By: Atiya Hasan, current VP of Marketing and Communications

Recap of ATD ACE Conference 2023: A First-Timer's Perspective

As the Vice President for Marketing and Communications for ATD Greater Atlanta, my first experience at the ATD ACE Conference in 2023 was an eye-opening journey. It couldn't have come at a more opportune time, as I find myself in the midst of a career pivot. This event brought together talent and development professionals, including instructional designers, students, and chief learning officers, creating a fertile ground for networking, learning, and gaining insights. Here are some key highlights:

1. Networking with Sponsors: The conference provided exceptional opportunities for networking, especially with sponsors who play a crucial role in supporting the growth of the non-profit organization. These connections will prove invaluable in engaging current members and expanding the organization's reach among talent and development professionals.

2. Learning Opportunities: The ACE Conference delivered a wealth of knowledge in various aspects of talent development, including coaching and AI in Change Management. The sessions and workshops offered practical insights and strategies that can be implemented to enhance our organization's mission, a timely resource as I navigate my career transition.

3. AI in Change Management: The sessions on AI in Change Management were particularly enlightening. The integration of artificial intelligence into talent and development processes has the potential to revolutionize the industry, providing exciting prospects for someone like me who is in the midst of a career pivot.

4. Diversity Panel Insights: The diversity panel discussions offered thought-provoking insights into promoting inclusivity and diversity within the talent and development field. As we aim to engage a diverse group of professionals, the lessons learned from this panel will guide our approach to inclusivity.

5. The Power of Storytelling: Another standout theme at the conference was the importance of storytelling to engage online learners or employees. Storytelling is a powerful tool in learning and development, as it makes content more relatable, memorable, and engaging. Incorporating storytelling into our educational materials and communications will undoubtedly help us reach our goal of engaging current members and attracting new talent and development professionals to our non-profit organization.

In conclusion, the ATD ACE Conference 2023 was a remarkable event that provided opportunities for networking, learning, and gaining insights relevant to our organization's mission. For me, as a first-time attendee in the midst of a career pivot, the connections made and the knowledge acquired will not only contribute to the organization's goals but also to my personal and professional development.

Stay tuned for more detailed articles and in-depth reports on specific takeaways from the conference, as we continue to work towards our goal of fostering talent development and learning.