Ann Arbor ATD upcoming events

Career Pathways in Talent Development (Thursday, May 07, 2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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, a 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.

May Virtual Coffee Chat (Monday, May 11, 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

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.

2026 MI ATD Regional Conference (Monday, October 12, 2026)

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

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: