, higher education, and EdTech. Now at edtech station, the Belgian hub for educational technology companies, she drives innovation by fostering partnerships between EdTech companies and research institutions, focusing on impactful digital learning solutions.

Michelle Thompson

Strategic Partnerships Manager

Michelle leads Strategic Partnerships at Skillnet Ireland, the Government of Ireland’s workforce development agency. She collaborates with businesses, academia and state bodies to build a highly skilled workforce, supporting national competitiveness….

Janet Benson

Learning Lead and Senior Researcher, Learnovate

Janet, MSc in Digital Education, brings 15+ years in L&D with Coca-Cola, Abbott and Lionbridge. At Learnovate, she applies expertise in learning theory, design,and innovative solutions, with a focus on game-based and workplace learning….

Richard Harte

UX/ UI Specialist, Learnovate

Richard, a UX/UI specialist with a Master’s in Electronic Engineering and a PhD from NUI Galway, designs user-centred medical interfaces. He has led EU healthcare projects in patient monitoring, gait analysis, fall detection and data visualisation, blending research with practical UX solutions….

Ciara Garvan

Founder, WorkJuggle

Ciara Garvan is the Founder of WorkJuggle.com, a leading Irish start-up recognised by Silicon Republic. With a background in tech and consulting, she is a sought-after speaker on future of work topics and former Chair of Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland….

Frank O’Reilly

Corporate Learning, Learnovate

Frank brings over 20 years’ experience in corporate learning, project management and business analysis across industries in Ireland and France. With an MSc in Knowledge Management, he specialises in delivering innovative L&D solutions that drive organisational performance and growth….

Steven Hope

Director, EduFuturists | CEO, Primary Goal

Steven is CEO of Primary Goal, delivering digital apprenticeships across England, and Director of EduFuturists, where he co-hosts a leading education podcast. A passionate advocate for innovation and leadership, he champions skills for a digitally driven future….

Patrick Ward

Founder of Aitheria Partners

Patrick is the founder of Aitheria Partners, helping leaders align AI and digital technologies with business strategy and adapt to the digital age. Formerly Director of Microsoft’s IoT Partner Team for EMEA, he brings global experience and technical expertise to his consulting work….

Cleo McCormack

Global Head of Organisational Development at Version 1

Cleo McCormack, Global Head of Organisational Development at Version 1, specialises in leadership, culture and change. A certified executive coach, she designs programmes blending AI innovation with emotional intelligence, championing inclusion, well-being and sustainable, future-ready organisations….

Elliott Masie

Founder the MASIE Learning Foundation

Elliott, founder of the MASIE Learning Foundation and Learning COLLABORATIVE, coined the term eLearning and advises global organizations on learning, AI, and workplace transformation. A dynamic speaker and Tony-nominated Broadway producer, he blends innovation, research, and storytelling worldwide….

Seán Glynn

Chief Learning Officer, Wriggle Learning

Seán is Chief Learning Officer at Wriggle Learning, leading the teaching and learning team to support Irish schools in integrating technology and digital strategy….

Dave Farrelly

Head of Membership Services, Learnovate

Dave manages Learnovate’s membership model, fostering strong industry-research collaboration. With 20+ years in edtech at Vivendi Universal, Riverdeep/HMH and Folens, he also advanced member engagement at Maynooth University’s Innovation Value Institute. He holds an MSc in International Business….

Dr. Keith Johnston

Associate Professor, Trinity College Dublin

Dr. Keith Johnston, Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Education, researches ICT policy and technology-enhanced learning in primary and post-primary education. He is PI of an ERASMUS+ project on teacher competencies for developing digital educational content….

Helena Ledermann

K12 Pedagogy Researcher

Helena is a K12 Pedagogy Researcher at the Learnovate Centre, Trinity College Dublin, with extensive teaching experience across Japan, Italy, and Ireland, giving her a broad perspective on global best practices in education…

Dr. Mary Kelly

Academic Dean, Hibernia College

Dr. Mary Kelly, Academic Dean at Hibernia College, leads the College’s academic strategy and research innovation. Since 2012, she has been central to its growth as Ireland’s leading provider of primary teachers. Her expertise spans curriculum design, educational technology, and teacher education….

Ilse White

Senior Learning Researcher, Learnovate

With 20 years’ experience in Learning and Development, Ilse specialises in organisational learning, scaled solutions and leadership development. Skilled in research, speaking and people development, she holds advanced qualifications in business, education, psychology and HR, contributing to impactful Learnovate projects….

Rita Bateson

Co-Founder & Director of Education, Eblana Learning

Rita is a respected educator, author and mentor with 20 + years’ experience in international education. A prolific curriculum designer, textbook author and sought-after workshop leader, she now consults with schools worldwide on future‑ready practice….

Bob Regan

Snr. Director of Product, XQ Institute

Bob is an education leader and product strategist who drives innovation in teaching and learning. He led XQ Math and AI curriculum tools at XQ Institute and developed major projects at Gates Ventures. He holds a Master’s from Columbia Teachers College….

Siobhan Ryan

Learning Lead, Diotima Project, Learnovate

Siobhan’s career spans research, industry, entrepreneurship and education. Now Learning Lead for Trinity College Dublin’s Diotima Project, she develops AI-enabled, research-based feedback solutions with academic and Learnovate teams….

Dr. Joanne Banks

Associate Professor, Education, Trinity College Dublin

Joanne is a lecturer, researcher and podcaster in inclusive education at the School of Education in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland….

Tom Pollock

Commercialisation Manager, Learnovate

Tom is Commercialisation Manager at Learnovate brings broad business and product development experience across multiple industries, from web and software applications, to his most recent role in the corporate learning sector….

Stephen Bonney

Account Manager – EdTech, AWS

Stephen Bonney is an EdTech Account Manager at AWS Dublin, supporting startups through the AWS EdTech Accelerator and enterprise clients with cloud adoption. With over a decade in technology sales, he drives innovation and digital transformation in education.

Colin Lewis

Co-founder of Retail Media Works

Colin is the co-founder of Retail Media Works, a B2B advisory firm helping global brands and retailers shape digital commerce and retail media strategies. He has worked with clients including Barilla, Ferrero, Walmart, Ocado, and The Warehouse Group….

Caitlin Hafer

Co-Founder and CEO of HedgeHog Financial Wellness

Caitlin is the Co-Founder and CEO of HedgeHog Financial Wellness. HedgeHog focusses on delivering guilt free, financial wellness education to all ages….

Alex Cornelius

Director and Co-Founder, R&D Tax Solutions

With 15 years of tax experience, Alex trained as a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) within Big Four firms before leading the tax delivery team at the UK’s largest R&D consultancy….

Andreea Wade

General Partner, Delta Partners VC

Andreea is an entrepreneur, AI product strategist and a startup mentor with extensive experience in artificial intelligence, product development, and innovation….

Conor Meaney

Senior Manager, PwC Private

Conor leads out the tax scale-up activities in PwC Ireland and is part of the PwC Private team. He has supported many founders from early idea stage through to successful exits….

Helen McBreen

Partner, Atlantic Bridge

Dr. Helen McBreen, Partner at Atlantic Bridge, is a venture capital leader with 20+ years scaling deep tech companies. Founder of the University Fund, she has invested in 45 startups, catalysed €1B+, and champions women in STEM and venture capital.

Mary McKenna

Co-Founder & Chair, AwakenAngels

Mary is a serial tech entrepreneur, angel investor and co-founder of Learning Pool, which she successfully exited. She has invested in 35+ startups and co-founded AwakenAngels, Ireland’s first women-led angel syndicate….

Christian Stafford

Senior Development Advisor, Digital Health Sector Lead, Enterprise Ireland

With over 20 years’ experience in innovation management, research commercialisation, and industry–academic collaboration, Christian has worked across health, life sciences, agri-food, and tech. Currently Senior Development Advisor & Digital Health Sector Lead at Enterprise Ireland, he previously held leadership roles at INFANT, UCC, and Enterprise Ireland.

Sarah Clarke

Digital Irish

Sarah Clarke is a board member of Digital Irish, where she supports the organisation’s mission to advance Irish innovation and innovators on a global scale. She is the CEO of Intuition, Americas….

Learnovation 2024 was my first Learnovate event, and having attended similar conferences globally for the last 25 years, I was truly impressed. The venue, networking opportunities, and the dynamic energy in the room created an outstanding experience.

Jim Ruddy Managing Director Ed.BD

In my opinion their Learnovation Summit is a must-attend annual event that attracts excellent speakers and delegates from Ireland and further afield.

Tony Woods Tony Woods COO Seedling Education

Who attends?

An example of the range of organisations we have welcomed to Learnovation include…

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