Key Topics for 2025
Immersive learning
Capability building on Creative industry
Working Agenda
Day 1 – June 17th, 2025, Tuesday
Conference Begins
08:00 - 08:55
Registration and Networking Coffee
09:00 - 09:05
Welcome Remarks by the Organiser
Sidh N.C
Director,
QnA International
09:10 - 09:35
Opening Keynote Speech Conference Pass
Trend Watch 2025: What’s Shaping the Future of Talent Development?
The talent development landscape is evolving rapidly — but which trends truly transform how we build skills, drive
performance, and develop people? In this powerful opening keynote, Dr. Wei Wang draws on ATD’s latest global
research to discuss AI and other top trends shaping talent development in 2025. Gain actional insights on how L&D
professionals can stay ahead of the curve and prepare their organizations for the future of the work.
What you’ll learn:
- The top talent development trends - what’s gaining traction and why it matters
- Key data and insights from ATD’s global research on AI and talent development
- How to align talent development strategies with emerging trends
- How L&D professionals develop themselves to stay relevant
Speaker
Dr. Wei Wang
Senior Global Director,
Association for Talent Development, USA
09:40 - 10:00
Guest of Honor Opening Remarks
H.E. Adnan Al Awadhi
Executive Director,
Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
10:05 - 10:45
International Keynote Conference Pass
Building A Resilient Workforce: The Evolution of Learning for today’s world
In today’s dynamic and often unpredictable business landscape, the ability to learn, adapt and thrive while keeping pace with the fast evolution of technology. The shift from traditional training events or programs to comprehensive learning ecosystems is the need of the hour. Join us for an engaging session to uncover:
What you’ll learn:
- The need to create a holistic and adaptive learning environment
- The role of technology in enabling anytime, anywhere learning
- Fostering a culture of collaboration and interconnectivity across diverse learning content and sources
Speaker
Dan Pontefract
5 Times Award Winning Author and Leadership Strategist, Canada
10:50 - 11:10
Learning Keynote Conference Pass
Embedding Value into Everyday Work: Driving culture Through Interactive Learning
Discover how interactive learning can turn organizational values into everyday behaviors that drive alignment and
performance. Gain practical strategies to design dynamic, tech-enabled experiences that embed a learning culture
measurably across your teams
11:15 - 11:45
Networking Coffee Break and Visit to the Exhibition
11:20 - 11:40
Free Expo Seminar
AI-Enabled Trainer: Revolutionizing Skill Evaluation
AI-powered tools are transforming the landscape of skill evaluation, enabling more accurate, efficient, and personalized assessment of learner competencies in corporate training environments.
- Implementing AI agents for adaptive assessments for real-time skill gap analysis
- Leveraging machine learning algorithms to provide personalized feedback and improvement suggestions
- Integrating AI-enabled evaluation tools with existing learning management systems for seamless workflow
Chair
11:50 - 12:30
C Level Viewpoint Conference Pass
CxO Panel: Leading the Learning Culture – Executive Insights on Building future-ready organizations
Examine how impactful leadership shapes and sustains a culture of continuous learning – turning development into a strategic advantage. Led by C-suite practitioners, this panel will discuss how leaders can foster an environment where knowledge acquisition and skill development are integral to organizational success.
What you’ll learn:
- How leaders can actively model and champion learning behaviors across all levels
- Align learning initiatives with business objectives to demonstrate value and secure buy-in
- Create systems and structures that support and reward ongoing learning and development
Speakers
Dalia Zaghou
CHRO,
Investment & Development Office - Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Ahmad Al Hammad
Acting Group Chief Human Resources and Transformation Officer,
Kuwait Finance House, Kuwait
Hilal Al Jadidi
Chief Human Capital Officer,
Omran Group, Oman
Waleed Al Rashed
Senior Leader of People and Development,
Confidential Govt. Entity, KSA
Chair
12:00 - 12:20
Free Expo Seminar
Effective Communication in Cross-Cultural and Multigenerational Teams
Strategies for enhancing communication and collaboration in diverse teams, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by cultural differences and generational gaps in the modern workplace.
- Developing cultural intelligence and adaptability in team communication
- Leveraging technology to bridge communication gaps in global and remote teams
- Creating inclusive communication practices that respect diverse perspectives and work styles
Chair
12:35 - 13:00
Fireside Chat
Building Adaptive Workforces: Developing cross-sector skills for a changing world
In today’s fast-evolving landscape, organizations need talent that can pivot across roles and industries. This session explores how transferable skills are developed to future-proof your workforce and drive innovation. Featuring a case
study from the creative industry – specifically hospitality, heritage and tourism – we’ll examine how skills can be
leveraged to create innovative experiences.
What you’ll learn:
- Identify key skills and capabilities that bridge multiple creative sectors
- Explore strategies for developing adaptable, cross-functional talent
- Learn from a real-life case study(s) showcasing successful cross-industry application in hospitality, tourism and more
Speakers
Rawan Jalal
Human Resources Director,
KAUST, KSA
Emma El-Karout
VP Talent Management,
Chalhoub Group
Rania Al Ghamdi
Director of Talent Learning and Development,
JH ARAMCO, KSA
Chair
Fida Al-Americani
Senior consultant, Leadership development coach and mentor,
Jordan
12:40 - 13:00
Free Expo Seminar
Developing Empathy in Virtual Teams: Strategies and Tools
Effective strategies and innovative tools for cultivating empathy in virtual teams, enhancing collaboration, trust, and overall team performance in remote work environments
- Implementing regular virtual check-ins and empathy-building exercises to foster emotional connections
- Leveraging technology platforms to facilitate non-verbal communication and emotional expression
- Creating a culture of psychological safety and vulnerability in digital spaces
Chair
13:05 - 13:35
Networking Break & Visit to the Boutique Exhibition lounge
13:40 - 14:05
Expert Insights Keynote Conference Pass
AI as your new Learning Ally: Unlocking Personalization, Performance, and Potential
AI is transforming how we design and deliver learning – making it more personalized, adaptive, and efficient than ever. In this closing session, discover how AI can become your strategic partner in creating tailored learning
journeys, closing skill gaps, and scaling impact across your organization.
What you’ll learn:
- Harness AI-driven content curation and recommendation systems to deliver personalized learning
- Boost learner engagement and support with AI tools like chatbots and virtual assistants
- Leverage predictive analytics to AI and Learning
Speaker
Sue Lam
VP of People Insights, Strategy & Culture,
The Coca Cola Company, USA
14:05 - 14:30
Team building/ engagement activity to close the event on a high
14:30 - 14:35
Closing Remarks and Raffles – Your Chance to Win!
14:35 - 15:35
Networking Lunch and Close of Day 1
Day 2 – June 18th, 2025, Wednesday
Conference Day 2
08:00 - 08:55
Registration and Networking Coffee
09:00 - 09:05
Opening Remarks by Chair
09:10 - 09:45
Opening International Keynote Conference Pass
Leading Human-AI Teams: The Evolving Role of Technical Leadership
Technical leaders will increasingly direct hybrid human-AI teams, demanding new competencies beyond technical oversight. They must guide engineers through evolving roles and responsibilities, address anxieties around AI—such as fairness, security, and control—and foster effective human-AI collaboration. This session pulls back the curtain on Google’s education and change management strategy to cultivate an effective AI-first workforce. We will reveal how our initiatives are preparing technical leaders to drive transformation and adoption, and how we are equipping them with essential skills like ethical decision-making, responsible AI implementation, and strategies for upskilling/reskilling their teams in the age of AI. We will also offer actionable lessons learned from our journey that can help you build and reinforce your own mindsets and strategies, empowering your workforces to effectively lead in this moment.
Speaker
John Atwood
Sr. Learning and Development Manager,
Google, USA
12:40 - 13:00
Free Expo Seminar
Designing Effective Microlearning Modules for Just-in-Time Support
Strategies for creating impactful microlearning modules that provide immediate, targeted support to employees, enhancing performance and knowledge retention in the moment of need.
- Identifying key moments of need and designing content for maximum relevance and applicability
- Leveraging multimedia and interactive elements to boost engagement and retention in bite-sized formats
- Implementing analytics to measure the effectiveness and usage patterns of microlearning modules
Chair
09:50 - 10:25
Performance Management discussion
The Future of Performance Management: Accelerating talent through Continuous Feedback and Development
Traditional performance reviews are no longer enough. This forward-thinking panel will explore the evolution of
performance management towards a continuous, feedback-driven approach to boost employee engagement, and align performance with evolving business needs. Hear from senior-level decision makers in L&D the following:
What you’ll learn:
- Replace outdated annual performance reviews with continuous real-time feedback systems
- Deliver personalized development recommendations that drive meaningful talent growth
- Align performance management with organizational goals, values and culture
Speakers
Aysha Al-Kuwari
Director Talent Management,
Sidra Medicine, Qatar
Hani Al Khusabi
Chief HR & Support Services Officer,
Towell Group, Oman
Mukesh Vasandani
Director, Hotel Learning - India,
Middle East and Africa at IHG Hotels and Resorts, UAE
Rania Al Ghamdi
Director of Talent Learning and Development,
JH ARAMCO, KSA
10:30 - 10:45
Expert Insights Presentation Conference Pass
Design Thinking for L&D: Crafting Engaging and Impactful Learning Experiences
Design thinking principles offers powerful framework to revolutionize learning and talent strategies. In this session,
you’ll explore how to create learner-centric, innovative, and impactful training experiences that address real-world
challenges.
What you’ll learn:
- Implementing empathy-driven research to uncover learner needs and pain points
- A framework that works, and how to change one that doesn’t
- The future of learning in cross generational workforce in the changing landscape of technology.
10:50 - 11:10
Free Expo Seminar
Effective Communication in Cross-Cultural and Multigenerational Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs) and Their Role in Data-Driven L&D
Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs) are transforming Learning and Development (L&D) by leveraging data-driven insights to create personalized, engaging learning experiences that meet the evolving needs of modern learners.
- Utilizing analytics to track learner engagement and content effectiveness for continuous improvement.
- Implementing AI-driven recommendations to personalize learning pathways based on individual preferences and performance.
- Integrating LXPs with existing learning ecosystems to enhance data visibility and inform strategic L&D decisions.
Chair
10:50 - 11:20
Networking Coffee Break and Visit to the Exhibition
11:25 - 11:45
Free Expo Seminar
The Importance of Succession Planning: Building a Robust Talent Pipeline for Future Leadership
Developing a comprehensive succession planning program that identifies, nurtures, and prepares high-potential employees for future leadership roles, ensuring organizational continuity and growth
- Implementing data-driven approaches to identify and assess leadership potential across the organization
- Designing tailored development programs that align with both individual aspirations and organizational needs
- Creating a culture of mentorship and knowledge transfer to facilitate smooth leadership transitions
Chair
11:25 - 11:45
DEIB Interview Spotlight Conference Pass
Amplifying voices: Leverage Employee feedback and stories to Enhance DEIB Initiatives
How authentic employee voices can be harnessed to strengthen Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives? In this interview session, discover how employee-generated content can elevate inclusion efforts and
foster a more connected workplace culture. Key practices in the following will be discussed:
What you’ll learn:
- Encourage and curate employee-generated content to support DEIB goals
- Integrate real-life employee stories and perspectives in DEIB training strategies for greater connection and trust
- Leverage analytics to measure the impact of employee content on DEIB outcomes
Speakers
Betül Yalçın Emlek
Chief People Officer,
Yum! Brands, UAE
Mariam Abdul Aziz Al Hosani
VP - Learning and Competency Development,
ADNOC, UAE
Samar AlSalem
SVP - Human Capital & Support Services,
Salam Telecom, KSA
Session Chair:
Dr. Alia Al Serkal
Head of People Learning & Growth People Learning & Growth,
du, UAE
11:45 - 12:05
Micro Learning Keynote Conference Pass
Just-in-Time Learning for Rapid Skill Adaptation: Agility Through Bite-Sized Development
In a workplace defined by speed and constant change, micro-learning delivers the right skills at the right time. This keynote explores how just-in-time learning can address immediate skill needs/gaps, boost employee experience, and drive real business outcomes Attend this session to learn:
- Designing effective microlearning modules for quick, targeted skill acquisition
- Integrating AI-powered recommendation systems to deliver personalized, context-specific learning content
- Measuring the impact of just-in-time learning on employee productivity and business outcomes
Speaker
12:10 - 12:30
The ROI Presentation Conference Pass
The Numbers Don’t Lie: How Analytics Drive L&D Strategy and Prove ROI
L&D leaders face mounting challenges in evaluating talent-development programs and proving their value. In this session, uncover common evaluation barriers, discover strategies to overcome them, and master a six-step framework to showcase L&D impact and ROI.
What you’ll learn:
- Identify the top barriers in TD evaluations that stall measurement
- Apply proven strategies to address data gaps, stakeholder resistance, and more
- Execute a six-step process to transform evaluation metrics into compelling ROI narratives
12:35 - 12:55
(DCT CASE STUDY)
13:00 - 13:20
Case study Presentation Conference Pass
Rethinking Talent: From Roles to Skills for a More Agile Organizations
As work rapidly evolves, leading organizations are shifting from rigid, role-based structures to agile, skills-based models. This case study showcases how one organization transformed its approach to talent development – boosting internal mobility, unlocking HiPo talent, and accelerating business responsiveness through a skills-first strategy. Attend this session to hear real-world practices on:
What you’ll learn:
- Design skills-based talent strategies to attract, develop and retain talent
- Reshape organizational structures to support flexible, project-based work
- Leverage technology to map, track, and deploy skills across the organization
Speaker
Akbar M. Khan
Head of L&D & Employee Experience,
Al Tayer Motors, U.A.E.
13:10 - 13:30
Free Expo Seminar
Developing Resilience and Adaptability in Times of Change
Explore strategies for building resilience and adaptability in employees, equipping them to thrive amidst rapid organizational changes and uncertain business environments.
- Implementing mindfulness and stress management techniques to enhance emotional resilience
- Fostering a growth mindset culture that embraces change as an opportunity for learning and development
- Designing scenario-based training programs to improve adaptability and decision-making skills in dynamic situations
Chair
13:20 - 13:45
Networking Break & Visit to the Boutique Exhibition lounge
13:50 - 14:10
CLOxCFO Fireside Chat
From Finance to Future: Why Learning is a CFO’s Strategic Imperative
In today’s digital age, CFOs are no longer just financial leaders – they’re future focused leaders shaping long-term organizational resilience. This fireside chat explores how continuous learning, upskilling, and talent development are becoming central to the CFO’s role in driving innovation, agility, and sustainable growth.
What you’ll learn:
- Explore the CFO’s evolving role in championing learning and staying ahead of emerging technologies
- Understand how shifting mindsets and ownership of career development fuels long-term business success
- Highlight the critical link between reskilling, upskilling and agility in the digital age
Speaker
Rabei Wazzeh
Leadership and Talent Development Expert,
Confidential Entity, UAE
14:10 - 14:35
Hackathon (A relay challenge)
Hackathon: The Learning Innovation Relay
A fast-paced, hands-on challenge where 3 to 5 teams compete to design creative learning solutions in a relaystyle format. Each team will take on one unique challenge focused on reimagining the future of workplace learning. Participants will brainstorm, design, and pitch key features – a leader for each team will be selected by the group, ust bold ideas and sharp thinking.
Team challenges can include:
- Design a gamified mobile app for enhance new hire onboarding and engagement
- Develop a framework for teaching essential soft skills for remote work environments
- Outline an AI-driven learning recommendation system tailored to individual learner needs
- Create a quick, engaging game concept that assesses critical thinking and problem-solving
