Started in 1943 as the American Society of Training Directors, this organization evolved to become the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). As the scope and the impact of the training and development field has grown, the profession’s focus has broadened to link the development of people, learning, and performance to individual and organizational results.

To better meet the needs and represent the work of this dynamic profession, on May 6, 2014 the organization announced its new brand: the Association for Talent Development. ATD’s members come from more than 120 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. ATD supports the work of professionals locally in more than 125 chapters, international strategic partners, and global member networks.