View and Register for A2ATD Events

A2ATD is committed to offering valuable, monthly educational programs along with networking opportunities for those in (or interested in) the training and development field. Our program topics are aligned with the ATD's Capability Model.


Events are usually the First Thursday of the month (unless otherwise noted) and program times can vary.  See each event description for virtual or in-person information as mode of delivery will vary based on the specific event.

Click here for Cancellation and Media policies.  Full details are listed when you click on each event title.  

A2ATD has been pre-approved by the ATD Certification Institute to offer educational programs that can be used towards initial eligibility and recertification of the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credentials.  Email info@a2atd.org for information.

Upcoming Events

    • Thursday, May 07, 2026
    • 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Washtenaw Community College - Morris Lawrence Building
    • 24
    Register


    Career Pathways in Talent Development Panel Discussion

    Thu May 7, 5:30 - 8:00 PM

    Washtenaw Community College - Morris Lawrence Building


    Meet a panel of successful Talent Development professionals and learn about all the different journeys they took to get where they are now. Whether you're a teacher looking to move into corporate or consulting, or an aspiring project manager, instructional designer, team leader, business owner, or entrepreneur, there'll be something for everyone during this panel discussion! 

    Panelists: Christina Calderwood, Julia Keider, DeAnna Strand (biographies are listed below)

    Moderator: Jen Laidlaw


    Objectives:

    • Discover various career paths for Talent Development professionals
    • Uncover new career ideas or paths for yourself


    Agenda:

    5:30  Networking and dinner
    6:15  Introductions
    6:30  Panel Discussion
    7:45 Close


    Registration Details: Please register by Wed May 6. 

    • Ann Arbor Chapter Members: Advanced Registration $30 by Thu Apr 23, Regular Registration $35
    • Other MI ATD Chapters: Advanced Registration $35 by Thu Apr 23, Regular Registration $40
    • Student Members: $15
    • Non-Members/Guests: $45


    All attendees (including guests) must register in advance so we can make facility and food arrangements.


    Location:

    Washtenaw Community College - Morris Lawrence Building

    Community Meeting Room ML 150

    4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105


    Panelists:

    Christina Calderwood 

    is a project manager and instructional designer at Innovative Learning Group with nearly 30 years of experience in training and performance improvement. She has consulted with clients across the automotive, business services, insurance, finance, retail, manufacturing, nonprofit, technology, and defense industries. Her work includes designing custom training solutions in areas such as AI, leadership, software development, quality, engineering, and sales. She recently led an AI project for an automotive client focused on enhancing internal learning and development processes.

    Christina is a member of the Association for Talent Development and ATD Detroit and is serving a two-year term on the ATD Detroit board of directors as vice president of membership. She holds a master’s degree in education with a concentration in instructional technology from Wayne State University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University.



    Julia Keider

    is the Principal Executive Coach at Keider Consulting Group, Livingston County-based coaching, consulting, and leadership development organization focused on developing people as they pursue their aspirations for leadership greatness. She is an Authorized DiSC® Partner, a certified professional with the Association for Talent Development (CPTD), a SHRM certified professional (SHRM-CP), a volunteer leader with Livingston County SHRM, and a two-time graduate from Eastern Michigan University.

    For the last ten years, Julia has remained committed to modeling and practicing coaching and leadership strategies with clients to practice on their own, incorporating best practices in teaching and adult learning. Blending business, human resources, and education into her frameworks for client engagement, Julia believes in finding the balance of learning strategies and applying them to the workplace, leading clients to discover leadership through strategy, incorporating productive communication skills, and elevating others to find their talents and strengths.


    DeAnna Strand, MA, CPTD,

    is the Learning and Development (L&D) Program Manager at Gift of Life Michigan. For over 25 years, her passion has been developing people. Her HR and L&D background spans across several different industries including organic food, automotive and healthcare. As an ATD Master Trainer and Master Instructional Designer, she creates leadership programs, skill improvement workshops, and other learning opportunities. She oversees the new hire onboarding program, focusing on a valuable employee experience and successfully integrating them into the organization’s culture. DeAnna is also a certified Predictive Index (PI) practitioner.  



    Moderator: Jen Laidlaw 

    is the owner of TeamWerks Talent Development and Consulting where she helps small businesses improve team and leadership effectiveness with a focus on values, positive company culture, and practical outcomes. With 20+ years in manufacturing and digital marketing, she specializes in coaching front-line leaders, applying agile practices, and developing custom learning programs. She is a current board member of the Ann Arbor chapter of Association for Talent Development, the New Enterprise Forum out of Ann Arbor SPARK!, and Livingston County SHRM (formerly LAHRA). Jen has a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan and is a certified Scrum Master and a DiSC and Franklin Covey facilitator.



    • Monday, May 11, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 12:55 PM
    • 25
    Register



    Virtual Coffee Chat: Connect and Grow with Us!

    Monday May 11th, 12:00 NOON - 12:55 PM


    Hosted by: Kumail Lassi, A2ATD Board Admin

    University of Michigan, Senior Training Specialist


    Join us for a warm and welcoming coffee chat—an excellent opportunity for our members to connect and share in an informal setting! Whether you're a seasoned member or new to our community, this is the perfect chance to foster connections and learn more about what we have to offer.

    Meet your board, mingle with fellow TD professionals, and dive into meaningful conversations. This month, we’ll reflect on insights from our recent event and explore key takeaways applicable to our work and professional growth. Bring your ideas, celebrate successes, and seek support for challenges!

    The instructions to join the Zoom webinar will be included in the registration confirmation email and in the email the morning of the event.

    Agenda:

    12:00 - 12:05 PM | Welcome
    12:05 - 12:50 PM | Discussion
    12:50 - 12:55 PM | Meeting Close


    Registration Details:

    • Ann Arbor Chapter Members: Free
    • Other MI ATD Chapters: Free
    • Student Members: Free
    • Non-Members/Guests: $10


    Cancellations & Refunds:

    Cancellation refund requests will be accepted in writing when emailed to finance@a2atd.org up to 24 hours before the event start time. See further information on our Event Policies page at this link.

    • Monday, October 12, 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Washtenaw Community College - Morris Lawrence Building
    Register



    2026 MI ATD Regional Conference

    Monday Oct 12th, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor MI


    Join us for a full day of professional development!

    Networking Opportunities: Connect with talent development professionals, build valuable relationships, and expand your network during dedicated networking sessions. 

    Engaging Keynote Speaker: Prepare to be captivated by an industry leader who will share insights, experiences, and strategies for success.

    Interactive Breakout Sessions: Dive deep into the latest trends and best practices in talent development through our interactive breakout sessions led by industry experts announced in the coming weeks.

    Want to be a speaker? Apply at this link Apr 30th.

    Additional details being added weekly. Check back for updates.

    Registration:

      • MI ATD Chapter Members: Advanced Registration $150 by Sun. Aug 16th, Regular Registration $185
      • Student Members of MI ATD Chapters: $100
      • Non-Members: $225
      • MI ATD Conference Volunteer / Workers: $100

      Please register by Oct. 5, 2026. 
      All attendees (including guests) must register in advance so we can make facility and food arrangements.

      Location Details:

      Washtenaw Community College - Morris Lawrence Building

      4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

      Presenter Information and Agenda Coming Soon:

    Past Events

    Friday, April 24, 2026 2026 Pre-ATD Michigan Speakers Conference
    Wednesday, April 08, 2026 April Virtual Coffee Chat
    Tuesday, March 10, 2026 March Coffee Chat (In-Person)
    Thursday, March 05, 2026 How to be More Effective in Your Instructional Design
    Thursday, February 26, 2026 February Coffee Chat (In-Person)
    Thursday, February 05, 2026 Navigating The Winds of Change
    Sunday, January 18, 2026 CPTD Study Group - Informational Kickoff Session
    Thursday, January 15, 2026 January Coffee Chat (Virtual)
    Thursday, January 08, 2026 State of the Industry Panel: What's Now & What's Next in L&D
    Monday, December 08, 2025 December Virtual Coffee Chat
    Thursday, December 04, 2025 L&D’s Role in the AI Transformation
    Wednesday, November 12, 2025 November Coffee Chat (In-Person)
    Thursday, November 06, 2025 Instructional Design for Employee Empowerment
    Monday, October 13, 2025 October Coffee Chat (In-Person)
    Thursday, October 02, 2025 MIATD 25 Regional Conference
    Monday, September 15, 2025 September Coffee Chat (In-Person)
    Thursday, September 04, 2025 Project Management: The #1 reason your projects are failing and what to do about it!
    Thursday, August 07, 2025 Ice Cream Social / Member Appreciation Event
    Sunday, July 27, 2025 CPTD Study Group - Informational Kickoff Session
    Tuesday, July 01, 2025 July Summer Break
    Thursday, June 05, 2025 A2ATD Summer 2025 Networking Happy Hour
    Friday, May 30, 2025 May Coffee Chat — IN PERSON!
    Thursday, May 01, 2025 Transforming Training with TechSmith: Video, Images & AI in Action
    Thursday, April 24, 2025 April Coffee Chat
    Friday, April 18, 2025 Pre-ATD25 Michigan Speakers Conference
    Friday, March 28, 2025 March Coffee Chat (IN PERSON!)
    Thursday, March 06, 2025 How To Improve Your Employee Experience Through Employee Journey Mapping
    Tuesday, February 18, 2025 February Coffee Chat
    Thursday, February 06, 2025 I am an imposter.
    Friday, January 24, 2025 January Coffee Chat
    Sunday, January 19, 2025 CPTD Study Group - Informational Kickoff Session
    Thursday, January 09, 2025 State of the Industry Panel: Insights into Learning’s Future
    Thursday, December 05, 2024 CPTD Study Group Celebration: 100+ Certified
    Monday, December 02, 2024 2024 Employee Learning Week (Dec 2–6)
    Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Krewes of Practice with ATD Baton Rouge
    Monday, November 18, 2024 November Coffee Chat (IN PERSON!)
    Thursday, November 07, 2024 Entrepreneurial Business of Learning Professionals, Consultants, and Leadership Coaches
    Friday, October 25, 2024 October Coffee Chat
    Tuesday, October 15, 2024 It's time to REFRESH! — October Mini-Conference Event
    Thursday, September 26, 2024 Career Connections Panel & Networking Event
    Thursday, September 05, 2024 Your Professional Blueprint: Build a Network to Learn, Leverage, Succeed
    Thursday, August 01, 2024 Sweeten Your Network: Summer Ice Cream Social
    Sunday, July 21, 2024 CPTD Study Group - Informational Kickoff Session
    Thursday, June 06, 2024 A2ATD Summer 2024 Networking Happy Hour
    Friday, May 24, 2024 May Coffee Chat
    Thursday, May 02, 2024 How to Earn a Seat at the Table
    Friday, April 19, 2024 April Coffee Chat (IN PERSON!)
    Friday, April 12, 2024 Pre-ATD24 Michigan Speakers Conference
    Friday, March 22, 2024 March Coffee Chat
    Tuesday, March 12, 2024 VR: What is it? Why use it? And experience it!
    Friday, February 23, 2024 February Coffee Chat
    Thursday, February 08, 2024 Harness AI to Transform Your Learning Ecosystem
    Friday, January 19, 2024 January New Year's Coffee Chat
    Sunday, January 14, 2024 CPTD Study Group - Informational Kickoff Session
    Thursday, January 11, 2024 Microlearning: What the heck is it – and 20 ways to use it! (Virtual Event)
    Monday, December 04, 2023 Night of Networking
    Monday, December 04, 2023 Employee Learning Week
    Monday, November 13, 2023 November Coffee Chat
    Thursday, November 02, 2023 The Great Engagement
    Thursday, October 26, 2023 October Coffee Chat
    Tuesday, October 17, 2023 It's time to REFRESH! — October Mini-Conference Event
    Friday, September 22, 2023 Coffee Chat! Welcome Back!
    Thursday, September 14, 2023 Liberating Structures: Power Tools for Peer Learning
    Sunday, July 30, 2023 CPTD Study Group - Fall 2023
    Sunday, July 23, 2023 CPTD Study Group - Informational Kickoff Session
    Thursday, June 01, 2023 A2ATD Summer 2023 Networking Happy Hour
    Wednesday, May 17, 2023 Coffee Chat! Welcome New Members!
    Thursday, May 04, 2023 Putting Performance First
    Monday, April 17, 2023 Coffee Chat! April Event Debrief and Networking
    Thursday, April 06, 2023 Shut Up and Facilitate
    Monday, March 13, 2023 Coffee Chat! March Event Debrief and Networking
    Thursday, March 02, 2023 Defining Learner Success with Journey Mapping
    Thursday, February 02, 2023 A2ATD Networking – Trivia Night!
    Sunday, January 22, 2023 CPTD Study Group - Informational Kickoff Session

                         

    Network. Learn. Grow.

    Creating a World that Works better.

    Ann Arbor ATD  P.O. Box 130131  Ann Arbor, MI 48113


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