The Learning and Development Network International (LDNI) is set to host the 12th Champions of Talent Development (CTD) Conference on September 15–16, 2026, at NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos.

The 2026 edition will bring together over 500 HR leaders, talent developers, and business executives to address the defining people and technology challenges shaping the future of work.

The event with the theme: “Human-Centered Learning: Balancing Technology and People”, steered by the 12th CTD conference Chair for 2026, Ugochi Obi, is expected to build on the massive success of the 2025 CTD conference, which featured esteemed voices such as Ibukun Awosika, Fola Adeola, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON (Head, Civil Service of the Federation), and Dr. Maxwell Ubah. This year’s conference will elevate the conversation.

The CTD 2026 features a highly anticipated lineup of leading voices from business, government, and the L&D profession, including Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Dorothy Tunde-Ajala, Omolaja Shoniran, Oluyemi Adeosun, Shehu Zubairu, Theo Adegor, Folashade Adekeye, and Pai Gamde.

Highlighting the urgency of this year’s theme, President, LDNI, David Brown, said: “While artificial intelligence and automation are rapidly transforming the future of work, the ultimate success of these tools relies on our ability to deploy them with empathy. At CTD 2026, we are equipping leaders with the strategies to adopt technology at speed without losing the human connection that makes learning, leadership, and talent development fundamentally effective.”

The programme is designed to move the conversation from technology hype to practical application through four core tracks: namely Leadership & Culture in Learning, Human-Centred Design & Experience, AI & Data-Driven L&D, and Coaching.

The conference programme includes an Engage Session on “AI in Learning – Tool, Threat, or Teammate?”, live industry round-tables on diagnosing AI implementation challenges, and a major Day 2 conversation examining how L&D can become a measurable financial value driver for organisations. Delegates will also have access to the marketplace, career counseling, the 17th induction ceremony for new LDS and LDP practitioners, and the “IgNite” Gala Night on September 16 for an explosive evening of networking and fun.