Splunk University Hosts In-Person Learning in Denver

Over the past two years, it's been exciting and rewarding to watch thousands of learners walk into Splunk University with curiosity, uncertainty, ambition, and excitement. They arrive from different industries, roles, and corners of the world, but they all have one thing in common: they want to get more value from their data and gain more confidence in their ability to use Splunk.

And every year, I leave even more inspired by what happens when people are given the time, space, and support to truly learn.

As a leader of the instructor-led training team delivering Splunk’s live virtual and onsite training courses, I revel in the transformation that takes place during Splunk University. You can see it in the conversations during labs, in the questions learners ask instructors, and in the energy that builds as attendees realize they’re not just consuming information. They’re building practical skills they can immediately apply back at work.

Why In-Person Learning Still Matters

Depending on your perspective, the news headlines paint a picture of possibilities or problems. Technology changes overnight. Security threats evolve by the minute. Observability environments continue to grow more complex. AI is reshaping workflows across every industry. In a world moving this fast, hands-on learning matters more than ever if your outlook leans toward possibilities.

That’s why Splunk University continues to be such a valuable part of the Splunk .conf experience. It gives learners dedicated time to focus, experiment, ask questions, and collaborate directly with expert instructors and peers. There’s something powerful about being in a room with other Splunk users solving problems together in real time. Honestly, the conversations and brainstorming become just as valuable as the course content itself.

Since I joined Splunk Education, we’ve seen incredible momentum around skills development across the Splunk ecosystem. According to the 2025 Splunk Career Impact Report, demand for Splunk practitioners has doubled since the Cisco acquisition, while interest in advancing Splunk skills increased 107% year over year. The report also found that 78% of users now describe themselves as proficient or very proficient with Splunk, and 78% report using Splunk daily or continuously in their work.

That kind of growth does not happen accidentally. It happens when organizations invest in learning.

Skills That Drive Careers Forward

I've had the privilege of watching students really grow during the three days of Splunk University. They walk into class on the first day eager to learn about Splunk, and leave with new skills, new confidence, and often new connections. They learn alongside their peers, engage with instructors, tackle hands-on challenges, and support one another's growth. I've even seen attendees form study groups to help each other prepare for and pass Splunk Certification exams before the end of the conference. These students understand the value of our certifications and so does the community. According to the Career Impact Report, 77% of certification holders reported increased earnings, 72% reported promotions, and 71% reported getting hired as a direct result of their Splunk Certifications. Along with the data, I hear first-hand from students who felt more confident to take on a new project or lead larger initiatives because they felt more proficient and had earned a certification as validation.

Looking Ahead to Denver

This September, Splunk University heads to Denver, Colorado, ahead of .conf26, and our instructors are excited to welcome another wave of learners into the classroom. Whether these students are enrolling to strengthen foundational skills, deepen their expertise in security operations, sharpen observability practices, or prepare for certification, our goal remains the same: create an environment where learning feels practical, collaborative, and energizing.

The Mile High City between September 12-14 feels like the perfect set and setting to create an environment that elevates what’s possible with Splunk.

We hope to see you there.