Under the theme “Deep Roots, New Growth,” the 2026 PDC Summer Conference brought together professional development leaders from across the legal industry to share ideas, build relationships and explore the trends shaping the future of the profession.

The conference, held July 23-25 in Atlanta, was the largest in PDC’s history, with record attendance and the highest number of members ever participating. The conference introduced several new experiences, including:

  • An Innovation Center for partners to offer attendees custom demos and workshops
  • A Trusted Advisor Breakfast, where industry experts facilitated conversation on their area of expertise
  • A hands-on design jam-style closing plenary that helped attendees turn ideas into action

The event also celebrated emerging leadership through the Rising Star Award, which was new this year. In addition, attendees supported the Southern Center for Human Rights as the conference’s social impact partner, while working with Goodr and Loews Atlanta, which helped divert 450 pounds of surplus food to those in need.