XPLANE 2025 was one for the books! Whether it was your first time aboard or you’ve been with us for years, this year’s event invited all of us to slow down, think boldly, connect deeply, and navigate with purpose.
Hosted at Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park on August 27–28, XPLANE 2025 brought together over 200 leaders in learning, HR, change, and transformation to tackle the complex, human challenges of today’s world—through strategy, creativity, and storytelling.
On Deck at XPLANE: Real Tools, Real Conversations
Across both days, the schedule blended keynotes, immersive workshops, hands-on sessions, and of course—some fun. Attendees took swings in an MLB batting cage, explored behind-the-scenes ballpark tours, and met therapy animals over breakfast. The venue, the energy, and the ideas were unforgettable.
Our speaker lineup featured visionaries from across industries, including:
- Seth Yelorda, CEO of Vision Clarity Consulting, who showed us how to build extraordinary teams by cultivating trust, safety, and purpose.
- Melanie Steinbach, Four-Time Chief People Officer, who shared how to lead with lateral thinking in the age of AI.
- Mark Stelzner, Founder & Managing Principal of IA, who helped us apply technology in a human-centered way to gain a competitive edge.
- Nancy Sewell and Zac Ryland from TiER1 Performance, who led a closing workshop using the Barriers to Change card deck to help participants map their change journeys.
- Leaders from Google, DICK’S Sporting Goods, ADP, Gilead Sciences, and more who shared practical insights on culture, communication, leadership, and learning in today’s ever-shifting workplace.
“One of the best conference experiences I’ve ever attended. Impactful, taking away so many great moments and ways to approach our work, and the people at TiER1 who attended really made this feel like a family affair.” — 2025 Attendee
Small Moments Can Drive Big Change
XPLANE remains intentionally intimate—just over 200 attendees—to foster real conversations and shared problem-solving. Attendees connected across industries, explored emerging tools (including AI), and walked away with practical takeaways like the Barriers to Change card deck to bring back to their teams.
And as always, we made time for joy: tower-building, storytelling, knot-tying, fish-themed snacks, and taking swings in a real MBL batting cage.
Here’s what some of this year’s attendees loved:
- “Relevant content we’re all experiencing in our organizations.”
- “Great keynotes. Can use a lot of what I heard.”
- “Interactive and full of compassion and authenticity.”
- “Very practical and useful. Great speakers.”
- “This experience was a game-changer.”
2025 Inclusive Transformation Awards
Each year as part of the XPLANE Conference, we showcase two individuals who lead impactful change by breaking down barriers, advancing inclusion, and creating respected, valued, and safe environments. Selection criteria for our Inclusive Transformation Awards include demonstrating leadership in creating inclusive, people-centered workplaces and driving transformative change that enhances equity, access, and the overall employee experience.
Congratulations to the 2025 Inclusive Transformation Awards recipients, David Conkerite II and Denisha Porter! Learn more about them here.
Thank You for Sailing with Us
To every speaker, sponsor, volunteer, and attendee—thank you. You helped make this year’s event one to remember.
And a special shoutout to our sponsors: Cornerstone OnDemand, NovoEd, Growthspace, and Dean Dorton—thank you for supporting this community.
Until next time—keep navigating with purpose.
Interested in attending XPLANE 2026?
XPLANE 2025 reminded us that when leaders connect with purpose, transformation follows. XPLANE 2026 will build on that momentum with new voices, tools, and insights you won’t want to miss. Sign up for updates and be first to hear what’s next.
