L&D in 2026: Trends to Action

L&D in 2026: Trends to Action

AI is reshaping how we work — and it’s redefining the role of Learning & Development. In a world of rapid technological change and skills-based talent strategies, L&D can no longer focus solely on delivering learning. It must drive continuous skill evolution, adaptability, and measurable performance impact.

Join industry experts Dr. Marna van der Merwe and Lily Tronciu for a forward-thinking live session designed specifically for L&D professionals. Together, we’ll explore how to embed learning directly into the flow of work, build capabilities for emerging roles and technologies, and strengthen AI fluency across the organization.

This session will challenge traditional L&D models and equip you with practical strategies to shift from learning delivery to capability acceleration — ensuring development efforts translate into real business results.

If you're ready to future-proof your L&D strategy and elevate your impact, this session is for you.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

●      Explain how evolving workforce trends and AI transformation are redefining L&D’s purpose and strategic priorities.

●      Identify critical shifts required in how learning is designed, delivered, and measured to support capability development.

●      Evaluate which success metrics best demonstrate skill growth and measurable performance impact.

●      Define practical next steps to evolve your L&D function toward sustainable capability acceleration.

Presenter: Dr. Marna van der Merwe, Senior Subject Matter Expert at AIHR

Presenter Bio:
Dr. Marna van der Merwe is a seasoned Organizational Psychologist and Subject Matter Expert at AIHR, bringing extensive expertise in Human Resources, Organizational Effectiveness, and Strategic Talent Management. A distinguished researcher and published author, Dr. van der Merwe is a sought-after speaker at conferences, where she shares insights on talent management, experience design, and the evolving nature of careers.

She holds a PhD in Organizational Psychology, specializing in talent management and careers in the future of work, underscoring her commitment to advancing the HR profession and preparing organizations for the challenges of tomorrow.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marna-van-der-merwe/

Presenter: Lily Tronciu, Academy & Learning Expert at AIHR

Presenter Bio:
Lily Tronciu is a Learning & Development Expert and Academy & Learning Expert at AIHR, where she leads the design and innovation of impactful learning experiences for HR professionals worldwide. With a strong track record in instructional design, she specializes in creating learner-centered, data-driven programs that build future-ready skills and drive meaningful professional growth.

With experience spanning learning strategy, course development, and team leadership, Lily has led global training initiatives, optimized learning processes, and pioneered new learning formats across organizations. Passionate about advancing the HR profession, she equips changemakers with the capabilities and perspective needed to navigate the evolving world of work.

LinkedIn: /LinkedIn:%20https://www.linkedin.com/in/marna-van-der-merwe/

ATD Buffalo Niagara Chapter has been pre-approved by the ATD Certification Institute to offer educational programs that can be used towards initial eligibility and recertification of the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credentials. This program qualifies for a maximum of 1 point.