What We Learned at DevLearn 2024: Making Learning Relevant to the Business

At DevLearn 2024, one central theme emerged: Learning and Development (L&D) is at a crossroads. Organizations are searching for ways to make their learning initiatives relevant and impactful to their business goals. L&D leaders feel increasing pressure to move beyond check-the-box training and instead deliver measurable value.

The question is no longer just about how we train people—it’s about how learning drives outcomes, supports the business, and proves its worth. Here’s what we learned from the conversations and trends at the conference:

1. Companies Want Learning Tech That Drives Business Impact

Organizations are seeking new learning technologies—not just because their current tools are outdated, but because those tools aren’t delivering results tied to business priorities.

Many companies are dissatisfied with their vendors, citing challenges like inflexibility, poor user experiences, and the inability to connect learning to performance. What they need isn’t just technology—it’s a strategic partner who helps align learning tech with business outcomes.

This shift highlights the need for tools that support data-driven decision-making and measurable results. If your current tech stack isn’t helping you achieve your goals, we’re here to help.

2. Irrelevant Content Undermines Business Relevance

The overproduction of irrelevant content is a common frustration. Big libraries may look impressive, but they don’t necessarily address the specific skills or knowledge gaps that businesses need to fill.

Relevant learning content is key to driving impact. Organizations need content strategies that align with their goals and focus on quality over quantity. When learning is tied to real business problems, it becomes a tool for growth—not just a compliance requirement.

3. The Vendor Landscape Creates Confusion, Not Clarity

The growing number of learning technology vendors is making it harder for companies to choose the right solutions. With so many options, it’s easy to invest in tools that don’t ultimately connect learning to business success.

This confusion underscores the importance of working with a partner who can help cut through the noise and identify solutions that directly impact organizational performance. It’s not just about choosing a vendor—it’s about choosing a solution that aligns learning with business needs.

4. Learning Experiences Must Align with Business Outcomes

The buzzword at DevLearn was “learning experiences”—but what really stood out was the need to connect those experiences to measurable business impact. It’s not enough to create engaging content or immersive environments. The experience must lead to improved performance, faster time to competency, or increased productivity.

Our Bluewater Journey Maps received significant attention at the conference for their ability to create tailored, impactful learning experiences. These maps don’t just focus on delivering learning—they help organizations build experiences that are directly aligned with business goals, whether it’s reducing onboarding time or closing critical skill gaps.

If you’re looking to design learning experiences that deliver real results, let us show you how Journey Maps can make a difference.

5. L&D Leaders Are Fighting to Prove Relevance

One of the most striking takeaways was the vulnerability felt by L&D leaders. Many expressed concerns about being disconnected from core business priorities, which makes it harder to prove their value.

To remain relevant, L&D must become a strategic partner to the business. This means aligning initiatives with the organization’s goals and demonstrating clear, measurable outcomes. Learning can no longer be seen as a cost center—it must be viewed as a driver of success.

6. The Financial Impact of Learning Is Under the Microscope

The financial impact of learning is becoming a critical focus for organizations. With increasing pressure to justify budgets, L&D leaders are being asked to demonstrate ROI and show how learning contributes to business success.

At Bluewater, we’re addressing this challenge head-on. In Q1, we’ll publish a series of articles based on our work with clients, highlighting where learning has the greatest financial impact. These insights will help organizations connect their learning initiatives to tangible business results.

We’re also partnering with Cognota for a webinar showcasing their tools for measuring the financial impact of learning. If you want to stay ahead of this critical trend, make sure to connect with us to receive these articles and join the webinar.

Reclaiming L&D’s Role as a Business Driver

The overarching message from DevLearn 2024 is clear: L&D leaders are seeking ways to make their work relevant and impactful to the business. They know they need to align learning initiatives with organizational goals, deliver measurable outcomes, and prove their strategic value.

At Bluewater, we’ve spent years helping organizations make this shift. Whether it’s through better technology, more effective content strategies, or tools for demonstrating ROI, we’re here to help you align learning with the needs of your business.

If this resonates with you, let’s connect. Together, we can make learning a driver of success—not just for your learners, but for your entire organization.

Chris Bond CEO, Bluewater