Planning 2026 Learning Calendar: Your future self will thank you!

For many Learning and Development managers, Q3 requires a careful balancing act of overseeing current programmes, reviewing outcomes, balancing/setting budgets, and outlining next year’s training and development schedule — and trying to make it all fit around everything else. It’s a familiar challenge.

Research shows many L&D teams are so busy dealing with operational demands that they struggle to take a strategic view. In a survey reported by KnowledgePool via Personnel Today, 69% of L&D managers said their department was under-resourced and 42% felt training lacked adequate senior management support. Personnel Today

Key takeaway: If L&D leaders are always reacting (booking issues, ad-hoc training demands, emergency refreshes), they rarely get ahead to build a disciplined calendar for the year ahead.

It’s a lot to juggle — But with some strategic delegating with industry experts, a bit of forward planning (and the right support) can make a big difference.

Practical scheduling tips for L&D managers

Bringing the above together, here are a few practical tips that can help alleviate the pressure for your future self:

• Block calendar windows early: Reserve “safe” date windows (quarters, or low business demand periods) for key learning events. Then fit other sessions around them. This gives you a backbone to build your 2026 plan.

• Stagger training load: Rather than bunching many events in one month, spread them out to avoid over-burdening participants (and you as the organiser) or overlapping with other business events (e.g., busy sales periods, major conferences).

• Secure senior buy-in up-front: Getting leadership to commit to the calendar early (approve training windows, budgets, staffing cover) reduces last-minute cancellations or conflicting priorities.

• Allow buffer and flexibility: Build in contingency slots for “just in time” training or emerging priorities — training calendars must have agility in fast-moving organisations.

Taking the Pressure Off Next Year’s Planning

Booking your venues in advance isn’t just about securing the best spaces — it’s about creating breathing room. When the year starts, your focus can stay on the learning itself, not on chasing confirmations or adjusting logistics.

At Meetings Matter, we work with L&D teams to plan and schedule their programmes ahead of time — across multiple countries, and often partnering with a selection of trusted venues on a repeat basis. Either way, it means:

• Less last-minute admin. You can set your schedule once, and relax in the knowledge that the dates are secured and venues sorted.

• More consistency. Delegates get a reliable, well-run experience every time.

• Fewer budget surprises. Early booking gives you clarity on costs, and often better rates.

• Peace of mind. If something needs to change, you have one team to call — not a dozen venues.

Supporting How You Work

Every organisation approaches learning differently. Some run structured programmes at fixed times each quarter/year; others deliver sessions as new priorities emerge. We help map out whichever approach fits your culture — from a full calendar of global events to a single venue hosting multiple cohorts through the year. The aim is to compliment and enhance your optimum way of working.

A Thought for the Year Ahead

Before the new year rush begins, it’s worth asking:

• Are your current venues delivering the level of service and flexibility you need?

• Do you have the best value for the volume of bookings you manage?

• Would life be simpler if next year’s sessions were already planned and confirmed?

If the answer to any of those isn't as confidently positive as you would like, reach out and we can undertake the legwork to review your current setup.

You can schedule a short meeting with us to explore your 2026 event calendar and see whether your existing arrangements are giving you the best value and support. No hard sell — just a useful conversation.

👉 Arrange a chat with Meetings Matter and make next year’s planning that little bit easier.