Hello LTEN community, and happy April! There is something special about this time of year: The energy is building and the countdown to our June 15-18 LTEN Annual Conference is officially on. What’s more, this month we have the privilege of celebrating something truly extraordinary — excellence.
This year, LTEN received a record number of submissions for the 12th Annual Excellence Awards. That alone tells a powerful story about the innovation happening inside your organizations, the bold ideas shaping the future of learning and the commitment our community continues to make to advancing life sciences learning and development (L&D).
In this issue of Focus, and throughout Awards Announcement Week, we are thrilled to introduce this year’s finalists.
Excellence on Display
These individuals, teams and organizations represent the very best of our profession — visionaries, innovators and leaders driving meaningful transformation. Their work is elevating performance, strengthening patient outcomes and redefining what learning can achieve within our industry.
The LTEN Excellence Awards recognize not only the companies leading change, but also the industry partners who collaborate, support and innovate alongside them. Together, you are shaping the future of life sciences L&D — and that is worth celebrating.
And celebrate we will!
Shine & Socialize
We are excited to bring back the Excellence Awards Spotlight Social and Awards Gala at the 2026 LTEN Annual Conference in Kissimmee, Fla.
This year, the Spotlight Social expands to a full one-hour immersive experience. During this cocktail reception, our finalists will showcase their work through interactive poster presentations — offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly, ask questions and learn from the strategies and solutions driving real results. It’s an opportunity to connect with brilliance up close.
Later that evening, we’ll gather for our awards gala: Illuminating Brilliance. Be ready to shine.
This year’s dress theme — Brilliance in White — will set the tone for an elegant, high-energy evening recognizing the winners in each award category. It will be a celebration of impact, partnership and the extraordinary talent within this community.
Additional details regarding the Spotlight Social, awards gala, dress theme and ticket purchase options can be found on our website.
Meet Our Members of the Year
This month, as we introduce the nominees to you, I would also like to recognize two winners, our 2026 LTEN Members of the Year. These individuals exemplify what it means to serve and strengthen our LTEN community, and it’s our honor to celebrate them:
Wendy and Mark have been incredible supporters of LTEN — serving on committees, contributing thought leadership and lending their time and expertise to advance our strategic initiatives. Their commitment reflects the very heart of this organization: leaders who don’t just participate but invest in lifting others.
We are deeply grateful for their dedication. You can read more about Mark and Wendy in our special conference section, and feel free to reach out through the LTEN Network to congratulate them!
Celebrate With Us!
I’m looking forward to seeing you in Kissimmee this June — not only for the Excellence Awards celebration, but for an entire week of learning, connection and inspiration at the LTEN Annual Conference. Whether you are celebrating as a finalist, cheering on colleagues or simply coming to be energized by the best in our field, this is a week you won’t want to miss.
Visit www.LTENconference.com to learn more about the gala, secure your tickets and be part of an evening — and an event — that truly illuminates brilliance.
I cannot wait to celebrate with you!