BEST Awards
ATD Award Programs
BEST Awards
The BEST Awards recognize organizations that demonstrate enterprise-wide success as a result of employee talent development. We are looking for organizations that get it: They use talent development as a strategic business tool to get results.
Established in 2003, the BEST Awards Winners' Circle includes small and large private, public, and not-for-profit organizations from around the world.
Leading TD Through Enterprise-Wide Initiatives
Submission Process for 2027 Recognition
The BEST Awards online application is now open, through October 26, 2026.
All entrants will be notified no later than February 1, 2027 of their submission outcomes.
To help you prepare, download the application here. Application fee of $450 USD is payable online as the last step of the application process.*
If you have questions about the application process, contact us at [email protected].
*Applications and application fees are subject to change each year.
Leading TD Through Enterprise-Wide Initiatives
BEST Award Winners Will:
Show value for the work they do.
Earn recognition for their achievements.
Be honored at a reception during the ATD International Conference & Exposition.
Connect with peers and learn about their award-winning practices at the award reception.
Be featured across ATD content channels.
Attract and retain talent by demonstrating the organization's commitment to learning and professional development.
Leading TD Through Enterprise-Wide Initiatives
What Are The Criteria to Win?
ATD BEST Award entries are evaluated by a team of talent development experts. These individuals are practitioners with worldwide expertise and include chief talent development officers and other senior learning leaders. BEST entries are evaluated on several criteria:
1. Enterprise Strategy and the Role of Talent Development (25%)
2. Signature Talent Development Contributions: Applicants will be asked to present three complete signature contributions. The same evidence structure is repeated so reviewers can compare strategic importance, judgment, scale, evaluation, impact, and learning without rewarding narrative style. (40%)
3. Enterprise Measurement and Value (25%)
4. Future Readiness and Strategic Judgment (10%)
Learn more about eligibility requirements on the online portal, or download the application packet here.
Leading TD Through Enterprise-Wide Initiatives
What's Different In This Year's Application?
This practical guide is for applicants who are familiar with the former BEST application. It provides a crosswalk between the former and current applications, with detailed tips about how to draft the new submission.
Congratulations to Our BEST Award Winners!
Interested in Learning About All ATD Award Programs?
ATD Award Programs Overview