Making Connections at ATD24
Written by: Vera Medici
Management Concepts was excited to exhibit and sponsor at the world’s largest learning and development conference, the ATD International Conference & EXPO (ATD24). Over 10,000 attendees from around the world convened in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 19–22, 2024, to experience a wide range of keynote speakers and learning sessions, hundreds of vendors in the exhibit hall, and additional events including an author meet and greet, networking opportunities, and a closing reception at Mardi Gras World.
Among the star-studded speakers, ATD24 attendees were inspired by keynote addresses from actor Matthew McConaughey, tennis legend Venus Williams, and bestselling author Daniel Pink. Of the 13 learning tracks ranging across diverse topics from instructional design to talent strategy and management to sales enablement and health care, Management Concepts fit right into the Government track as the premier provider of career development, performance improvement, and human capital solutions for the public sector. Government learning professionals from federal, state, and local agencies chose from sessions focusing on modernizing talent development in government, innovation, and preparing for the future of work.
In this vein, Management Concepts was proud ATD offered for us to sponsor the first-ever Government Lunch and Learn panel discussion “Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders” on Sunday, May 19, preceding the regular sessions. The huge interest on the part of government attendees filled the room to capacity, with extra chairs pulled in to accommodate overflow audience members. The event was moderated by J. J. Walcutt, president and CEO, Clay Strategic Designs. Distinguished panelists included Dava Deschler, chief learning officer and director, Office of Employee Development, Department of the Interior; Dr. Wendy D. Walsh, chief learning officer, Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas; and Scott Boozer, director, School of Federal Leadership Excellence, Management Concepts. The lively and informative discussion addressed the rapidly evolving range of skills needed to lead effectively in today’s federal workplace and innovative approaches to leadership development programs designed to accelerate competencies for current and aspiring leaders at all levels.
At our booth in the exhibit hall, ATD24 attendees had the opportunity to learn more about Management Concepts’ comprehensive learning solutions, from human capital advisory services, custom content development services, learning program operations services, and coaching and mentoring. As one of our many professional development areas, our leadership and management courses maximize partnerships with well-known names in the field also exhibiting at ATD24: Blanchard® and Center for Creative Leadership®.
Management Concepts President Steve Maier personally participated in another collaboration as a contributing author to ATD’s Handbook for Consultants by Elaine Beich. ATD24 participants were invited to visit the ATD bookstore on-site for a book signing event with the opportunity to engage with authors one-on-one.
We’re looking forward to next year’s event, welcoming ATD25 attendees to our hometown of Washington, DC. In the meanwhile, look for us at the ATD Government Workforce Summit in Washington, DC, on September 5, 2024. View photos from ATD24 on our Facebook page, and keep up to date on our latest activities with ATD on our ATD partnership page.
