Every profession has a responsibility to develop its future leaders. In continuing professional development, that responsibility is especially important.
Our profession is evolving at an incredible pace. Artificial intelligence, learner expectations, data analytics, outcomes measurement, interprofessional education and changing healthcare delivery models are transforming how we design, deliver and evaluate education. As organizations navigate these changes, we need experienced leaders to guide the field. But we also need emerging professionals who are prepared to lead what comes next.
The challenge: We all agree that workforce development matters. Yet too often, conference attendance is viewed as a benefit rather than an investment.
The opportunity: We can reframe attendance at the Alliance Annual Conference as one of the most important investments we make in our people.
The reality: Many of us can trace our careers back to our first Alliance Annual Conference. It was where we found our tribe, mentors, discovered new ideas, built lasting professional relationships and began to see ourselves as part of a larger community.
For those early in their careers, these experiences can be transformative.
Many of us can trace pivotal moments in our careers back to our first Alliance Annual Conference. It was where we met mentors, discovered new approaches to educational design, learned from colleagues facing similar challenges and began to understand the larger community that supports healthcare continuing education and professional development.
For professionals early in their careers, these experiences can be transformational.
The Alliance Annual Conference offers something that cannot be replicated through webinars, online courses or virtual meetings alone. It provides opportunities to build relationships, engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, discover new ideas and connect with colleagues who are passionate about advancing healthcare education. The informal discussions between sessions, networking events, poster presentations and conversations with experienced leaders often become just as valuable as the educational sessions themselves.
That is why I encourage organizations to look beyond sending only senior leaders or long-time attendees.
Consider who on your team has not yet had the opportunity to experience the Alliance community:
- Who has demonstrated curiosity, initiative and potential for future leadership?
- Who could benefit from exposure to innovative educational strategies, emerging technologies and new perspectives?
- Who might return energized with ideas that strengthen your programs, your department, and your organization?
The return on investment extends far beyond a single conference. When we support junior staff members in attending professional meetings, we communicate that their growth matters. We reinforce a culture of learning. We build confidence, engagement and connection to the profession. Most importantly, we help create a pipeline of future leaders who will continue advancing our field long after our own careers have ended.
At the same time, the value of the Alliance Annual Conference is not limited to those new to the profession. Experienced professionals benefit from reconnecting with colleagues, sharing lessons learned, exploring emerging trends and contributing their expertise to the broader community. The strength of the Alliance has always been our willingness to learn from one another.
As we look ahead, I encourage every member organization to consider how they can support professional development opportunities across all career stages and to begin planning now for the Alliance 2027 Annual Conference.
Save the Date
The future of continuing professional development depends on the leaders we develop today. Let's invest in our people, create opportunities for growth and ensure that the next generation of CPD professionals has every opportunity to learn, connect and thrive.
Let's make sure they have a seat at the table.
Vince Loffredo EdD
President, Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions