2025 WFED/OD&C Conference
Join us for the 2025 WFED/OD&C Conference on March 20-21, 2025!
Day 1 will be held in person at University Park, PA, and Day 2 will be hosted online via Zoom.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn!
About the event
The 2025 WFED/OD&C Conference is a premier event designed to bring together thought leaders, educators, researchers, and professionals to delve into the intersection of workforce development, emerging technologies, and social change. Over two days, the conference will feature keynote presentations, virtual workshops, and engaging panel discussions by Organization Development and Artificial Intelligence experts.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest trends and research while connecting with peers and industry leaders. With a focus on technology’s role in shaping the future of work, this event offers transformative opportunities for learning, collaboration, and networking.
Penn State 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 9.5 points.
Join us for this enriching experience where innovation meets impact.
Hybrid Conference Format: In-Person and Virtual Experiences
Day 1: In-Person Sessions (March 20, 2025)
Join us at the University Park campus for an engaging day of face-to-face interactions. The day will feature keynote presentations, networking opportunities, and a career fair. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with industry leaders and participate in interactive discussions on workforce education and organization development.
Day 2: Virtual Sessions (March 21, 2025)
Day two brings the conference experience online, featuring keynote speakers and expert-led sessions on the social impact of AI and technological innovation. Participate from anywhere to engage with thought leaders and explore transformative research through virtual workshops, panel discussions, and project-based activities.
12 Speakers
This year’s conference proudly features 12 distinguished speakers, including in-person and virtual keynote speakers, along with leading industry experts presenting on cutting-edge topics. These speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in Organization Development, Human Resource Development, and Artificial Intelligence, covering diverse and thought-provoking subjects such as:
- Embracing and integrating technology in learning environments.
- The impact of artificial intelligence on workforce development and social change.
- Human-centered approaches to AI adoption and its ethical implications.
- Leadership, coaching, and innovation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Their combined expertise will guide participants through critical discussions on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in workforce education and organizational development.
Students Poster Session
Objectives & Format:
- Goal: Allow students and alumni to present research, projects, or case studies related to Workforce Education and Organization Development.
- Format: Choose whether it will be a physical poster board OR a table.
- Eligibility: Participate Graduate Students in the Department of Learning and Performance Systems: Workforce Education & Development (WFED) / Learning, Design and Technology (LDT) / Lifelong Learning and Adult Education (LLAED).
- Session Timing: The poster session will occur during networking breaks from 1:30 PM to 2:50 PM.
Poster Requirements & Guidelines:
- Poster Size: Standard (36×48 inches) OR Power Point.
- Content Expectations: Research-based, practice-based, or case studies related to WFED.
- Submission Format: Power point submission or physical posters, Submissions should be marked as either a 1) research proposal, 2) work in progress, or 3) completed project and should include the following information: Title of the proposed poster, Abstract of the proposed poster (no more than 750 words, excluding references), References, The author’s name. All submissions must comply with formatting and writing style standards APA 7th as defined by the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th edition) unless the proposal requirements allow for exceptions.
- Deadline for Submission: March 10, 2025.
- Review Process: Decide whether all submissions will be accepted or reviewed first by the conference steering committee.
- Participation Limit: The session will be limited to the first 10 accepted participants.
- Registration Process: Submissions will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Waitlist Option: If more than 10 students apply, they can be placed on a waitlist in case a spot becomes available.
Registration & Submission Process:
- Registration: Fill out Day 1 Registration Form
- Send an abstract of your poster to the conference email: pdn@psu.edu
- Title the email as: WFED/OD&C 2025 Conference: Your name – Poster abstract
- All registered participants will receive a confirmation email once the submission is accepted and approval is received.
Alumni Panel
This session will feature alumni sharing their experiences, including their time in the program, internships, career paths, and key insights into workforce development. The discussion aims to provide students with practical guidance on transitioning from academia to professional careers while fostering engagement between alumni, faculty, and students.
Key Discussion Topics:
- WFED Program Experience
- Internships & Career Development
- Career Transitions & Current Roles
- Challenges & Lessons Learned
- Advice for Students
- Future Workforce Trends
Employer Networking
Take advantage of the in-person career fair to connect with employers and explore opportunities in Workforce Education and Development. Network with peers, industry leaders, and alumni to expand your professional horizons.
The Schedule at a Glance
Day 1
Time |
Details |
| 9:00 – 10:00 am | Registration | Welcome remarks James Byrns | Dr. Hyung Joon Yoon | Dr. Robert Orndorff |
| 10:00 – 11:00 am | Embracing Technology in the Learning Environments Dr. Mark Johnson |
| 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 – 1:30 pm | The Future is Now: Emerging Technological Industrial Revolution and Keys to Developing Organizations for the Next Century Dr. Anton Shufutinsky |
| 1:30 – 3:00 pm |
Student Poster Session |
| 3:00 pm | Closing Remarks James Byrns | Dr. Joung Yoon | Dr. Robert Orndorff |
Day 2
| Time | Details | |
| 8:45 – 9:00 | Welcoming Remarks Halimah Hathah | James Byrns | Dr. Hyung Joon Yoon |
|
| 9:00 – 10:00 am | Using Organization Development Methods to Facilitate Social Change in an Age of Artificial Intelligence Dr. William Rothwell |
|
| Track I Social Impacts of Artificial Intelligence |
Track II Technological Innovation and Social Change |
|
| 10:00 – 11:00 am |
The Future of Work and the Workforce Explained by Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) |
Smart Learning: How AI is Redefining Work-Related Learning and Development |
| 11:15 am – 12:15 pm | Human-Centered Human-AI Interaction in the Workplace Dr. Sehoon Kim |
Bringing Sociology (Back) In to Organizational Change Thinking and Doing |
| 12:30 – 1:30 pm |
AI Research in Human Resource Development |
Quiet Leadership: Valuing Different Ways of Leading and Creating Innovation |
| 1:30 – 3:00 pm |
Building Coaching Capabilities: People Leaders as Coaches |
Social Change with Technology: Let’s Get Projects Started |
| 3:00 – 4:00 pm |
OD Essence to Carry Forward Into Our Future |
|
| 4:00 – 4:20 pm |
Closing Remarks |
|
Event Countdown
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Organizing Committee Members
Steering Committee
- Dr. William J. Rothwell
Faculty Chair - Dr. Hyung Joon Yoon
WFED Program Professor in Charge - Halimah Hathah
Student Chair - Hosung You
Student Co-Chair
Programming Committe
- Marcha Reumel
Chair - Renata Scott
Co-Chair
Marketing Committee
- Jose Sandoval-Llanos
Chair - Shoaa Aljohani
Member - Nadia Waterton
Graphic Designer
Digital Committee
- Jose Sandoval-Llanos
Chair - Hosung You
Co-Chair - James Byrns
Member - Nadia Waterton
Website designer
Logistics Committe
- Hosung You
Chair - Halimah Hathah
Co-Chair
Needs Assessment Committee
- Fatmah Rayes
Chair - Tehniyet Azam
Member