With hundreds of sessions on the ATD 2025 agenda, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve pulled together this curated guide to help you focus on the sessions that matter most.
Inside, you’ll find our top picks for each day—sessions we believe are the most relevant, actionable, and aligned with the future of learning and talent development. After that, we’ll share where you can find us during downtime (hint: think great conversations and good drinks), plus a few practical tips to help you make the most of your ATD experience.
Sunday, 18 May
Kick off the conference with a first look at where learning is headed next—and how technology is helping teams build better, smarter training programs.
What’s New in the ATD State of the Industry Report
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Room 146B, Level 1
This session will unpack the newest data from ATD’s 2025 State of the Industry report, including trends in spending, development activity, and benchmarks across industries and company sizes.
Why we recommend it: This session is a great way to get grounded in industry trends before the week begins. You’ll walk away with data-driven insights to help guide your L&D strategy for the year ahead.
How to Ensure You Have the Right People, in the Right Roles, at the Right Time
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM ET | Room 143C, Level 1
This session, hosted by Bridge LMS and OpenSesame, will explore how to anticipate future talent needs, close skills gaps with AI-powered insights, and align training content to evolving business goals.
Why we recommend it: With OpenSesame’s own Director of Curation, Paige Kracke, on the panel, you’ll get a firsthand look at how targeted content and smart technology can come together to build agile, future-ready teams and how you can apply those strategies in your organization.
AI With Power and Purpose: Supercharging Collaborative Learning for L&D Impact
3:45 PM – 4:15 PM ET | Learning Stage 2, EXPO, Lower Level
Join our partners at 360Learning for a close look at how AI and collaborative learning can drive smarter skills-based learning. You’ll walk away with practical ways to align AI with real learning goals—not just shiny features.
Why we recommend it: This session offers a clear, practical look at how AI can enhance collaborative learning, not just automate it. This is a great place to start if you’re exploring ways to make training more relevant and scalable.
Monday, 19 May
After sitting in on Simone Biles’ opening session (can’t say that every day), Monday shifts into practical, real-world strategies for scaling training and supporting learners where they need it most.
How Learning Helps the Frontline Drive the Bottomline
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET | Room 143B, Level 1
Frontline employees are essential to business success, yet they often feel undervalued and underprepared. In this panel, L&D leaders share real-world strategies for training frontline teams in high-turnover, high-pressure environments.
Why we recommend it: The session features Dani Johnson, co-founder and principal analyst at RedThread Research, alongside voices from across the industry on what’s working to support frontline teams. It’s a great opportunity to gather fresh, practical ideas you can bring back to your organization.
Personalized Learning Journeys in Action: Real Cases and Best Practices
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET | Room 202B, Level 2
With smarter tools and tech now widely available, personalized learning has moved from aspiration to expectation. This session offers real-world examples and actionable strategies for designing programs that build skills and drive lasting behavior change.
Why we recommend it: The session reinforces what we believe at OpenSesame: great learning should meet people where they are and drive meaningful results. If you’re designing training that truly connects with learners, this is one to catch.
Tuesday, 20 May
After Amy Edmondson’s keynote reminds us that smart risks and intelligent failures are key to growth, Tuesday’s sessions dive into bold ideas and practical strategies to help you future-proof your learning programs.
The Modern Learning Mindset: Influencing Stakeholders to Think Differently
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET | Ballroom B, Level 3
Building a great learning culture starts with buy-in. In this session, JD Dillon from Axonify shares how to align stakeholders across your organization around the value of modern learning practices.
Why we recommend it: If you’re working to get more buy-in for learning in your organization, this session offers practical guidance to help you shift mindsets, build support, and drive long-term impact.
Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: How Leading Companies Build Training That Works
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM ET |: Room 143A, Level 1
Hear from L&D leaders at Quest Diagnostics, McCarthy Holdings, and Pregis as they share how they’ve built personalized, engaging, and scalable training programs that drive measurable business impact.
Why we recommend it: Hosted by us at OpenSesame, this session features real examples from our customers on how high-impact, curated content and data-driven strategy help boost performance, increase engagement, and deliver strong ROI.
Wednesday, 21 May
Wednesday may be shorter, but it’s packed with insight—and it all leads to a powerful closing session with Seth Godin on why the future of work depends on your team’s mindset and skills.
Meeting Learners Where They Are: Crafting Personalized Learning Pathways
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM ET | Ballroom C, Level 3
Learn how to design personalized learning pathways using learner personas, arcs, and real-time feedback to boost engagement and results.
Why we recommend it: This session offers practical guidance on designing learning pathways that reflect how people learn, so you can easily build more engaging and effective programs.
Ready to mix, mingle, and make the most of ATD? Here’s where you’ll find us between sessions. Stop by, say hello, and let’s talk all things learning.
License to Skill
Sunday, 18 May, at 6:30 pm | International Spy Museum
Your mission, should you choose to accept it…
Join OpenSesame, Axonify, and D2L for License to Skill—an exclusive evening of networking, hidden talents, and espionage-inspired fun. Set high above the city on the Spy Museum’s rooftop terrace, you’ll mingle with fellow L&D pros, sip on covert cocktails, and explore the Bond in Motion exhibit. Need a glimpse into your learning future? Our on-site Fortune Teller has you covered.
Optional dress code: Secret Agent Chic! Think sleek suits, trench coats, cool gadgets, and a touch of mystery. Channel your inner Bond.
Not Another Happy Hour
Monday, 19 May at 6:00 PM | Long View Gallery
After two days of sessions, swag, and serious booth time, you’ve earned a change of scenery. Join Acorn and OpenSesame for Not Another Happy Hour—an evening of art, conversation, and custom cocktails at Long View Gallery.
No demos. No pitches. Just good people, great vibes, and a little creative inspiration.
Make the most of your ATD experience.
Whether it’s your first time at ATD or you’re a conference pro, a little prep goes a long way. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the week, stay energized, and get the most from your time in Washington, DC.
Plan your day ahead of time
Scrambling to choose sessions on the fly? Save yourself the stress. Log in to the ATD Eventscribe platform or download the mobile app to build your schedule in advance. Favorite the sessions you don’t want to miss, and don’t forget to block time for breaks, lunch, and a lap around the expo floor.
Arrive early for popular sessions
Some sessions fill up fast, especially those featuring big-name speakers or trending topics. When building your schedule, check how many attendees are already registered. If something looks popular, plan to arrive early so you don’t miss out on a seat.
Don’t forget to prioritize your well-being
Conferences are energizing, but can also be exhausting if you don’t pace yourself. ATD offers a few built-in moments to help you recharge and stay at your best.
Brew & Steep Refreshment Stations
Stop by the EXPO (Lower Level) for freshly brewed coffee and tea—perfect for a midday reset.
- Sunday: 12:00–4:30 PM
- Monday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Bark Break
Take a breather and de-stress with puppy playtime at Booth 346 (EXPO, Lower Level).
- Sunday: 1:00–4:00 PM
- Monday: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:30–3:30 PM
Take a few minutes to reflect each day
Spending just a few minutes each day reviewing key takeaways helps lock in new ideas and makes it easier to apply them later. Jot down what stood out, what you’d like to try, and how it connects to your goals.
We can’t wait to see you at ATD 2025! Be sure to stop by booth #2307, just to your left as you enter the expo floor. Chat with the team about all things L&D and build your own LEGO® mini-fig, a keepsake as unique as your learning journey.