An expert panel of L&D leaders will be answering questions on the state of the elearning industry in 2016 during a special online event.

Donald H. Taylor, Chairman of the Learning & Skills Group and the Learning & Performance Institute, Laura Overton, Managing Director of Towards Maturity and John Curran, Chairman of the Elearning Network (eLN) will be taking part in a Google Hangout on Thursday, January 21 from 12.30-13.30pm (GMT).

The event is being hosted by award-winning elearning provider, Sponge and will offer L&D professionals the chance to ask questions on the hot topics and growth areas in elearning over the coming 12 months.

Louise Pasterfield, Managing Director of Sponge, said:

“This is an exciting time for the elearning industry with lots of change and innovation coupled with greater than ever expectation to make an impact and add value. We thought it would be helpful to bring together some of the leading thinkers in L&D and elearning to discuss upcoming developments and the challenges facing the industry in 2016. I would encourage anyone who really wants to get to grips with elearning trends and opportunities for the year ahead to submit a question and join the Hangout.”

John Curran, who is serving a second year as eLN Chair, will be on hand to answer questions about how elearning is likely to evolve in 2016. He said:

“What constitutes elearning is growing every year and 2016 is likely to push the boundaries even further with new technologies, new approaches and even new business models. That's great if you already have a good understanding of elearning, but if you're new to it all it can seem pretty overwhelming.”

The online event is also a chance for learning professionals to find out about some of the highlights and key speakers at the upcoming Learning Technologies conference and exhibition (Feb 3-4, Olympia, London) as well as learn more about the results of the 2015-16 Towards Maturity Industry Benchmark Report.

The Hangout is available live on Sponge’s Google Plus platform or via YouTube.

Anyone wishing to submit a question can email communications@wearesponge.com or use #SpongeHangout on Twitter, before or during the event.