Association for Talent Development (ATD)

Finally getting around to capture my thoughts from last week's ATD 26 Conference in Los Angeles. I have been thinking a lot about on how my relationship with conferences, specifically ATD, has evolved over the years. Having attended many ATDs throughout my career, my focus has naturally shifted. While the breakout lectures, main stages, and big keynotes are great, I find the biggest benefit and highest value in the networking opportunities and intimate, small-group discussions. Having lunch I randomly sat with Jay Davenport, CPTD and MARK TAYLOR and it ended up being an amazing, hour-long discussion. In small group breakouts, I met folks like Sherrill Poitier, BSc., CPTD, Beatriz Herrera, Madeline Rosario, among so much others, who are just doing AMAZING things for their organizations and their people. I was invited to sit in with the CTDO group for half a day and the conversations around the future of L&D in the age of AI gave me hope for the future of our industry. Special thank you to John Kane and Ann Parker for the invite to your sessions. I was really appreciative of conversations with Adam White, M.Ed., CPTD and Tamar Elkeles, PhD. For me, the absolute hidden gem of ATD was the ATD Exchange. It creates an incredible environment for small-group, roundtable, and peer-to-peer conversations. It’s a space where we can really share what we are all going through, experimenting with, and attempting to achieve in the Learning & Development space. I’m walking away from LA with a wealth of new insights and, more importantly, a network of fantastic connections that I will definitely carry forward and lean on for years to come. To everyone I crossed paths with last week—thank you for the brilliant conversations! Let’s keep the momentum going. See you in Boston for ATD27! #LearningAndDevelopment #Networking #ATD2026 #TalentDevelopment #LifelongLearning #AddusHomeCare #HealthCare

I’m still a bit exhausted from #ATD26. But it’s the good kind of exhausted with lots to ponder after the event. One of the most common things I’ve been hearing from people lately is feeling stressed and unsure about what our field is going be like in a few years… or even tomorrow… and where they fit in that new normal. It’s no wonder people say they’re burned out, worried, and feeling disconnected. For me, that makes that human connection we get at events like ATD26 all the more important. There’s the work-related things: getting cool new ideas, talking through project challenges and getting other’s ideas on how to solve them, tapping into new tools and resources, and buying absurd amounts of books. But then there’s the recharging yourself side of these events. There’s the hugs, waves, and hi-5s from people in your community you adore that you maybe only see once every year or so. There’s going to an all-you-can eat Japanese grill restaurant with a co-worker and having a hoot trying not to set your food on fire. There’s finding a quiet corner for a one-on-one chat with a friend about the stuff that’s hard right now. There’s taking photos in Barbie and Ken boxes with work pals. There’s the sweetness of petting a sleepy puppy named Dill. There’s the hilarity of filming Hot Takes videos using a stress lobster as a microphone holder. There’s the delight in discovering at karaoke how well long-time friends can sing. And there’s the joy of being with people who make you feel truly seen and valued… and doing the same for them. So in this time of great change, the very best of ATD26 had very little to do with tech and everything to do with the recharging power of being with awesome people.

Day 1 at ATD is wrapping up, and after a full day of sessions, conversations, and walking what feels like 40 miles through the convention center, here are my biggest takeaways so far: 1. Wear comfortable shoes. This is not optional. Your feet are part of your learning strategy this week. 2. Share what you know. Some of the best conversations happen when people openly share ideas, failures, tools, and lessons learned. The L&D community is incredibly generous when you lean into the conversation. 3. Connect with people. The sessions are great, but the real magic is in the hallway conversations, coffee chats, and random introductions before a session starts. I’ll be sharing more takeaways, reflections, and moments from ATD throughout the week. If you’re arriving tomorrow, what sessions or topics are you most excited about? And if you couldn’t make it, what should I go explore for you? #ATD26