This past year presented unprecedented challenges for learning and development leaders. It’s no wonder why many people looked forward to 2021. The hope is that vaccine distribution will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and that we can begin to live in a better new normal. But the experiences we had in 2020—experiences that extend beyond just the pandemic—will shape learning and development for years to come. In this session, we’ll explore seven ways that learning and development will change as a result of our experiences in 2020. We will put the events of last year into global and cultural context, examine how what we experienced has changed our work, and look at how those changes will affect our work in the future. We will discover the hidden opportunities presented to us this year and how we can take advantage of them. By attending this session, you will explore the silver linings of a challenging year and how to apply those lessons to a brighter future. This session was presented at the ATD21 Conference, held @Home and @HQ, in Salt Lake City, on August 28 - September 1, 2021.