HolonIQ ‘Back to School’ Summit — Unifying digital learner experiences
The information services provider HolonIQ is globally recognized for driving innovation in education and technology. Dedicated to transforming the learning landscape, their events consistently spark conversations around the most pressing challenges and groundbreaking advancements in the industry.
During the summit in September 2024, HolonIQ hosted a session on unifying the digital learner experience during their ‘Back to School’ Summit, featuring thought leaders and changemakers from across the education and eLearning space. Boundless Learning participated in this session, and we’re excited to share the highlights with you.
Event highlights
The opening keynote
Maria Spies, Co-CEO of HolonIQ, kicked off the event by highlighting the importance of the digital learner experience in today’s fast-changing education space.
She shared how fragmented educational tools and systems often disconnect learners and create hurdles in their journeys. Setting the tone for the session, Maria emphasized the urgency of making the transition toward a unified, seamless learner experience.
Panel talk: From fragmented systems to unified success
This session brought together two leaders from Boundless Learning — Joshua Richards, Chief Product and Technology Officer, and Willem Boom, Senior Director of Global Enterprise Sales. They explored how Boundless Learning can create new content or merge legacy content with modern design to deliver more cohesive and engaging experiences for learners across higher education, associations, and corporations.
Joshua and Willem shared how Boundless Learning has thrived through building a new technology infrastructure and set of capabilities while broadening market scope. They emphasized a critical takeaway: The learner must be at the heart of every decision. For organizations operating in fragmented ecosystems, unification isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a critical component for success.
One recurring theme throughout the session was market expansion. Both Richards and Boom shed light on the increasing demand for scalable, seamless learning solutions across non-university sectors such as professional associations and corporate enterprises. This pivot represents some of the largest untapped potential for education platforms.
Richards also emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with learning management system (LMS) providers and tech organizations. These partnerships play a critical role in addressing pain points around technology adoption and enhancing the learner experience.
Listen to the full panel discussion:
While in New York, we made time to interview Joshua and Willem individually, along with Darlene Pittman, Senior Director of Global Student Success and Retention Operations, to ask about their thoughts on the future of learning. Here are four emerging trends they identified:
1. The rise of seamless learner experiences
Fragmented systems are becoming a thing of the past. Learners, whether students at a university or corporate employees, now expect continuous, interconnected journeys. Technology is making it easier than ever to unify these experiences, driving learner engagement and success. Tools that track the learner lifecycle and digital touchpoints will lead this transformation.
Listen to Willem’s perspective:
2. OPM 2.0 models
Online program management (OPM) models are evolving into multifaceted service providers. Modern education organizations need partners with expertise that stretches beyond technology and includes data-driven learning design, broad market knowledge, and strategic flexibility.
3. Cross-sector expansion
Education isn’t just about universities anymore. Professional associations, corporate networks, and extended enterprises are becoming key players in the learning ecosystem. Tailored learning services for these sectors will unlock immense growth opportunities and enable knowledge dissemination far beyond academia.
Listen to Joshua’s perspective:
4. Human-centered technology
Aritifical intelligence, machine learning, and adaptive content creation are only valuable if they serve the learner. Moving forward, there will be a stronger emphasis on leveraging technology not for technology’s sake but to meet real learner needs in innovative ways.
Listen to Darlene’s perspective:
We're pushing boundaries and unlocking new possibilities in education
HolonIQ made one thing clear during the event: We’re living through a pivotal moment in education. Change isn’t coming — it’s already here.
If you’re ready to thrive in this new learning ecosystem, we’re eager to partner with you. Whether it’s designing engaging programs, integrating cutting-edge technology, or exploring new learning solutions, we have the tools and expertise you need to be successful.
Reach out to learn more about how we can continue being champions for better learning opportunities everywhere, together.