Main Conference Day 1: Tuesday, April 15, 2025


Registration and Breakfast

8:00 am - 9:00 am Registration & Breakfast

Welcome Orientation & Opening Remarks

9:00 am - 9:30 am Welcome Orientation & Opening Remarks

Opening Keynote Panel Discussion

9:30 am - 10:00 am The Essential Role of Human Skills in Leadership Development

In today’s dynamic business landscape, leaders need more than just technical expertise – they must master human skills to effectively manage teams and drive organizational success. Core competencies such as emotional intelligence, communication, and empathy are critical to building trust, promoting collaboration, and improving employee engagement. This panel discussion will delve into: 

  • The role of emotional intelligence in fostering effective leadership and team cohesion 
  • Practical approaches to improving communication and interpersonal skills in leaders 
  • Techniques for embedding empathy into leadership styles to enhance connection and understanding 
  • Strategies for integrating human skills into leadership development programs for lasting impact 

Keynote Panel Discussion

10:05 am - 10:35 am AI and the L&D Revolution

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the L&D landscape, offering more than just automation —it’s reshaping how employees engage with learning by creating personalized and effective experiences. To fully harness AI’s potential, L&D leaders must be prepared to adopt and integrate these innovations into their strategies. This session will explore: 

  • Advanced AI applications in L&D, such as personalized learning journeys and AI-powered tutoring systems 
  • Effective strategies for using AI to enhance learning engagement and improve knowledge retention 
  • Addressing ethical concerns and ensuring responsible AI implementation in learning environments 

Keynote Presentation

10:35 am - 11:05 am Unlocking Profit from L&D: Shifting from Cost Center to Revenue Engine

In times of economic uncertainty, L&D teams must reinforce their role as business accelerators, not just support functions. The most successful L&D leaders are already aligning with high-priority business initiatives, leveraging technology for efficiency, and using data to articulate impact in ways that resonate with executives.This session will focus on the strategies that elevate L&D’s role in driving workforce effectiveness, talent retention, and organizational resilience. Learn how to strengthen cross-functional partnerships, optimize learning technology, and apply key metrics to demonstrate L&D’s measurable contribution to business success.Key Takeaways: 

  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Tactics to engage Talent Management and other key stakeholders who are securing funding and driving business strategy. 
  • Technology & Integration: Why interoperability and API automation are non-negotiable for long-term L&D impact. 
  • Data & Measurement: The must-have frameworks for quantifying L&D’s value, including industry benchmarks and ROI calculators. 

Exclusive Takeaway: Attendees will receive a downloadable L&D ROI Worksheet Sheet and can stop by Seertech's booth for more resources 

Use Cases

11:10 am - 11:20 am Use Case by Valence

11:20 am - 11:30 am "One Year, Two Coaches: What Happened When AI and Humans Went Head-to-Head?" by Second Nature

11:30 am - 11:40 am Use Case by Convai

Demo Drive | Exhibit Break

11:50 am - 12:50 pm

Lunch

12:50 pm - 1:50 pm Lunch

Track Sessions

1:50 pm - 2:30 pm Boosting Learning Programs with AI-Driven Solutions

As the pace of technological advancement accelerates, the demand for personalized, adaptive learning has never been higher. AI is transforming the learning experience by enabling organizations to design tailored programs that improve engagement, performance, and skill development. This session will cover how AI-driven tools are reshaping the landscape of learning and development. Join us to explore: 

  • How personalized learning journeys can enhance motivation, engagement, and retention by catering to individual needs and preferences 
  • Utilizing AI to identify skill gaps, recommend targeted content, and promote continuous learning and career progression 
  • Developing adaptive learning paths that respond in real-time, challenging advanced learners while offering additional support to those who need it 

1:50 pm - 2:30 pm Leveraging L&D to Drive Your Company’s DEI&B Goals

A diverse workforce brings valuable benefits, such as increased innovation, performance, and overall organizational success. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) training is essential for not only cultivating a positive culture but also addressing hidden biases and inequities within hiring and development practices. Collaboration between L&D and DEI&B leaders is critical for building a truly inclusive workplace. In this session, we will explore: 

  • Developing a sustainable DEI&B strategy that aligns with your organization's mission and values 
  • Integrating diversity and inclusion principles into learning programs to foster a culture of belonging 
  • Identifying and correcting biased management practices and systems to ensure fairness and promote inclusivity across all levels of the organization 

1:50 pm - 2:30 pm Building a Future-Ready Workforce: Scaling Digital Skills with Experiential Learning

In today’s rapidly evolving digital workplace, employees must adapt to new tools faster than ever. However, traditional training methods often disrupt workflows and lack hands-on practice, widening the digital skills gap, especially in distributed teams. This session explores how experiential learning provides a safe, hands-on environment for skill development and confidence building. We will also discuss how Digital Adoption Platforms (DAPs) deliver just-in-time guidance, reinforcing learning at the moment of need. Key Takeaways: 

  • Discover a new powerful solution to build software simulation training without IT dependence. 
  • Find out how Digital Adoption Platforms (DAPs) reinforce learning at the moment of need. 
  • Effective strategies to implement experiential learning to scale digital skill development. 

Track Sessions

2:35 pm - 3:15 pm Aligning L&D Programs with Global Skill Demand

In today’s dynamic work environment, adaptability is key. Employees must continually develop both technical and human skills, such as empathy and leadership, to stay competitive. As a result, learning programs must evolve to meet these growing demands. Join this workshop to explore: 

  • Strategies for identifying the essential skills your workforce needs to thrive in a global marketplace 
  • The benefits of aligning learning programs with global skill trends, including higher employee retention and greater business success 
  • Approaches for incorporating reskilling and upskilling into existing training frameworks to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness 

2:35 pm - 3:15 pm Transforming into an Employee-Centric Organization

Internal mobility has become a key focus in the L&D space, but how can organizations take the next step to truly become employee-centric? The journey starts with fostering open dialogue about what employees want in their ideal roles and career trajectories. In this session, we’ll explore how to build a culture that prioritizes the holistic well-being and professional aspirations of every employee. Topics include: 

  • Supporting employees with a comprehensive approach that considers their personal and professional needs. 
  • Empowering employees to actively shape their own career paths through development opportunities. 
  • Encouraging open conversations where employees feel safe to express their career goals and ambitions. 

2:35 pm - 3:15 pm AI in Action: Continuous Coaching for Growth & Accountability

As the workplace evolves, so must our approach to learning and leadership. This session explores how AI coaching tools can help organizations move beyond traditional, top-down performance models to a culture of continuous growth and shared accountability. You’ll learn how to evaluate emerging tools through the lens of learning science and organizational impact—and how to design a rollout that actually works across a range of leaders and learners. In this session, you’ll learn: 

  • How to apply experiential learning to workplace development using AI. 
  • How to structure a representative pilot group based on learning needs, tech fluency, and leadership maturity. 
  • Tactics for driving adoption by embedding AI coaching into the flow of work. 
  • How to support a cultural shift toward shared accountability and just-in-time development. 

Track Sessions

3:20 pm - 4:00 pm AI Strategy and Transformation in Learning & Development: Global Insights and Key Challenges

AI is redefining the role of L&D, presenting both opportunities and challenges for senior leaders tasked with driving transformation. This session will explore how AI can enable business success through smarter, more agile learning strategies that align with organizational goals. 

  • Insights into practical approaches for leveraging AI to enhance L&D’s strategic impact. 
  • A closer look at common barriers such as resistance to technology and skill gaps, and actionable ideas for addressing them. 
  • Strategies for navigating the complexities of global teams and diverse workforces, while laying the groundwork for scalable, adaptable L&D systems. 
  • Attendees will leave with fresh perspectives and key takeaways to guide their thinking on AI’s potential to reshape L&D in ways that drive organizational success. 

3:20 pm - 4:00 pm Cultivating Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership goes beyond traditional leadership models by inspiring and motivating teams to reach their full potential. This leadership style emphasizes vision, empowerment, and creating a culture of innovation and collaboration. Leaders who practice transformational leadership do not simply manage; they foster an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and encouraged to contribute creatively to the organization’s goals. 

In this session, participants will explore: 

  • The core principles of transformational leadership and its impact on organizational culture and employee engagement 
  • Strategies for developing and communicating a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals 
  • Techniques for empowering and motivating teams to drive innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement 
  • How to cultivate a leadership style that adapts to change and fosters long-term success 

3:20 pm - 4:00 pm Aligning Learning & Development with Business Goals for Organizational Success

A well-designed L&D strategy must be closely aligned with the company’s overarching goals and growth plans. To effectively develop learning programs that drive organizational progress, learning leaders must maintain open lines of communication with the C-Suite, executives, and other departments. Additionally, proving the impact of L&D initiatives to stakeholders is essential for sustained investment and support. Join this session to explore: 

  • The importance of C-Suite collaboration in fostering a culture of learning across the organization. 
  • Crafting a business-aligned L&D strategy that addresses your company’s unique objectives and growth needs. 
  • Measuring and presenting learning metrics that demonstrate L&D’s contribution to business outcomes, ensuring continued support and strategic alignment. 

Keynote Session

4:05 pm - 4:35 pm The Skills Movement: How Walmart is Preparing for the Future of Work The Skills Movement: How Walmart is Preparing for the Future of Work

  • Fostering a culture of lifelong learning 
  • Shifting from degrees to skills 
  • Emphasizing soft skills and leadership capabilities 
  • Building career pathways for internal mobility 

Demo Drive | Exhibit Break

4:40 pm - 5:40 pm

Masterclasses

5:45 pm - 6:20 pm Crafting Customized L&D Content to Elevate Your Team

As organizations increasingly seek to strengthen their learning programs, the creation of customized learning content has emerged as a key strategy. Whether developing a distinctive internal L&D initiative or aligning with external learning tools, producing content tailored to your organization's specific needs can be complex. This session will explore the nuances of crafting personalized and effective learning materials that resonate with your workforce. Join us to discuss: 

  • Assessing for the specific content that aligns with your organizational objectives and learner preferences 
  • Strategies for enhancing the creative and practical skills of your internal learning designers, enabling them to produce high-quality, impactful content 
  • Techniques for creating compelling written content that can be seamlessly integrated into the workflow, providing valuable resources precisely when needed

5:45 pm - 6:20 pm Optimizing Microlearning in the Flow of Work

In today’s fast-paced work environment, employees face increasing workloads and shrinking attention spans. This reality makes it essential to provide learning opportunities that are immediately applicable and delivered at the point of need. On-the-job learning is most effective when presented in small, easily digestible formats. Join this session to discover: 

  • Techniques for breaking down complex topics into bite-sized, actionable insights that employees can quickly grasp during their workday 
  • Strategies for enhancing microlearning accessibility through diverse platforms and multimedia approaches 
  • Best practices for integrating microlearning seamlessly into daily workflows without disrupting productivity 

5:45 pm - 6:20 pm Utilizing Technology to Boost Learner Engagement

The L&D field continues to experience a major transformation driven by emerging technologies like AI, VR, and more. These advancements enable organizations to create highly engaging and effective learning experiences that cater to individual learner needs. By incorporating these technologies, companies can design interactive, personalized, and immersive programs that optimize learning outcomes. Join this session to explore: 

  • The use of AI to tailor and optimize learning content for individual learners 
  • Real-world case studies showcasing the successful implementation of emerging technologies into learning programs 
  • Actionable strategies for integrating these cutting-edge tools into your organization’s L&D initiatives to enhance learner engagement and drive performance 

Cocktail Reception and L&D Fight Club

6:25 pm - 7:25 pm Cocktail Reception and L&D Fight Club

L&D Fight Club - see two teams face-off on some of the most controversial (and trivial) topics in L&D. Finish the night with some cocktails and great conversation!