It’s trade show season, and Advantexe is heading to the ATD International Conference & EXPO, the talent development industry’s largest and most influential event. With thousands of attendees and
hundreds of booths, one thing is clear: AI will dominate the conversation.
My guess is that nearly every vendor on the floor will be showcasing or name-dropping some form of AI. Whether it’s “AI-powered coaching,” “AI personalization,” or “AI-generated learning,” the buzz will be everywhere. But as a participant, how do you cut through the hype?
Not all AI is created equal. And not all vendors are using it in the same way, or with the same level of responsibility, transparency, or actual impact on learning outcomes.
So, instead of collecting brochures and stress balls, collect clarity. Here are nine questions you can ask vendors to help you uncover the real story behind their AI claims.
Questions to Ask Vendors About AI in Learning
- “Where does your AI get its data?” - Is it trained on user behavior, licensed content, open web data, or something else? The source affects the quality, efficacy, and risks.
- “Is the AI model proprietary, open-source, or built on a third-party platform like ChatGPT?” This tells you who’s really in control and what the limitations might be.
- “Is the data shared across clients, or is it partitioned off to ensure privacy and security?” Shared models may create efficiencies, but they also carry risks if data isn’t siloed.
- “How do you ensure compliance with data regulations like GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, or SOC 2?” Especially important in regulated industries. Don’t assume this is baked in.
- “What actual learning challenges does your AI solve better than traditional methods?” Look for specific use cases like feedback, scenario coaching, or behavioral simulations, maybe even scalability, but not vague promises.
- “Can learners or admins customize or override AI-generated outputs?”
Transparency and human control are key for trust and adoption. - “Is your AI adaptive in real time, or is it rule-based?” True adaptive learning is powerful, but many systems are just pre-set branching logic dressed up as AI.
- “How are you managing unconscious bias in your AI tools?” Responsible vendors should be actively monitoring and mitigating these risks.
- “What does your AI roadmap look like for the next 12–18 months?” While AI is all the buzz, it is still early, and most companies are still formulating their strategies. Look for vendors who are innovating responsibly, not just chasing trends.
Final Thought:
If you're attending ATD in DC, stop by Advantexe’s Booth #1417. We’re excited to showcase how our AI-powered simulation-centric learning solutions are helping organizations develop real business acumen, leadership, and sales excellence, backed by data and designed for impact. AI in training needs to help people learn, apply, and grow.
