Latest news with #ATD
Mid East Info
a day ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
ATD Middle East 2025 concludes with a clear message: Don't fear AI, train with it
Global Talent Leaders chart the future of learning at the Conference in Abu Dhabi. AI, design thinking, and skills-first models take center stage in the region's premier L&D gathering Abu Dhabi, UAE – 20th June 2025 – The 9th Annual ATD Middle East Conference concluded on 18th June at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, drawing over 400 senior HR and L&D professionals from around the world for two days of insightful dialogue, immersive learning, and future-ready collaboration. Hosted by the Association for Talent Development (ATD) in partnership with QnA International and with the support of Cultural and Destination Partner, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, this year's edition brought the theme, 'Experience First: The New Era of Talent Development,' to life by spotlighting human-centered learning, AI integration, and bold talent strategies for a hybrid workforce. The Guest of Honor Address, by Hamad Mohammed Alsudain, Acting Support Services Executive Director, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, UAE, welcomed the diverse leaders to Abu Dhabi for the much-anticipated conference. The conference featured key insights from global thought leaders in talent development. Dr. Wei Wang, Senior Global Director at the Association for Talent Development, USA, presented groundbreaking research on emerging trends, ranging from AI and personalization to the evolving role of L&D professionals. Dr. Wang shared the latest ATD research, highlighting how AI is transforming the talent development landscape. She revealed that AI has boosted productivity (59%), training efficiency (51%), and creativity or innovation (47%), while also improving access to learning and skill application on the job. Top AI use cases include language translation and content creation (50%), as well as measuring learning impact (21%). Dan Pontefract, 5 Times Award Winning Author and Leadership Strategist, Canada, encouraged delegates to see AI as an ally rather than a threat. 'It will only replace you if you treat it like an enemy,' he emphasized during his keynote on building resilient, adaptive workforces. Meanwhile, John Atwood, Sr. Learning and Development Manager, Google, USA, shared how the tech giant is equipping technical leaders to lead human-AI teams through ethical decision-making, responsible implementation, and scalable upskilling strategies. Regional voices also took center stage with impactful case studies from the Department of Culture and Tourism-Abu Dhabi to STC from Saudi Arabia. Ahmed Hamad Al-Hammad, Acting Head of Human Resources and Transformation from Kuwait Finance House (KFH), discussed experience as a model that supports national competencies by showcasing its most prominent projects and programs in the field of human resources. Abu Dhabi's top CEO Coach, David Ribott, shared that succession isn't just about readiness. It's about responsibility. About shaping cultures and transitions that don't just maintain momentum, but evolve it. Hilal Al Jadidi, Chief People & Change Officer, Omran Group, Oman, illustrated how leadership programs aligned with Oman's tourism strategy are driving measurable impact and alignment in everyday work. Peter Gater, Senior Consultant, TAAEEN, UAE, introduced design thinking as a powerful method for developing cross-generational, learner-centric programs. Hanan Nagi, Founder and CEO of HNI, UAE, boldly challenged one of the most sacred tenets of personal development — the idea that self-belief must come first, with honest decisions, courageous ambition, humble planning, and a commitment to grow together, even when belief feels uncertain. Sue Lam, VP of People Insights, Strategy & Culture, The Coca-Cola Company, USA, explored how AI is transforming performance-based learning journeys. Sue shared practical tips and examples of apps that they are using in their business. Sarah Daly, Director of Ed-Tech at LEORON Institute, led an exceptional seminar session on Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs) and their role in building data-driven L&D strategies, and how LXPs go beyond traditional LMS models to deliver impact at scale. Gold sponsors of this year HNI, Boost and TAAEEN along with over 30 sponsors and exhibitors and a rich agenda of keynotes, panels, and hands-on workshops, the 2025 conference firmly cemented ATD Middle East's status as the region's leading L&D platform. 'As ATD celebrates 80 years of global impact, the momentum in the Middle East is undeniable,' said Dr. Wei Wang, Senior Global Director at the Association for Talent Development, USA. 'This year's conference reflected a shared readiness to explore boldly, learn deeply, and build not just future-ready but future-defining workforces.' Sidh N.C., Director of QnA International, added, 'ATD Middle East 2025 was not just about ideas—it was about implementation. What we witnessed over these two days was a unified commitment to advancing learning ecosystems built on technology, empathy, and purpose. From AI-powered insights to culturally driven learning models, the region's L&D leaders are clearly stepping into a transformative era, and we are proud to be the platform that helps bring their vision to life.' About ATD: The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the world's largest professional membership organization supporting those who develop the knowledge and skills of employees, improve performance, and help to achieve results for the organizations they serve. ATD's members come from more than 100 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. About QnA International: QnA International LLC is a leading global B2B event organizer, continuously innovating the knowledge and events business for over a decade. With a growing portfolio of conferences, summits, and training, ranging from Trade Finance to Travel & Tourism, Technology, Supply Chain Finance, Destination Weddings, and Human Resources, QnA International caters to a wide range of industries, in correlation with the present and future demands of the global economy. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, the company organizes B2B events around the world including expertise in delivering world-class events in destinations like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Mexico, India, Greece, Thailand, Georgia, and Indonesia.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kalamazoo Valley Community College joins Achieving the Dream Network to advance student success and community impact
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is pleased to announce that it has joined the network of Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility. KALAMAZOO, Mich., June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Kalamazoo Valley Community College is pleased to announce that it has joined the network of Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility. As one of nine institutions joining the organization as part of its 2025 cohort, Kalamazoo Valley Community College will enter into ATD's Foundations of Transformation core engagement, an intensive three-year program designed to build essential institutional capacities and accelerate student success. Grounded in ATD's Community Vibrancy Framework, the engagement will help the colleges strengthen critical capacities with the ultimate goal of supporting the transformation of these institutions as they seek to become inclusive, equitable hubs of economic mobility and regional vitality. "Joining ATD represents a transformative opportunity to accelerate our vision of creating innovative and equitable opportunities for all students, said L. Marshall Washington, Ph. D., college president. "We're ready to deepen our data-informed approach and build institutional capacity that empowers every student to learn, grow, and thrive." Teams from the cohort colleges will convene at ATD's Kickoff Institute, an annual event to welcome incoming Network colleges, which will be held this year from June 25 to 27 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Kickoff will set the stage for the colleges' partnerships with ATD and introduce them to the organization's Institutional Capacity Framework, a comprehensive assessment built on essential capacities that help colleges develop a student-centered culture and enhance student success. "We are honored to welcome these nine colleges into the ATD Network," said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. "By joining Foundations of Transformation, these institutions are taking an ambitious step to redesign systems, structures, and cultures to support their students more holistically. Their commitment signals not only a deep investment in student success but also in the long-term resilience and vibrancy of the communities they serve. ATD looks forward to walking alongside these colleges as they forge a bold path forward." Established in 1966, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a comprehensive, fully accredited, public, two-year college with enrollment of about 9,000 students in Kalamazoo, Michigan. With four campuses, Kalamazoo Valley offers certificate programs in more than 50 areas of study and associate degrees in 60 others. In addition to associate degree and certificate programs in business, health care, human and public service, technical occupations and industry, the college also provides a quality experience for students preparing to transfer to four-year institutions following graduation. Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more. ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. ATD knows that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. Follow ATD on X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream (ATD) website: Media Contact Alisha Siebers, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, 269.488.4821, asiebers@ View original content: SOURCE Kalamazoo Valley Community College Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Best $7,000 TFSA Investments for Canadian Investors
Written by Joey Frenette at The Motley Fool Canada It's the big question on the minds of many new TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) investors at any given time: what's the best investment to make in today's climate? Indeed, Trump tariff turmoil paved the way for a rather treacherous first half of the year. But with things settling down ahead of summer, investors may have the opportunity to take their time as they examine the broad slate of deals to be had today without having to be panicked over the non-stop negative headlines we saw just over two months ago. Of course, there could be more in the way of negative surprises with tariffs in the second half. However, with China and the U.S. negotiating, it may be unwise to rule out positive surprises as well. In this piece, we'll check out a name that I think is more of a deep-value play going into July. For TFSA investors who are still searching for a name to put their latest TFSA contribution (of $7,000) to work, the following name, I think, could be worth adding to your summer watchlist. As always, do your own research and analysis before putting a sum as substantial as $7,000 on one stock at any given moment. If you're a big investor who's already diversified, the following name may be worth a big bet. However, if you're a beginner investor, I'd argue that spreading your first $7,000 across a slate of names (or exchange-traded funds) would be best. Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) shares stand out as an intriguing pick-up for TFSA investors looking for value, long-term growth, and dividend raises. The convenience retailer has been stuck in the penalty box for about a year now, and I think it's about to skate out of it sometime soon, especially if we get a resolution with the potential deal to buy 7 & i Holdings (that's the parent firm of 7-Eleven). Over the past few weeks, we've had quite a few updates on the proposed deal. We've heard of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) being signed as a signal that a deal could be close, as well as news of shareholders' support to fend off a Couche-Tard takeover. Indeed, things seem to be changing by the month. I have no idea if a deal's still likely at this juncture. Personally, I think it's best to trust the firm's managers as they take their time to make their move. Whichever move it'll be, it's one I, as a shareholder, am supportive of. In any case, I think ATD stock is too cheap to ignore, as too much focus has been placed on the proposed deal, with a bit less attention given to the actual growth opportunity at hand. If Couche-Tard can't have its way with 7 & i Holdings's managers, the company has more than enough cash to take advantage of all sorts of deals. Indeed, the robust balance sheet leaves Couche's value-minded managers in a strong position as they aim to secure some attractive deals to fuel that impressive merger and acquisition-driven long-term growth engine. With a management team that's not afraid to go the extra mile on due diligence, I'd be inclined to buy the stock after any period of seasonal weakness. As the stock recovers from a brief drop into a bear market (a more than 21% fall from peak to trough), I think it could be time to start doing some buying. It's a TFSA mainstay, in my opinion, and it's likely headed higher as the 7 & i saga (hopefully) nears its end in the second half of 2025. The post The Best $7,000 TFSA Investments for Canadian Investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada. More reading Made in Canada: 5 Homegrown Stocks Ready for the 'Buy Local' Revolution [PREMIUM PICKS] Market Volatility Toolkit Best Canadian Stocks to Buy in 2025 Beginner Investors: 4 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy for 2025 5 Years From Now, You'll Probably Wish You Grabbed These Stocks Subscribe to Motley Fool Canada on YouTube Fool contributor Joey Frenette has positions in Alimentation Couche-Tard. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alimentation Couche-Tard. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 2025 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Mid East Info
11-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
9th Annual ATD Middle East Conference 2025 Returns to Abu Dhabi - Middle East Business News and Information
Global L&D and HR Leaders to Gather for an Immersive Two-Day Conference & Exhibition Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Association for Talent Development (ATD), the world's largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in the workplace, in partnership with QnA International is pleased to announce the 9th edition of the ATD Middle East Conference , taking place on June 17–18, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl supported by Cultural and Destination Partner, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau. This year's theme, 'Experience First: The New Era of Talent Development,' highlights the shift toward human-centered learning and innovation in today's workplace. The conference will serve as a transformative platform where thought leaders, C-suite executives, and learning professionals converge to shape the future of workplace learning. This year's event will convene over 400 attendees across the GCC , 40+ global speakers , and 30+ sponsors and exhibitors , bringing together senior HR and L&D professionals, innovators, and thought leaders from across the globe. Abu Dhabi's strategic positioning as a hub for innovation, business, and cultural diversity makes it the ideal host city for the region's leading talent development event. As the Cultural and Destination Partner for the ATD Middle East Conference 2025, the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau enriches the conference experience by offering attendees exposure to the rich Emirati heritage and a world-class hospitality ecosystem. It also reaffirms the city's commitment to fostering global knowledge exchange and empowering organisations to invest in lifelong learning and human capital development. In addition, the ATD Certificate Programs and the exclusive 1-day AI Workshop will be hosted on June 16, 19, and 20 , offering deeper engagement and applied learning experiences. This year's agenda is shaped by the most critical trends in the industry, including the integration of AI in learning , the rise of immersive technologies , the future of performance management , and the evolving role of emotional intelligence in today's hybrid workplace. Attendees will gain access to keynotes, fireside chats, panel discussions , and interactive sessions designed to drive strategic thinking and practical transformation. The conference will feature Hamad Mohammed Alsudain, Acting Support Services Executive Director, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, to give the Welcome Address on the 17th of June. The conference welcomes attendees to hear from internationally renowned speakers including Dan Pontefract , Dr. Wei Wang , Sue Lam , and senior L&D leaders from organizations such as Google, Coca-Cola, ARAMCO, Chalhoub Group, ADNOC, KAUST , and du . Their insights will help organisations build agile, future-ready workforces equipped to thrive in today's fast-changing economy. 'Don't be afraid of artificial intelligence in Learning and Development; it will only replace you if you treat it like an enemy rather than a helpful and highly applicable L&D tool,' said Dan Pontefract, 5 Times Award Winning Author and Leadership Strategist, Canada 'ATD Middle East is the chance to not only make new L&D friends in the region but also share important reflections from my 25-year career on becoming better L&D leaders overall.' As ATD celebrates its 80th anniversary , the Middle East edition stands as a powerful testament to the organisation's mission to elevate talent development practices globally. With a strong focus on skills-first strategies , collaborative learning , and talent mobility , ATD ME 2025 will inspire action, spark innovation, and strengthen the region's learning and development ecosystem. Key Topics for 2025 include focus on AI as a Learning Ally, Organizational Culture, Emotional Intelligence, the Gen Z Workforce and Capability Building. 'I'll be sharing how we're embedding learning into real work at OMRAN—through leadership programs, experiential tourism projects, and continuous feedback. It's about turning employees into change makers aligned with national goals. I hope this sparks fresh thinking around practical, high-impact L&D,' said Hilal Al Jadidi, Chief Human Capital Officer, OMRAN Group . 'I'm excited to connect with forward-thinking peers and explore bold ideas—from AI upskilling to leadership for transformation. ATD Middle East is a great space to exchange insights and amplify learning's impact in our region.' Over the decades, ATD has benefited members from more than 100 countries in organizations of all sizes and all industry sectors to improve their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the workplace. Beneficiaries encompass talent development managers, trainers, instructional designers, performance consultants, frontline managers, workplace learning professionals, and more. 'We are thrilled to welcome global and regional talent leaders to Abu Dhabi this June and grateful for the continued support of Cultural and Destination Partner, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau.' said Sidh N.C, Director, QnA International . 'With our dynamic agenda, renowned speakers, and immersive experiences, ATD Middle East 2025 is not just a conference—it's a movement towards future-ready, human-centric learning cultures. As we take on an exciting journey through this conference, we strive to bring together the brightest minds in Learning & Development, who will help redefine and bring in opportunities for bigger growth.' About ATD: The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the world's largest professional membership organization supporting those who develop the knowledge and skills of employees, improve performance, and help to achieve results for the organizations they serve. ATD's members come from more than 100 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. About QnA International : QnA International LLC is a leading global B2B event organizer, continuously innovating the knowledge and events business for over a decade. With a growing portfolio of conferences, summits, and training, ranging from Trade Finance to Travel & Tourism, Technology, Supply Chain Finance, Destination Weddings, and Human Resources, QnA International caters to a wide range of industries, in correlation with the present and future demands of the global economy. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, the company organizes B2B events around the world including expertise in delivering world-class events in destinations like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Mexico, India, Greece, Thailand, Georgia, and Indonesia.
Business Standard
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Suzlon Wins ATD's BEST Award 2025 for Empowering India's Next-Generation Green Energy Leaders
BusinessWire India Pune (Maharashtra) [India], June 11: Suzlon Group, India's no.1 wind energy solutions provider has been honored with the prestigious 2025 BEST Award by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), USA, ranking 7th Globally and 2nd in India. This recognition places Suzlon among a distinguished cohort of 57 global organizations acknowledged for embedding talent development as a core driver of business transformation. The ATD BEST Award is one of the highest accolades in the field of learning and development, honoring organizations that use talent development to achieve enterprise-wide success. Suzlon was recognised for its comprehensive talent development practices, including flagship programs like the Leadership Circle and the ACE (Accelerated Competency Enhancement) Program--designed to identify, mentor, and accelerate the growth of high-potential talent across levels. These initiatives reflect Suzlon's focus on structured mentorship, leadership capability-building, and succession planning to power the next generation of green energy leadership. Suzlon is shaping India's green careers by building strong industry-academia partnerships and launching youth-centric skilling initiatives. Through these efforts, it's creating pathways to employment in clean energy and bridging the sector's talent gap. Mr. JP Chalasani, Chief Executive Officer, Suzlon Group said, "We are honored and excited about this recognition. This award reflects our belief that our people are the strongest foundation of India's clean energy future. At Suzlon, talent development is not an initiative -- it's embedded in our culture and strategy. We are proud to be shaping a workforce that is agile, innovative, and equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape. The talent nurtured within Suzlon is not only powering our transformation but also contributing meaningfully to the broader renewable energy sector in India in various C-suites roles." Rajendra Mehta, Chief Human Resources Officer, Suzlon Group said, "Through its integrated learning ecosystem--spanning leadership development, functional upskilling, digital enablement, and grassroots training, Suzlon equips employees across levels to contribute meaningfully to long-term value creation. Its focus on inclusive growth, continuous capability building, and internal mobility forms the backbone of a high-performance culture that is both human-centric and future-facing." Tony Bingham, ATD President and CEO said, "These 57 BEST organizations are driving impact and solving business challenges through talent development practices and doing so in innovative ways. Senior leaders in these organizations understand the critical strategic role learning has, and they are committed to investing in the growth and development of their people."
