Welcome!

Glad you are here

Welcome to the most exciting week of the year in lifelong learning!  This is the only conference where you can meet and get fresh ideas from lifelong learning professionals in institutions other than your own. Enjoy the interaction.

Attendance Strong

We are delighted to have over 650 people this year, exceeding our budget by over 100 attendees!  You come from the Russian Federation, all over Canada and the United States. And we have 22 exhibitors here for you.

New! Recommended Sessions

Due to popular demand, this year we have suggestions for sessions, especially relevant for first time attendees. You will find on your conference app, and in the Conference Notebook.

What to Do Today

1. Load the Mobile App

2. Get to Know the Convention Center
   The conference speeds up tomorrow. Check out where the conference sessions are. Make sure you know where the stairs and escalators are to get between the lower level and second floor for the general session, luncheons and sessions.   

3. Avoid the Rush:

Register today

Registration is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm today. Avoid the Wednesday morning rush and lines, register today and save some time.

You’re invited

Come to Leader Retreat today

You are invited and welcome to attend the LERN Leader Retreat today, from 3:30 – 5:00 pm in Room 100, right after the all-conference reception. No cost to attend.

Come find out the exciting things going on with LERN. Then add your ideas.

Under Age 40?

Meet with our Emerging Leaders Council from 3:30 – 5:00 pm in Room 103. Christina Swets and Garrett Stern lead the meeting this year. No cost to attend.

Sandra Parker of Toronto is Chair of the LERN Board of Directors this year.

At LERN All-Conference Reception

All conference participants are invited to the All-Conference Reception from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm today in Rotunda area, a perfect time to begin visiting the exhibit booths.  

First Timer?

We’re glad you are here.  This is a unique conference with practical, how-to information unlike any other.
We have a special session today from 4:00 – 4:30 just for First Timers (everyone welcome), Getting the Most from the LERN Conference, in Room 106. We will give you tips on how to make the most of the conference, including benchmarks and terms. No charge to attend this session.

Late Afternoon Sessions

3:30 – 4:00 pm  Get to Know Savannah, Room 106
4:00 – 4:30 pm Getting the Most from the LERN Conference, Room 106
4:30 – 5:00 pm CPP Orientation Session, Room 106

We start on time

The Opening Session begins promptly tomorrow (Wednesday) morning at 8:00 a.m. in the Chatham A Ballroom, second level.

Exhibit Hall and LERN Central All Day Tomorrow

Exhibits, publications, poster displays and more.

Tweet the Conference

Tweet the conference at #lern18 and also use #lern18 on Instagram 

Sense of Community

The LERN annual conference is a time to renew that sense of community. It is an opportunity to re-energize, to make or renew friendships, to gain support. We’re glad you are here.

Today’s Schedule

7:00 – 9:00 Pre-Conference Seminar Registration

8:30 – 3:00 Pre-Conference Seminars

3:00 – 3:30 All Conference Reception

9:00 – 5:00  Conference Registration

3:30 – 5:00 LERN Leader Retreat

3:30 – 5:00 Emerging Leaders Meeting

3:30 – 4:00 Get to Know Savannah

4:00 – 4:30 Getting the Most from the LERN Conference