ATD Greater Atlanta upcoming events

2026 Mentorship Program: Check-in 2 (03 Aug 2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The second Check-In is a transitional check-in with networking and progression updates.

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

Thanks to our Mentorship Supporter:

The High Noon Exchange — Learning & Development CoP August 2026 (04 Aug 2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:00:00 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

August 4, 2026
November 3, 2026

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

August Chapter Meeting: Change Isn't Coming—It's Already Here. Are YOU Ready? (11 Aug 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 21:30:00 GMT

The workplace isn't waiting for anyone to catch up.

AI is reshaping roles. Organizations are restructuring overnight. Skill sets that were cutting-edge two years ago are already becoming table stakes. And through all of it, talent development professionals — veterans who've mastered adaptability under pressure, supporters who champion others through transitions, and civilians who've navigated constant reinvention — are the ones organizations are counting on most.

The question isn't whether change is coming. It's whether you'll be the one leading through it or scrambling to keep up.

This session is your edge.

We're cutting through the noise to give you practical, real-world strategies to build future-ready talent across your organization — while making sure your own career stays sharp, visible, and positioned for what's next. Because here's the truth: the same resilience and adaptability that defines a great military career, a great support system, and a great civilian career path? That's exactly what the future of work demands.

You'll walk away ready to:

Build future-ready skills — for yourself and the workforce you support, no matter where your journey began
Design talent development strategies that are inclusive, adaptive, and ahead of business change — not reacting to it
Own your career as a continuous practice, not a crisis response — whether you're a veteran stepping boldly into a new chapter, a supporter elevating those around you, or a civilian navigating non-stop transformation
Amplify your professional brand, visibility, and network in ways that open doors across every community and career stage

This isn't another panel where you sit, nod, and go back to your desk unchanged. This is a call to action — for the talent professional who knows they have more to offer and wants the tools, the mindset, and the community to make it happen.

Your next mindset shift starts August 11 at Norfolk Southern.
Don't just respond to change — own it.

Reserve your seat now and join your Atlanta peers — Veterans, Veteran Supporters, and Civilians — for one of the most timely and energizing conversations of the year.

Seats are limited. Show up ready to be challenged, connected, and inspired.

Meet Your Keynote Speaker and Panel

Nikki Seider, M.S.O.B - Senior Manager, Learning & Development, Norfolk Southern | Moderator

Nikki Seider is a Learning & Development leader with 20+ years of experience aligning talent strategy with business objectives. Drawing on global experience, she designs scalable learning solutions that build future-ready capabilities, foster engagement, and deliver measurable business results.

Domingo Gonzalez, MBA - Director, Learning & Development, Norfolk Southern | Fireside Speaker

Domingo Gonzalez brings 12+ years of HR experience spanning recruiting, talent management, employee engagement, and learning & development. He holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor's in business management from Hampton University. Outside of work, he's a proud family man who is often found at the gym.

Zack Knight | Fireside Speaker

Zack Knight is the founder of ATLVets (Advancing The Line for Veterans), a nonprofit helping veterans transition to civilian life through leadership development, networking, entrepreneurship, and community. A former police officer, Army infantry officer, entrepreneur, author, and speaker, Zack faced his own difficult transition after a medical retirement—and turned that experience into a mission to give veterans the resources and connections he wished he'd had. Today, ATLVets serves as a trusted community where veterans find opportunity, grow professionally, and build lasting relationships.

Jarrad Turner Sr. | Fireside Speaker

Jarrad Turner Sr. is an Army veteran who served 10 years as a combat medic, including two Iraq deployments, before being medically separated as a Staff Sergeant in 2010. After TBI treatment at the Shepherd Center, he joined the Shepherd's Men, whose runs have covered 7,000+ miles and raised over $15 million so veterans never pay for treatment. He co-founded The Warrior Alliance, which grew to serve 15,000+ veterans across the Southeast, and now leads Pioneer AI Health, supporting transitioning service members and first responders. He serves on the Shepherd Center's Board of Directors and was appointed to the VA's Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation in 2023.

Dr. Shelton Goode | Fireside Speaker

Dr. Shelton Goode is the President and CEO of Icarus Consulting, a veteran-owned workforce strategy firm that helps organizations attract and retain top talent. An executive with over 20 years of global leadership experience and an adjunct professor at Duke University, he specializes in business transformation, leadership innovation, and executive coaching. Dr. Goode was named one of Forbes Magazine’s Top 10 Trailblazers, received the Roosevelt Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award, and authored the bestseller Project Midnight: The Plan to Dismantle, Defund, and Destroy DEI. He holds a Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Alabama, a master’s from Troy University, and lives in the Atlanta area.

Dr. Tony Ballard | Moderator

Dr. Tony Ballard is a Human Capital and Talent Transformation leader with 27+ years of experience across military, financial services, nonprofit, and academia. A retired U.S. Air Force veteran, he has led talent initiatives impacting more than 697,000 personnel worldwide. He is Founder of LAB Innovative Business Network, VP of Membership for ATD Greater Atlanta, and a part-time instructor at Kennesaw State University.

Tonya Humphries - Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Norfolk Southern | Subject Matter Expert

Tonya Humphries is a corporate technology recruiter with 20+ years of experience hiring across AI, product, software, cloud, mobile, and global infrastructure for organizations undergoing rapid transformation. She holds a bachelor's in marketing from Georgia Southern University and a master's in psychology and counseling from the University of West Alabama, blending business insight with a deep understanding of people and change.

Anisa Palmer, MPA | Subject Matter Expert

Anisa Palmer is an award-winning nonprofit leader, combat veteran, two-time author, and speaker from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. She is Founder and CEO of I Will Survive, Inc., a 501(c)(3) that has supported more than 4,000 families impacted by breast cancer since 2010—a mission born from losing her mother to the disease at age five. Her military honors include the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge, and her recognitions include the City of Atlanta's Phoenix Award, induction into the U.S. Veterans Hall of Fame, and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dana Crockett, SHRM-CP, HCS - Manager, Talent Development | Subject Matter Expert

Dana Crockett is a human resources leader with more than 12 years of experience helping organizations build people strategies that drive business success. As Manager of Talent Development, she leads enterprise talent initiatives focused on leadership development, succession planning, and organizational capability.

Who Should Attend

Learning & Development professionals
HR and Organizational Development leaders
Facilitators, trainers, coaches, consultants
Students and early-career talent development professionals
Anyone invested in building stronger workplaces through learning

Agenda:

5:30 PM - Networking

6:00 PM - Executive Board Updates

6:30 PM - Speaker or Program Presentation

7:30/8:00 PM - Chapter Meeting Ends

Corporate Host Team:

Event Sponsor:

Speaker/Presenter:

How Can ATD Help? Lunch Series - August 2026 (12 Aug 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 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

FLOW in Practice™ — Experiential Leadership & Facilitation Lab (12 Aug 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 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:

TW Community Partner Show & Share Series: Training with Tarot (13 Aug 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 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.

August 13: Training with Tarot

with Tina Robinson

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.

Upcoming Sessions:

August 27: Peer Review Your Training - How to Test Before You Go Live with Jazmin Webster

September 10: The "RELATE" Framework for Choosing Workshop Activities with Sheila B. Robinson

September 24: We! Connect Future Focused Deck with Chad Littlefield

Community Partner:

Assessment in Action: People & Team Insights - August 2026 (17 Aug 2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 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.

The High Noon Exchange — Independent, Networking & Collaborating CoP August 2026 (18 Aug 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 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: Dr. Tony Ballard
Founder & Principal Consultant | LAB IBN
VP of Membership | 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

August 18, 2026
October 20, 2026

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

New Member Orientation - August 2026 (18 Aug 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 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 - August 2026 (21 Aug 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 23:00:00 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

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.

Independent Consultant Growth Lab Session 4 (Marketing Systems) -Turning Visibility Into Clients: A Simple Marketing System That Works (26 Aug 2026)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 22:00:00 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

Turning Visibility Into Clients:

A Simple Marketing System That Works

Content and conversion systems
90-day marketing planning

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

September 23: Session 5 - Financial Strategy & Clarity

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

AIHR Community Partner Learning Series: Session 3 -2026 HR Trends & Priorities: EX & Tech (27 Aug 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Session 3 of 4 in

AIHR's Connected Learning Series

AI is reshaping work faster than ever before. Join Dr. Dieter Veldsman and Dr. Marna van der Merwe as they unpack the trends shaping HR, Employee Experience, and HR Technology in 2026. Learn how leading organizations are using AI, rethinking workforce strategies, and creating more agile, employee-centric workplaces—and discover the priorities HR leaders can't afford to ignore.

You'll learn how to:

Identify the HR and EX trends redefining the future of work
Understand AI's impact on employee experience and workforce productivity
Explore technologies enabling more agile, skills-based organizations
Prioritize actions to build a future-ready workforce

Presenter #1: Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief HR Scientist at AIHR

Dr. Dieter Veldsman is an organizational psychologist with a passion for HR. He has over 15+ years of experience across the HR value chain and lifecycle, having worked for and consulted with various multi-national corporations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. He has held the positions of CHRO, Organizational Effectiveness Executive, and Organizational Design and Development Principal. He is a regular speaker at international conferences and industry panels on Strategic HR, Future of Work, and Organisational Development. He co-hosts a monthly podcast called “HR Hot Topics” that discusses actual events impacting the world of HR and interviews leading HR Practitioners as part of his HR Dialogues Videocast series.

He is passionate about the development of the profession and guest lectures at various institutions while also holding the position of Senior Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg. He has contributed to 40+ peer-reviewed articles, blogs and book chapters on the Future of Work and HR, Organizational Development and Employee Experience.

He was awarded the CHRO of the year title by the CHRO Society of South Africa for 2021 and has been recognized in the categories of HR Strategy and Leadership, HR Technology, and HR Innovation by various institutions. He was recognized as the Practitioner of the Year by the Society of Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa in 2018.

Currently, Dr Dieter Veldsman forms part of the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) as an HR and OD Thought Leader working towards the continuous upskilling of 100 000 HR professionals by 2025. He is responsible for applied research, product development and engagement with our member community that spans more than 15 000 students across 140 countries and working with our clients to reposition their HR functions for the future.

Presenter #2: Dr. Marna van der Merwe, Senior Subject Matter Expert at AIHR

Dr. Marna van der Merwe is a seasoned Organizational Psychologist and Subject Matter Expert at AIHR, bringing extensive expertise in Human Resources, Organizational Effectiveness, and Strategic Talent Management. A distinguished researcher and published author, Dr. van der Merwe is a sought-after speaker at conferences, where she shares insights on talent management, experience design, and the evolving nature of careers.

She holds a PhD in Organizational Psychology, specializing in talent management and careers in the future of work, underscoring her commitment to advancing the HR profession and preparing organizations for the challenges of tomorrow.

Agenda:

Webinar Opens: 10:00 AM
Program Begins: 10:00 AM
Program Ends: 11:00 AM

Meeting Link:

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

Community Partner:

Upcoming AIHR Connected Learning Series Sessions:

November 12, 2026 – Session 4: Leading Learning in a Changing World

TW Community Partner Show & Share Series: Peer Review Your Training - How to Test Before You Go Live (27 Aug 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 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.

August 27: Peer Review Your Training - How to Test Before You Go Live

with Jazmin Webster

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.

Upcoming Sessions:

September 10: The "RELATE" Framework for Choosing Workshop Activities with Sheila B. Robinson

September 24: We! Connect Future Focused Deck with Chad Littlefield

Community Partner:

The High Noon Exchange — Learning Technologies CoP September 2026 (01 Sep 2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday at Noon | Virtual

This session of The High Noon Exchange features the Learning Technologies Community of Practice, focused on the practical realities of learning tech in real organizations.

Discussion centers on implementation, adoption, integration, and impact, rather than tools in isolation. Topics may include LMS/LXP platforms, analytics, AI, content tools, and automation, grounded in what’s actually being used and supported.

The emphasis is on shared learning, not demos or vendor pitches.

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

Purpose of the Community of Practice

Explore practical approaches to learning technology implementation
Share lessons learned around adoption, scalability, and usability
Strengthen decision-making around tools and platforms

What Happens in These Sessions

Discussion of real technology challenges and use cases
Peer exchange around implementation and adoption realities
Sense-making around emerging tools and trends

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

September 1, 2026

Audience: Learning technologists, L&D leaders, instructional designers
Format: Virtual
Part of: The High Noon Exchange (rotating CoP series)

How Can ATD Help? Lunch Series - September 2026 (09 Sep 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:00:00 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

TW Community Partner Show & Share Series: The "RELATE" Framework for Choosing Workshop Activities (10 Sep 2026)

Thu, 10 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 10: The "RELATE" Framework for Choosing Workshop Activities

with Shelia B. Robinson

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.

Upcoming Sessions:

September 24: We! Connect Future Focused Deck with Chad Littlefield

Community Partner:

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)

September Chapter Meeting (15 Sep 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Join ATD Greater Atlanta for our 2026 Chapter Meeting Series—an ongoing, high-impact learning and networking experience designed to support talent development professionals across every stage of their career.

Each meeting will feature a curated topic aligned with ATD’s Talent Development Capability Model, spotlighting practical tools, emerging insights, and shared learning across our community. Topics and speakers will be announced throughout the year as programs are finalized.

Program Details

Topics, speakers, and host locations will be listed here once confirmed.

Stay tuned for updates as we finalize the learning calendar for 2026.

What to Expect

Engaging content aligned to ATD’s TD Capability Model

Opportunities to connect with peers, leaders, and industry experts

Insights on the future of talent, learning, and organizational development

In-person and hybrid sessions (based on hosting partner capabilities)

Spotlight moments featuring our Corporate Host Teams as part of the 2026 Roadshow Series

Corporate Host Team / Roadshow Locations

For 2026, chapter meetings will rotate across Greater Atlanta through our Corporate Host Team Roadshow, bringing programming closer to where our members live and work.

Host locations will be announced as partnerships are confirmed.

Who Should Attend

Learning & Development professionals

HR and Organizational Development leaders

Facilitators, trainers, coaches, consultants

Students and early-career talent development professionals

Anyone invested in building stronger workplaces through learning

Agenda:

5:30 PM - Networking

6:00 PM - Executive Board Updates & Host Presentation

6:30 PM - Speaker or Program Presentation

7:30/8:00 PM - Chapter Meeting Ends

Sponsored by:

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

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

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 - September 2026 (21 Sep 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 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

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

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:

Applying AI in L&D: Hands-On with the TRACI Framework and the Input Stack (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Learn a repeatable system for using AI in your actual work — then practice it before you leave the room.

You've seen the AI demos — so why does it still feel like you're winging it every time you open the tool?

Most L&D practitioners are using AI reactively: a prompt here, a shortcut there, nothing that feels like a real workflow. You're getting some value, but it's inconsistent — and when a colleague asks how you did something, you're not sure you could explain it. The problem isn't your skill level; it's that no one has given you a structured method for thinking through inputs, outputs, and quality control when AI is part of the process.

In this full-day, hands-on workshop, Josh Cavalier — author, strategist, and founder of JoshCavalier.ai — introduces two frameworks that change how you work with AI: the TRACI Framework, a structured approach to building effective AI interactions, and the Input Stack, a method for organizing the context AI needs to produce work worth using. With 30+ years in education technology and a book published by ATD Press on exactly this topic, Josh brings a level of practical specificity that cuts through the noise. Bring your laptop — you'll be applying these frameworks to real work during the session.

Josh didn't come to AI as a theorist. He came as a practitioner who spent decades building learning experiences and watching tools promise more than they delivered. What changed his perspective wasn't any single product — it was developing a way of working with AI that was systematic enough to teach and flexible enough to apply across contexts. The TRACI Framework and Input Stack are products of that process, refined through training sessions, live speaking, and the research behind his ATD Press book, Applying AI in Learning and Development: From Platforms to Performance.

About the Speaker:

Josh Cavalier | Founder & CEO, JoshCavalier.ai | Chief Strategy Officer, Talent Rewire

Josh Cavalier is a learning strategist, author, and speaker with more than 30 years of experience in education technology. He is the author of Applying AI in Learning and Development: From Platforms to Performance (ATD Press), a practical guide to integrating AI into L&D through real-world tools, workflows, and ethical frameworks. He recently co-founded Talent Rewire, an AI-powered platform that gives talent leaders impact data on associate activities and clarity on how roles should evolve as AI reshapes the workforce. Josh makes complex AI concepts accessible through training, speaking, and his live show, Brainpower — and he is a trusted voice in the ATD community on the future of the L&D profession.

www.talentrewire.ai

www.joshcavalier.com

In this session, you'll learn how to:

Apply the TRACI Framework to structure AI interactions that produce consistent, high-quality outputs

Build and use an Input Stack to give AI the context it needs to support your specific work

Develop a repeatable workflow for incorporating AI into common L&D tasks — from content development to needs analysis

Evaluate AI outputs critically and refine prompts when results fall short

Translate what you learn into practices you can begin using with your team immediately after the session

This workshop is designed for L&D practitioners who are past the "what is AI" conversation and ready to build real capability. Whether you're an instructional designer trying to move faster without sacrificing quality, a solo L&D practitioner wearing ten hats, or someone whose organization just handed down an AI mandate with no roadmap attached — this day is for you. You'll leave with two frameworks, hands-on practice, and a clear sense of how to make AI a reliable part of how you work.

Bring your laptop — this is a working session, not a lecture.

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 and receive a refund.

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

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

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 – Workshops (Oct 16) - Registration Coming Soon

Certification-aligned sessions
Applied practice labs
Leadership & ID intensives

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.

ATD 3rd Fridays Networking Mixer - October 2026 (16 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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 - 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

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.

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

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

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

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 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

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