Why Attend?
Instructional design is more critical than ever in today’s fast-paced learning environments. On December 2-4, 2025, join ATD for a three-day virtual conference focused on practical experience designed to help you make a greater impact.
You’ll walk away with tools and insights you can apply immediately. With themed days—Understanding Learners and the Business, Designing Learning, and Real World ID—you’ll gain a well-rounded perspective on how to create learning that drives performance and aligns with organizational goals. This is your opportunity to build confidence, expand your capabilities, and connect with a community of passionate learning professionals.
Where
Virtual
When
December 2-4, 2025
Learning Objectives
- Design training programs that change behavior and improve performance
- Align learning solutions with business needs and learner expectations
- Apply instructional design principles to real-world challenges
- Create engaging, effective e-learning and in-person experiences
- Explore learning technologies and delivery methods
- Earn ATD Recertification Credits (APTD® and CPTD®)
Who Should Attend
This event is perfect for people who have a baseline understanding of what instructional design is and now want practical advice on how to do this work in effective and innovative ways.
Our three days of sessions have lots to offer intermediate IDs looking to deepen their skills, beginners looking for approaches that work in the real-word, accidental instructional designers looking to fill knowledge gaps, and even people who aren’t full-time IDs but find themselves creating training anyway.
Registration Rates
Individual Registration
Team Registration
Want to send your whole team? The ATD Enterprise Solutions team can register your conference team of three or more. Multiple payment options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Core4 Focus: Instruction Design?
Core4 Focus: Instructional Design will take place December 2-4, 2025.
What is Core4 Focus?
The Core4 Focus series are virtual events focused on one of the core elements of learning and development. The December 2025 Core4 Focus is centered around all things instructional design.
Is there a Core4 Focus website for more information?
Yes. You can visit the Core4 website here.
Who should attend the Core4 Focus: Instructional Design conference?
Core4 Focus: Instructional Design is the perfect fit for people who are currently working in the instructional design field as well as those who create training but aren’t full-time instructional designers. It’s also a match for people who are looking to pivot into instructional design and want to build practical skills before making the leap.
This event has beginner-friendly sessions but does assume attendees have a baseline understanding of what instructional design is. If you are at the very start of exploring the topic, you may want to also consider ATD’s Instructional Design certificate program.
How can I attend Core4 Focus?
This is a virtual event. Register here.
Attendees will receive access to the virtual platform by email at least 7 days in advance of the first session.
Do I have to attend every session during the live event dates to participate?
No, you do not. We understand you may have other commitments during the event dates. Most sessions will be recorded and available on demand after the event. The session recordings will be available on the virtual platform beginning December 8, 2025.
Will this event be recorded?
Yes. Education sessions* at this event will be recorded. A small number of networking sessions will not be recorded.
*The recording list is subject to change in the event of technical difficulties.
I can’t find the speaker/session resources for a particular session.
Speakers are not required to provide a PowerPoint or handout for their session. Therefore, if you can’t find a resource for a session, the speaker didn’t choose to provide it.
What software will I need to access to participate in the virtual conference?
You will need access to Zoom to participate in the virtual program. All conference participants should download the most recent version of Zoom prior to the conference start date. Whether you’re attending from your home office, at work, or on the go, our virtual program makes it easy to learn, engage, and network—just like you would in person!
Is CE Credit available for participating in the conference (ATD CI, HRCI, and SHRM.)?
Core4 Focus participants are eligible for CE hours with the ATD Certification Institute. Attendees must complete an evaluation for each session attended virtually, December 2-4, 2025, to receive credit for the session on their transcript. You’ll complete your session surveys through the virtual platform or directly on the evaluation site (which will be provided via email).
By December 9, 2025, you’ll receive an email with a link to the session evaluation website to download and/or print your transcript and certificate of attendance for use in self-reporting your earned continuing education credits (CEs) for certification or re-certification with each credentialing body.
You’ll need to complete a session survey for each individual session to appear on your transcript. Please complete your session and speaker evaluations by January 13, 2025, to have the sessions listed on your final transcript.
Please note: Not all sessions may be eligible for ATD Certification Institute (ATD CI) credits. The credit hours displayed for SHRM and HRCI represent the maximum amount one can receive, based on full participation and session eligibility.
Is there a mobile app?
No, there is no mobile app for this event. The virtual conference platform basically functions as a conference app and has everything you’ll need for the event.
Can I bring a guest to any of the events?
All attendees must have a paid registration to attend the Core4 Focus conference.
Registration & Cancellation Information
What’s included with my registration?
All sessions presented live and available on demand are included with your registration. This includes our event keynotes.
Can I get a Single Day Pass for one day of the conference?
No, we do not offer single day passes for this event. You must purchase a full conference registration to gain access to any of the events.
Do you offer discounts for groups?
Yes, you can attend this Core4: Focus event as a team at a discounted rate. Visit our Teams page for more information.
Are meals included?
No. Because this is an online conference, meals are not included.
What if I need special accommodation or auxiliary aid?
ATD events are accessible to all participants. If you require special accommodation or auxiliary aid related to a disability to enjoy the full conference experience, please let us know by completing the ATD Conference Accessibility Form as soon as possible. ATD staff will follow up with you to discuss your needs and identify the best plan to provide accommodation moving forward.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Please visit the Terms & Privacy page on our website. See “Core4 Focus” for information on the dates and details regarding allowable refunds and credits and the associated fees.
