Each year, I attend several conferences to stay ahead of trends at the intersection of talent, leadership, and the future of work. These events are opportunities to step away from the desk, connect with people, and understand the challenges and opportunities shaping our industries.
Conferences also serve as a platform for me to share insights from running a leadership consulting firm and hosting The Edge of Work podcast. They’re a space to present ideas, spark conversations, and convene professionals passionate about the topics I care about which are, at the intersection of talent, strategy, technology, and the future of work
For 2025, I’ve curated a list of key conferences I’ll be attending. This guide not only highlights what makes these events stand out, but I also tried to share some context of who might benefit from attending each of these events. Whether you’re a talent or HR leader, consultant, coach, service provider, or vendor, or someone curious about the future of work, there’s something for you here.
Transform Conference
Dates: March 17–20, 2025
Location: Las Vegas
Visit Transform Conference
Transform gathers around 4,000 attendees from across the HR startup and tech ecosystem. This conference brings together innovators—including investors, founders, and HR practitioners—to explore what’s new and next in HR and people technology.
Who Would Benefit From Going: If you work in HR, particularly within startups or the HR tech space, this conference is an excellent way to immerse yourself in innovation and connect with forward-thinking professionals.
ASU+GSV Summit
Dates: April 6–9, 2025
Location: San Diego
Visit ASU+GSV Summit
ASU+GSV is a leading event in the EdTech space, organized by GSV Ventures. It’s renowned for showcasing emerging technologies in education and corporate learning. The AI Show, a recent addition, provides a free glimpse into the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.
Who Would Benefit From Going: Learning leaders eager to explore cutting-edge tech in EdTech and corporate learning will find this summit invaluable.
Corporate Learning Network: Learning Innovation in Motion
Dates: April 13–15, 2025
Location: Los Angeles
This conference focuses on innovations in learning and leadership development. It’s ideal for talent leaders looking to bring their teams together for hands-on learning. There are about 400-500 attendees, and a mix of breakouts, keynotes and networking sessions. I will be a keynote speaker at this conference this year.
Who Would Benefit From Going: Learning and talent leaders seeking fresh ideas and practical strategies for leadership development.
Association for Talent Development (ATD) ICE
Dates: May 18–21, 2025
Location: Washington, D.C.
Visit ATD ICE
ATD ICE is one of the largest gatherings for talent development professionals, drawing around 8,000–10,000 attendees. From keynotes by renowned speakers like Seth Godin to a sprawling expo hall, this event offers unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. There are numerous tracks that specialize within the broader umbrella of talent development (ex: leadership development, career, instructional design, tech) If you work in talent development or serve the talent development industry, this is a good conference to attend.
Who Would Benefit From Going: Professionals at all levels in talent and learning development looking to deepen their expertise, network, and contribute to the profession.
HR Technology Conference
Dates: September 16–18, 2025
Location: Las Vegas
Visit HR Technology Conference
True to its name, the HR Technology Conference is the go-to event for exploring advancements in HR technology. It features a vast vendor expo showcasing the latest tools and solutions.
Who Would Benefit From Going: HR tech professionals and practitioners interested in staying ahead of industry innovations.
LinkedIn Talent Connect Summit
Dates: TBD
Location: TBD
Visit LinkedIn Talent Connect
LinkedIn Talent Connect is designed for LinkedIn customers, with a focus on talent acquisition and learning. It combines product updates, thought leadership, and networking opportunities for enterprise-level talent leaders. There are about 1500 people in attendance, but many of the sessions offer small group settings where you can build relationships and talk to your peers.
Who Should Attend: LinkedIn customers in leadership roles (Director or VP+) interested in leveraging LinkedIn’s tools and strategies for talent management.
Honorable Mention
A few others that you should check out
- BetterUp Uplift Conference (April 1–3, New York): Focused on HR, coaching, and business growth. This is a good conference to connect with peers who also focus on coaching and leadership development. There are also usually marquee names and speakers
- SIOP: Leading Edge Consortium (Dates TBD): Dedicated to leadership development and effectiveness. This is a good conference if you work in the leadership development space, and enjoy learning and connecting in a smaller setting.
- Gloat Live (March 10–12, New York): Explores the future of work, skills, and career mobility. There are not many conferences dedicated specifically to talent, skills and career, so this is a great conference if you work in that space.
- Elevate by Redthread (June 17-19, Snowbird UT) – A new conference is coming this year from Dani and Stacia at Redthread Research. The details are still in flux, but we’re big fans of anything that Redthread puts out.
Final Thoughts
Attending conferences involves time and resources, but the connections and insights you gain can be transformative. Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, connect with industry leaders, or explore what’s next in your field, these events offer incredible value.
If you’re unsure which conference aligns best with your goals, stay tuned for my upcoming guide on choosing the right events and making the most of your experience.