Index AR Solutions welcomed clients, partners, and industry leaders to its 2025 Fall Conference, an annual gathering designed to inspire collaboration, spark innovation, and highlight the transformative impact of multimodal learning solutions across a variety of sectors. Held last month, the event once again underscored a central theme: when people come together to share ideas and experiences, the future of workforce training becomes clearer and stronger.

A Hands-On Start: Demonstrations That Bring Technology to Life

The conference opened with a morning of interactive demonstrations, allowing attendees to explore a range of Index products and speak directly with the developers and production teams who build them. According to Index CEO Dan Arczynski, this one-on-one exchange is a defining part of the event’s value.

“I love this yearly conference because we have an opportunity to get our clients together in one place in an intimate gathering where they can really talk to each other,” he shared. “Index is at our best when we’re listening to our clients.”

Guests moved through demonstration areas to see eBooks, augmented reality applications, and new multimodal tools in action, sparking ideas and conversations along the way.

Dr. James Merlo, CEO of the North American Generator Forum, noted that seeing the tools firsthand is often the key to unlocking new possibilities. “We have to be here, see it, do it, touch it… when you’re here working with others, getting to see those products, it really sparks that imagination.”

Real-World Perspectives From Clients and Partners

Throughout the day, speakers from utilities, universities, healthcare organizations, and training programs shared how Index solutions are being deployed in the field and the impact they are having on both new learners and seasoned professionals.

Dominion Energy, a long-time Index client, offered a glimpse into how augmented reality is strengthening electrical distribution training. “You were one of the first that we’ve ever used with augmented reality… our teams can now hold an iPad up, walk into a vault and see what it’s supposed to be and how to configure it,” said Rob Locke, Senior Vice President of Electric Distribution at Dominion.

Others highlighted the value of collaboration during development. Dominion’s Chase Bland praised the Index team’s responsiveness: “It’s never a ‘we can’t do this’ it’s ‘we’ll figure it out.’”

Retired PacifiCorp Director Ken Menely emphasized the integrity of the Index team members behind every project: “They say what they’re going to do, and they actually do it.”

Multimodal Learning Takes Center Stage

A major focus of this year’s event was the role of multimodal learning in preparing the workforce for the complex challenges ahead, from the clean energy transition to evolving safety requirements.

Dr. Tony Gagliardo of Xcel Energy called this evolution “the real long pole in the tent” affecting the nation’s energy future, emphasizing how multimodal learning would be essential in meeting demand.

His colleague, Gerald Allex, Training Director at Xcel, reinforced that today’s students expect dynamic, interactive learning tools. “They like to have these smart tablets, tools… it’s about them,” he said, noting Xcel’s upcoming pilot to gather direct feedback from learners.

In higher education, professors from William & Mary shared how Index’s hands-on learning tools are helping students better understand scientific concepts.

Dr. Patricia Habersham explained that iPads equipped with interactive content are already transforming her classroom. “Students are really excited about this new way of learning… working and solving real world problems,” she said.

Advancing Safety, Health, and Technical Skills

Speakers from healthcare and workforce readiness programs also showcased how Index tools promote consistency, safety, and skill development.

At Riverside’s Simulation Training Lab, Dr. John Alex described how standardized procedural content helps reduce complication rates and increase safe patient care – a benefit amplified when training teams have access to the same high-quality multimodal tools.

From the energy sector, Jim Goodnite of AEP highlighted how consolidating training into accessible applications benefits apprentices and experienced team members alike. “We’re building a skilled and resilient team member for the future,” he said.

Looking Ahead Together

As the conference concluded, Index AR Solutions reiterated its commitment to supporting clients through true partnership.

“This is not so much a marketing opportunity, but really a networking opportunity for us to share ideas,” Arczynski said in his closing remarks. “If Index can be a part of their solution, we’re excited about that.”

Attendees left energized to continue pushing boundaries in workforce development, fueled by shared insights, bold ideas, and the collaborative spirit that has become a hallmark of Index conferences and retreats.