How to Convert FLV to MP4 (When Media Encoder Doesn't Work!)
In this tutorial, I'll show you the quickest and easiest way to convert old FLV (Flash Video) files into MP4 format so you can use them in the all-new Adobe Captivate. If you’ve been creating e-learning for years, as I have, you likely have a library full of legacy assets. Since Adobe has moved away from Flash, many modern tools—including Adobe Media Encoder—no longer support FLV files. I’ll walk you through using HandBrake, a powerful open-source tool, to batch-convert your videos without sacrificing quality. We will then import the newly captured MP4s back into Adobe Captivate Classic to ensure your projects are ready for the future.
What you’ll learn in this video:
Why does Adobe Media Encoder no longer support FLV?
How to export legacy video assets from your Captivate Library.
Step-by-step instructions for batch-converting files in HandBrake.
How to replace slide videos in Adobe Captivate with your new MP4s.
Tips for aligning and updating your e-learning courses for the latest version of Captivate.
How the Adobe Learning Summit Has Changed Over the Years
I’ve been writing about the Adobe Learning Summit for a long time now. Some of those posts were simple reminders to mark your calendar. Others focused on venues, schedules, or why the event mattered specifically for Adobe Captivate users. But when you read them together, they tell a much bigger story — one about how the Summit itself has evolved alongside the learning profession.
In its earlier years, the Adobe Learning Summit felt very much like a traditional user conference. The focus was squarely on tools, especially Captivate. Sessions went deep into features, workflows, and practical techniques for building eLearning. For instructional designers and developers working hands-on in authoring tools every day, this was incredibly valuable. The Summit was a place to sharpen skills and learn what was new or coming next.
Over time, though, the conversation began to widen. Captivate didn’t disappear — far from it — but it became part of a larger narrative about learning ecosystems rather than the entire story. Sessions increasingly explored how learning fits into performance, analytics, and organizational goals. The question shifted from how to build content to why that content exists and how it supports real outcomes. Learning stopped being treated as a standalone activity and started being framed as a strategic function.
Adobe employees celebrating the Adobe Learning Summit 2025
Along with that shift came a noticeable change in tone. Earlier Summits leaned heavily into demonstrations and how-to sessions. Today, there’s a stronger emphasis on impact. Discussions revolve around effectiveness, scale, and value — not just whether something can be built, but whether it actually makes a difference. The audience has grown beyond developers to include learning leaders, consultants, and decision-makers who care as much about results as they do about tools.
One of the clearest markers of this evolution has been the rise of artificial intelligence as a central theme. In the past, efficiency was often talked about in general terms. Now, AI sits at the heart of the Summit’s messaging. It’s presented as a practical response to the pressures learning teams face every day: tighter timelines, higher expectations, and the need to personalize learning without exploding budgets or workloads. The conversation isn’t about replacing people. It’s about amplifying human judgment with AI-assisted speed and consistency.
This evolution is also reflected in what Adobe now looks for in speakers. In earlier years, deep technical knowledge was often the primary requirement. If you knew the tools well, you had something worth sharing. Today, Adobe is far more interested in real-world stories — how learning was applied, what problems it solved, and what was learned along the way. That shift has made space for first-time speakers and practitioners who may not see themselves as experts, but who have meaningful experiences and insights to offer.
An AI imagined image of what the Adobe Learning Summit 2026 might look like
Even the structure of the Summit itself has become more intentional. Changes to dates, venues, and the way certification days are separated from conference sessions suggest a growing focus on the overall learning experience. Rather than trying to pack everything into a single overwhelming schedule, the Summit feels more deliberately designed, with space for both deep focus and broader inspiration.
Perhaps the most important change, though, is who the Summit is really for. What once felt like an event primarily aimed at instructional designers and eLearning developers now serves a much broader community. New Captivate users sit alongside seasoned professionals. Learning leaders share the same space as hands-on practitioners. Consultants, customer education teams, and talent development professionals all find relevant conversations and takeaways.
Looking back across years of blog posts, the pattern is clear. The Adobe Learning Summit has matured into a future-facing learning event — one that mirrors the evolution of our field itself. It’s no longer just about mastering tools. It’s about understanding how learning supports people, performance, and growth in an increasingly complex world.
And in many ways, that evolution feels familiar. It’s the same journey many of us have taken in our own careers — starting with tools, and eventually learning to see the bigger picture they’re meant to serve.
Rough Cuts - Visuals in Adobe Captivate
In this video, I'll walk you through my best practices for crafting standout visual designs in Adobe Captivate, so your eLearning projects don't look like everyone else's. I'll share where I find design inspiration, how I use "card" layouts like those used by leading brands (Microsoft, Google, Apple, Nvidia), and helpful tools for choosing colour themes and ensuring accessibility. I'll also demo how to use Quick Start projects, unique backgrounds, custom image effects, and creative buttons—so your slides break out of the standard mould! Whetheryou'ree just getting started with Captivate or want to elevate your course visuals, these tips will help you deliver modern, engaging, and accessible eLearning content.
🍽 Dining at the Adobe Learning Summit — Affordable & Healthy Options Near Bellagio
One of the nice perks of attending the Adobe Learning Summit is that Adobe has you covered for breakfast and lunch during the event.
Adobe Captivate Certification (1 day): Breakfast and lunch are provided
Adobe Learning Summit days: Breakfast and lunch are provided
That means your main planning will be around dinners, plus any meals before or after the conference. Since many attendees stay at or near the Bellagio, here’s a practical guide to affordable, convenient, and healthy dining options nearby—without Vegas sticker shock.
Casual & Convenient Options Inside the Bellagio
If you want to stay close after a full day of learning, the Bellagio has a few more casual spots that don’t require a fine-dining budget.
Sadelle’s
A solid option for breakfast or lunch outside conference hours, with classic fare and lighter options. It’s popular, so timing matters.Noodles
Asian comfort food with plenty of noodle and rice dishes, generally more affordable than Bellagio’s upscale restaurants.Bellagio Patisserie & Snacks
Good for quick breakfasts, coffee, or grab-and-go items if you’re heading out early or returning late.
💡 Tip: Bellagio’s signature restaurants are excellent but often priced for special occasions. Great experiences—just not everyday conference dinners.
Affordable Eats Within Walking Distance
If you’re willing to walk 5–15 minutes, your options expand quickly—and prices drop.
Secret Pizza (Cosmopolitan)
A favorite for quick, inexpensive slices—perfect after a long conference day.Hash House A Go Go (The LINQ)
Known for huge portions and comfort food. One plate can easily be shared.Yard House
A reliable option for burgers, salads, bowls, and lighter fare with predictable pricing.LINQ Promenade
Several casual restaurants and counters in one area—great for groups who can’t decide.Showcase Mall Food Court
Not glamorous, but practical, fast, and budget-friendly.
Healthy & Vegan-Friendly Options
If you’re trying to eat lighter, plant-based, or just balance out conference carbs, Vegas actually has some solid options nearby.
True Food Kitchen (Forum Shops)
One of the best nearby choices for healthy, vegetarian, and vegan meals. Grain bowls, salads, and seasonal dishes.Veggie House
A fully vegetarian Asian restaurant (short ride away) with generous portions and reasonable prices.Café Gratitude
Fully plant-based, organic, and popular with vegan attendees. Slightly higher prices, but very clean eating.Yard House & Sadelle’s
Both offer salads and customizable options that work well for vegetarian or lighter meals.
Smart Eating Tips for Summit Attendees
Take advantage of Adobe-provided breakfast and lunch — it reduces daily food costs significantly.
Plan dinners in advance if you’re going with a group; Vegas fills up fast.
Food courts and promenades are your best value on the Strip.
Portions are often large—sharing is common and smart.
Want to Splurge?
If you decide to celebrate the end of the summit, Bellagio and nearby resorts offer world-class dining experiences. Not budget-friendly, but memorable if you’re marking a milestone.
How to Create a Custom Table of Contents in the New Adobe Captivate
In this video, I’ll show you, step by step, how to create a fully custom table of contents in the all-new Adobe Captivate. The built-in TOC is limited in the latest version, so we’ll build our own—from interactive navigation and checkmark completion states to unlocking the final quiz only after all sections are viewed. Follow along to gain greater flexibility and control over your Captivate projects! If you find this helpful, please like, share, and subscribe.
Adjust Alignment and Spacing for Image Grid Cards
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to master the alignment and spacing of image grid cards in Adobe Captivate. I recently had a client who wanted a specific "edge-to-edge" look where the image sits flush against the card borders, and I discovered a simple way to achieve this without building a custom design option from scratch.
Adobe Learning Summit 2026 — A Date Shift (and a New Venue) Worth Noticing
Each year, I tend to find out about the Adobe Learning Summit earlier than most — and 2026 is no exception. What is different this time isn’t just when the event is happening, but where.
The Adobe Learning Summit 2026 is scheduled for July 2026, a notable shift from its usual late-September or early-October timeframe. Even more interesting: the conference will be held at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
Both changes are worth paying attention to.
A Thought on the Timing (Pure Speculation)
Historically, Adobe Learning Summit and DEVLEARN were closely connected — sometimes co-located, sometimes scheduled back-to-back. Since the split between those two organizations, the conferences have continued to occur relatively close to one another on the calendar.
This year, however, the gap between them is much larger.
My guess — and I want to be clear that this is speculation — is that Adobe may be intentionally moving the Summit earlier in the year to create more breathing room between major industry events. Holding the Adobe Learning Summit in early summer could also give Adobe greater flexibility to participate in, support, or engage with DEVLEARN later in the year without competing for attention.
Again, that’s just my read on the situation — but it’s the most logical explanation I can come up with for why the two events are now so far apart.
What is certain is that July represents a meaningful shift from the norm, and that will affect how attendees and speakers plan their year.
A Classic Vegas Venue: The Bellagio
If recent Summits at newer properties like Resorts World felt sleek and modern, the Bellagio offers something different: iconic Las Vegas prestige.
Known for its fountains, refined atmosphere, and central Strip location, the Bellagio offers:
A well-established conference center
Walkable access to surrounding hotels and attractions
A more classic, upscale Vegas experience
For long-time attendees, this feels like a return to the type of landmark venues Adobe used in earlier years — but with the polish and professionalism the Summit is known for.
What to Expect (Based on Past Years)
While session details will be released closer to the event, the Adobe Learning Summit has been remarkably consistent in what it delivers:
Deep, practical Adobe Captivate content
Direct access to Adobe product teams
Early looks at what’s coming next
Sessions focused on AI, accessibility, personalization, and modern learning design
A highly focused audience that actually uses the tools being discussed
If you’re a Captivate designer, developer, or learning professional, this remains one of the highest-value conferences you can attend.
Why This Summit Still Matters
I’ve been attending Adobe’s events since 2016, and one thing has never changed: this summit respects its audience.
Unlike massive conferences where Captivate content can feel diluted or hard to find, the Adobe Learning Summit stays intentionally focused. You’re not fighting through irrelevant sessions — you’re surrounded by people solving the same problems you are.
That alone makes it worth the trip.
Thinking About Speaking?
If attending is valuable, speaking is even more so.
Adobe continues to stand apart in how it treats speakers:
Speakers are compensated
Hotel accommodations are covered
Speakers are included in exclusive events and networking opportunities
I’ve written extensively about the hidden costs of speaking at most conferences — and why Adobe gets it right. If you’ve ever considered submitting a proposal, the Adobe Learning Summit remains one of the best, fairest places to do it.
Final Thoughts
A July Adobe Learning Summit at the Bellagio is a change — but not necessarily a bad one.
Earlier dates may reduce conference fatigue later in the year, while the Bellagio provides a familiar, high-quality venue in the heart of Las Vegas. Combined, these shifts suggest Adobe is continuing to refine — not reinvent — an event that already serves its community well.
As more details are released, I’ll continue to share updates. For now, one thing is clear:
Adobe Learning Summit 2026 is shaping up to feel different — and that makes it worth watching closely.
Hope to see you there — maybe even behind the speaker mic.
How to Make Interactive AI Avatars in Adobe Captivate 13 | Step-by-Step Tutorial
In this video, I walk you through how to make your e-learning courses more engaging by adding interactive AI avatars in Adobe Captivate 13. I show you, step by step, how to set up click-to-reveal interactions, control navigation with the Next button, and generate avatars with unique triggers and closed captions—perfect for boosting both accessibility and learner engagement.
How to Display Long Form Dates in Adobe Captivate | Step-by-Step Guide
In this video, I show you how to display the long form of today’s date in Adobe Captivate, perfect for certificates of completion or anywhere you need a readable date in your eLearning projects! I walk you through creating a custom string variable, using JavaScript to generate a long-form date, and dynamically displaying it in your course.
How to Bring Back Non-Responsive Projects in Adobe Captivate 13
In this video, I’ll guide you through a simple workaround to bring back non-responsive projects in the all-new Adobe Captivate 13 using the PowerPoint import workflow. If you’ve been frustrated by the fixed layouts and restrictions of responsive design in Captivate, this tutorial is for you. I’ll show you how to import a blank PowerPoint presentation to create flexible, non-responsive slides—giving you full control over placement, resizing, and alignment of objects just like in Captivate Classic. You’ll learn how to add text, images, SVG icons, video, and creative media elements, making your e-learning projects easier to customize and manage. Whether you’re new to Captivate or a power user seeking more control over your slide layouts, this step-by-step guide will help you unlock new possibilities for your e-learning development.