The learning and development (L&D) community is among the friendliest, warmest, and most supportive out there. After all, this industry is devoted to lifting others up and unlocking potential on a massive scale.
Numerous L&D communities, networks, and resources exist to assist you in this mission. That said, feeling lost is understandable. You might wonder: where can I find reliable information? Who can I turn to for advice?
Well, in this article, we’ll share those invaluable resources, so you can skip the learning curve and connect with the best in the business. A career in L&D shouldn’t be a solo journey. Sharing is caring!
Specifically, we’ll highlight what we consider to be the 12 top L&D communities and networks, explore additional avenues for connecting with your peers, and offer tips for building strong relationships. Ready to link up with the best in L&D? Then let’s get started.
The 12 Top L&D Communities & Networks
Now, let’s dive into the core of this article: our carefully curated list of the 12 top L&D communities and networks. These platforms represent the best resources for learning professionals seeking to learn and grow.
Please note: This list is presented in no particular order. If you spot any missing L&D superstars, please let us know on our socials.
1. Association for Talent Development (ATD)
If you’re serious about learning and development, then you’ve probably heard of the Association for Talent Development (ATD). Founded back in 1943, they’re the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent within their organisations. Just look at these numbers:
- 30,000+ members
- Presence in 120+ countries
- 13+ conferences each year
What’s more, they provide resources, research, and opportunities to connect and grow. Whether you’re a seasoned training manager, or a fresh-faced instructional designer, the ATD has something for you.
One of their most influential contributions is their capability model. This is a framework that outlines the essential skills and knowledge that L&D professionals need to succeed. Think of it as a roadmap for your career development.
2. eLearning Industry
Established in 2012 by industry titan Christopher Pappas, eLearning Industry is a leading publishing platform that provides industry-specific content to L&D and HR professionals. You’ll also find tools for discovering new technology solutions, job postings, events, communities, and more.
They cover a huge range of topics, from instructional design and learning technologies to mobile learning and gamification. In addition, you’ll discover numerous how-to guides, expert opinions, and best practice recommendations.
This makes eLearning Industry a great place to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and get practical tips for creating engaging and effective digital learning. If this is your area of focus, you’ll want to hit that bookmark button now!
3. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the go-to professional body for HR and people development, with more than 160,000 members globally. Accordingly, you can expect access to the latest research, resources, events, and the chance to earn globally recognised qualifications.
Tracing its roots back to the Welfare Workers’ Association (WWA) founded in 1913, this membership body has now championed people professionals for over a century. This makes the CIPD the oldest and arguably the most respected association in this field.
The CIPD offers a variety of free resources, alongside chartered and non-chartered membership options that unlock rewards and discounts. Plus, members gain access to the CIPD Community app, a fantastic platform for connecting with like-minded HR and L&D professionals.
Looking beyond L&D? If you want to tap into the wider HR scene, SHRM and HR.com are two great places to start.
4. Learning and Performance Institute (LPI)
The Learning and Performance Institute (LPI) lives up to its name, supporting workplace learning and performance. They’re a membership body that helps people professionals to develop new skills, connections, and strategies.
Originally founded as the Institute of IT Training (IITT) in 1995, their scope has since broadened considerably. They now offer diverse membership tiers and benefits including HIVE Online, a collaborative hub for learning professionals to connect.
We’d also like to highlight the LPI’s annual event, The Learning Awards. These awards evolve with the times (note the ‘Best Use of AI in Learning’ category) and, unlike many other options in this space, are completely free to enter.
5. Training Industry
Since 2005, Training Industry has staked its claim as the leading authoring on the ‘business of learning’. It’s an invaluable resource for learning professionals seeking insights on best practice and cutting-edge training strategies.
Expect a wealth of blogs, magazine articles, research reports, webinars, and much more besides. They also curate lists of the top training companies, segmented into categories like leading LMS providers (ahem!) and best online learning libraries.
And there’s more! They offer certifications for learning professionals and a well-regarded Training Manager Competency Model. We also highly recommend their podcast, The Business of Learning, which recently featured on our top 20 podcasts list.
6. The Learning Guild
The Learning Guild (fka. The eLearning Guild) is a community of practice supporting the design, development, and management of organisational learning. While primarily US-based, their membership spans 180 countries globally.
They offer a variety of articles, in-depth research, webinars, and a dedicated job board. They also host conferences throughout the year, including DevLearn, which attracts over 4,000 attendees and features 200+ different seminars.
You should also look out for their annual Thirty Under 30 programme, as part of their Learning Leadership Conference. It’s a great opportunity to observe and be inspired by emerging leaders in your field.
7. The Learning Network
As the name suggests, The Learning Network is an L&D community centred on networking and human connection. Consequently, joining this network provides a safe space to collaborate and share as part of a thriving group of learning pros. You can expect:
- 500+ network members
- 50+ industry partners
- 20+ years of community maturity
Considering joining? You’ll gain access to virtual and face-to-face events, a peer mentoring scheme, and an ever-expanding resource library. You’ll also find membership spotlights that help you to get to know your fellow professionals better.
The Learning Network also serves as the official judging partner for the prestigious Learning Technology Awards, with winners sharing their expertise with members.
8. Corporate Learning Network (CLN)
The Corporate Learning Network (CLN) equips 20,000+ senior learning professionals with content, events, and experiences designed to produce measurable business impact. Their mission is to empower learning executives to lead effectively in a rapidly changing future.
While much of their content is freely accessible, membership unlocks exclusive resources. This includes hundreds of member-only articles, reports, videos, interviews, webinars, and more high-value content.
The CLN is also the driving force behind eLearning Learning, a content aggregation platform that curates the top articles and resources for learning professionals. It’s a prime destination for discovering the best online content in this field.
9. Training Magazine Network
Training magazine is a 55-year-old professional development magazine that’s showing no signs of its age. It’s published four times a year in a print and digital format. It’s also complemented by a valuable weekly digital newsletter.
Beyond the magazine, its network offers a bounty of useful resources. For instance, it’s the home to 220,000+ members who get access to a variety of free whitepapers, eBooks, and live and on-demand webinars.
Training magazine also produces one of the industry’s major events, the Training APEX Awards. This is a global ranking of organisations that excel at human capital management. You should also keep an eye out for their crowd-sourced Network Choice Awards.
10. Training Journal
Founded in 1967, Training Journal now serves as an online magazine for the training and L&D industry. Its articles cover the latest trends and research in this space, helping to shape opinion and drive progress in workplace learning globally.
With daily content updates, learning professionals can always seek out fresh insights. Helpfully, content is categorised by role, so you can easily find what you need, regardless of whether you’re new to L&D or a senior leader.
If you’re hungry for more, you can sign-up to Training Journal’s mailing list, explore their event listings, or tune into their podcast. Plenty of engaging and insightful resources await, ready to be applied to your work.
11. Training Zone
TrainingZone, a UK-based hub by HR Zone, is a vital online resource for L&D professionals seeking guidance, opinions, and insights into workplace learning. Its content is crafted by L&D thought leaders, consultants, and respected industry experts.
Resources include an extensive library of eBooks, reports, and in-depth content. HR Zone has also partnered with Learning Room to provide a range of courses for scaling career development within organisations.
With over 87,000 members, a popular newsletter delivering timely insights, and an active LinkedIn group, TrainingZone is a must-follow for L&D professionals looking to connect and enhance their skills.
12. Chief Learning Officer (CLO)
Since 2002, Chief Learning Officer’s (CLO) stated mission has been to ‘foster a vibrant community for learning professionals to connect, collaborate, and progress in their careers’. Now that’s a goal we can get behind!
As with other networks, CLO provides a carefully curated collection of research reports, videos, podcasts, infographics, and white papers that aid learning executives in creating effective learning strategies and solutions.
Beyond this, they host two award programmes (‘Learning in Practice’ and ‘Learning Elite’), a seven-week virtual certification course, and various events. This includes their annual Chief Learning Officer Symposium which attracts 300+ attendees.
Extending Your L&D Network: Where Else to Look
Explored these L&D communities but still need more? While the established organisations and platforms we’ve covered offer incredible resources, you shouldn’t overlook the power of more informal communal spaces.
After all, these are often free to join and are goldmines for niche knowledge, direct peer interaction, and localised support. Here’s where else you should be looking:
- LinkedIn Groups: This social network is a hub for countless specialised L&D groups. You’ll find communities focused on specific skills (such as ‘Instructional Design Central’), tools (‘Articulate Storyline Users Group’) and industries (‘Healthcare L&D Professionals’). The organisations listed above all have an associated LinkedIn group. You can use LinkedIn’s search function to find more, or check out the groups linked below:
- Subreddits: Contrary to popular belief, Reddit isn’t just for trolling, flame wars, or casual browsing. It’s also home to a vast network of niche communities and valuable L&D spaces. Indeed, subreddits like r/instructionaldesign, r/elearning, and r/training offer a more informal, discussion-based environment where you can ask questions, share resources, and seek out feedback.
- Facebook Groups: Facebook Groups can also be a surprisingly effective way to connect with like-minded L&D professionals. Using the search function, you can easily find groups focused on specific L&D topics, or even groups that are focused on L&D within a specific geographical area.
- Local Networks: Finally, don’t underestimate the value of in-person connections. Local networks provide opportunities for face-to-face interactions, usually resulting in stronger relationships and better insights. Want to find the best L&D events? Your first stop should be the event pages of professional associations like ATD and CIPD. Following this, fire up your favourite search engine and look for ‘L&D networking’ opportunities. You’ll be surprised by what you find!
Once you’ve found your community, the next step is navigating it effectively. First off, go in with an open mind, like you’re ready to learn something new (because you probably will!). Be curious, ask questions, and soak up all the different perspectives.
And don’t forget that when it comes to joining L&D communities, you’re not just there to take. After all, you’ve got insights and value to offer as well!
Final Words
So, there we have it. We’ve explored a variety of L&D communities and networks, from established professional associations to niche online spaces. We hope your bookmark button has had a serious workout and that you’re buzzing with inspiration.
Remember, building a strong network around you is an ongoing journey. Start by exploring the resources that resonate most with your interests and career goals, and expand your focus as you grow.
In addition, don’t be afraid to reach out, participate actively, and share your own expertise. The L&D community is waiting to welcome you — go connect!
Thank you for reading. Looking for more L&D-focused support? Download ‘The L&D Professional’s Handbook’ now. This is the ultimate resource for learning pros, packed with 165 best practice tips.
