12 Things at ATD 2022 in Orlando

I’m packing my suitcase to head to Orlando for ATD’s International Conference & Expo , May 15-18. I have missed my colleagues and can’t wait to see everyone, either in person or virtually. I’m also honored to be a Super Session Speaker, presenting on “The Neuroscience of Purpose: Wired to Become 2.0.”

ATD is one of my favorite events of the year. It’s a great time to meet up with my tribe—fellow lifelong learners who really care about bringing out the best in others. ATD offers an opportunity to connect with people from all kinds of organizations, cultures, and regions as we come together to figure out how to be even better at cultivating the potential of our people and organizations.

Having attended for many years, I have some tips and strategies for getting the most from your ATD conference experience. Please reply/comment with some of yours!

1. Focus on your 3 key goals for the next 12 months.

ATD is a big event with hundreds of sessions and nearly 300 vendors. It can be a bit overwhelming to have that many choices, so by focusing on your 3 key goals, you’ll be able to narrow selections to those that will most serve you in the coming months. You can use the great online conference planner and ATD Events App to reserve your choices and juggle all the things that will compete for your attention. The app also keeps you updated on important announcements, and you can do keyword searches on the sessions to find those addressing your key goals.

2. Attend the Keynote and Super Session events.

Don’t miss out on the amazing keynote speakers —Sara Blakely, Jay Shetty, and Bert Jacobs. In addition, this year’s event features a handful of “Super Sessions” where 3 industry thought leaders present simultaneously. I’m honored to be chosen and will be speaking on Monday, May 16 at 1:00-2:00pm ET in room W320 (live streamed to the virtual audience). I’ll also be doing a live Q&A event for the virtual audience that Monday at 4:15-4:45pm ET.

3. Introduce yourself to strangers every day.

At ATD, you’re surrounded by your tribe and us learning/talent pros are a friendly bunch. I can’t think of any other event where you can introduce yourself to a complete stranger and within 2 minutes realize you have so much in common. Introduce yourself to new people every day, whether in person or through the app—you’ll quickly have an international network of colleagues with whom you can connect throughout the year. If you see me, please come up and say hello. or message me through the app! You can also reach me through LinkedIn or Twitter .??

Every year, I am so honored when people want to take a selfie with me. This year, my team is launching a fun social media game, called #GingerSnapBritt! If you snap a photo with me (the Ginger) and tag me, you’ll get a prize! I’ll have some on me or you can stop by Booth #216.?

4. Go Global.

Another must-do if you’re in Orlando is to stop by the Global Village. It’s a great place to meet new friends from around the world. I’m personally excited this year to connect with the Brazilian Delegation. My book, Wired to Resist, is now available in Portuguese. Pick up a copy at the ATD Bookstore or stop by the Author Meet & Greet on May 17th from 12:30-1:30 PM. I have partnered with Flora Alves at SG Aprendizagem Corporativa and Tatiany Melecchi at Transforma to bring the Change Quest? training to Brazil. We’re releasing more products soon in Spanish with (Margarita Lozano Job ? and í?igo Sánchez-Cabezudo ) and Japanese too (with Koko Nakahara and Satomi Uno ) and all of those opportunities came through connections I made while hanging out at the Global Village.

?5. Stop by and see my first-ever booth! Brain Aware Training in Booth #216

As many of you know, I started off as an author and a speaker. I never imagined my business would grow to the point where I would have a booth at ATD! I am thrilled and can’t wait for you to see it. My amazing team will be there all the time and I will be at Booth #216 during the meet-and-greet hours listed at the bottom of this post.

6. Pack your conference bag with your essentials.

The conference will provide in-person attendees with personal PPE kits that include disposable masks and sanitizer products. From past experience, I know to have a refillable water bottle, some snacks like nuts or a protein bar, phone plus charger, my badge and ID, business cards, mints/gum, and good walking shoes (Hello Skechers!). For those viewing from home, I highly recommend comfy sweatpants and ice cream.

?7. Check out ALL aspects of the conference.

Want to see all the latest tools and services to help you rock your role? Check out vendors and products in the Expo . Need a more in-depth experience? Sign up for the pre-conference workshops and certificate programs. Attending virtually? Explore the robust Virtual Experience . Stop by the ATD Store to pick up some books/resources to support your learning in the months to come (I’ll be doing a book signing on Tuesday, May 17 at 12:30pm ET). And the Networking Night is another favorite—this year, join me at Hogwarts for some butterbeer ice cream! Yum!

8. Plan your schedule in advance.

In order to maintain safety standards, you must reserve your spot in advance for in-person sessions this year. Luckily, the conference app makes this easy to do and by starting early, you will be able to put together a great schedule. You can also pick one of the 15 awesome learning tracks to explore to help you build the perfect schedule.?

9. Complete your evaluations.

They are easy to do and as a speaker, I really value the feedback I get from my tribe. It helps me improve and it helps the conference get better each year too. Of course, we all love compliments but we value constructive critiques as well, so please take the time to do evaluations (found in the app) after each session.

10. Take a break!

Even though I am an extreme extrovert, I can get overwhelmed by all the things to see and do. So, I make a point of finding a quiet little corner every day and grounding myself with a 10-minute meditation app on my phone. For you, it might be listening to music, chatting with friends, or taking a walk outside. This year, ATD has added “The Quad” to help us do just that.

11. Give back to the community through ATD For Good.?

Another way to restore yourself is to do something for others. The science is clear that being of service makes us happier and calmer. So stop by the ATD For Good and give a little of your time on these wonderful projects.?

?Monday – A Gift for Teaching

A Gift for Teaching seeks to provide educational resources that empower teachers to inspire future leaders. Stop by to assemble a school essentials kit which contains items like pencils, paper, coloring supplies and more. The goal is to create 1000 kits!

Tuesday – Children’s Home Society of Florida

Today is all about helping the young child and the parents of young children! Through the Healthy Families Program parents receive support and guidance as they become the best parent they can be. Stop by to create wooden puzzles, which will be used as teaching tools for parents to connect with their children and learn about their developmental milestones, age-appropriate activities, and more.

Wednesday – Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando

At their two shelter locations, this organization rescues and adopts out over 7,000 dogs and cats per year. There are two great ways to help: stop by for a fun, stress busting, cuddle break and bring along an old t-shirt from home and make a dog toy to send back to the shelter!?

12. Thank the ATD staff and volunteers.

ATD is lovingly put on every year by a hardworking, dedicated staff that arrived a week before we get there and are there long after we leave. The staff is augmented by a great team of volunteers who are eager to help. Please take the time to thank them for putting on this amazing event. I hear they like chocolate, too.?

I know that you have some wisdom to share too. What are your best ideas for attending professional conferences in general or ATD ICE in particular? Please share them in the comment box so we can all benefit from our tribal knowledge. In the meantime, wishing you a wonderful ATD experience wherever you are in the world.?

Warmly,

Britt

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Here's where you'll find me:

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MONDAY

Super Session “The Neuroscience of Purpose: Wired to Become 2.0”

Mon, May 16 | 1:00-2:00PM MT | Room: Convention Center, West Hall, Room W320 (+ Virtual Stream)

People’s desire for purpose fueled the Great Resignation of 2021. Neuroscience shows us how purpose can create a better work environment, more engaged and fulfilled employees, more effective leaders, and a positive culture that attracts and retains top talent. Leave this session with strategies for weaving purpose into a wide range of learning and talent programs.

Application on the Job:

• Explore the growing trend of employees wanting more purpose and meaning at work.
• Learn the brain science of purpose and why it fuels human motivation around the world.
• Discover how purpose enhances engagement, productivity, leadership, and retention in your organization.

Live Q&A (Virtual)

Mon, May 16 | 4:15-4:45PM ET | Join me for a live, virtual Q&A, about the power of purpose.?

Join from the conference platform.?

TUESDAY

Book Signing and Author Meet & Greet

Tue, May 17 | 12:30-1:30 PM | ATD Store

Come join me for a book signing. The ATD Store will have all 3 of my books: Wired to Grow, Wired to Resist, and Wired to Connect. We’ll also have the NEW Portuguese version of Wired to Resist and my new favorite, Creating Belonging by Justin Reinert .?

EXPO

Visit me in Booth #216

My team will staff the booth all hours that the Expo is open but I’ll be there for the following Meet & Greet times.?

• Monday, 9-11am, 2-3pm
• Tuesday, 9-10:30am, 2-3pm
• Wednesday, 9-10:30am, 11:30am-12:30pm