Dear ATD Pittsburgh Members,

What a fantastic start to summer! I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our very first joint event with the Pittsburgh Human Resources Association (PHRA) and College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). It was inspiring to witness three powerful organizations come together with a shared purpose: to elevate the conversation around talent, leadership, and professional development. The energy in the room was electric, the speakers were dynamic, and the spirit of collaboration was palpable. If this event was any indication, the future of our region’s talent development community is bright.

In that same spirit of learning and connection, several of our board members and chapter leaders had the opportunity to attend ATD25 in Washington, DC this past month. The conference delivered powerful insights that will shape the way we lead and learn in the months and years ahead. Here are a few key takeaways:

Artificial Intelligence in Talent Development
AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s rapidly becoming a practical tool for scaling learning, personalizing content, and streamlining talent development processes. From AI-powered coaching to content generation, we’re entering a new era of possibility that requires us to think both creatively and ethically.

️ Psychological Safety is Non-Negotiable
High-performing organizations are rooted in trust. We heard from thought leaders who reminded us that psychological safety isn't a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for innovation, engagement, and retention. As talent professionals, we must continue to foster environments where every voice is valued and respected.

Building High-Performing Teams
The recipe for success continues to evolve, but the fundamentals hold true: clear communication, aligned goals, accountability, and empathy. Whether leading in-person, hybrid, or remote teams, the emphasis on human-centered leadership was front and center.

Proving ROI for Talent Development
Making the case for training investments remains a priority. Sessions at ATD25 offered practical strategies for measuring the impact of learning programs, linking them directly to business outcomes, and telling the story of their value in ways that resonate with stakeholders.

Networking that Matters
Perhaps one of the most powerful reminders from ATD25 was this: our strength lies in our connections. From hallway conversations to structured roundtables, the event was a masterclass in relationship-building. The partnerships and friendships formed will no doubt fuel new initiatives, ideas, and impact.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to bring these insights back to Pittsburgh through events, workshops, and conversations designed to keep us all growing together. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage, learn, and lead with ATD Pittsburgh!

Warm regards,
Keith Kuckenbrod
President, ATD Pittsburgh