Free Spirits LIVE! empowers L&D freelancers to grow, connect and build a thriving business
A new one-day virtual conference is putting self-employed learning professionals front and centre
Free Spirits LIVE!, taking place on 1 October 2025, is an online event created specifically for self-employed professionals working in Learning & Development. L&D Free Spirits, a global support network for independent L&D professionals, is hosting it.
The event brings together freelancers, contractors, consultants and micro-business owners for a full day of practical insights, peer connection and business-building strategies – designed to help them thrive in self-employment.
With the freelance landscape evolving, the conference aims to offer something that many self-employed practitioners say they’re missing: visibility, connection and practical support that goes beyond the usual vague advice.
L&D Free Spirits Founder Kim Ellis, said:
“When I first started out, I had to figure out a heck of a lot on my own – it was lonely, and I didn’t always know where to turn. Your network is everything when you’re self-employed, and that’s why I’ve created Free Spirits LIVE. It’s the kind of event I wish I’d had back then – bringing self-employed folk together like never before.”
According to the latest L&D Freelancer Insight Report, over half of freelancers say finding consistent work is one of their biggest challenges. Confidence around pricing is slipping too, even though client satisfaction remains high. Free Spirits LIVE! has been created in direct response to those findings,
The main conference day runs on Zoom from 9:30am to 4:00pm BST, featuring keynotes, dedicated talks, interactive skills labs and themed breakout rooms. Delegates also get access to a“conference village” hosted on Slack from 22 September to 13 October – three weeks of ongoing community connection, reflection spaces, peer discussions and networking.
Free Spirits LIVE! is open to anyone working independently in the world of L&D, including freelancers, consultants, contractors and small business owners. It also supports those considering the leap into self-employment.
Tickets are £100 for non-members and just £25 for L&D Free Spirits members; full details and booking.