The questions the conference will focus on will be:

• New learners
• New learning models
• New learning content and systems
• New learning business models
• New learning issues

Correspondingly, the role of learning professionals becomes more complex and demanding. Apart from organising formal learning arrangements such as seminars, learning professionals have to promote change processes and knowledge transfer, create informal learning opportunities, integrate practitioners and line managers into powerful learning events, and are expected to bring in up-to-date learning designs. Learning has to be aligned with strategic goals and is accompanied by rigorous performance measurement.

At the same time, the status and reputation of learning professionals may increase. They are no longer merely the administrators of learning, but have become a "strategic partner" or even a trigger for innovation and the strategic advancement of their organisation.

Declaring anything as new is a safe way to start with good intentions and end up with bad implementation. What counts is the right balance between established concepts and mindfully-launched innovations.