ATD Greater Atlanta upcoming events

The High Noon Exchange — Career Development CoP September 2026 (15 Sep 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday at Noon | Virtual

This session of The High Noon Exchange features the Career Development Community of Practice, creating space for thoughtful conversation about growth, transitions, and professional direction.

Participants engage in reflection and peer exchange around real career questions without advice-giving or prescriptive frameworks. The focus is on making sense of choices, changes, and opportunities alongside others navigating similar terrain.

This session supports clarity and perspective during moments of career decision-making.

Facilitated by: Frankie Robinson
Learning & Enablement Strategist | TrainingPros
VP of Learning & Development | ATD Greater Atlanta

Purpose of the Community of Practice

Support intentional career growth and decision-making
Provide space for reflection during periods of transition or uncertainty
Enable shared learning through peer experience and perspective

What Happens in These Sessions

Facilitated conversation around real career questions and challenges
Peer exchange of experiences, patterns, and insights
Time to reflect and clarify next steps

This Community of Practice is best suited for professionals at any career stage who are actively thinking about growth, change, or direction.

2026 CoP Meeting Dates | 12:00 - 1:00pm est

September 15, 2026
November 17, 2026

Audience: Professionals across roles and career stages
Format: Virtual
Part of: The High Noon Exchange (rotating CoP series)

New Member Orientation - September 2026 (15 Sep 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

The purpose of the New Member Orientation is to engage new members with our chapter and to acquaint them to other members.

Primary Facilitator: Tony Ballard

Tony Ballard is an accomplished Solopreneur and Senior Talent Professional with a distinguished 22-year career in the U.S. Air Force and a commitment to community involvement. He is currently serving ATD Greater Atlanta as VP of Membership.

Agenda:

Program Begins - 6:30 PM
Program Ends - 7:00 PM

Target Audience:

Trainer and Specialist
Instructional Designers
Coaches and Consultants
Learning Management and Technology Professionals
OD/HR Professionals
Young Professionals
Transitioning Career Professionals

ATD 3rd Fridays Networking Mixer - September 2026 (18 Sep 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Your next great professional connection could start with one conversation. Join ATD Greater Atlanta for our monthly 3rd Fridays Networking Mixer — an open, welcoming space for new members, long-time members, and prospective members to meet, connect, and build community. These informal gatherings are designed to help you plug into the chapter, deepen relationships, and expand your professional network in a relaxed, social setting.

Whether you’re a learning and development professional, instructional designer, HR leader, coach, consultant, facilitator, or simply passionate about developing people, this is your opportunity to connect with professionals who share your interests in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Come expand your network, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and friendships. Whether you’re attending for the first time or you’re a regular, we would love to see you!

What to Expect:

A warm welcome for new and prospective members
Light conversation starters facilitated by chapter ambassadors
ATD Greater Atlanta updates, invitations to upcoming events, and ways to get involved
Food and beverages available for purchase onsite (venue-specific)

Who Should Attend:

New ATD Greater Atlanta members looking to meet others
Prospective members exploring chapter benefits
Annual sponsors and community partners
Anyone in the L&D, HR, talent, coaching, or training ecosystem

Cost:

Free for ATD Greater Atlanta Members
$15 for Non-Members / Guests

Date / Time:

Friday, September 18, 2026
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Arrival and departure flexible; drop in anytime.)

Location:

Halfway Crooks, 60 Georgia Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Bring:

Your energy, curiosity, and business cards — or just your smile.

Hosted by ATD Greater Atlanta Members:

Emma Jo McAuliffe

Keli Gagen

Marina Janjic

3rd Fridays Series – Sponsorship Options (2026) - 10 Events (Feb to Nov)

Support ATD Atlanta’s monthly networking mixers and connect directly with our L&D and HR community.

Series Title Sponsor – $2,500

Exclusive, year-long sponsor. Naming rights, logo on all marketing, recognition monthly, spotlight speaking moment, 2 registrations to all 2026 ATD 3rd Fridays Networking Mixers, and priority hosting.

Event Partner – $1,500

Sponsor four mixers. Logo on event pages, recognition at events, 2 registrations for sponsored months, co-host option.

Monthly Supporter – $300

Sponsor one mixer. Recognition at the event, logo on page, 2 registrations to the event, bring swag/snacks, social media thank-you.

Assessment in Action: People & Team Insights - September 2026 (21 Sep 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Assessment in Action is an ATD Greater Atlanta learning series designed to help talent development professionals explore how assessments can be used to support individual growth, leadership development, team effectiveness, coaching, career development, and organizational performance.

The series introduces participants to a range of behavioral, personality, emotional intelligence, leadership, team, and workplace assessment tools. Each session focuses on practical application—helping participants understand not only what an assessment measures, but how its insights can be used responsibly and effectively in real workplace settings.

Participants will hear from experienced practitioners, facilitators, coaches, consultants, and assessment providers who will share tools, case examples, implementation strategies, and lessons learned from applying assessments across different industries and organizational environments.

Some sessions may also include information about certification, practitioner credentials, platform access, or pathways for professionals who want to expand their assessment capabilities. Certification is not required to participate, and each session is designed to provide value whether participants are experienced practitioners or simply exploring assessment-based development for the first time.

Facilitated By:

Cornelius Dowdell

Topics May Include:

Behavioral and communication assessments
Personality and work-style assessments
Emotional intelligence
Leadership and executive development
Team effectiveness and collaboration
Conflict, trust, and accountability
Career and coaching assessments
Organizational culture and engagement
Assessment selection and implementation
Practitioner certification and professional development pathways
Turning assessment insights into measurable workplace action

What Participants Can Expect

Each session will help participants:

Better understand different categories of workplace assessments
Identify which tools may align with specific development needs
Explore practical workplace applications
Learn how to interpret and facilitate assessment insights responsibly
Avoid common assessment misuse and overgeneralization
Connect assessment results to coaching, learning, leadership, and organizational goals
Evaluate certification or practitioner-development opportunities
Discover new tools, providers, and approaches

Who Should Attend

Talent development and learning professionals
Human resources and organizational development practitioners
Coaches, consultants, and facilitators
People leaders and team leaders
Leadership development professionals
Independent practitioners expanding their service offerings
Professionals exploring assessment certification
Anyone interested in using assessments more effectively

No previous assessment experience or certification is required.

Program Ownership and Sponsorships

Assessment in Action is an ATD Greater Atlanta program.

The series is sponsored by The Nelius Strategy and may include additional co-sponsors, strategic partners, assessment providers, and guest practitioners.

Participating organizations may contribute educational sessions, practical tools, case studies, demonstrations, certification information, or other learning resources aligned with the goals of the series.

All sessions are educational-first. Participation as a sponsor or featured provider does not represent exclusive endorsement by ATD Greater Atlanta.

Why This Series Matters

Assessments can create awareness, but awareness alone does not improve performance.

Meaningful impact happens when assessment insights are connected to real conversations, intentional development, practical application, and sustained follow-through.

Assessment in Action helps ATD Greater Atlanta members move beyond the report and use assessment insights to strengthen people, teams, leaders, and organizations.

Hosted By:

Founding Sponsor:

Co-Sponsorship and Practitioner Opportunities

Qualified assessment providers, consultants, coaches, and organizations may be invited to co-sponsor or contribute to the series through educational sessions, practical demonstrations, learning resources, and member development opportunities.

Independent Consultant Growth Lab Session 5 (Financial Strategy): Why You're Working Hard But Not Seeing the Money (23 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

The Independent Consultant Growth Lab is a 6-part, cohort-style learning experience designed for independent consultants, coaches, and small business owners who are building and growing service-based businesses within the talent development ecosystem.

This program addresses the most common challenges faced by independent professionals:

Inconsistent revenue and limited visibility
Operational overwhelm and lack of scalable systems
Limited financial clarity and decision-making confidence

Why You're Working Hard But Not Seeing the Money

Whether you're considering the leap to independent work or already running your own business, understanding the financial side is what separates "busy" from "profitable." And most people skip this part... not because they don't care, but because nobody breaks it down in a way that actually makes sense.

Join Stephanie Smith of New Light Financial Solutions for a practical, plain-English conversation about the money side of running a business. This session covers why independent consulting might be more within reach than you think, the financial fundamentals every business owner needs to know (including bookkeeping, tracking, and keeping your books in order), and how to tell the difference between making money and actually keeping it. You'll also learn how to spot what's driving profit in your business and what's quietly working against you.

No accounting jargon. No spreadsheets full of formulas. Just real financial clarity for anyone who wants to build something that actually pays them what they're worth.

What attendees will walk away with:

A realistic look at the advantages of starting and running your own business
An understanding of why bookkeeping and financial tracking matter from day one
A clear picture of revenue vs. profit and why the difference matters more than you think
How to spot what's actually driving profit (and what's eating into it)
Confidence to make better financial decisions, even if numbers have never been your thing

Facilitated By:

Stephanie Smith is the founder of New Light Financial Solutions, a bookkeeping and CFO advisory firm built for business owners who want financial clarity without the chaos. A former math teacher turned financial strategist, Stephanie has a gift for making the numbers make sense, whether you're handling your own books or ready to hand them off. She's a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and active Zoho Finance Partner, and her firm's One Clear Path method helps business owners understand the financial drivers that actually move the needle on cash flow and profit. From DIY bookkeeping support to full-service CFO advisory, Stephanie meets business owners where they are and helps them build a business that works for them, not the other way around.

Target Audience

Independent consultants and facilitators
Coaches and fractional leaders
Small business owners (1–10 employees)
Corporate professionals transitioning into consulting
L&D practitioners building independent practices

Upcoming Sessions

October 28: Session 6 - Integration Session (All Partners)

Co-Hosts / Program Leads

Cornelius Dowdell, VP of Strategic Partnerships

Program Design, Facilitation, Strategic Integration

Tony Ballard, VP of Membership

Community Engagement & Co-Host

TW Community Partner Show & Share Series: We! Connect Future Focused Deck (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

30-Minute Show & Share Series

Join us for bite-sized demos from nationally recognized facilitators, each showcasing tools and strategies you can apply immediately in your own sessions.

September 24: We! Connect Future Focused Deck

with Chad Littlefield

Register now to reserve your spot for this session!

Agenda:

Webinar Opens - 12:00 PM
Program Begins - 12:00 PM
Program Ends - 12:30 PM

Meeting Link:

When you have registered, you will receive the meeting link in your confirmation email.

Community Partner:

Tired of Inconsistent AI Outputs? Build a Repeatable L&D Workflow in One Day (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:30:00 GMT

A full-day, hands-on AI workshop for learning and development professionals, led by Josh Cavalier, author of Applying AI in Learning and Development: From Platforms to Performance (ATD Press).

Includes breakfast, lunch, free parking, and a copy of Josh's book

Pricing starts at $179 for ATD Greater Atlanta members, with discounts for ACE registrants. Full pricing is listed below.

Some weeks AI saves you a day. Some weeks it costs you one. What decides which?

You open the tool, type something, get something back, adjust, try again. Some days it saves you hours. Other days you spend longer fixing the output than you would have spent writing it yourself. When a colleague asks how you got a good result, you find it hard to explain what you did differently.

Inconsistent AI outputs usually come down to method: what context went in, what standard you held the output to, and what you changed when it missed. Once that is explicit, the good weeks stop being luck.

Spend one Friday building this method around the work you already do.

You will leave with a workflow you can repeat, scale to your team, and defend to a stakeholder.

What you will build

By 4:00 PM you will have, in your hands and applied to a real project you brought with you:

A working TRACI structure for the kind of AI interaction you run most often, so your prompts produce consistent output with the quality you expect.
Your own Input Stack, an organized set of the context, source material, and constraints your AI needs to produce work you would put your name on.
A repeatable workflow for one L&D task you own, mapped end to end: content development, needs analysis, assessment writing, or whichever task is eating your week.
A quality-control method for evaluating output and diagnosing what to change when results fall short.
A copy of Josh's ATD Press book, so the frameworks stay with you after the room clears.

The two frameworks you will learn

The TRACI Framework is a structured approach to building AI interactions, developed by Josh Cavalier. It gives learning and development practitioners a repeatable way to specify what an AI system needs in order to return usable work, rather than adjusting prompts by trial and error.

The Input Stack is a method for organizing the context an AI system draws on: source documents, audience detail, constraints, examples, and standards. It gives practitioners a consistent foundation so results hold up across different projects.

Both frameworks appear in Applying AI in Learning and Development: From Platforms to Performance, published by ATD Press in November 2025.

Who this day is built for

This workshop assumes you are past the "what is AI" conversation and ready to build capability you can use on Monday.

It is a strong fit if you are:

An instructional designer trying to move faster without giving up quality
A solo L&D practitioner wearing ten hats with no time to experiment
A training manager whose organization handed down an AI mandate with no roadmap attached
A team lead who wants a shared method your whole group can use

Bring your laptop and bring a real project. You will be working on your own material for most of the day.

About Josh Cavalier

Founder and CEO, JoshCavalier.ai | Chief Strategy Officer, Talent Rewire

Josh has spent more than 30 years in education technology. He is the author of Applying AI in Learning and Development: From Platforms to Performance (ATD Press) and facilitates ATD's Applying AI in Learning and Development Certificate. He hosts the live show Brainpower and is a recognized voice in the ATD community on where the L&D profession is headed.

The TRACI Framework and the Input Stack came out of his own practice, refined through training sessions, live teaching, and the research behind the book.

www.joshcavalier.com | www.talentrewire.ai

Registration and pricing

All registration types include light breakfast, lunch, free campus parking, and a copy of Josh's book.

ATD Greater Atlanta member – $179
Non-member – $225
Mercer University Members (mercer.edu email required) – $99
ACE 2026 registrants receive 10% off any of the above.

Bringing your team? Three (3) seats for $499. A savings of $176! Group rate closes Friday, September 4. If you are interested in bringing a team of four (4) or more, email us at info@atdatlanta.org for group discount information and custom invoicing.

Not a member yet? Membership pays for itself here. Join ATD Greater Atlanta before you register and take the member rate.

Frequently asked questions

Who is this AI workshop for? This workshop is designed for learning and development professionals in the Atlanta area, including instructional designers, training managers, learning experience designers, and solo L&D practitioners who already use AI tools and want a repeatable workflow.

Do I need experience with AI to attend? You should have used a generative AI tool such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini in your work. The day builds structure around that experience rather than introducing AI from the beginning.

What do I need to bring? A laptop and a real project from your own work. Most of the day is spent applying the frameworks to your own material.

Where is the workshop held? Mercer University, College of Professional Advancement (Atlanta campus - Specific address provided in registration confirmation email.) Campus parking is free.

What is included in the price? Light breakfast, lunch, free parking, and a copy of Applying AI in Learning and Development: From Platforms to Performance by Josh Cavalier.

Is there a group rate? Yes. Three (3) seats for $499, available through Friday, September 4.

Can I get a refund? Cancellations received by Friday, September 18 receive a full refund. Cancellations after that date receive a 50% refund. Email info@atdatlanta.org to cancel.

Do I have to be an ATD member? No. Non-members are welcome at $225. ATD Greater Atlanta members pay $179. A discount is available for ACE registrants.

Questions before you register?

Contact Frankie Robinson, VP of Learning and Development, ATD Greater Atlanta, vp_learning@atdatlanta.org

She is happy to talk through whether this day fits what you are working on.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations must be received by Friday, September 18 for a full refund. Cancellations after that date receive a 50% refund. Contact info@atdatlanta.org to cancel.

2026 Mentorship Program: Capstone Celebration & Showcase (05 Oct 2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join us as we celebrate the 2026 ATD Greater Atlanta Mentorship Program cohort during our Capstone Celebration & Showcase.

This event includes:

Capstone presentations and reflections from mentees
Recognition of mentors, mentees, and program partners
Networking with ATD leaders, sponsors, and community members

This is an excellent opportunity to see the impact of the Mentorship Program, support emerging talent, and connect with leaders across Atlanta’s talent development community.

Open to ATD Greater Atlanta members and non-members; free for 2026 Mentorship Program participants.

Sponsored by The Best Workplace and Nelius Strategy, with additional visibility opportunities for Learning Session Partners and Session Supporters.

Thanks to our Mentorship Supporter:

Thanks to our Community Host Partner:

How Can ATD Help? Lunch Series - October 2026 (14 Oct 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Every 2nd Wednesday of the month members come together to discuss challenges they are facing and seek counsel from peers and leaders in ATD. Whether you are in transition, needing career advice, or just even facing challenges with a current project, this would be a place to get some support. Members have an opportunity to submit their topics in advance.

Primary Facilitator: Peter Brown

Peter Brown is an accomplished L&D professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He has touched many facets of L&D serving as Facilitator, Performance Consultant, and Associate Director of Delivery for Retail and Call Center organizations at AT&T. His strengths include experience leading teams, implementing change, developing people, developing training strategy, and driving organizational results. He now owns his own consulting firm—ICD Consulting, LLC—which specializes in Executive coaching, Coaching, Talent Engagement and Development.

Agenda:

Webinar Opens - 12:00 PM
Program Begins - 12:00 PM
Program Ends - 1:00 PM

Target Audience:

Trainer and Specialist
Instructional Designers
Coaches
Learning Management Professionals
Learning Technology Professionals
OD/HR Professionals & Consultants
TD/HR Senior Leaders

Topic Request:

If you have a topic you'd like to discuss, please submit it to president@atdatlanta.org

ATD Super Southeast Conference 2026 (15 Oct 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:30:00 GMT

ATD SUPER Southeast

Conference 2026

October 15–16, 2026 | TBD

Registration fee includes BOTH days.

Registration Presented by Leadership in a Box

Leadership in a Box partners with organizations to develop stronger leaders through practical, scalable learning experiences. Their support as the Registration Title Sponsor helps make ACE 2026 accessible while advancing the talent development profession across Georgia and the Southeast.

ATD Greater Atlanta invites you to our signature professional development experience—ATD Super Southeast Conference 2026, a two-day regional conference designed for Talent Development, HR, OD, leadership, instructional design, people operations, consultants, and emerging professionals.

Join 150–350+ participants for a multi-track, high-impact learning event featuring 8 professional tracks, hands-on learning labs, a full exhibitor showcase, student engagement experiences, and certification workshops.

If you are interested in bringing a team of four (4) or more, email us at info@atdatlanta.org for group discount information and custom invoicing.

Schedule Overview

Day 1 – Conference (Oct 15)

Opening keynote
8 breakout learning tracks
Exhibitor & sponsor showcase
Networking sessions
Student Research Poster Gallery

Day 2 – Certifications (Oct 16) - Register Now!

Gameful Design Surveyor Certification (Level 1): A Learning Experience Design Adventure — Full-Day Intensive

USAII® AI Certification Learning Journey — Executive Kickoff Session (Half Day)

Day 2 - Workshops and Intensives (Oct 16) - Register Now!

Build Your ID Portfolio with AI — A Full-Day Intensive

THE BOX® — An Immersive Leadership Experience (Half Day)

Day 2 - Student Experience (Oct 16)

Students are invited to a 4-hour interactive experience designed to move learning closer to the workplace. This special program will help emerging professionals build practical career skills, connect with recruiters and talent development leaders, and explore opportunities across the learning and development profession.

What Students Will Experience

Resume-building workshop
Direct interaction with recruiters and talent development professionals
Speed networking
Fun, interactive career-development activities
Student volunteer opportunities

Learning Tracks (both days)

Career Development
Consulting & Entrepreneurship
Instructional Design & Learning Science
Talent Development Leadership
Leadership & People Management
People Operations & HR Strategy
Wellness & Well-Being
Student Research & Emerging Practitioners

Conference Room Block Now Available

We have secured a block of rooms October 15-17, 2026, for conference attendees at The Westin Peachtree Plaza, 210 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. A dedicated website is now available for attendees to book their hotel rooms online. Reservations can be made here: https://book.passkey.com/e/51287741

Sponsorship Opportunities

Title Sponsor – $4,500

Keynote • Premium Booth • Logo Everywhere • Attendee List • 4 Registrations

Visionary Sponsor – $3,500

Breakout Session • Booth • Website/Program Logo • 3 Registrations

Innovator Sponsor – $2,500

Booth • Website/Program Logo • 2 Registrations

Supporter Sponsor – $1,500

Exhibitor Table • Signage • 2 Registrations

Exhibitor – $500

6’ Table • 2 Passes • Website Logo • Social Highlight • Swag Bag Inclusion

Who Attends?

Professionals in TD, HR, OD, L&D, ID, Leadership, Coaching, Higher Ed, and students entering the field.

All registrants will be opted-in to 3rd-party emails after the conference from sponsors/speakers. You can opt-out on the registration page.

TABLE™ Atlanta: An Executive Dinner Experience (15 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

One table. A conversation worth having.

TABLE™ Atlanta is an intimate executive dinner experience bringing together a deliberately curated group of senior talent, learning, people, and organizational leaders for an evening of exceptional food, thoughtful conversation, and meaningful connection.

Hosted by The Nelius Strategy in partnership with ATD Greater Atlanta, TABLE™ creates space to move beyond traditional conference networking and into the conversations senior leaders rarely have time or space to explore together.

There are no panels. No presentations. No crowded reception.

Just one table, a remarkable setting, and a carefully selected group of leaders.

Your seat includes:

Curated executive dinner experience
Dinner at The Consulate
Facilitated TABLE™ conversation
Connection with a limited group of senior leaders
TABLE™ experience takeaway

Space is intentionally limited.

Host:

Partner:

THE BOX® — An Immersive Leadership Experience (ACE 2026) (16 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Our Partner:

Mukeva Learning Partners

Registration includes a full two-day ACE 2026 Conference Pass for October 15–16, 2026.

Already registered for ACE 2026?

Contact info@atdatlanta.org before registering to receive a custom invoice for the workshop only.

Half-day (3-hour) hands-on experiential workshop focused on employee experience and culture.

THE BOX® is an immersive, hands-on experience designed to help leaders build stronger, more intentional experiences for their teams, members, and volunteers.

In this half-day workshop, co-facilitators Artrell Williams, CPTM, CPTD and Jazmin Webster guide participants through "building better boxes" — creating more connected, innovative, and impactful experiences — before putting those skills to the test against the leadership challenges of the future. Expect to learn, laugh, reflect, and grow alongside fellow talent development and chapter leaders.

Co-Facilitators:

Artrell Williams, CPTM, CPTD - Learning Solutions Consultant / Performance Coach, Mukeva Learning Partners

Artrell Williams is a Performance Alignment Strategist and founder of Mukeva Learning Partners, LLC. With more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning learning and development, telecommunications, and manufacturing, he helps organizations connect people, processes, and performance through practical, engaging learning solutions.

He holds ATD’s Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) credential and Training Industry’s Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM) credential. He is also an ATD-certified Master Trainer, serves as Vice President of Partnerships for ATD South Carolina, and is a graduate of the Leadership Buffalo and Leadership South Carolina programs.

As the creator of Taiyazukuri, an award-winning card-based learning experience recognized at TechLearn 2023, Artrell brings creativity and innovation to his work. Known for his relatability and passion for learning, he also hosts the Look for the Learning podcast and transforms complex workplace challenges into experiences that inspire action and measurable improvement.

Jazmin Webster

Jazmin V. Webster is a curator of quality experiences who builds bridges between people, ideas, and organizational needs. As Founder and Chief Learning Curator of The Quality Experience, LLC, she draws on 20+ years of experience in learning and development to help individuals and organizations strengthen connections, navigate change, and move forward with confidence. Jazmin also serves as Past President of ATD St. Louis, where she continues to support chapter leadership, collaboration, and the advancement of the talent development profession.

Known for creating engaging, human-centered learning experiences, Jazmin combines curiosity, creativity, and practical application to help people challenge assumptions, explore new perspectives, and connect ideas to meaningful action. As an Innogreat BOX™ Certified Facilitator, she uses the BOX® to create space for reflection, discovery, and honest conversation, especially during periods of transition, uncertainty, or change.

Through immersive BOX® Experience workshops and facilitated learning experiences, Jazmin helps leaders and teams examine how they think, communicate, and respond to change. Her ability to build bridges between people, ideas, and organizational needs makes her a trusted partner for creating stronger connections and leading purposeful transformation.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations must be received by Friday, October 9 by emailing info@atdatlanta.org. Each cancellation/refund will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

USAII® AI Certification Learning Journey — Executive Kickoff Session (ACE 2026) (16 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Our Partner:

Registration includes a full two-day ACE 2026 Conference Pass for October 15–16, 2026.

Already registered for ACE 2026?

Contact info@atdatlanta.org before registering to receive a custom invoice for the certification only.

Half-day executive AI keynote and kickoff session. The session is a common orientation for all USAII® certification pathways; after the conference, each registrant continues into their selected self-paced online certification program.

Launch your AI certification journey at the ATD Super Southeast Conference (ACE 2026). This half-day executive kickoff, delivered in partnership with the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®), is your live, in-person entry point into a nationally recognized AI certification pathway.

Choose the credential that matches your role — from foundational AI literacy (CAIFA™) to specialized consultant tracks for project managers (CAIC-PM™) and HR professionals (CAIC-HR™), up to the executive-level Certified AI Transformation Leader (CAITL™).

CAIFA™ — Certified AI Foundational Analyst.

For individuals beginning their AI journey. Self-paced, online, ~5 weeks at 6–8 hours/week. Covers AI fundamentals, LLMs, prompt practice, AI in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, and AI ethics.

CAIC™ — Certified AI Consultant.

For consultants and business professionals. Self-paced, online, 8–10 hours/week; applied AI foundations plus business-value, strategy, ROI, and governance modules.

CAIC-PM™ — Certified AI Consultant, Project Management.

For project and program managers. Self-paced, online, 8–10 hours/week; AI-driven project planning, Agile/lean delivery for AI projects, MLOps execution, and PMO governance.

CAIC-HR™ — Certified AI Consultant, Human Resources. For HR professionals. Self-paced, online, 8–10 hours/week; AI in talent acquisition, engagement and performance, people analytics, and AI governance in HR.

CAITL™ — Certified AI Transformation Leader. For senior leaders, executives, and strategy directors. Self-paced executive program (8–10 hours/week) covering AI strategy, data science for business, digital transformation risk, and AI ethics/security — plus two live masterclasses. The October 16 kickoff serves as the live launch experience for this cohort. Recommended for Executive - Direct Level and above.

Your bundled registration includes the October 16 kickoff masterclass, your full ACE 2026 conference pass, and your complete self-paced USAII® certification program.

Attendance at the in-person kickoff is encouraged but not required — enrolled participants receive the full certification experience either way.

Presenter: David Friedson

David Friedson is the Senior Vice President of Partnerships at the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII), where he works with organizations, universities, workforce development agencies, and industry leaders to accelerate responsible AI adoption through executive education and professional certification.

A former President and Chief Operating Officer with more than 30 years of executive leadership experience, David has led enterprise transformations across manufacturing, industrial distribution, logistics, technology, and supply chain organizations. His career has focused on aligning strategy, operations, people, and technology to improve business performance and deliver measurable results.

Drawing on both executive operating experience and AI leadership, David helps organizations move beyond AI experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption by developing AI-ready leaders, building organizational capability, and integrating AI into business strategy and execution. He is also the founder of Synchronize Partners™, where he advises executive teams on enterprise operating models and AI readiness.

Presenter: Malay A. Upadhyay

Malay A. Upadhyay is a pioneering AI management expert, advisor(USAII®), author, and master trainer who helps organizations translate Artificial Intelligence into measurable business value through strategy, leadership, and operational excellence. He has developed some of the earliest managerial frameworks for AI adoption through executive leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer at SalesChoice and as Master Trainer and Executive Faculty with the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®), where he delivers leadership programs, including the Certified Artificial Intelligence Transformation Leader (CAITL™).

A Duke of Edinburgh Award recipient, Malay has been recognized as a Top Voice in Marketing Operations and Thought Leadership and featured among the Most Influential Business Leaders to Watch by CEO Time Magazine and the Top 10 Pioneering Business Leaders by Mirror Review.

He has served as an advisor to organizations including Completing LLC and the University of Richmond's Customer Experience Program, contributed to the launch of the AI Directory, and participated in the European AI Alliance, supporting discussions that informed early European AI policy initiatives.

Malay has led AI and business transformation initiatives across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, serving industries including healthcare, telecommunications, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, energy, technology, and consumer services. His work spans AI-powered customer retention, revenue optimization, sales transformation, marketing operations, process modernization, and enterprise automation.

As the author of the AI Management book series, Malay continues to shape how executives adopt and operationalize AI responsibly. He is also the creator of the AI Job Calculator (aijobcalculator.com), an initiative designed to help professionals understand the impact of AI and automation on future careers. Through his advisory work, publications, and executive education, Malay continues to help organizations and leaders harness AI to drive innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable business growth.

Presenter: Ajit K. Jha

Ajit K. Jha is an AI governance strategist, author, entrepreneur, and technology executive with more than 26 years of experience helping organizations harness Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Digital Innovation to accelerate business transformation, strengthen governance, and create sustainable enterprise value. As President & CEO of EdTechDigit Innovations Inc. and Chief Product Partner of the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®), he works with enterprises, universities, and government organizations to advance AI adoption, workforce transformation, and responsible AI governance.

Ajit is the author of Own the Intelligence Layer: How Leaders Turn AI into Competitive Advantage, along with several best-selling books on Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation. His forthcoming book, AI Governance for the Boardroom, reflects his commitment to helping directors and executives govern AI responsibly while creating long-term enterprise value.

An internationally invited keynote speaker, Ajit regularly addresses executive audiences, industry conferences, and leadership forums on AI governance, responsible AI, enterprise AI strategy, cybersecurity, quantum computing, digital transformation, and the future of work. His work bridges technology innovation with boardroom leadership, enabling organizations to compete confidently in the Intelligence Era.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations must be received by Friday, October 9 by emailing info@atdatlanta.org. Each cancellation/refund will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Gameful Design Surveyor Certification (Level 1): A Learning Experience Design Adventure — Full-Day Intensive (ACE 2026) (16 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Our Partner:

Registration includes a full two-day ACE 2026 Conference Pass for October 15–16, 2026.

Already registered for ACE 2026?

Contact info@atdatlanta.org before registering to receive a custom invoice for the certification only.

Level Up Your Learning Experience Design!

Are you ready to boost engagement, drive learning retention, and future-proof your career? Join us for the Gameful Design Surveyor Certification (Level 1) — a live, interactive, and hands-on certification experience that will revolutionize the way you create learning experiences.

Why Gameful Design?

Through the lens of LXD, Gameful Design takes on a whole new meaning. No longer are we throwing points, badges, and leaderboards at programs; we now examine the neuro-science of how humans learn through games and play, and apply those principles to our own learning experiences.

Your learners are changing. Their pivotal learning years were not spent in the classrooms of old. Now they want learning experiences that better align with neuroscience and human experiences. To engage them, you will need to adapt.

Stay Ahead of the Curve: Learn the latest techniques being used internationally in corporate training, eLearning, and instructional design.
Boost Your Career and Credibility: Earn an industry-recognized Gameful Design Surveyor Certification (Level 1) that sets you apart in your field.
Enhance Your Training Effectiveness: Transform dull training sessions into engaging, results-driven experiences.
No Coding, No Tech Headaches: This session focuses on practical application, not technology, making it accessible for all skill levels.

This is the ONLY Gameful Design Certification that earns you recertification* credits with SHRM, HRCI, and ATD.

More Than a Certification — A Smart Career Move!

✔️ Stay relevant in today’s evolving learning landscape

✔️ Develop a powerful skillset that is in high demand across industries

✔️ Increase engagement & learner motivation with proven gamification strategies

✔️ Gain recognition as a forward-thinking learning professional

✔️ Walk away with ready-to-implement ideas for your next training or learning experience

Don’t miss your chance to become a certified Gameful Design expert! Secure your spot today, and let’s turn learning into an adventure.

ATD Chapter members save $200 off the $497 public rate.

Agenda

In this 6-hour certification program, you will use an L&D case study as you overlay the 5-step Game the System™ model for gameful design, gather data, and participate in problem-solving and assessment exercises.

An individual who has earned a Gamification Surveyor Certification (Level 1) has received introductory training and demonstrates the necessary understanding of the fundamentals of Gameful Design and has completed basic training in the trademarked and proven model for learning design.

Outcomes

The goal is to increase learning and engagement through key concepts found in game design and behavioral psychology. By adding game mechanics and dynamics to training, Gameful Design not only increases interest, but it also makes training "fun."

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Understand how key concepts found in behavioral psychology and game design can increase learning and engagement
Have a five-part process for gamifying a learning program
Demonstrate a return on investment for your gameful learning program

Takeaways for Participants

Game the System™ “game board” of the 30 necessary steps for creating successful gameful learning programs
All handouts and ancillary tools
Analysis and feedback of a proposal for gamifying a case study or real program
Sententia Level 1 Surveyor digital badge with metadata about the program and work completed for employers, recruiters, and potential clients
HRCI, SHRM, and ATD recertification credit documentation for each registrant

Who Should Attend

Trainers
Instructional designers
HR professionals
Educators
Anyone looking to make learning more engaging, effective, and fun.

Speaker: Monica Cornetti, Founder — Sententia

Monica works with individuals and organizations who want to learn how to think differently to achieve uncommon results. A gamification speaker and designer, Monica was rated #1 among the “Gamification Gurus Power 100” by RISE in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018; and was also recognized as a Top 3 Finalist in the “Gamification Guru of the Year Award” by the World Gamification Congress held in Barcelona, Spain.

Monica is the Founder and CEO of the Sententia Gamification Consortium. She authored Totally Awesome Training Activity Guide: Put Gamification to Work for You, and is a co-author of Deliberate Fun: A Purposeful Application of Game Mechanics to Learning Experiences. Monica is hired for her skill as a gamification speaker and is considered at the top of her field in gamification design for corporate learning.

She is a graduate of Seton Hill with a BA in psychology, and The University of Houston-Victoria where she earned a Masters Degree in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship.

Jonathan Peters, PhD, Chief Motivation Officer — Sententia

Jonathan Peters, PhD, is recognized in the field of gameful design for his contributions as a speaker, writer, and Chief Motivation Officer at Sententia. His work focuses on understanding and leveraging what motivates people to engage them in learning experiences. Specifically, he studies what motivates people to learn, work, and interact within gameful environments.

Jonathan is the co-author of Deliberate Fun: A Purposeful Application of Game Mechanics to Learning Experiences, the author of several other titles, and a ghostwriter of 71 books. He lives in South Padre Island, Texas, where he can watch SpaceX rocket launches.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations must be received by Friday, October 9 by emailing info@atdatlanta.org. Each cancellation/refund will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Build Your ID Portfolio with AI — A Full-Day Intensive (ACE 2026) (16 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Our Partner:

Registration includes a full two-day ACE 2026 Conference Pass for October 15–16, 2026.

Already registered for ACE 2026?

Contact info@atdatlanta.org before registering to receive a custom invoice for the intensive only.

Full-day, hands-on laboratory session — 6 hours of instruction inclusive of two 15-minute breaks, closing with a 15-minute Q&A and wrap-up.

This hands-on intensive teaches you how to build a professional instructional design portfolio using AI tools, specifically Claude. You'll set up your portfolio shell, draft your first case study, and generate a 30-day completion plan, all in one day.

Designed for emerging IDs, career changers, consultants, and L&D professionals ready to stop planning and start building.

Presenter: Dr. Robin Sargent

Dr. Robin Sargent is the founder of IDOL Academy, the first state-authorized career school and certification program of its kind in the learning and development industry. She's been in the field since 2008, starting in higher education instructional design before moving into corporate ID in 2012, and she built IDOL's curriculum on deliberate practice, putting real problems at the center of instruction so students graduate with proof of skill, not just a certificate. Robin holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Design, an MBA, and has spoken at DevLearn, ATD, and other major industry conferences. IDOL Academy received a Brandon Hall Award for Best Training Program for L&D Professionals, and Robin hosts the "Become an IDOL" podcast.

Agenda:

Module 1 — The Portfolio Problem (45 min)
Module 2 — Build Your Portfolio Shell with Claude (75 min)
Module 3 — What Goes in a Portfolio Piece (60 min)
Module 4 — AI Artifacts That Belong in Your Portfolio (75 min)
Module 5 — Your 30-Day Portfolio Completion Plan (45 min)
Q&A and wrap-up (15 min).

Attendees leave with a live portfolio shell, a drafted case study, one complete AI-generated portfolio artifact, a 10-prompt AI library, and a personalized 30-day completion plan.

Bring a laptop, a free Claude account (claude.ai — takes 2 minutes to set up), and one past project (real or practice) you're willing to turn into a case study.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations must be received by Friday, October 9 by emailing info@atdatlanta.org. Each cancellation/refund will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Assessment in Action: People & Team Insights - October 2026 (19 Oct 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Facilitated By:

Cornelius Dowdell

Topics May Include:

Behavioral and communication assessments
Personality and work-style assessments
Emotional intelligence
Leadership and executive development
Team effectiveness and collaboration
Conflict, trust, and accountability
Career and coaching assessments
Organizational culture and engagement
Assessment selection and implementation
Practitioner certification and professional development pathways
Turning assessment insights into measurable workplace action

What Participants Can Expect

Each session will help participants:

Better understand different categories of workplace assessments
Identify which tools may align with specific development needs
Explore practical workplace applications
Learn how to interpret and facilitate assessment insights responsibly
Avoid common assessment misuse and overgeneralization
Connect assessment results to coaching, learning, leadership, and organizational goals
Evaluate certification or practitioner-development opportunities
Discover new tools, providers, and approaches

Who Should Attend

Talent development and learning professionals
Human resources and organizational development practitioners
Coaches, consultants, and facilitators
People leaders and team leaders
Leadership development professionals
Independent practitioners expanding their service offerings
Professionals exploring assessment certification
Anyone interested in using assessments more effectively

No previous assessment experience or certification is required.

Program Ownership and Sponsorships

Assessment in Action is an ATD Greater Atlanta program.

The series is sponsored by The Nelius Strategy and may include additional co-sponsors, strategic partners, assessment providers, and guest practitioners.

All sessions are educational-first. Participation as a sponsor or featured provider does not represent exclusive endorsement by ATD Greater Atlanta.

Why This Series Matters

Assessments can create awareness, but awareness alone does not improve performance.

Meaningful impact happens when assessment insights are connected to real conversations, intentional development, practical application, and sustained follow-through.

Assessment in Action helps ATD Greater Atlanta members move beyond the report and use assessment insights to strengthen people, teams, leaders, and organizations.

Hosted by:

Founding Sponsor:

Co-Sponsorship and Practitioner Opportunities

The High Noon Exchange — Independent, Networking & Collaborating CoP October 2026 (20 Oct 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday at Noon | Virtual

This session of The High Noon Exchange features the Independent, Networking & Collaborating Community of Practice, designed for consultants, freelancers, and independent professionals.

Discussion focuses on the realities of independent work (client relationships, scope, boundaries, sustainability, and professional connection) grounded in lived experience rather than hustle culture.

This is a peer space for thoughtful exchange, not selling or pitching.

Facilitated by: Frankie Robinson
Learning & Enablement Strategist | TrainingPros
VP of Learning & Development | ATD Greater Atlanta

Purpose of the Community of Practice

Support sustainable independent and consulting practices
Enable peer learning through shared experience
Strengthen professional connection and community

What Happens in These Sessions

Facilitated discussion around real consulting and independent work challenges
Peer exchange of lessons learned and approaches
Reflection to support clearer decisions and next steps

This Community of Practice is best suited for professionals responsible for selecting, managing, or supporting learning technologies.

2026 CoP Meeting Dates | 12:00 - 1:00pm est

October 20, 2026

Audience: Independent professionals and consultants
Format: Virtual
Part of: The High Noon Exchange (rotating CoP series)

New Member Orientation - October 2026 (20 Oct 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

The purpose of the New Member Orientation is to engage new members with our chapter and to acquaint them to other members.

Primary Facilitator: Tony Ballard

Agenda:

Program Begins - 6:30 PM
Program Ends - 7:00 PM

Target Audience:

Trainer and Specialist
Instructional Designers
Coaches and Consultants
Learning Management and Technology Professionals
OD/HR Professionals
Young Professionals
Transitioning Career Professionals

Make An Impact - Volunteer with ATD at Open Hand Atlanta! (23 Oct 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Kick off the fall season of giving with ATD Greater Atlanta! We’re teaming up with Open Hand Atlanta for a hands-on volunteer session to deliver love, dignity, and nutrition to neighbors in need across our community.

Why volunteer?

It gives members a chance to network and connect while supporting a vital local non-profit by packing nutritious meals for individuals across Atlanta.

It puts ATD Greater Atlanta’s name and values into the community in a meaningful, visible way.

For many members, it can count toward employer volunteer hours.

If you’ve been looking for a way to connect with fellow ATD members and give back to the Greater Atlanta community, this is a perfect chance!

We hope to see you there, and we’re grateful to everyone who helps strengthen ATD Greater Atlanta’s impact.

ATD Greater Atlanta Chapter Contact for this event:

Sue Annabel, VP Community Relations

Independent Consultant Growth Lab Session 6 (Integration): Aligning Revenue, Operations & Financials for Sustainable Growth (28 Oct 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

This program addresses the most common challenges faced by independent professionals:

Inconsistent revenue and limited visibility
Operational overwhelm and lack of scalable systems
Limited financial clarity and decision-making confidence

Aligning Revenue, Operations & Financials for Sustainable Growth

Live partner panel + applied learning
Business alignment and next-step planning

Strategic Delivery Partners

Revenue & Visibility Partner

Focus: Lead generation, messaging, marketing systems

Operations & Delegation Partner

Focus: Virtual support, systems, operational scalability

Financial Strategy Partner

Focus: Cash flow, profitability, financial decision-making

Program Outcomes

Participants will leave with:
A clearer business model and growth strategy
A defined approach to generating consistent opportunities
A plan to increase capacity through delegation and systems
Improved understanding of financial performance and decision-making
A roadmap for sustainable, scalable growth

Target Audience

Independent consultants and facilitators
Coaches and fractional leaders
Small business owners (1–10 employees)
Corporate professionals transitioning into consulting
L&D practitioners building independent practices

Co-Hosts / Program Leads

Cornelius Dowdell, VP of Strategic Partnerships

Program Design, Facilitation, Strategic Integration

Tony Ballard, VP of Membership

Community Engagement & Co-Host

FLOW in Practice™ — Experiential Leadership & Facilitation Lab (29 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

A practice-based learning series for leaders, HR professionals, consultants, and facilitators focused on real-time application, peer feedback, and experiential tools—not lectures.

FLOW in Practice™ is a four-session experiential lab designed for professionals who want to practice leadership, facilitation, and communication skills in real time.

This is not a traditional workshop series. There are no long lectures or slide decks. Each session is built as a practice arena, using experiential facilitation tools and structured peer feedback to build confidence, clarity, and skill.

Participants will work with 2–3 facilitation tools per session, rotating through live practice roles and reflecting on how their leadership and facilitation actually land with others.

If you’re looking for passive learning, this is not the series for you.

If you’re ready to practice, reflect, and apply—welcome.

Select your sessions during registration or contact info@atdatlanta.org.

Limited to 15 participants per session to ensure depth and safety.

SESSION 1

Momentum & Mastery: Practicing Focused Leadership

Date: March 12, 2026

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM

This session focuses on presence, focus, and leadership clarity. Participants will practice how they show up in conversations, how priorities are communicated, and how leadership energy is experienced by others.

Using experiential facilitation tools, participants will engage in live practice cycles with peer feedback to build awareness and momentum.

You will practice:

● Leading with focused attention

● Making priorities visible and actionable

● Adjusting your leadership signal in real time

Best for:

Leaders, HR partners, consultants, and facilitators seeking stronger presence and clarity.

SESSION 2

Connection & Collaboration: Practicing Trust and Feedback

Date: May 6, 2026

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Trust is built through behavior, not intention. This session places participants in real-time practice scenarios focused on feedback, communication, and psychological safety.

Participants will practice giving and receiving feedback using experiential tools that reduce defensiveness and increase clarity.

You will practice:

● Giving feedback that is clear and human

● Listening beyond words

● Building trust without avoiding truth

Best for:

Managers, HR professionals, DEI/Culture leaders, and consultants supporting teams.

SESSION 3

Change, Capacity & Courage: Practicing Leadership in Uncertainty

Date: August 12, 2026

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM

This session is designed for leaders navigating change, ambiguity, and competing priorities. Participants will engage in live simulations that mirror real organizational dynamics—limited information, emotional responses, and decision pressure.

You will practice:

● Leading through uncertainty

● Naming resistance without escalation

● Maintaining accountability while protecting capacity

Best for:

Senior managers, project leaders, change practitioners, and HR leaders.

SESSION 4

Integration & Future Readiness: Turning Insight into Action

Date: October 29, 2026

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM

This session focuses on reflection that leads to action. Participants will use experiential tools to identify patterns, integrate learning, and commit to practical next steps.

You will practice:

● Reflecting without self-judgment

● Translating insight into action

● Supporting others through reflection and transition

Best for:

Leaders, consultants, facilitators, and HR professionals preparing for what’s next.

Facilitator: Cornelius "Neil" Dowdell

Cornelius “Nelius” Dowdell is a leadership, talent, and organizational development strategist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals, teams, and organizations translate learning into meaningful action. He is the Founder of The Nelius Strategy (TNS) and a key partner with The Best Workplace (TBW), where he supports experiential learning, leadership development, and culture-focused initiatives.

Cornelius specializes in leadership development, experiential learning, instructional design, coaching, and applied practice. He is an authorized partner for Wiley’s Everything DiSC® and The Five Behaviors® and is known for designing highly engaging learning experiences that move beyond theory and into real-world application.

Through The Nelius Strategy and The Best Workplace, Cornelius and his team are proud sponsors of the ATD Greater Atlanta Mentorship Program, supporting the growth and development of emerging and experienced talent professionals across the chapter. His F.L.O.W. in Practice™ sessions are designed to help ATD members build capability through focused attention, applied learning, reflection, and curiosity—turning insight into sustained behavior change.

Cornelius has partnered with Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, nonprofits, and professional associations nationwide, including Emory University, Panasonic Automotive, Fulton County Schools, and multiple ATD chapters.

Sponsors / Community Partners:

Learning Leadership 2026 (02 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Learning Leadership is a premier executive forum created specifically for learning leaders, directors, managers, and decision-makers responsible for shaping workplace learning strategy.

The event focuses on leadership, organizational learning, business strategy, and the future of learning.

ATD Greater Atlanta is serving as an official Community Partner, allowing members to receive an exclusive $200 registration discount using the code ATDGA.

Learning Leadership Event Info Register here
Apply promo code here

The High Noon Exchange — Learning & Development CoP November 2026 (03 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday at Noon | Virtual

This session of The High Noon Exchange features the Learning & Development Community of Practice, bringing together professionals who design, deliver, and lead learning to explore what actually drives performance and capability at work.

Rather than focusing on tools or deliverables alone, this session centers on real challenges related to learning strategy, instructional impact, stakeholder alignment, and sustainability. Conversation is peer-driven and grounded in lived experience.

This is not a presentation or webinar. It’s a facilitated exchange focused on application, clarity, and next steps.

Facilitated by: Frankie Robinson
Learning & Enablement Strategist | TrainingPros
VP of Learning & Development | ATD Greater Atlanta

Purpose of the Community of Practice

Advance effective learning practices that drive performance and capability
Support practitioners through shared problem-solving and applied discussion
Strengthen the connection between learning design, business needs, and outcomes

What Happens in These Sessions

Peer discussion around current L&D challenges and decisions
Exchange of practices, patterns, and lessons learned
Reflection and sense-making to inform next steps in real work

This Community of Practice is best suited for professionals who design, deliver, or lead learning and want to strengthen the impact of their work.

2026 CoP Meeting Dates | 12:00 - 1:00pm est

November 3, 2026

Audience: Learning & Development practitioners and leaders
Format: Virtual | Facilitated working session
Part of: The High Noon Exchange (rotating CoP series)

THE LEARNING GUILD (DEVLEARN 2026) (04 Nov 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

DevLearn 2026 is North America's largest learning technologies conference, bringing together professionals who design, deliver, and support modern workplace learning.

Attendees explore emerging technologies, AI, instructional design, learning platforms, immersive learning, analytics, and innovative strategies that shape the future of learning.

As an official Community Partner, ATD Greater Atlanta members receive an exclusive $200 registration discount using the code ATDGA.

How Can ATD Help? Lunch Series - November 2026 (11 Nov 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Primary Facilitator: Peter Brown

Agenda:

Webinar Opens - 12:00 PM
Program Begins - 12:00 PM
Program Ends - 1:00 PM

Target Audience:

Trainer and Specialist
Instructional Designers
Coaches
Learning Management Professionals
Learning Technology Professionals
OD/HR Professionals & Consultants
TD/HR Senior Leaders

Topic Request:

If you have a topic you'd like to discuss, please submit it to president@atdatlanta.org

The High Noon Exchange — Career Development CoP November 2026 (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Tuesday at Noon | Virtual

This session of The High Noon Exchange features the Career Development Community of Practice, creating space for thoughtful conversation about growth, transitions, and professional direction.

This session supports clarity and perspective during moments of career decision-making.

Facilitated by: Frankie Robinson
Learning & Enablement Strategist | TrainingPros
VP of Learning & Development | ATD Greater Atlanta

Purpose of the Community of Practice

Support intentional career growth and decision-making
Provide space for reflection during periods of transition or uncertainty
Enable shared learning through peer experience and perspective

What Happens in These Sessions

Facilitated conversation around real career questions and challenges
Peer exchange of experiences, patterns, and insights
Time to reflect and clarify next steps

This Community of Practice is best suited for professionals at any career stage who are actively thinking about growth, change, or direction.

2026 CoP Meeting Dates | 12:00 - 1:00pm est

November 17, 2026

Audience: Professionals across roles and career stages
Format: Virtual
Part of: The High Noon Exchange (rotating CoP series)

New Member Orientation - November 2026 (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

The purpose of the New Member Orientation is to engage new members with our chapter and to acquaint them to other members.

Primary Facilitator: Tony Ballard

Agenda:

Program Begins - 6:30 PM
Program Ends - 7:00 PM

Target Audience:

Trainer and Specialist
Instructional Designers
Coaches and Consultants
Learning Management and Technology Professionals
OD/HR Professionals
Young Professionals
Transitioning Career Professionals

ATD 3rd Fridays Networking Mixer - November 2026 (20 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Join ATD Greater Atlanta for our monthly 3rd Fridays Networking Mixer — an open, welcoming space for new members, long-time members, and prospective members to meet, connect, and build community. These informal gatherings are designed to help you plug into the chapter, deepen relationships, and expand your professional network in a relaxed, social setting.

Each month we rotate locations across the metro area to make engagement accessible to our entire community. Whether you're exploring ATD-GA for the first time or looking to reconnect, you’ll find friendly faces, great conversation, and a space to belong.

What to Expect:

Casual networking with talent development, HR, L&D, OD, and leadership professionals
A warm welcome for new and prospective members
Light conversation starters facilitated by chapter ambassadors
ATD Greater Atlanta updates, invitations to upcoming events, and ways to get involved
Food and beverages available for purchase onsite (venue-specific)

Who Should Attend:

New ATD Greater Atlanta members looking to meet others
Prospective members exploring chapter benefits
Annual sponsors and community partners
Anyone in the L&D, HR, talent, coaching, or training ecosystem

Cost:

Free for ATD Greater Atlanta Members
$15 for Non-Members / Guests

Location:

Varies monthly — details will be provided on each individual event as venues are confirmed.

Time:

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Arrival and departure flexible; drop in anytime.)

Bring:

Your energy, curiosity, and business cards — or just your smile.

Hosted by:

ATD Greater Atlanta

3rd Fridays Series – Sponsorship Options (2026) - 10 Events (Feb to Nov)

Support ATD Atlanta’s monthly networking mixers and connect directly with our L&D and HR community.

Series Title Sponsor – $2,500

Event Partner – $1,500

Sponsor four mixers. Logo on event pages, recognition at events, 2 registrations for sponsored months, co-host option.

Monthly Supporter – $300

Sponsor one mixer. Recognition at the event, logo on page, 2 registrations to the event, bring swag/snacks, social media thank-you.

Assessment in Action: People & Team Insights - November 2026 (23 Nov 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Facilitated By:

Cornelius Dowdell

Topics May Include:

Behavioral and communication assessments
Personality and work-style assessments
Emotional intelligence
Leadership and executive development
Team effectiveness and collaboration
Conflict, trust, and accountability
Career and coaching assessments
Organizational culture and engagement
Assessment selection and implementation
Practitioner certification and professional development pathways
Turning assessment insights into measurable workplace action

What Participants Can Expect

Each session will help participants:

Better understand different categories of workplace assessments
Identify which tools may align with specific development needs
Explore practical workplace applications
Learn how to interpret and facilitate assessment insights responsibly
Avoid common assessment misuse and overgeneralization
Connect assessment results to coaching, learning, leadership, and organizational goals
Evaluate certification or practitioner-development opportunities
Discover new tools, providers, and approaches

Who Should Attend

Talent development and learning professionals
Human resources and organizational development practitioners
Coaches, consultants, and facilitators
People leaders and team leaders
Leadership development professionals
Independent practitioners expanding their service offerings
Professionals exploring assessment certification
Anyone interested in using assessments more effectively

No previous assessment experience or certification is required.

Program Ownership and Sponsorships

Assessment in Action is an ATD Greater Atlanta program.

The series is sponsored by The Nelius Strategy and may include additional co-sponsors, strategic partners, assessment providers, and guest practitioners.

All sessions are educational-first. Participation as a sponsor or featured provider does not represent exclusive endorsement by ATD Greater Atlanta.

Why This Series Matters

Assessments can create awareness, but awareness alone does not improve performance.

Meaningful impact happens when assessment insights are connected to real conversations, intentional development, practical application, and sustained follow-through.

Assessment in Action helps ATD Greater Atlanta members move beyond the report and use assessment insights to strengthen people, teams, leaders, and organizations.

Hosted by:

Founding Sponsor:

Co-Sponsorship and Practitioner Opportunities

Employee Learning Week (ELW) (01 Dec 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 05:00:00 GMT

DATES/TIMES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Employee Learning Week recognizes the power of workplace learning and highlights organizations advancing talent development throughout Georgia. The week features virtual and in-person micro-sessions, corporate recognition, and curated TD learning experiences.

Host:

Agenda:

Holiday Celebration & Member Appreciation; Mentorship Program Celebration & Graduation (04 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 22:30:00 GMT

TENTATIVELY OPEN BUT DATE/TIME SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Our year-end celebration honoring members, volunteers, sponsors, and partners. This event brings the community together for recognition, networking, and closing the year with gratitude. This is the closing event of the Mentorship Program celebrating participant achievements, powerful mentor/mentee stories, and the relationships built during the program year.

Agenda:

Sponsored by:

How Can ATD Help? Lunch Series - December 2026 (09 Dec 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Primary Facilitator: Peter Brown

Agenda:

Webinar Opens - 12:00 PM
Program Begins - 12:00 PM
Program Ends - 1:00 PM

Target Audience:

Trainer and Specialist
Instructional Designers
Coaches
Learning Management Professionals
Learning Technology Professionals
OD/HR Professionals & Consultants
TD/HR Senior Leaders

Topic Request:

If you have a topic you'd like to discuss, please submit it to president@atdatlanta.org

New Member Orientation - December 2026 (15 Dec 2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

The purpose of the New Member Orientation is to engage new members with our chapter and to acquaint them to other members.

Primary Facilitator: Tony Ballard

Agenda:

Program Begins - 6:30 PM
Program Ends - 7:00 PM

Target Audience:

Trainer and Specialist
Instructional Designers
Coaches and Consultants
Learning Management and Technology Professionals
OD/HR Professionals
Young Professionals
Transitioning Career Professionals