Three days of shared thinking, professional excellence, and meaningful connection. In Ljubljana, we came together to learn from one another and to shape what comes next.
In January 2026, the international DEVELOR community gathered in Ljubljana for our annual BRIDGE event. Hosted at the iconic Hotel Slon, BRIDGE 2026 brought together many colleagues from across the network for three days of focused learning, professional development, and community building.
BRIDGE has always been about more than knowledge transfer. It is about strengthening the bonds that connect us as a network, aligning around shared standards and values, and creating space for meaningful conversations that move us forward, individually and collectively.
Two days of deep professional focus – Train-the-Trainer programs
The first two days of BRIDGE 2026 were dedicated to intensive Train-the-Trainer (TTT) programs, running in parallel groups. The common goal was clear: to further strengthen training quality, align methodologies across countries, and support our colleagues with practical, experience-based learning.
Sessions ranged from Delivery Team Lead and Sales Development topics – focusing on quality standards, core processes, and sales effectiveness – to updated programs in Task & Time Management, Stakeholder Management, and Strategic Management with OKRs. These workshops addressed real, current challenges faced by trainers, leaders, and sales professionals in an increasingly complex and fast-changing environment.
Celebrating 25 years of Insights partnership and taking it further
A key highlight of BRIDGE 2026 was our long-standing partnership with Insights, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. This milestone represents not only a shared history, but also a clear intention to strengthen the collaboration and elevate it to an even higher professional level.
As part of this commitment, we were delighted to welcome Mark Leisegang, Insights’ Global Alliances Executive, as our guest. Over two days, Mark delivered in-depth TTT sessions on the latest Insights solutions, including the Team Effectiveness Model and the Self-Aware Leader program. Participants gained deep product knowledge, facilitation confidence, and practical tools to apply these methodologies with impact in their local markets.
Plenary day: alignment, direction, and shared responsibility
The third day brought the full group together for the plenary program. Network and country updates, reflections on the past year, and the presentation of our long-term strategy and the 2026 strategic priorities provided a clear sense of direction for the future. These sessions reinforced our shared responsibility in shaping the next phase of DEVELOR’s growth, both locally and as a global network.
Recognising excellence and impact
Recognition played an important role again this year. The Growth Ignition Award and PEAK Award presentations highlighted colleagues, projects, and initiatives that represent outstanding quality, innovation, and impact. These stories not only celebrate achievement but also serve as inspiration and benchmarks for others across the network.
More than an event
BRIDGE 2026 once again proved that these gatherings are about far more than programs and presentations. They are about learning together, challenging each other, and strengthening a professional community built on trust, shared standards, and human connection.
We left Ljubljana energised, aligned, and inspired. Ready to continue building bridges, igniting growth, and shaping the future of DEVELOR together.
