By Chris Bjorling, Associate Editor, HR Gazette and Founder at Fidello Inc.
As Associate Editor at the HR Gazette and a longtime advocate for progressive learning and development practices, I’m thrilled to confirm that I’ll be on the ground at the ATD 2025 International Conference & EXPO, taking place May 18–21 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
This annual gathering, hosted by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), is the world’s largest event for talent development professionals—and it never fails to deliver on energy, insight, and impact. With 10,000+ attendees from 80+ countries, ATD25 will once again be the heartbeat of innovation in workplace learning, performance, and leadership development.
What to Expect at ATD25
Over the course of four days, ATD25 will feature 250+ learning sessions and an expansive EXPO floor with more than 400 exhibitors showcasing everything from immersive learning tech and coaching platforms to DEI training tools and analytics-powered L&D solutions.
While the headline keynotes (including Simone Biles, Amy C. Edmondson, and Seth Godin) will no doubt pack the main halls, the real gems—at least for L&D pros looking to drive actionable change—will be found in the breakout sessions and exhibitor conversations.
This year’s tracks include:
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AI and Learning Technology
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Future Readiness and Workforce Trends
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Instructional Design and Delivery
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Talent Strategy and Analytics
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DEI and Culture Building
…and many more.
Who I’m Looking to Meet
As part of HR Gazette’s ongoing coverage of HR tech, talent innovation, and the future of work, I’ll be attending ATD25 to connect with:
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Innovative vendors and solution providers transforming how organizations engage, upskill, and retain talent.
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L&D and HR leaders with bold success stories in organizational change, reskilling, or culture evolution.
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Speakers (non-keynote) who are leading compelling sessions on pressing issues such as AI in learning, psychological safety, and inclusive leadership.
If you’re presenting or exhibiting and would like to connect for an on-site interview, short profile, or post-event coverage in the HR Gazette, I’d love to hear from you. My goal is to spotlight emerging tools and strategies that are shaping the next chapter of work.
How to Attend
Whether you’re heading to DC or joining virtually, ATD25 offers flexible options:
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In-Person Registration includes full access to sessions, the expo, networking events, and keynotes.
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Virtual Registration allows live-streamed access to featured content and on-demand sessions through August 25, 2025.
Continuing education credits are also available for ATD CI, SHRM, and HRCI certifications.
Final Thoughts
ATD25 promises to be more than just a conference—it’s a space for reinvention. In an era where talent strategies must keep pace with rapid technological and social change, events like this offer a necessary pause: a place to learn, reflect, and recommit to better people practices.
If you’ll be at ATD25 and want to share your story with HR Gazette readers—or if you’re a fellow practitioner looking to connect—drop me a line via [email protected] or reach out on LinkedIn.
See you in DC.