The Association for Talent Development (ATD) hosts its annual conference in Atlanta Sunday May 21 through Wednesday May 24. More than 10,000 professionals are expected to attend the four-day event, which features over 400 exhibitors from across the globe.
Participants from the government, health care, higher education and sales sectors have the opportunity to consume a variety of valuable resources, including content designed to bolster career development, management and training delivery programs.
Pre-conference certification and training
The @atd conference offers multiple certification programs and workshops leading up to the conference. Those planning to attend can enroll in more than 30 certification courses. The organization plans to host sessions on everything from change management and coaching to blended learning and rapid video development. Conference visitors can also attain linchpin ATD credentials such as the Expert Coach, Master Performance Consultant and Master Trainer certificates.
These programs unfold over two, three or four days and are administered online. ATD also offers a series of one- and two-day workshops prior to the event. Attendees can choose from seven single-day sessions on subjects like coaching and performance consulting. Workshops on the organization’s Certified Professional in Learning and Performance credential and the successive approximation model progress over two days. Like the aforementioned certification programs, these courses take place online.
Key conference events
More than 450 individual sessions are scheduled to take place over the course of the event. These learning opportunities correlate to 10 specific content categories and are constructed to benefit attendees in the four primary fields mentioned above. A number of ancillary activities transpire amidst these sessions, including meal breaks and networking get-togethers. An expo featuring over 400 vendors opens Monday.
Speakers
Leadership and professional development experts from around the world will speak at the #ATD2017 conference, including NASA astronauts and retired Navy officers Mark and Scott Kelly. The twin brothers joined the space agency in 1996 and went on to participate in several key missions. Scott Kelly was the first astronaut to spend an entire year in space, working at the International Space Station from March 2015 to March 2016. NASA also enrolled the brothers in a twin study to better understand how space travel impacts the human body. Mark and Scott Kelly are scheduled to host the opening keynote Monday May 21. The brothers will discuss their careers and offer insights into essential professional concepts such as leadership and teamwork.
Health psychologist and Stanford University lecturer Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., will host the second keynote Tuesday May 22. McGonigal is known for her pioneering in the field of “science-help,” a discipline that explores how neurological strategies can be used to bolster personal wellness. The scholar is expected to unpack stress and how individuals can use it to reach new personal and professionals heights.
Paralympic champion, physician and singer Dr. Ronan Tynan will give the third and final keynote address Wednesday May 23. The modern polymath captured 18 gold medals and set 14 world records before going into the medical field and launching a successful singing career via an appearance on the BBC talent show “Go For It.” Tynan will discuss his varied resume and offer inspiration to attendees facing challenging professional trajectories.
Specialty experiences
In addition to the events above, the #ATD2017 conference features a number of specialty experiences for ATD chapter members and attendees in the health care, higher education and sales fields. The organizations will also host a career center for conference participants looking for new opportunities.
Attending ATD 2017 in Atlanta? Make sure to stop by the RedVector booth 544.
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