The Trainer Development Conference is part of a continuous process of updating trainers with the latest training methods, principles, and technologies. The primary target of this conference is Scouters who will be delivering training to leaders as well as to youth members in all parts of the Scouting program.

Scouters responsible for training may be members of district or council training teams who train leaders in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. They may also be Scouters who train commissioners and district committees. They may be pack trainers. This conference is designed to develop and improve the skills of both veteran and prospective trainers.

The Trainer Development Conference incorporates numerous contemporary training techniques and emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, or "learning by doing." The training sessions not only demonstrate good training methods, but give participants an opportunity to interact and practice what they have learned. An ongoing learning activity, the "BSA 500" game, is featured and used continuously throughout the conference to emphasize and reinforce the experiential learning.