ATD wrapped up a few days ago and it proved, once again, to be an experience not to be missed!
For over eight decades, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) has been at the forefront of advancing the talent development field, offering events that consistently deliver excellence. From the inaugural conference in Chicago in 1945 with just 56 attendees, ATD has grown its annual International Conference & EXPO into a global phenomenon. This year’s conference, held in New Orleans, drew more than 9,000 professionals from 80+ countries, cementing its reputation as a key event for learning and development (L&D) professionals.
On the final day of the event, I got a chance to sit down with the amazing Mallory Flynn, Content Manager and Chloe Sferra, Content Coordinator at ATD for a brief chat about their experiences of #ATD24 and their plans for OrgDev in Atlanta in October and ATD 2025 in DC.
Keynote Highlights
The ATD International Conference & EXPO offered world-class speakers, new insights, and lots of networking opportunities. This year’s event had a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers – Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, bestselling author Daniel Pink, and tennis legend and entrepreneur Venus Williams.
Matthew McConaughey: The acclaimed actor and bestselling author captivated the audience with his engaging storytelling and insights into perseverance and personal growth. McConaughey shared experiences from his storied career and his philosophy of “just keep livin,” inspiring attendees to embrace resilience and authenticity in their professional and personal lives.
Daniel Pink: Renowned for his profound research on business and human behavior, Pink provided attendees with actionable insights into motivation, timing, and the power of regret. His engaging session explored how looking backward can propel us forward, a timely message for organizations navigating post-pandemic challenges.
Venus Williams: In an inspiring conversation, the tennis icon and businesswoman shared her journey of overcoming barriers and building a successful brand. Williams’ story of resilience, focus, and innovation resonated deeply, offering valuable lessons on leadership and personal development.
Beyond Resilience: Shaping a New Culture
As businesses emerge from the pandemic, the conference theme, “Beyond Resilience: A New Path to a Strong Culture,” resonated powerfully. Sessions explored how organizations can redefine their values, foster inclusive cultures, and enable employees to thrive. Attendees left equipped with strategies to navigate the evolving landscape and build workplaces where people can do their best work.
Networking and Collaboration
One of the standout aspects of the ATD conference is the opportunity to forge lasting relationships with peers and industry leaders. This year’s event facilitated unprecedented networking through interactive sessions, workshops, and social events, allowing professionals to share ideas and best practices in talent development.
Expo: Discovering New Tools and Solutions
The EXPO floor, the largest of its kind for training and development practitioners, showcased innovative tools and solutions. Attendees explored the latest advancements in L&D technology, gaining insights into how these innovations can enhance their training programs and organizational effectiveness.
Summary
The ATD International Conference & EXPO 2024 was a big success, reaffirming its status as the go-to event for L&D professionals. I’ll be back for my third time in 2025! The depth of programming, quality of speakers, and opportunities for networking and collaboration make it an indispensable experience for those dedicated to advancing their organizations and careers.
Mark your calendars for next year’s conference, and discover for yourself why the ATD International Conference & EXPO remains unparalleled in the field of talent development