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 underscored 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 that have made a difference to the life science training industry.
