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Planning your time at ATD 2025? With hundreds of sessions competing for your attention, it can be tough to decide which ones are worth carving out time for. Whether you're leading L&D strategy, driving digital transformation, or just looking to get inspired, we’ve got you covered.

Here are our picks for five can’t-miss sessions at this year’s conference—each one packed with insights, energy, and ideas you’ll actually use.

Five sessions you can't miss at ATD 2025

1. Opening Mainstage with Simone Biles

📅 Monday, May 19, 2025   |   ⏰ 8-9:30 a.m. ET   |  📍 Hall D, Level 2

Start the conference on a high note with Olympic icon Simone Biles. Her story of resilience, focus, and mental fortitude will set the tone for a week of growth and learning. Expect a powerful reminder of the human side of performance.

2. Solving the Virtual Training Paradox: Research & Technology to Keep Learners Engaged

📅 Monday, May 19, 2025   |   ⏰ 1-2:00 p.m. ET   |   📍 Room 144C, Level 1

Virtual training is here to stay—but most learners still tune out. This session, backed by fresh research and real-world case studies, explores how forward-thinking organizations are combining tech and design to turn passive sessions into active learning experiences.

3. Unlocking Growth Through Intelligent Failures

📅 Tuesday, May 20, 2025   |   ⏰ 8-9:00 a.m. ET   |   📍 Hall D, Level 2

What if failure could be a strategic advantage? This energizing talk unpacks how embracing “intelligent failure” can help individuals and organizations learn faster, innovate more effectively, and build a culture of continuous improvement.

4. Making Sense of the Chaos–Reskilling and Upskilling for the Future of Work

📅 Tuesday, May 20, 2025   |   ⏰ 9:15-9:45 a.m. ET   |   📍 Learning Stage 6, EXPO, Lower Level

Short and punchy, this 30-minute session tackles the chaos of constant change—and how L&D teams can respond with strategic reskilling and upskilling. Great for anyone grappling with workforce transformation or future-proofing talent.

5. Are You Doing Kirkpatrick Right?

📅 Wednesday, May 21, 2025   |   ⏰ 8-9:00 a.m. ET   |   📍 Room 145, Level 1

Everyone talks about measuring learning. But are you actually applying the Kirkpatrick Model the way it was intended? This practical, myth-busting session will help you connect learning outcomes to business impact—without overcomplicating the process.

Make the most of ATD 2025

Don’t just attend—experience ATD 2025. These sessions represent some of the most impactful ideas and conversations happening in L&D today. Mark your calendar, bring your questions, and leave room in your schedule to reflect, connect, and follow up.

See you in DC!

Mike Lovell

Mike Lovell is the SVP of Marketing at Class. He has dedicated his career to technology and the applications that can innovate the way people live and learn.

Mike Lovell

Mike Lovell is the SVP of Marketing at Class. He has dedicated his career to technology and the applications that can innovate the way people live and learn.

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