Prepare to Network

Content

One of the many benefits of attending a trade conference is the chance to meet with and learn from people in your industry from organizations large and small, in geographic locations near and far.

One of the many benefits of attending a trade conference is the chance to meet with and learn from people in your industry from organizations large and small, in geographic locations near and far.

Content

Merriam-Webster defines networking as “the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business,” and the ATD conference team has made several enhancements to the annual conference to help attendees spark such relationships.

Merriam-Webster defines networking as “the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business,” and the ATD conference team has made several enhancements to the annual conference to help attendees spark such relationships.

Content

“Our motivation was to make networking more intentional, inclusive, and valuable for a broader range of attendees,” explains Jennifer Broering, ATD’s senior director of conferences. “We consistently hear that people come to [the conference] to connect, but not everyone is looking for the same type of experience.”

“Our motivation was to make networking more intentional, inclusive, and valuable for a broader range of attendees,” explains Jennifer Broering, ATD’s senior director of conferences. “We consistently hear that people come to [the conference] to connect, but not everyone is looking for the same type of experience.”

Content

The biggest change is the retirement of Networking Night, which had historically been a separate, ticketed event at an off-site location. In its place will be multiple inclusive receptions held directly on the EXPO floor, which will enable all attendees to participate in networking activities without having to purchase additional tickets.

The biggest change is the retirement of Networking Night, which had historically been a separate, ticketed event at an off-site location. In its place will be multiple inclusive receptions held directly on the EXPO floor, which will enable all attendees to participate in networking activities without having to purchase additional tickets.

Content

For example, the Opening EXPO reception on Sunday night—dubbed Cheers to LA—will be one event where you can mix and mingle amid a theme inspired by Hollywood glamour, the coastal energy of Santa Monica Pier, and the vibrant flair of Chinatown. The reception takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For example, the Opening EXPO reception on Sunday night—dubbed Cheers to LA—will be one event where you can mix and mingle amid a theme inspired by Hollywood glamour, the coastal energy of Santa Monica Pier, and the vibrant flair of Chinatown. The reception takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Content

Also on the EXPO floor will be the Taste of Boston: Sips & Sweets Reception on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., where you can converse, network, and get a preview of what’s in store for ATD27. Both events will feature themed food, cocktails, and mocktails.

Also on the EXPO floor will be the Taste of Boston: Sips & Sweets Reception on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., where you can converse, network, and get a preview of what’s in store for ATD27. Both events will feature themed food, cocktails, and mocktails.

Content

In addition, The ATD Exchange (located in Concourse Hall on Level One) will feature role-based meetups throughout the conference. The informal sessions will enable professionals in like positions to connect and initiate discussions. The roles that will have meetups include facilitators/trainers; sales enablement professionals; healthcare staff; e-learning practitioners; government employees; talent managers; independent consultants; instructional designers; L&D directors/managers; and organization development professionals. The session agenda provides details on when the meetups will occur.

In addition, The ATD Exchange (located in Concourse Hall on Level One) will feature role-based meetups throughout the conference. The informal sessions will enable professionals in like positions to connect and initiate discussions. The roles that will have meetups include facilitators/trainers; sales enablement professionals; healthcare staff; e-learning practitioners; government employees; talent managers; independent consultants; instructional designers; L&D directors/managers; and organization development professionals. The session agenda provides details on when the meetups will occur.

Content

You can also count on stopping by Community Conversations, the Talent Development Leader Networking Room, the Chapter Leader Lounge, the Global Village, and the Team Connection Center, all of which remain among the conference’s networking opportunities this year.

You can also count on stopping by Community Conversations, the Talent Development Leader Networking Room, the Chapter Leader Lounge, the Global Village, and the Team Connection Center, all of which remain among the conference’s networking opportunities this year.

Content

“Instead of relying on a single, large networking event, we designed multiple ways for connection to happen—whether that’s structured conversations, informal meetups, Beginner Mindset experiences, or more organic interactions on the EXPO floor,” Broering says. “The goal was to make it easier for every attendee to find a way to engage that feels natural and worthwhile.”

“Instead of relying on a single, large networking event, we designed multiple ways for connection to happen—whether that’s structured conversations, informal meetups, Beginner Mindset experiences, or more organic interactions on the EXPO floor,” Broering says. “The goal was to make it easier for every attendee to find a way to engage that feels natural and worthwhile.”

Content

Read more about ATD26 at conferencedaily.td.org .

Read more about ATD26 at conferencedaily.td.org.