Shaping the Future of Elearning With Open LMS: Highlights From Friends & Trends and Connected Manila

As part of our commitment to enhancing learning and training for organizations and higher education institutions, Open LMS hosted two global events that brought learning professionals together to explore the latest in educational technology, instructional design, and digital transformation. The Friends & Trends conference in Bogotá, Colombia and Connected Manila in the Philippines provided hands-on workshops, expert panels, and collaborative sessions for education and L&D professionals.

From exploring real-world applications of AI in learning environments to discussing content strategies and platform innovations, participants at both events left with actionable insights to improve and futureproof their learning programs. These events also served as vital spaces for networking, idea exchange, and shaping the next evolution of eLearning.

Here’s a look at the highlights from each event, as well as a sneak peak of events to come later in 2025.

READ MORE EVENT HIGHLIGHTS | ‘4 Big Takeaways From the Learning Technologies Conference & Expo 2025’

Friends & Trends: Developing Sustainable Learning Solutions

Conference attendees pose with event speakers at Open LMS’s Friends & Trends event in Colombia.

On April 10, 2025, learning and development professionals from across Latin America came together for the third annual Friends & Trends conference hosted in Bogotá, Colombia. Held at the W Hotel, the in-person event welcomed around 75 participants from Colombia, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru.

Attendees took part in a dynamic day of hands-on workshops, expert-led panels, and networking opportunities, all centered around the latest trends and innovations in eLearning. From exploring cutting-edge tools to sharing best practices, the event offered actionable insights for enhancing L&D programs across sectors.

A Day Full of Insight and Innovation

The conference featured 10 expert sessions delivered across two conference rooms, allowing attendees to tailor their experience. Key sessions were repeated in both rooms to ensure everyone had access to the most impactful content. In addition to the learning sessions, the event included a networking breakfast and lunch, along with exciting door prizes.

Notable conference sessions included “Artificial Intelligence by Open LMS,” presented by Senior Director of Product Management Laura Martin. During this discussion, participants learned how they can leverage Open LMS’s AI capabilities to enrich their learning programs. Some of the AI capabilities include:

• Organizing course information with concise tables and bullet points
• Summarizing complex ideas
• Streamlining communication between instructors and learners
• Localizing course content based on specific audiences
• Translating content into 13 different languages

More Than Just Tools—A Look Ahead

Additional conference sessions covered topics like how to configure learning software to meet your unique needs, LMS best practices, and a breakdown of Open LMS’s key features.

Attendees also received an inside look at the Open LMS product roadmap. Laura Martin and Open LMS Product Manager Saha Torres each led a session discussing the platform’s future enhancements and planned upgrades for the remainder of 2025 and 2026. Participants learned how the updates can help streamline eLearning programs for organizations and higher education institutions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AI IN L&D | ‘Artificial Intelligence and Learning Management: The Impact of AI On eLearning Programs’

Connected Manila: Simplifying Teaching, Amplifying Impact

Event attendees listen to a presentation at Open LMS’s Connected Manila 2025 conference.

On the other side of the globe, more than 100 educators, instructional designers, LMS administrators, IT professionals, and university leaders from across the Philippines attended Connected Manila on April 2, 2025. Attendees were joined by Open LMS team members from the Philippines, as well as Melbourne and Nashville, Tennessee, to exchange best practices, discover new tools, and network with others in the eLearning community.

Sponsored by the Philippine eLearning Society and graciously hosted by long-time Open LMS client Lyceum of the Philippines University, the in-person event included eight sessions and a post-conference workshop in which participants learned innovative teaching strategies, actionable tips, and best practices to enhance their eLearning capabilities.

Featured speakers included Mischelle Esguerra, Director of the Academic Center at Lyceum of the Philippines University, who discussed how an innovative, gamified, and personalized approach to faculty training led to a remarkable 85% LMS adoption rate and a 91% improvement in online course design quality. The Director for Innovations and Technology at La Salle Green Hills, Joseph Ray Albert Garrido, also presented at the event. He outlined how his institution uses Open LMS as the base of its eLearning ecosystem, enabling the school to take strategic steps to lay the foundation for AI integration. His presentation also covered how integrating AI tools and new technologies has positioned his school for future innovations in education and community engagement. Each event speaker received a certificate and gift of appreciation from Open LMS for sharing their first-hand knowledge and insights with the eLearning community.

Additionally, Open LMS team members Liam Liddicoat, Regional Director for APAC, and James Smith, Senior Customer Solutions Architect, offered an exclusive look at the platform’s product roadmap, sharing key developments—including additional AI capabilities—and how they will enhance eLearning at higher education institutions. Attendees also participated in an interactive focus group centered on the Open LMS platform. The session gave current and potential future Open LMS clients the chance to help shape the future of the LMS. Participants shared what they love about Open LMS and what future capabilities and features could help them continue to innovate their instruction going forward.

Conference speakers and attendees at Connected Manila 2025.

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What’s Next?

No need to worry if you missed out on this year’s Friends & Trends or Connected Manila conferences. Open LMS is hosting Connected Australia in Melbourne, Victoria on October 15, 2025. And if you aren’t in Australia, there are many additional opportunities for us to connect face to face. From virtual webinars to global conferences, you can meet Open LMS team members and get actionable LMS and eLearning insights no matter where you are in the world.