TrainingPros at ATD ICE 2025: Learning and Connecting in the Nation’s Capital
From May 18–21, the Learning and Development world descended on Washington, D.C. for ATD’s 2025 International Conference and Exposition—and the energy was electric. With 10,000+ attendees, more than 450 educational sessions, and a jam-packed expo featuring over 400 vendors, ATD ICE continues to be the must-attend event for L&D professionals around the globe.
Representing TrainingPros this year were Leigh Anne Lankford, Chenier Mershon, John Buschiazzo, and Tracy Dee Lufkin. Each of us came away with new insights, deeper relationships, and a powerful reminder of the impact our work has on people and organizations.
Star Power and Standout Sessions
The keynote speakers this year were nothing short of extraordinary. Simone Biles, Amy Edmondson, and Seth Godin each brought powerful, personal messages to the stage.
Simone’s 8:00 AM keynote drew crowds nearly two hours in advance, and for good reason. “In a world where performance, productivity, and outcomes often define our value,” said Chenier Mershon, Relationship Manager at TrainingPros, “Simone reminded us of something essential—our worth isn’t tied to what we produce. Not to medals, KPIs, or job titles.”
Seth Godin’s keynote struck a deep chord with many in the audience. One of his standout messages: “If you’re going to create a culture of change, it means you’re going to create tension.” That challenge resonated.
Sessions ranged from culture, instructional design, and accessibility to failure, leadership, and AI (with over 50 sessions on artificial intelligence alone). According to Tracy Dee Lufkin, “One of my favorite sessions was Karie Willyerd’s Learning and Unlearning in the Age of AI—it was both eye-opening and practical.”
Many breakout sessions incorporated structured peer interaction, making learning feel more collaborative and connection-rich than a typical conference presentation. Whether you were brand-new to L&D or a seasoned leader, there was something valuable in every time slot—and if you couldn’t make it to a session, slides and recordings were made available after the program for continued learning.
Networking: Beyond Business Cards
This year, the TrainingPros team made the most of networking opportunities. From VIP happy hours and sponsor events to group dinners and expo-floor chats, the connections we made were meaningful.
“Both the VIP Happy Hour and the sponsor vendor Happy Hour resulted in new connections and relationship-building that we know will continue well beyond the event,” said Tracy Dee Lufkin.
Add to that the incredible Networking Night at the National Building Museum, where L&D professionals from around the world mingled, danced, and swapped stories in one of D.C.’s most striking spaces.
The fun didn’t stop there. This year, attendees were encouraged to learn a custom conference song and dance. Attendees submitted videos from around the conference and Washington DC, and the final montage of submissions played on the last day, bringing smiles, laughter, and a shared sense of community.
Tips for Future Attendees
Thinking about attending ATD ICE 2026? Do it—but go in with a plan. Here are a few of our top tips from this year:
- Plan your sessions in advance, including room numbers and backup options.
- Don’t rely solely on the app. It had some glitches this year. Document your schedule and session locations on paper or on your phone to be safe.
- Arrive a day early if possible, to avoid travel delays or jet lag before those early-morning keynotes.
- Visit the lounges. They’re great places to rest your feet, recharge your device, and start unexpected conversations.
- Leave room in your suitcase, you’ll leave with more swag than you think.
- Book dinner reservations well ahead of time and invite new or old colleagues to join. These informal conversations often turn into the most valuable parts of the experience.
Why We Go—and Why It Matters
“It’s incredible how much expertise is concentrated into just a few days,” said Leigh Anne. “We attend conferences like ICE every year because we’re committed to staying on top of what’s next in our industry. This isn’t just about keeping current, it’s about honoring the profession, connecting with our clients and consultants, and contributing to the continued growth of L&D.”
She added, “ATD’s commitment to advancing professionalism in talent development aligns perfectly with our mission at TrainingPros. When our consultants are better prepared and our clients are inspired by new ideas, everybody wins.”
From keynote insights and breakout brainstorms to happy hours and hallway chats, ATD ICE 2025 was a powerful reminder of how vibrant and forward-thinking our L&D community truly is. We came home energized—with new ideas, new connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.
We can’t wait to see what next year brings.
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