Become an ATDChi Event Speaker

If you are interested in speaking at an ATDChi Event, you're in the right place. Below are some guidelines, hints and tips to make your submission stand out. After you have read the guidelines below, please submit a proposal via our submission form.

ATDChi Events

ATDChi offers six types of programming events for speaker engagements. In the submission form, we encourage you to select all that apply for your speaker proposal.

• Full Day Workshop
• Half Day Workshop
• Professional Development Network Meeting
• Clinic Event – 80 minute speaking session
• Dinner Event – 50 minute speaking session
• Webinar – 60 minute virtual speaking session

We begin reviewing submissions and notifying speakers during the months leading up to an event, so no matter which of the above you are interested in, don't wait until the last minute to submit.

What We're Looking For

At ATDChi, we are always looking to be at the forefront of the industry with the highest quality content. We review many submissions for each month, so here are some hints and tips to help your submission(s) stand out:

The ATD Capability Model™

The talent development profession has undergone significant transformation in the last decade. The ATD Capability Model defines the skills and knowledge required to be successful now and in the future. It captures changes driven by digital, mobile, and social technology; demographic shifts; globalization; and economic forces. We encourage speakers that propose topics that align to the ATD Capability Model. 

Tactics & Takeaways

Keep in mind that our attendees are looking for tangible takeaways that they can implement when returning to their workplace.

Focus on the "How To's", not the "Why's”

We are looking for speakers to spend their time on the stage explaining how to make the most out of whichever topic they are speaking on, rather than spending their time telling attendees why that topic is important.

High-level Strategies

It is important to hear key strategic thinking from thought leaders in the learning and development industry, so this can form great content for our agendas.

Fresh and Innovative Perspectives

We are always keen to present fresh and unique content at ATDChi.

Case Studies

Our members love to hear how other learning and development professionals have approached a key challenge. Any case studies or examples that you can present will always go down well at ATDChi and be looked at favorably in the speaker selection process.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Our attendees also love learning about what not to do, or how other organizations learned from their mistakes.

Hot Topics and New Takes on an Existing Topic

As you know, the learning and development industry is constantly changing and evolving, so we want to ensure that the ATDChi agenda features the hottest topics. Submitting new topic ideas or a new take on an existing topic is always a winner.

Videos of Previous Speaking Gigs

There is nothing better than being able to see you as a speaker in action at another event! If you are able to provide a video link in your submission this always goes down very well with the Programming team.

Don't Pitch Products or Services

This is probably the most important point about participating as a speaker. Members come to ATDChi events to hear unbiased presentations and we do not tolerate pitches for any kind of product or service. Please keep your abstract and presentation focused purely on education. Being a speaker at ATDChi and showcasing your thought leadership on the subject you are presenting is truly the best advertisement for your business.

Submit a Speaking Proposal

Bio and Abstract Formats

When filling out the submission form, please write your bio and abstract in the 3rd person as it would be listed on our website. Remember, even if you are making a proposal for an existing session that already has an abstract, you MUST provide an abstract with your submission detailing what content you would bring to that session. Our preferred format for abstracts is a few lines followed by a few bullet points listing the takeaways and what attendees will learn from the session.

Multiple Submissions

You may submit multiple proposals, however, please keep in mind that we do limit the amount of speakers from any one company.

Contacting ATDChi Regarding Status of Speaker Proposal

Please note that, due to the volume of submissions we receive, only individuals who are selected to speak will receive a reply. Although we truly appreciate all your ideas and proposals, it is simply not feasible for us to respond personally to every submission. We also kindly ask that all speaker proposals be submitted using this form. We discourage speakers directly contacting ATDChi Board Members regarding their speaker proposals.