The Association for Talent Development is set to host its eighth annual conference in Riyadh next week, focusing on building a future-ready workforce to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. This event, running November 17 to 18 at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel and Convention, brings together global experts and local leaders to discuss AI, leadership skills, and talent strategies that can transform the Kingdom’s economy.
Event Highlights and Agenda
Organizers expect over a thousand professionals from learning and development fields to attend this major gathering. The conference theme centers on empowering Saudi talent through innovative tools and practices. Sessions will cover topics like agile leadership and behavioral science, aimed at helping companies adapt to rapid changes.
Attendees can join workshops on November 16, 19, and 20 for hands-on training. These programs offer practical skills in areas such as digital transformation and team building. The main event includes keynote speeches and panel discussions that promise real-world insights.
A key draw is the exhibition area, where firms showcase the latest in talent development technology. This setup allows for direct interaction with tools that support workforce upskilling.
Top Speakers Share Insights
Curtis Bateman, a change leadership expert from FranklinCovey, will open the conference with a talk on turning uncertainty into opportunity. He draws from decades of experience, including his work on the book Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity. Bateman plans to focus on building resilience in teams facing disruption.
Mohammed Abdelhay, managing director of FranklinCovey Middle East, emphasizes the event’s role in advancing Vision 2030. He notes how the conference helps organizations foster mindsets for sustainable growth. Tony Bingham, ATD’s president, will also speak, sharing global trends in talent development.
These leaders bring a mix of international and regional perspectives. Their sessions aim to equip attendees with strategies to boost performance and innovation in Saudi workplaces.
Other experts will address AI’s impact on jobs and education. Discussions will explore how technology can create more inclusive and efficient work environments.
Vision 2030 Ties and Economic Impact
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan seeks to diversify the economy beyond oil, with a strong focus on human capital. The ATD conference aligns directly by promoting skills that match market needs, such as digital literacy and adaptive leadership.
Recent reports show impressive progress. The economy has doubled in size since the vision launched, reaching 1.3 trillion dollars. Non-oil sectors now make up 56 percent of the total, up from previous levels.
Here are some key achievements under Vision 2030:
- Over 85 percent of initiatives are on track or completed.
- More than 675 companies have moved their regional headquarters to Riyadh.
- Education reforms have boosted workforce participation rates among Saudis.
This conference supports these goals by connecting professionals with tools to build a skilled labor force. It encourages investment in training that can reduce reliance on foreign workers and create jobs for locals.
Innovations Shaping Workforce Future
Experts at the event will dive into emerging trends like AI-driven learning platforms. These tools help personalize training, making it easier for employees to gain new skills quickly.
Behavioral science sessions will teach ways to improve employee engagement and retention. Agile leadership training focuses on flexible decision-making in fast-changing industries.
One panel will discuss how societal shifts, such as increased women’s participation in the workforce, tie into Vision 2030. This reflects broader efforts to make the economy more inclusive.
To illustrate progress in workforce development, consider this table of recent Saudi labor market stats:
| Metric | 2020 Value | 2025 Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 12.6% | 7.1% | Down 5.5% |
| Women’s Participation | 20.2% | 33.5% | Up 13.3% |
| Non-Oil GDP Share | 45% | 56% | Up 11% |
| Saudis in Private Sector | 1.7M | 2.5M | Up 0.8M |
These figures highlight how targeted training can drive economic shifts. The conference aims to accelerate such trends through shared knowledge.
Networking and Professional Growth
Beyond speeches, the event offers prime networking chances. Attendees can connect with peers from various sectors, including government, tech, and finance.
Exhibitors will demonstrate solutions like virtual reality training and data analytics for HR. This hands-on exposure helps professionals apply new ideas back at their jobs.
Many past participants report career boosts from connections made here. The conference fosters collaborations that support long-term talent strategies in the region.
Looking Ahead to Lasting Change
As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with Vision 2030, events like this play a crucial role in preparing the workforce for global challenges. By blending global expertise with local needs, the conference could spark innovations that benefit the entire Middle East.
With the event just days away, it stands as a timely boost for professionals eager to contribute to the Kingdom’s transformation.
Share your thoughts on how workforce training can shape Saudi Arabia’s future. What skills do you think are most vital for Vision 2030 success? Comment below and spread the word to fellow professionals.
