ATD21 is almost here. With attendees able to participate virtually and on-site in Salt Lake City, Utah, by its very design, ATD21 will enable attendees to create a learning experience that is perfectly tailored to their interests and needs. Still, you may not be sure how to get started or how to maximize your experience. Here’s some guidance to help you get the most out of ATD21.

Conference platform

Whether you are attending in person or online, start by logging into the conference platform, Pathable. This is your hub for session information, managing your agenda, connecting with exhibitors and attendees, and even potentially winning a prize. Remember that all ATD21 HQ attendees must reserve a seat for in-person attendance at sessions through the conference platform. Read more about that and how to add sessions and events to your agenda.

The platform likewise features the Virtual Lounge, where attendees both in person and online can connect. Further, the Virtual Lounge offers resources, contact information if you need assistance, and a map where you can check in and see where other attendees are located. ATD21 is still truly a global event.

On-site experience

ATD21 HQ will offer an in-person learning experience closest to which returning attendees are most accustomed. In addition to the three keynote speakers, there will be more than 250 live sessions, speaker Q&As, and more than 80 demonstrations and solutions sessions. Likewise, there will be both formal and informal networking opportunities. Read more about how to connect with other attendees, including those who are virtual.

New this year is the Quad, a fun, interactive space where you can connect with other attendees and have some fun playing yard games like cornhole and Jenga. Additionally, in an effort to give back, ATD21 is providing community service activities for attendees to take part in. The activities—a paintfest, writing letters for seniors, and assembling food kits—are in Hall A of the Convention Center.

Virtual experience

The pandemic has demonstrated that there are ways to meaningfully connect with others even through a computer screen. For those attending ATD21 virtually, there are numerous opportunities to learn, develop, and network. You will have access to outstanding programming, including the three keynote speakers, more than 45 livestreamed sessions, and speaker Q&As. Additionally, you have access to all the virtual content on demand and can catch up on any sessions you’ve missed.

“One advantage of the ATD21 @Home virtual platform is that regardless of how you experience ATD21, closed captioning and language translation service is available as part of the on demand functionality,” says Apryl Alexander-Savino, ATD senior director of conferences. “We are normally limited with how and where we can provide captioning and interpretation, so the virtual platform ensures captioning and language translation is available for rebroadcast of the three keynote sessions as well as all of the on-demand sessions.”

Networking also isn’t limited to being in the same physical space as others. Virtual attendees can take advantage of customized networking opportunities and exclusive Q&A sessions so that they, too, can experience the best ATD21 has to offer.

EXPO hall and career development

ATD21 wouldn’t be complete without the EXPO Hall and Career Center. Nearly 200 exhibitors will be on-site and available virtually to share innovative tools, applications, and ideas. All attendees can review the exhibitor listings in the platform ahead of and during ATD21. Add those you are most interested in meeting to your “Want to Meet List” or start a conversation with the exhibitor in Pathable.

The ATD Career Center, sponsored by the International Coaching Federation, will offer a variety of on-site and virtual activities to help attendees develop professionally. HQ attendees can have a free professional headshot taken in the Headshot Lounge in Hall A of the Convention Center. Advance sign-ups are required. And be sure to take advantage of a complimentary one-hour virtual coaching session with an ICF-credentialed coach. Spaces are limited and require a discount code. Learn more on the Career Center page.

Explore your options

There are many more events and activities that will take place during ATD21. Spend some time looking through the options via the conference platform and determine which are of most interest to you and your personal goals for the conference.

“We recognize there’s a lot going on and this is the first large-scale conference event that many of us have been part of in a while. The one thing I want attendees to know is that we are here to help you along the way,” adds Alexander-Savino. “In addition to the app and website, the ATD Central Booth will be staffed during the day or ask any ATD team member so that we can help make this the most enjoyable experience for our attendees.”

She adds, “Ultimately, our aim is that no matter how you experience ATD21, you will find that this year’s events and activities will not only meet, but exceed, your professional learning and networking goals.”