Kassy LaBorie wins ATD talent development award

By AI, Created 5:18 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Kassy LaBorie has been named a recipient of ATD’s Talent Development Outstanding Professional Award for work advancing human-centered learning across virtual, hybrid, and in-person settings. She will be formally recognized at the ATD 2026 International Conference & Exposition in Los Angeles.

Why it matters: - The award highlights a shift in talent development toward experiences that help people feel seen, included, and confident, not just informed. - LaBorie’s work sits at the intersection of learning design, technology, and human connection as organizations adopt AI and immersive platforms. - The recognition signals that human-centered facilitation remains a core priority in modern workplace learning.

What happened: - The Association for Talent Development named Kassy LaBorie a recipient of the Talent Development Outstanding Professional Award. - ATD is a global organization focused on workplace learning and performance. - LaBorie will be formally recognized at the ATD 2026 International Conference & Exposition in Los Angeles.

The details: - The award honors people who show expertise, leadership, and service in talent development through professional work, influence, and commitment to others. - LaBorie is a keynote speaker, author, and connection strategist. - She has more than 25 years of experience across virtual, hybrid, and in-person learning environments. - LaBorie helped develop Webex University in the early days of online learning. - She later built Dale Carnegie Training’s $4 million digital business. - Her current work centers on the idea that connection must be designed, not left to chance. - LaBorie uses keynote presentations, certification programs, and books to help facilitators, trainers, and leaders show up with confidence, presence, and purpose. - Her Y-O-U model encourages professionals to think of themselves as designers of human connection, not just presenters of information. - LaBorie is the author of Interact and Engage! and Producing Virtual Training, Meetings, and Webinars, both published by ATD Press. - More information is available at Kassy LaBorie’s website.

Between the lines: - The recognition reinforces LaBorie’s long-running message that technology can either amplify self-doubt or help people connect more effectively. - Her comments suggest that effective learning environments now require intentional design around psychology, participation, and trust. - The award also gives ATD a chance to elevate a practitioner whose work matches the industry’s move toward digital-first and AI-enabled training.

What’s next: - LaBorie will receive formal recognition at ATD’s 2026 conference in Los Angeles. - Her speaking, certification, and author work are likely to continue centered on human-centered learning design. - Organizations adopting new technologies may keep looking for frameworks that preserve connection and participation.