State of the Industry Panel: What’s Now and What’s Next in L&D
Thu Jan 8, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Free Virtual Event via LinkedIn Live
Start 2026 with insight, clarity, and perspective as we bring together three dynamic voices in talent development for a thoughtful and engaging panel conversation. This LinkedIn Live event will explore what’s changing—and what’s staying steady—in our field, with real-world observations and forward-looking perspectives from:
• Lisa Toenniges, CEO of Innovative Learning Group, representing the business owner and vendor lens
• Jerry Kaminski, Global Learning Operations Manager at Ford, bringing a global enterprise and operations perspective
• Anne Darnell, Training Director at Alteris Group, offering a practitioner’s view from inside a learning organization
Moderated by Jami Washington, A2ATD President and Marketing Project Manager at TorranceLearning, this conversation will examine key shifts shaping our work, with opportunities for live attendees to ask questions and share in the dialogue. We’ll also draw from themes in the ATD State of the Industry Report to inform our questions and inspire reflection on where L&D is headed next. Bring your questions and join us in the comments for an interactive session!
Registration Details:
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Free for all
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While logged in to your LinkedIn Account
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Click the blue Register button
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Registration information and reminders will go through your LinkedIn Account and email
About our Panelists:
Lisa Toenniges, CEO, Innovative Learning Group
Lisa Toenniges is the owner and chief executive officer of Innovative Learning Group (ILG), a company she founded in March 2004. A dynamic and respected leader, Lisa has nearly 40 years of experience in the performance improvement industry and has consulted with many Fortune 1000 companies about their learning and performance strategies and solutions. ILG was born out of Lisa’s passion for building a business, providing for her employees, and doing what is right for clients. Her entrepreneurial spirit, positive outlook, and hands-on leadership style have been the drivers behind ILG’s profitable annual compound growth. Lisa has been a member of the Board of Trustees for On My Own of Michigan since 2018. She served as the Treasurer of the Executive Committee from 2023-2025 and as the Secretary from 2020-2022. From 2021-2024, Lisa was also a volunteer grant reviewer for Impact100 Oakland County. Lisa has a master’s degree in instructional technology from Wayne State University and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Michigan State University. She’s also a Certified Performance Technologist endorsed by the International Society for Performance Improvement.
Jerry Kaminski, Corporate L&D Global Learning Operations Manager, Ford Motor Company
Jerry has over forty years of talent and organizational development experience in a multitude of industries including information technology, retail, government, consulting, automotive and energy. He started his career as an anti-submarine warfare technician in the US Navy, moving from that role to instructor, and ultimately a program director for the fleet combat learning command. He has also held positions including instructional designer, e-learning manager, and Chief Learning Officer. He is a six-time winner of ATD’s BEST award, past global chairperson of the ATD Forum Advisory Group, and current member of the ATD Public Policy Committee. He is also author of two chapters of the ATD Forum book: “Leading the Learning Function”. His chapters cover front-end analysis and use of technology in the learning function.
Anne Darnell, Learning Strategy and Performance Consultant, Alteris Group
Anne is a learning professional who designs comprehensive curricula, engaging learning experiences, and performance improvement solutions that help organizations achieve their goals and enable employee success. She believes the best learning experiences don’t just build skills — they build connection and purpose. Her experience spans industries including automotive, food science, health care, and non-profits. Away from work, Anne enjoys spending time outdoors and guides others in slowing down, engaging their senses, and reconnecting with nature as a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide.
