2026 is here! What are you doing to invest in your professional growth?
If you work in learning, organizational change management, or HR, you already know this: staying current is not optional. The pace of change, especially with AI, means our skills, tools, and networks need to evolve as well.
Conferences are one of the few places you can step out of your execution mind set, learn what’s working, and connect with peers who are going through the same challenges you are. But how do you find one that offers real ROI, not just inspiration?
To help you plan the year ahead, we’ve pulled together a curated list of top U.S. learning and change conferences for 2026 organized by category and timing. Each one made the list because it delivers value for practitioners and leaders.
Learning & Development Events
1. Training 2026 Conference & Expo
- Date: February 23 – 25, 2026
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Estimated Cost:
- Pre-conference events: $595 – $1,195
- Conference: $1,945 – $2,095
Why Attend: Training 2026 is a solid option if you’re focused on the nuts and bolts of learning: designing programs, delivering them effectively, managing learning experiences, and measuring results. This conference leans towards practical, which makes it especially valuable for practitioners who want ideas they can apply on the job.
Key Benefits:
- Hands-on clinics, labs, and demos to practice new tools and approaches.
- Opportunities to connect with fellow training and learning professionals.
- Built-in networking through Braindates, dinners, and receptions.
- Practical takeaways you can implement immediately.
2. ATD26: International Conference & Expo: Embrace Disruption. Direct the Future
- Date: May 17 – 20, 2026
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Estimated Cost: $1,795 – $2,995
Why Attend: ATD is a staple for a reason. It’s one of the largest global talent development conferences and consistently draws a mix of L&D, HR, and change professionals from across industries. Because of it’s size, being intentional about which sessions to attend and network will provide you with immense value.
Key Benefits:
- 450+ sessions, including case studies, panels, and hands-on learning.
- 35+ sessions focused on AI, data, and future-ready learning design.
- Learning Technology and Future Readiness tracks that explore how learning ecosystems are evolving.
- Opportunities to earn CE credits and support professional certification goals.
3. Training Industry Learning Strategy Summit
- Date: October 6 – 8, 2026
- Location: Milwaukee, WI
- Estimated Cost: $1395-$1795
Why Attend: This summit is best suited for learning leaders who are thinking beyond programs and content and are focused on strategy, alignment, and impact. The smaller format allows for deeper conversations and more honest peer-to-peer learning than you’ll typically find at larger expos.
Key Benefits:
- Frameworks to align learning strategy with business priorities.
- Practical approaches to adapting L&D in fast-changing environments.
- Guidance on measuring impact and demonstrating value.
- Actionable insights you can take back to your leadership team.
- Date: November 4 – 6, 2026
- Location: Las Vegas, NV
- Estimated Cost: $1,745 – $3,495
Why Attend: DevLearn continues to be a go-to conference for learning technology professionals. It’s known for its hands-on labs, experimentation, and strong practitioner community. If you’re responsible for evaluating and implementing learning technologies or simply want to see what’s coming next, DevLearn delivers.
Key Benefits:
- Extensive expo featuring emerging learning technologies from AI to AR/VR.
- Hands-on labs to test platforms and tools before making investment decisions.
- Practical sessions built around real workplace challenges.
- Strong peer networking with others experimenting at the edge of learning innovation.
- Plenty of ideas you can adapt.
Change Management Events
1. ACMP Change Orlando 2026: From Imagination to Impact: Learning Change Together
- Date: May 1 – 20, 2026acmp
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Estimated Cost: $1,150 – $1,950
Why Attend: ACMP’s conference is a strong choice if you want to deepen your change capabilities while staying focused on what’s next: AI, analytics, resilience, and ethical leadership.
Key Benefits:
- Hands-on workshops covering topics like AI metrics, neuroscience of resistance, and data-driven change.
- Access to experienced change leaders and seasoned practitioners.
- Practical strategies you can apply across digital, cultural, and workforce transformations.
- Opportunities to explore tools and platforms that support large-scale change efforts.
2. PEX Network Change Management for Business Transformation
- Date: July 21 – 22, 2026
- Location: Virtual
- Estimated Cost: Free
Why Attend: This conference combines five industry-defining summits into one giving attendees a unique opportunity to learn how AI, data, and modern leadership practices are reshaping transformation. It’s flexible, multi-track format makes it easy for busy professionals to tailor their schedule and maximize learning without being overwhelmed.
Key Benefits:
- Access to strategies for operational excellence, AI adoption, and business transformation from top global leaders.
- Learn practical methods and frameworks you can apply to improve performance and drive organizational change.
- Hear from high-level speakers including CIOs, transformation partners, and data & strategy leaders across major industries.
- Choose from multiple summits and sessions under one event, offering built-in flexibility to match your role, goals, and schedule.
HR Events
1. Transform 2026: The Human + AI Equation: Forging the Next Era of Work
- Date: March 23 – 25, 2026
- Location: Las Vegas, NV
- Estimated Cost: $2,795
Why Attend: Transform is one of the few conferences that consistently brings multiple perspectives into the same location: CHROs, talent and change leaders, organizational psychologists, technologists, and investors. The conversations aren’t just theoretical. They are grounded in real examples of how organizations are experimenting with AI and redefining how work gets done. If you are looking to move past AI buzzwords and understand what human + AI collaboration look like in practice, this is a strong place to start.
Key Benefits:
- Learn from over 350+ speakers, including executives, AI practitioners, and creative leaders.
- Hear real-world examples of how people and AI are working together today.
- Participate in workshops, small group discussions, and live demos.
- Network with 4,000+ attendees from more than 50 countries.
- Take advantage of curated networking events designed to spark meaningful conversations.
Attending one of these top Learning or Change Management conferences in 2026 is a great way to stay ahead of industry trends, connect with peers, and gain insights to enhance your strategies. While dates and costs are estimates based on past events, they provide a solid starting point. Check the official websites for the latest updates on schedules, locations, and early bird discounts, with many events offering virtual options for added flexibility.
By choosing the right conferences, you’ll gain the tools and knowledge to drive talent development, strengthen learning initiatives, manage change, and position your organization for success in 2026 and beyond.
