ASTD = ATD?
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure to attend the American Society for Training and Development's annual International Conference and Exposition (ASTD ICE 2014). I have been directly involved with some aspect of learning and development for over 20 years. ASTD is clearly the flagship organization in the corporate training industry. Their annual conference is a pilgrimage to Mecca for L&D professionals with pre-conference education sessions, in-conference learning tracks, keynote speakers, and an expo floor with hundreds of exhibitors presenting products and services for the latest and greatest training experiences.
On the eve of ICE's final day, ASTD President, Tony Bingham, held a special meeting and announced to the thousands in attendance that the 70+year old organization is changing it's name to the Association for Talent Development (ATD). And overnight, the entire conference was re-branded. A sea of blue and green was replaced with fiery orange. Every sign, banner, T-shirt, pencil, brochure, pamphlet and pin transformed while we slept, into the new association.
"What do I think?" I asked myself. "I think it's about time!" The scope of their work is global,not just American. The focus of support is across many various disciplines, not just Training. I think the "Association for Talent Development" defines the mission and purpose in a direction that will sustain their constituents for the next 70 years. I also think that there will always be a place in business, for those of us who help enhance the knowledge and skills in others - and that the businesses that develop their talent well, will always succeed.
Director of IT at Biogen
11yStupors
President & Founder of Best Training Resources
11yDan, interesting that no where in your description of those 40k members and their activities did you mention the word "talent"!
President & Founder of Best Training Resources
11yDan, I think I'm sticking with training. People know what I do when training is in the company name. When I refer to myself, I always say, "I'm a training guy" and I don't want to change and say, "I'm a Talent guy". Not sure how people would take it!
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11yNice post, Dan! Talent Development is definitely a broad and inclusive focus for our association. Changing the name of a 40,000+ member global association is no easy task and as Tony alluded in his address on May 6, it was far from a whimsical decision. As learning professionals, trainers, organizational development specialists, coaches, and the whole gamut of a million specialties that comprise our field, I think this change in identity is a prime opportunity to "walk the talk." The vast majority of professionals in this field are helping others learn, grow, and develop. A major component of that mission is helping others deal with change. This change in identity offers us to be as nimble as we often encourage others to be, and to define who we are and what we do well. I agree - it's about time and this change is full of positive opportunities. PS - see you on June 13 at NEASTD!
President & Founder of Best Training Resources
11yDan, I see that you work for TrainingPros. Do you think your company will change it's name to TalentPros? If it's a good idea for ASTD seems like it would be a good idea for your company. What do you think?