The 2026 conference will present an overarching theme, accompanied by four sub themes, outlined below. Proposals must be explicitly aligned with one or more of these sub-themes to ensure coherence and relevance.
Main theme: Adapting, sharing and advocating effective learning development practice to promote student learning
We will focus on the dynamic and responsive nature of our profession, exploring how we develop, share, and champion effective practices within our institutions and the sector, ensuring our work has a tangible impact on student learning and how we adapt to change in a rapidly evolving learning landscape.
Sub-theme 1 The learning developer as an advocate: strategies for demonstrating impact and securing institutional buy-in
Key question: How can we effectively communicate the value of learning development to senior management, academic colleagues and the wider HE sector?
Sub-theme 2 Disciplinary-specific interventions: experiences from fields such as engineering, medicine, or the humanities which foreground collaborative working with students and staff within disciplines
Key question: What does an effective model for embedding learning development within a specific discipline look like?
Sub-theme 3 Digital innovation in practice: Using technology in learning development and/or enabling greater levels of critical engagement with technology.
Key question: What new digital tools or platforms are informing and shaping the way we support student learning?
Sub-theme 4 Blended learning models: Successful blended learning models and the lessons learned from their implementation.
Key question: How can we combine face-to-face and online learning development support to create flexible and effective support for student learning?
As well as practice orientated submissions, we welcome conceptual, thought-experiment, argumentative, provocative submissions.
As always, in addition to lots of lively discussion, practice-sharing and networking, the conference will offer plenty of valuable CPD opportunities, opportunities to learn more about ALDinHE, and the chance to get more involved with the exciting and valuable work of the Association.