Leading experts on business learning and development (L&D) from major international and UK organisations will be among the speakers at this year's World of Learning Conference.

Chaired by BBC news broadcaster and presenter Bill Turnbull, the conference will cover the impact of the current economic climate on businesses, the role of L&D in contributing to business performance, and how L&D professionals can learn the necessary skills to face the challenges of today’s pressures and demands.

Keynote addresses are being delivered by: John McNamara, chief executive at the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils, examining how L&D can contribute to better business performance; industry guru Nigel Paine, sharing his views on engaging employees and learners; and Penny Tamkin, programme director – management & leadership at the Work Foundation, who will look at driving performance improvements through learning.

The Future of Learning Forum, will feature a leading international panel of experts examining the changing face of learning in the current economic climate. The panel consists of Martyn Sloman, visiting professor at Kingston Business School, Penny Tamkin, Malcolm Pickup, head of people development at TNT UK, and Laura Overton, managing director of Towards Maturity. It will cover issues of how L&D should align itself with changing business priorities, the role of L&D in HR issues and how to maintain momentum in tough circumstances.

Conference speakers come from organisations including: Rolls-Royce, Marks and Spencer, Lloyds TSB, British Red Cross, BBC, BT Group, NHS Coventry and Sony Electronics Europe.

The World of Learning takes place in Hall 18 at the NEC, Birmingham on 30 September and 1 October. For more information go to www.learnevents.com