Building on the ATD26 Experience — A Post-Conference Roundtable for Everyone

Unlock the Conference Edge: Actionable Strategies for All

The ATD International Conference and Exposition (ATD26) is a whirlwind of "Collective Insights" and a launchpad for "Lifelong Learning." But let's be real, soaking up all that knowledge is one thing; figuring out how to actually use it in your day-to-day as a learning and development professional is another. How do those big-picture ideas translate into actionable strategies for your team, your organization, and your professional growth?

As friend of the chapter Paul Signorelli put it, the real value of any learning experience comes down to walking away with one high-impact idea and doing something with it.

What if you couldn't make it to ATD26 this year? Budget cuts, competing priorities, a calendar that just wouldn't cooperate. The national conversation moved forward without you — and catching up on your own is a project in itself. 

That's why ATD Orange County is excited to host a Post-ATD26 Roundtable. Think of it as your pass to "aha!" moments, practical strategies, and emerging trends from the conference, all from the comfort of your own space.

What's On The Agenda

What Got People Talking

What sessions sparked the most conversation? What ideas had people texting their colleagues from the conference floor? This is an open, energizing exchange where our attendees bring back what genuinely moved them — the insights, the surprises, and the ideas that are still rattling around in their heads. If you weren't there, this is your front-row seat to what the conference actually felt like.

Roundtable Discussions

We break into small groups focused on specific topics that matter to your work. Conference attendees bring speaker resources, session downloads, and the names and search terms worth knowing. Everyone brings their own experience and perspective. You'll leave with something specific and useful for the work you do.

Presenter Panel

If you've ever thought about contributing to the broader L&D conversation — presenting, publishing, or simply making your work visible beyond your organization — this segment is for you. A panel of ATD-OC chapter leaders, hand-selected to speak at the ATD National Leadership Conference, will walk you through exactly how they got there: how they shaped their ideas, caught the attention of selection committees, and took their expertise to a larger audience.

Discussion Leaders

How We'll Make It Work (No Boring Lectures Here!)

We're meeting locally to create a dynamic, collaborative learning environment. This is an active dialogue led by other ATD-Orange County L&D professionals designed for you to:

• Share Your Key Takeaways: If you attended ATD26, what resonated most with you? What surprising insights did you gain? This is your moment to share and spark new conversations.
• Discuss Practical Applications: How do you see yourself applying what you learned (or what you could learn!)? What challenges do you anticipate in implementing new ideas, and how can our community help you overcome them?
• Explore New Ideas Collectively: This is a fantastic opportunity to brainstorm and refine new approaches based on the conference's overarching themes. You might just find the solution you've been looking for from a fellow ATD-OC member!