L&D freelancers offered promotional space at World of Learning to boost visibility and drive new business
L&D Free Spirits invites freelancers to apply for exhibition space at October’s World of Learning event in Birmingham, to showcase their brand.
L&D Free Spirits – the premier network for freelancers in the Learning and Development (L&D) sector – is once again partnering with Venture Marketing Group, to give their members the chance to showcase their brand alongside them for the two-day exhibition, free of charge.
Venture Marketing Group Joint Managing Director, Tracy Shah, said:
“The World of Learning Conference & Exhibition is an unrivalled opportunity for L&D professionals to learn, discover, interact, and network. It’s a pleasure to partner with L&D Free Spirits again this year, championing independent professionals across the industry to share their expertise, raise their profiles and build their networks. There's no better event to support this initiative!”
The application process opens doors to valuable exposure, access to new business, and the chance to connect with industry professionals – benefits that are often out of reach for those working with limited budgets.
L&D Free Spirits Founder and CEO, Kim Ellis, said:
“When I first started freelancing, I would’ve jumped at the chance to exhibit at World of Learning – but it felt out of reach; the cost of an exhibition stand when you’re self-employed is too much. L&D Free Spirits is all about helping our members thrive. Exhibiting alongside us, with our support and minimal overheads, will help achieve just that.”
The initiative was first launched in association with the World of Learning Summit to support those in L&D who are new to self-employment or looking to enhance their profile. Stuart Birley, Founder of Pathfinder Digital Consultancy, was successful with his application and exhibited alongside L&D Free Spirits in February 2025.
Stuart said,
“Being at Olympia gave Pathfinder a real platform. I made over 20 new connections, received inbound business leads, and raised my profile with professionals from across the learning and development space. More importantly, I had the chance to tell my story, share what Pathfinder is about, and open up meaningful conversations with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
The window to apply to exhibit with L&D Free Spirits at World of Learning 2025 opened on Monday, 7 July 2025. Members of L&D Free Spirits have until Monday, 28 July 2025 (11am BST) to register their submission of interest (non-members can join L&D Free Spirits at any time and submit their application before the deadline).
All submissions will be reviewed and selected candidates will be invited to continue the application process during 4-18 August 2025. The selected member will be announced on Monday, 25 August. The cost of exhibiting alongside L&D Free Spirits will be waived.
Kim added:
“World of Learning was the first expo I ever attended and it’s still one of my favourites. It’s friendly, welcoming and full of people who genuinely want to connect. Sharing the L&D Free Spirits stand can provide a massive boost in profile – there are thousands of people who are going to walk past. If you can convert even a couple of them into clients, then it’s a huge boost.”
September 2025 marks a year of operating for L&D Free Spirits – providing freelancers across L&D with opportunities to enhance visibility, engage with others and find new opportunities globally.
Membership includes a personalised e-portfolio to showcase services and access to a member directory and private Slack community. Benefits include online networking and virtual events for upskilling, engagement and business best practice, as well as downloadable resources and development tools to broaden business knowledge, and reduced rates on executive coaching.
The application portal for expressing interest in exhibiting with L&D Free Spirits is open, together with a timeline and requirements. Membership options are available monthly and annually.