Our History
After nearly 50 years, a 35,000 percent growth in
membership, the addition of new industry sectors and a radically different
training environment, the former Society of Pharmaceutical and Biotech Trainers
(SPBT) announced on June 10, 2014, its new name, the Life Sciences Trainers
& Educators Network or LTEN (el-ten).
LTEN underscores who we represent, what we represent and the
importance of community.
LTEN began in 1971 as the National Society of Pharmaceutical
Sales Trainers (NSPST). Launched in a meeting of just four forward-thinking
training leaders, it began against a backdrop of increased pressures to improve
industry standards. Focused solely on heads of training in pharma companies,
the group carried a philosophy that trainers could benefit by sharing ideas
between companies.
The next four decades brought considerable change. The
association evolved from a small think tank of a handful of professionals into
a strong membership-based society. In 2000, as a response to the biotech boom
and the broadening range of responsibilities outside of sales training, the
name was changed to the Society of Pharmaceutical & Biotech Trainers or
SPBT.
Today, the name LTEN reflects the complete range of life
sciences companies – not just pharmaceutical and biotech but medical device and
diagnostic as well. The name also recognizes that each member brings unique
experience and expertise which collectively can be a powerful force. The word
“network” in the name was a strategic decision as it’s this network of members
and solution providers that define the organization’s value.
LTEN has always been led by leading training professionals
in the life science industry. View our list of past presidents.
The LTEN Hall of Fame acknowledges the valuable,
distinguished members who have made a difference to the life science training
industry.
Five Decades of Serving the Healthcare Training Community
