2025 ATD SC Annual Conference: Break Boundaries & Unlock Potential
Join the award-winning South Carolina Chapter of the Association for Talent Development as we transform Columbia, SC into an oasis of learning! For more than 15 years, our annual statewide conference has been the premier gathering for more than 10,000 learning and development professionals. Get ready to ideate learning strategies which will inspire groundbreaking educational innovation, elevate your training and design, and make an impact to reach unprecedented levels of success!
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, growth and adaptability are no longer optional - they are essential. The "Break Boundaries and Unlock Potential in Talent Development" Conference is designed to inspire leaders, professionals, and change-makers to challenge traditional learning models, embrace continuous development, and foster a culture of innovation.
Details
Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Seawell's Banquet & Reception Center, 1225 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29201
ATD SC Conference goals
- Encourage innovation in talent development practices
- Equip professionals with tools for building resilient, future-ready workforces
- Promote continuous growth and leadership development across all levels
Break bouNDARIES and unlock potential 2025 conference goals
- Advance Innovation in Talent Development: Explore cutting-edge learning strategies, technologies, and methodologies that drive workforce growth and adaptability.
- Empower Talent Development Professionals to Build a Future-Ready Workforce: Provide talent development professionals with the tools and strategies to foster continuous learning, leadership growth, and organizational agility.
- Cultivate Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: Encourage cross-industry discussions on trends, challenges, and opportunities to promote shared learning and innovation
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND
This conference is designed to inspire professionals to push past limitations, embrace new opportunities, and unlock their full potential in leadership, career development, and innovation. Through engaging keynotes, interactive sessions, brainstorming think tanks, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain practical insights, actionable strategies, and fresh perspectives to drive personal and organizational success. Don’t miss this chance to impact your future results!
ATTEND MAKE THE CASE TO ATTEND
Customize this "Convince Your Boss Letter" to help your manager understand why ATD SC25 is valuable and beneficial for you and your organization.
who shoULD ATTEND
The ATD South Carolina conference is the only conference in the state specifically for talent development (TD) professionals, including trainers, instructional designers, coaches, higher education, and learning management professionals. The conference also welcomes human resources (HR) and human capital consultants, as well as senior leaders in TD and organizational development.
Earn ATD Credit HoursATD South Carolina is a pre-approved education partner with ATD’s Certification Institute. This means our conference sessions can be used to meet initial eligibility and recertification requirements for the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credentials. Explore our conference to accelerate your professional development and earn recertification points! |
|
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Learning Sessions In addition to our keynote and closing motivational speaker, the 2025 Break Boundaries and Unlock Potential Conference will feature traditional conference-style learning sessions. Attendees will have three options to choose from during both the morning and afternoon breakout blocks. Each breakout hour will include two engaging learning sessions and one interactive think tank session, giving you the flexibility to customize your experience and maximize your growth. |
| Keynote Evolve. Or Else. The Path to Becoming Trusted Learning Advisors. Dr. Keith Keating Too often, Learning and Development has been told what to do, taking orders instead of driving strategy. But the future of work won’t wait for us to be invited to the table. It’s time to evolve. In this bold and timely keynote, Dr. Keith Keating—Chief Learning Officer and author of The Trusted Learning Advisor & Hidden Value—challenges learning practitioners to step out of the order-taking mindset and into their true role as strategic value creators. You’ll explore the three critical shifts L&D must make to stay relevant, earn influence, and shape the future of work. If you’re ready to stop defending your existence and start owning your impact, this is your wake-up call. The future belongs to L&D. Evolve—or else. |
| Breakout Session Beyond Words: Unlocking Leadership Potential through Nonverbal Communication Dr. Darren Lawson The most impactful leaders understand that communication transcends spoken language. Nonverbal communication plays a pivotal role in establishing trust, fostering collaboration, and conveying authenticity. This engaging one-hour session will delve into the powerful effects of nonverbal cues in workplace interactions and leadership settings. Attendees will learn how to identify, interpret, and refine their nonverbal communication skills to elevate their leadership effectiveness. |
| Breakout Session From Silos to Synergy: Building an AI Inclusive Learning Culture Mr. Artrell Williams AI is reshaping the way we work, lead, and grow talent across organizations. For Talent Development professionals, this transformation presents both an opportunity and a challenge: how do we integrate AI meaningfully into our culture without alienating others or working in silos? This session invites TD leaders, trainers, and strategists to explore how to use AI as a visible, collaborative tool in problem-solving, planning, and development. Bring your device and your curiosity—this will be a hands-on, high-energy session. You’ll work in small groups to tackle real challenges using AI tools like ChatGPT, then share your solutions with the room. Expect moments of “aha,” a few laughs, and plenty of practical ideas you can apply right away. You’ll leave not only with renewed confidence to foster an AI-connected culture, but with a few stories to tell and a smile that says, “We did that together.” |
 | Breakout Session Neurodivergent Learning: Supporting Diverse Learning Needs in the Workplace Mr. Nick Destafano As Learning and Development professionals, we know that the most impactful learning environments are built on empathy, inclusion, and intention. To accomplish this we must consistently grow and improve our own skills. In this energizing session Nick DeStefano will challenge and encourage participants to intentionally create kind cultures, both for learning and their teams. You’ll explore how kindness is more than a buzzword, it’s a leadership skillset that we must master as L&D professionals and leaders. Kind learning and leadership includes adaptive listening, live-coaching, and embracing differences, all while we educate and empower. It's oftentimes simple, not always easy. Through stories, strategies, and a few laughs, you’ll gain tools to build a kind culture that is more inclusive, emotionally intelligent, and psychologically safe. |
| Closing Motivational Speaker Breakthrough Starts Beneath the Surface: Sow. Show. Grow. Mrs. Ty Graham Close out the day with Ty R. Graham in this energizing finale session that ties it all together. Through the metaphor of growth, you’ll reflect on what you’ve learned, identify your next step, and commit to cultivating real transformation. Because breakthrough doesn’t happen on the surface—it starts in the dirt. Get ready to plant the seed, water the vision, and unlock what’s next. |
Introducing Think Tank Sessions to the 2025 Conference: We are excited to introduce Think Tank Sessions! During each breakout hour, alongside two traditional learning sessions, one Think Tank will be offered. A think tank is an interactive and collaborative workshop designed to bring together a diverse group of participants to brainstorm, problem-solve, and generate innovative ideas around a specific topic or challenges. The session emphasizes open dialogue, creativity, and collective insight to uncover fresh perspective and practical solutions. |
| Think Tank Building Strategic Connections: Leading Beyond Limits Dr. Angela Carter Core Outcomes:
|
| Think Tank The Resilient Professional: Mastering Mindset, Wellness, and Psychological Safety Mrs. Stacy Bevill Core Outcomes:
|
REGISTRATION |
Member Price:
Non-Member Price:
Corporate Bundles (5 or more people): Please complete the following attachment and send it to finance@atdsouthcarolina.org so that we can add your group. Once we add them, we will send you an invoice and you can decide how to pay (credit card, etc.) If you are a SC State agency, and are using a P-card, please email president@atsouthcarolina.org so that we can process your transaction separately.
Secure your spot now! Don't miss out on this opportunity! See you there! |
TRAVELING TO THE CONFERENCE |
| Conference Location and Directions Seawell's Banquet & Reception Center, located at 1125 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC, offers a spacious and versatile venue just minutes from I-26 and I-77. Conveniently situated across from the South Carolina State Fairgrounds and Williams-Brice Stadium, Seawell’s is ideal for conferences, trainings, and large events. The facility features over 17,000 square feet of flexible event space, high-speed wireless internet, professional on-site catering, and a dedicated staff to support your event needs. Guests will appreciate over 250 free parking spaces, including designated accessible parking for individuals with disabilities. |
|
| Offical Hotel Partners Check in date: 10/2/2025 - Check out date 10/3/2025 400 Gervais Street, Columbia SC 29201 Room Rate: $140 (this rate includes tax) Parking: $12.00 |
| Check in date: 10/2/2025 - Check out date 10/3/2025 122 Mathias Road, Columbia SC 29169 Room Rate: $125 (this rate inlcudes tax) Parking: Complimentary |
To take advantage of these discounted hotel rates, please email us at conference@atdsouthcarolina.org with the name of the hotel you're interested in, and we’ll send you the discounted booking link. These hotels must be reserved by 9/5/25. If a hotel is needed after 9/5/25, please email conference@atdsouthcarolina.org and we will do our best to assist. |
event detailsFood ATD South Carolina will offer continental breakfast, drinks, a full lunch, and snacks during the conference. Please let us know if you have special dietary restrictions when you register. Headshots In need of a professional headshot? Ready to upgrade your LinkedIn profile? You’ll receive one complimentary headshot at our photo booth. Special Accommodations ATD events are accessible to all participants. If you have questions or require special accommodations or auxiliary aid related to a disability for you to participate in our conference, please notify us via email at conference@atdsouthcarolina.org by September 1, 2025, in advance outlining your needs and request for accommodation. We will make every effort to work with you to accommodate your needs. For requests made less than two months in advance of an event, we may be limited in our ability to accommodate your request based on available resources. Note: A special table will be reserved for our participants with disabilities at the conference at Seawell's. Please let us know of additional accommodations when you register. |
Checkout ATD South Carolina's LinkedIn Page for the latest conference announcements!
|
Conference Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy:
If circumstances change and you can no longer attend this conference, you may cancel your registration by providing written notice to conference@atdsouthcarolina.org. All requests will be reviewed by the conference chair within two business days. Our Attendee cancellation policy is outlined below.
Cancellation Date | Refund Policy |
Before Sept 1, 2025 | Full refund minus $25 fee |
Sept 1 – Sept 18, 2025 | 50% refund |
On or after Sept 19, 2025 | No refund available |
Confirmed registrants for the ATD SC Conference may cancel and receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee through September 1, 2025. Cancellations received from September 1-18, 2025, will be subject to a 50% fee. Cancellations received on or after September 19 are non-refundable.
Registrants who do not attend the ATD SC Conference and do not contact ATD SC via written correspondence by the dates above will be responsible for the full registration fee at the time of purchase and are not eligible for a refund or transfer. If the conference is cancelled, ATD is not responsible for any penalty incurred by purchasing a nonrefundable travel or accommodation related costs.
Transfers
All conference registrations are transferable to anyone at no extra fee through October 1, 2025, with written notice, including the recipient’s name and email address.
Conference Cancellation or Modification
ATD SC reserves the right to cancel, alter, modify or reschedule the Conference for any reason, including because ATD SC determines at its sole discretion that the Conference cannot be held as planned. Should ATD SC alter, modify, or reschedule some or all the in-person portion of the Conference for any reason and still host the in-person Conference, your Conference fees will not be refunded. ATD SC also reserves the right to close registration when tickets are sold out. For these reasons, registrants are advised against making non-refundable travel arrangements. Should you purchase non-refundable airline tickets or make non-refundable hotel reservations, you do so at your own risk.
Videography and Photography Consent
ATD South Carolina has the right to take and use photographs and/or video containing any image in connection with any ATD event, recognition or meeting. ATD South Carolina, its assigns and transferees are authorized to copyright, use and publish the same in print and/or electronically using social media platforms. Such photographs/videos can be used with or without name(s) and for any lawful purpose such as publicity, illustration, advertising and web content. If you do not wish to have your image used in these ways, please email conference@atdsouthcarolina.org. As we have many people who take pictures and video, please assist us by being aware of cameras and avoid them if possible. |
We hope to see you on Friday October 3! Register today!
For more information, contact:
Morgan DuBose and Chandelle Anderson
2025 Conference Co-Chairs