June Lunch & Learn

Business First, Training Second

Shift your lens from "What training do they need?" to "What business problem are we solving?" Master the art of connecting every learning initiative to strategic objectives, operational goals, and bottom-line results that matter to leadership.

Attendees will receive 1 CEU toward APTD and CPTD certification/recertification.

Speaker Info

Mike Saunderson, PhD

Dr. Mike Saunderson is Director of Training & Evaluation at Ethnopraxis, Inc., where he helps Fortune 500 organizations connect learning investments to measurable business impact. With over twelve years of experience in instructional design, performance consulting, and training evaluation, Mike specializes in diagnosing performance problems before building solutions. His research and consulting work focus on bridging the gap between training design, behavior change, and organizational outcomes through data-driven evaluation frameworks.

Science in Learning: Sociology

Thursday, July 23, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 pm AZT

The purpose of the Design and Delivery Community of Practice (CoP) is to explore new possibilities, share best practices, and build relationships in order to develop your instructional design and training delivery ability.

This month we want to discuss the social structures that are in place to reinforce learning. What in the learner's context is detracting them from learning?

Attendees will receive 1 CEU toward APTD and CPTD certification/recertification.

What is the group?

In our Design and Delivery Community of Practice, we will focus on the Instructional Design and the Training Delivery and Facilitation capabilities of ATD's Talent Development Capability Model™. Throughout 2026 we will be focusing on the science of learning. In the first meeting we are looking to determine the most appropriate tools for the discussions throughout the rest of the year. Then each meeting for the rest of the year will focus on one specific tool that is used.

Who can attend?

All learning, development, and talent professionals are welcome to join--whether you've just been told you're to train the new hire or you're a skillful facilitator who can handle the toughest of participants.

We will be looking for experts (or semi experts) to show tips and tricks of each tool and how to utilize them in our everyday lives.

How does ATD define "Delivery and Facilitation?"

Training delivery and facilitation are means by which talent development professionals help individuals improve performance at work by learning new skills and knowledge. The practitioner serves as a catalyst for learning by understanding the learner’s needs, creating the right environment for learning, building rapport with participants, and using the appropriate delivery options and media to make learning engaging, effective, relevant, and applicable.

How does ATD define "Instructional Design?"

Instructional design is an essential element of an effective learning effort. The creation of learning experiences and materials is what results in the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills. Talent development professionals follow a system of assessing needs, designing a process, developing materials, and evaluating effectiveness. Instructional design requires the analysis and selection of the most appropriate strategies, methodologies, and technologies to maximize the learning experience and knowledge transfer.

Say It Like a Leader

Communicating with Clarity, Confidence, and Connection in High-Visibility Moments

Virtual Session

Thursday, August 6, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 pm AZT

Great communication isn't just about being heard. It's about being understood, trusted, and remembered. In this 60-minute interactive virtual session, you'll explore how to show up with clarity and confidence in high-visibility moments, strengthen your leadership presence across meetings and presentations, and use communication as a genuine contribution to those around you.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating cross-functional relationships, or stepping into a bigger professional spotlight, you'll walk away with practical strategies you can put to work immediately. No overexplaining, no second-guessing, just connected, purposeful communication.

Attendees will receive 1 CEU toward APTD and CPTD certification/recertification.

Speaker Info

Bridgett McGowen - The Presentation Fixer^TM

Bridgett McGowen is an award-winning international professional speaker, author, and communication expert. No stranger to ATD, Bridgett has presented at the organization’s international conference, including appearing on the mainstage, and its Core4 events since 2018, consistently receiving exceedingly high ratings. Among several other honors, accolades, and accomplishments, Bridgett holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s degree, is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program graduate, has earned a Cornell University Certificate in Women's Entrepreneurship, and received an Award of Distinction from The Communicator Awards. Bridgett will move you to not only be confident but to be the most unforgettable person in the room.

August Lunch & Learn

The Boardroom Translator: Communication That Commands Respect

Master the art of executive-level communication--condensing complex L&D initiatives into compelling business narratives that win support, budget, and strategic influence. Learn what to say, what to skip, and how to position yourself as an indispensable business partner.

Attendees will receive 1 CEU toward APTD and CPTD certification/recertification.

Speaker Info

Kristy Bach - President, Know Your Talents

Kristy joined Know Your Talents (KYT) as Executive Vice-President Sales in March of 2021 and was promoted to President in April, 2022 and is responsible for all operations of KYT which is known as the Corporate Division of LearnKey.

Kristy brings her success to immediately connect with, consult, and inspire individuals across every level and discipline, building trust and authentic relationships with clients, team members, and peers. Kristy has always been passionate about the fundamentals of people strategy: leadership, talent, and culture, believing that these key ingredients drive operational efficiencies enabling a company to be stronger, more agile, innovative, and responsive to customers' needs.