Kim loves a good expo… the buzz, the catch ups, the conversations spark some inspiration.
Here’s her round up from exhibiting at World of Learning Conference and Exhibition October 2025.
Going to an expo as an independent feels different to going as an employee. Years ago, when I rocked up from Sky Bet to my first ever conference, my brain was tuned to “what are the trends and what am I taking back to the business.” I was attending as a conference delegate for the first day then as an exhibition attendee for the second day. I like to think I got the best of both worlds as I got to experience both sides of the fence.
Now when I’m attending, I’ve got a different agenda:
- Who should I collaborate with?
- Which product might solve a client problem in the future?
- What are people talking about?
The seminars can be useful, of course, but the real value for me lives in the chats on the stands, the five minute debriefs in the aisles, or the catch up with a friend over a cup of tea while we rest our feet.
When you’re exhibiting it’s a different experience again. Being on the L&D Free Spirits stand never feels like a hard sell. I like to think people find us when they most need us and stay for the community. The bit that sticks with me about last week though, is how many freelancers told us they felt less alone after a chat and a pointer to a practical resource. I like the feeling that people were leaving our stand feeling more empowered after talking to Andy Candler, Hayley Maisey, Adam Portsmouth or me,
If you want the full debrief, I sat down with our Wizards, Viv Cole and Andy Candler, to unpack what makes expos worth it, what to avoid, and how to get the most from your time and energy. We talk purpose, planning, quiet corners, buddying up, why day two can be deeper, and how to approach stands as an independent.
