LEGOs, Austin Powers costumes, and insightful exchanges that pushed our thinking—ATD 2025 wasn’t your typical conference.
Last week, learning and development (L&D) professionals from around the world met in Washington, D.C., to exchange ideas, ask bold questions, and rethink what’s possible in online training. For the OpenSesame team, it was a chance to connect on the expo floor, in breakout sessions, and over LEGO builds with the people shaping the future of learning.
Here’s a look at the ideas that challenged us, the moments that stuck with us, and the conversations we’re still thinking about.
Want a quick look at what made ATD 2025 so unforgettable? Watch our full recap video below.
The booth experience everyone was talking about
All conference long, our booth was buzzing.
Attendees started with a one-minute, research-backed color test to uncover their unique learning personality. Then came the fun part: digging through bins of LEGO to build a custom minifig that brought their results to life.
It was playful, sure, but it also reflected what OpenSesame is all about. The experience offered a hands-on introduction to Oro, our talent growth engine that helps people understand how they learn and identify the right training to grow. In just a few minutes, attendees gained a clear and memorable glimpse into how Oro connects insight to action.
Lines stayed steady all day, with people snapping photos, sharing their LEGO selves, and telling friends to check it out. More than a few called it the best booth at the event. And the best part? Everyone walked away with something better than a branded tote—a tiny, meaningful version of themselves.
Lessons from leaders doing the work
One of the standout moments of the week was our customer panel session featuring Michelle Owens of Quest Diagnostics, Amanda Villaseñor of McCarthy Holdings Inc., and Amber Crain of Pregis. Together, they tackled a critical question: How do you deliver training that’s engaging, scalable, and aligned with business goals?
It was standing room only—literally. The room was packed with L&D professionals eager to hear how their peers address the same challenges they face every day. The conversation was candid, practical, and rooted in real-world experience. Attendees told us they appreciated that it wasn’t a sales pitch—it was a chance to learn from people doing the work.
Missed the session? We’ve got you. Check out our full recap here for actionable takeaways to bring back to your training programs.
License to Skill: A night above D.C. with the L&D community
Ever partied like a spy at a conference? We did.
We took over the rooftop terrace of the International Spy Museum in D.C. for License to Skill, a night of espionage and expertise brought to life with our partners Axonify and D2L.
The scene? Themed cocktails, covertly delicious food, undercover beats, a fortune teller predicting your learning future, and exclusive access to the Bond in Motion exhibit. Attendees went all in on the vibe, from leather pants and trench coats to all-black outfits and even a few Austin Powers looks.
But it wasn’t just a party. It was a chance to connect, recharge, and laugh with fellow L&D agents in a setting unlike anything else at ATD. It struck the perfect balance of fun and connection—people lingered, laughed, and stayed late.
Fresh insights, real challenges, and what’s ahead
This year brought new perspectives and standout sessions, starting with a powerful talk from Dani Johnson, Co-founder and Principal Analyst at RedThread Research. Her focus: how to better engage frontline workers. Dani’s message was clear. While this audience can be logistically tough to reach, they’re often your biggest investment and critical to business success. She shared the real challenges frontline workers face and offered practical strategies for supporting their growth through targeted skills development.
Over on the expo floor, AI-powered tools were everywhere, especially those designed for coaching. Compared to last year, when many were still asking what AI even meant for L&D, the conversation has evolved. Today, the conversation is all about using AI with purpose and care.
That’s exactly where we’re focused at OpenSesame. With Simon, our smart course creation and translation platform, and Oro, our personalized skills development engine, we’re building tools that amplify human potential. That means smarter learning experiences—focused, personalized, and built to help people succeed now and grow into what’s next.
ATD 2025 reminded us why we do what we do. From meaningful conversations to unforgettable moments, it was a week of connection, creativity, and community. Thanks to everyone who stopped by, joined a session, or danced the night away. We’re already looking forward to next year!
Let’s keep the momentum going. Get in touch or schedule a demo to see how we’re supporting L&D teams beyond the expo floor.
