Overview
ATD Conference (ATD International Conference & Exposition) is billed as the world’s largest learning-and-development (L&D) conference, drawing talent-development professionals for mainstage sessions, EXPO networking, and practical programming. Recent host cities and recaps (including ATD26 moments in Los Angeles-style receptions and upcoming Boston dates) show a mix of keynotes, vendor discovery, and peer connection.
The event is organized under the Association for Talent Development ecosystem and targets practitioners who design, deliver, and lead workplace learning.
What they teach
Conference themes typically cover:
- Talent development and L&D craft at scale
- Leadership, coaching, and performance enablement
- Emerging topics (including AI and the future of work) on mainstage
- Peer learning via EXPO vendors, receptions, and interactive sessions
Formats range from high-energy opening sessions to expo-floor discovery and specialty programming designed for practitioners—not spectators only.
Who it's for
- L&D and talent-development professionals
- HR and learning leaders evaluating tools and methods
- Facilitators, instructional designers, and coaches
- Vendors and partners serving the talent-development market
Frequently asked
Association or standalone event?
It is the flagship conference of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) community.
Academic or practitioner?
Programming is practitioner-facing for people who build and run workplace learning.
Only keynotes?
No—official recaps highlight EXPO, receptions, interactive sessions, and networking as core to the experience.
How do I register?
Use the official ATD conference site (atdconference.td.org) for rates and host-city details.