ATD Expo 2026
Event Date
May 17–20, 2026
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Expected Exhibitors
300
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryATD Expo is the exhibition component of the ATD International Conference & EXPO (ATD26), the flagship annual event of the Association for Talent Development. Billed as the most extensive training expo in the industry, the EXPO floor brings together leading providers and emerging companies showcasing innovative ideas, tools, technologies, and services for workplace learning and talent development.
The show is part of a broader conference that draws learning and development (L&D) professionals from around the world — trainers, instructional designers, coaches, talent leaders, and others who develop the knowledge and skills of the workforce. On the EXPO floor, attendees can test cutting-edge technologies, compare solution providers, attend product demonstrations, and purchase the tools they need to stay ahead in an evolving industry.
It is worth attending because the EXPO pairs commercial discovery with education: Learning Stages feature exhibitor-led demonstrations and educational content that complement the conference agenda, while networking receptions, lounges, and special experiences make it easy to connect with peers and suppliers. For exhibitors, it offers direct access to a concentrated, global audience of decision-makers in the L&D field.
Show Highlights
Key features and signature experiences on the ATD26 EXPO floor include:
- 300+ Solutions — leading industry experts and emerging companies exhibit products and services tailored to L&D needs.
- Learning Stages — exhibitor-presented sessions featuring product demonstrations and educational content that complement the conference agenda.
- ATD Enterprise Booth — consultations with ATD Enterprise Solutions on the best options for L&D teams.
- Conference Team Connection Center — exclusive networking, refreshments, and private meeting space for registered teams of five or more.
- Headshot Lounge — free professional headshots, sponsored by LinkedIn.
- EXPO Receptions — a Sunday evening "Cheers to Los Angeles!" reception (6–8 p.m.) transforming the floor into three LA neighborhoods, and a Tuesday "Taste of Boston!" reception (4–6 p.m.) previewing ATD27.
- Puppy Park — a well-being experience with adorable dogs to help attendees unwind.
- Treasure Hunt Contest and Grand Prize Drawing — visit prize partners for a chance to win, with drawings held at Learning Stage One.
The broader ATD26 program also features keynote speakers and 35+ AI-focused educational sessions ranging from beginner to advanced.
Attendance
ATD reports that its international conference draws a large global audience. Promotional materials state that more than 9,500 professionals from 80+ countries rely on ATD's annual conference, while ATD has historically cited figures of more than 13,000 attendees from 80+ countries for the event. Attendees are learning and development professionals — trainers, instructional designers, coaches, and talent leaders — and ATD notes it supports a global community with members in more than 120 countries.
Registration
Registration for ATD26 is available online through the official ATD conference site, with options for in-person, virtual, team, delegation, chapter, and government attendees. Pricing rises through tiered deadlines:
- Early Bird Rate — ends December 31 (individual in-person: $2,095 member / $2,495 non-member).
- Preferred Rate — ends February 27 ($2,295 member / $2,695 non-member).
- Advanced Rate — ends April 11 ($2,395 member / $2,795 non-member).
- Standard Rate — ends May 17 ($2,495 member / $2,895 non-member).
- Onsite Rate — ($2,595 member / $2,995 non-member).
Virtual passes start at $595 (member, preferred rate). Teams of five or more receive discounted pricing — up to $1,000 in savings — and day passes are available for as low as $995. Student passes and EXPO-only passes are also offered. Discounted government rates are available, and a VIP package can be added at checkout for priority check-in, a VIP lounge, a welcome lunch, and reserved Mainstage seating.
History
The event traces its roots to the Association for Talent Development, founded as the American Society for Training Directors in 1943, which held its first national conference in Chicago in 1945 with 56 attendees. The first major exposition was added alongside the national conference in 1967, and the first international conference was held in 1994 in Anaheim, California. In 2014, the organization rebranded from the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) to the Association for Talent Development (ATD). Held each spring, the conference and its EXPO have grown into what ATD calls the premier event for the talent development profession, drawing thousands of attendees from around the world.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) is a premier event venue in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, offering more than 870,000 square feet of flexible event space across its West Hall and South Hall buildings. It is internationally renowned as a site for conventions, trade shows, and exhibitions, and was the first convention center of its size in the U.S. to achieve LEED:EBOM Gold recertification. For ATD26, the event is spread across South Hall GHJK, West Hall AB, Concourse Hall, and Petree Hall, with meeting rooms in the 300 Series (South Building) and 400 Series (Concourse Walkway). The venue sits within the L.A. LIVE entertainment district, adjacent to Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theater, and The Novo.
Parking
On-site parking is available in the venue's West Hall and South Hall garages, which are easily accessible from major freeways and serve the LACC and the surrounding L.A. LIVE district. ATD advises attendees to park in these garages. Flat event rates generally run $30–$40 depending on the event and location, with general hours around 5:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (subject to change). Credit and debit cards are accepted, all sales are final, and accessible parking is available near venue entrances. Note: Pico Blvd between Figueroa St. and LA Live Way is fully closed 24/7 from December 2025 through March 2028 due to the LACC Expansion & Modernization Project, so allow extra time and check current routes.
Getting There
The Los Angeles Convention Center is in downtown LA and is served by multiple airports — Los Angeles International (LAX) is the primary gateway, with Hollywood Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), and Ontario (ONT) as alternatives. ATD offers negotiated air travel discounts with Delta, Southwest, and United. By public transit, take the Metro (Expo/E Line and Blue/A Line) to Pico Station, directly across from the convention center; DASH Bus Route F and Metro Bike Share also serve the area, and Metrolink riders can transfer to Metro for free. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are convenient options. Complimentary shuttles connect ATD's conference hotels to the venue. Note ongoing road and lane closures along Pico Blvd due to the LACC expansion project, so allow extra travel time.
Nearby Hotels
ATD negotiates reduced room rates at a selection of Los Angeles hotels through its official housing partner, CMR (Convention Management Resources). Booking within the ATD hotel block supports the conference and helps secure better rates. ATD warns that no other travel agency is authorized to book on its behalf. The convention center sits in the downtown L.A. LIVE district, which is surrounded by numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Complimentary shuttle service is provided between the convention center and conference hotels that are not within walking distance.
Contact
Show Management
Assn For Talent Development
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is ATD26 and the ATD Expo taking place?
ATD26, the ATD International Conference & EXPO, takes place May 17–20, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, located at 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015. The event opens with an EXPO reception on Sunday evening, May 17.
Who should attend the ATD Expo?
The event is designed for learning and development professionals, including trainers, instructional designers, coaches, and talent leaders. It draws a global audience from more than 80 countries who manage workplace learning and want to discover new tools, solutions, and best practices.
How do I register and what does it cost?
You can register online through the official ATD conference site. In-person rates rise through tiered deadlines, starting at $2,095 for members at the Early Bird rate (ending December 31). Virtual passes start at $595, day passes are available for as low as $995, and teams of five or more can save up to $1,000.
What can I expect on the EXPO floor?
The EXPO features 300+ exhibitors showcasing products, services, and technologies for the L&D field. Highlights include Learning Stages with product demonstrations, the ATD Enterprise Booth, a free Headshot Lounge, networking receptions, a Puppy Park, and a Treasure Hunt prize contest.
What are the parking and transportation options at the venue?
The Los Angeles Convention Center offers on-site parking in its West Hall and South Hall garages, with flat event rates generally $30–$40. The venue is reachable via Metro to Pico Station, rideshare, and complimentary ATD shuttles from conference hotels; the nearest major airport is Los Angeles International (LAX). Note ongoing Pico Blvd closures due to a venue expansion project.
From the blog
Recent guides and industry insights for exhibitors and planners.
August 6, 2026Trade Show Lead Capture: What Actually Works
Why scan counts mislead, the three questions that qualify a visitor in thirty seconds, and the 48-hour follow-up window where trade show ROI is won or lost.
Read more
July 30, 2026Drayage Explained: The Trade Show Cost Nobody Warns You About
What material handling actually pays for, why it is billed per hundredweight, the surcharges that double estimates, and six decisions that genuinely reduce it.
Read more
July 23, 2026How to Choose the Right Trade Show for Your Business
Attendance numbers are close to useless on their own. Five questions that tell you whether a show will work, and how to build a portfolio instead of a list.
Read more
July 16, 2026The 12-Month Trade Show Planning Timeline
Every deadline that matters, counted backwards from show open — including the advance-order deadline that saves 20–40% and the 48-hour window that decides your ROI.
Read more
July 9, 2026Trade Show Booth Sizes Explained: 10x10 to Island
What each booth size actually gives you, the height and setback rules that catch first-timers, and how to size a booth from your staffing rather than your budget.
Read more
July 2, 2026What Does It Actually Cost to Exhibit at a Trade Show?
A line-by-line breakdown of the nine costs of exhibiting — including drayage and staff time, the two that blow up budgets and never appear in the quote.
Read more
June 10, 2026Top Trade Shows in Las Vegas in 2026
A guide to the biggest trade shows and exhibitor opportunities in Las Vegas through 2026 — dates, industries, exhibitor counts, and what each show is best for.
Read more- September 2, 2025tradeshows.fyi
Trade Shows Demystified: Your Ultimate Guide to Exhibiting, Attending, and Everything in Between
Introduction to Trade Shows Trade shows serve as significant events in various sectors, acting as a focal point
Read on tradeshows.fyi 
November 14, 2024tradeshows.fyi10 Essential Tips for Successfully Attending Trade Shows
10 Essential Tips for Attending Trade Shows Attending trade shows offers a unique platform to showcase products, network,
Read on tradeshows.fyi- November 13, 2024tradeshows.fyi
The Ultimate Trade Show Exhibitor Checklist: Planning, Preparation, and Execution
Trade Show Exhibiting Checklist Trade shows present a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, network with
Read on tradeshows.fyi
Advertisement