We asked our DevLearn 2025 influencers what excites them most about being at the event, and while their answers vary, there is a consistent theme throughout. What brings them to the event year after year isn’t just the sessions and technologies, it’s the feeling of being a part of something shared.
It starts with the people
It is no surprise that a common theme is the excitement of reconnecting with longtime colleagues, finally meeting online connections in person, and forming entirely new relationships. At DevLearn there is a deep sense of belonging that happens when surrounded by like-minded, passionate professionals who genuinely care about each other and the work. DevLearn is relational. It’s where digital relationships become real ones and where hallway conversations matter just as much as keynote takeaways.
It’s a place to geek out
DevLearn is where learning professionals get to be fans! Many influencers described DevLearn as the highlight of their year where their profession and passion intersect. It’s an environment where they can dive deep into ideas, tools, trends, and learning strategy with others who are just as enthusiastic and invested. DevLearn is one of the few spaces where you can “geek out” about the craft of learning and know everyone around you understands and shares that excitement.
Taking the pulse of the industry
Many spoke about coming to DevLearn to feel where the industry is heading. With rapid change, especially around AI, they’re eager to hear how others are navigating it, what’s working, and what challenges remain. But even amid conversations about technology and what’s next, the focus at DevLearn stays grounded in people, real-world problems, and impact.
Generosity and shared learning
Influencers highlighted something deeper than networking: openness. They described an atmosphere defined by curiosity, support, and authenticity where people openly share both their successes and their setbacks. There’s reassurance in realizing others are navigating similar challenges, and a remarkable generosity in how attendees step up to help one another problem-solve in real time. That culture of shared learning and mutual support is a big part of what keeps people coming back to DevLearn year after year.
Energy to take back home
Beyond insights, many expressed excitement about the renewed energy they gain from attending. Being immersed in conversations, ideas, and community gives them fresh momentum to return to their organizations ready to experiment and improve. DevLearn fuels attendees as it reconnects them with purpose and possibility and sends them home with actionable insights too.
Investing in what’s next
One influencer spoke about bringing students to present their work and connect with professionals, emphasizing the importance of introducing emerging talent to the field. DevLearn isn’t just about who’s established, it’s also about who’s coming up. That’s why we’ll be honoring Learning Guild Thirty Under 30 at this year’s event. DevLearn creates space for new voices, fresh perspectives, and the next generation of trailblazers while also carving the path for the future of the learning field.
DevLearn is where people who care deeply about helping others learn come together to connect, explore, challenge, and grow. The excitement is around community, curiosity, and shared momentum. And that’s why thousands of learning professionals love attending DevLearn every year.
