ATD Central Iowa upcoming events

Targeted Talent Development: Fueling Growth at Every Level (Friday, April 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Topic: Targeted Talent Development: Fueling Growth at Every Level

Date: Friday, April 24th, 2026

Time: 8:30 AM to 10 AM (program approximately 60 minutes)

Description:

Organizational growth isn't just about the big goals or bold strategies - it's about how effectively you develop the people who will carry them out. But too often, professional learning is broad when it needs to be focused, generic when it should be personal. Targeted talent development shifts that dynamic, creating learning experiences that are tailored, relevant, and build to move both people and strategy forward.

In this highly interactive session, we'll reimagine professional development as a flexible, focused tool for building capability across your organization. You'll explore practical ways to design learning that meets people where they are - without losing momentum, clarity, or scalability. Expect tools you can use immediately, insights you'll carry forward, and strategies to create development experiences that actually stick.

Facilitator Bio:

Dr. Teresa Peterson is the Director of Learning and Development at The Noll Wilson Group, co-author of the Don't Feed the Elephants! Workbook, and contributor to Harvard Business Review. With over 20 years of experience in teaching, facilitation, and leadership, Teresa specializes in designing and delivering transformative learning experiences that help leaders show up more powerfully for the people they serve.

Teresa holds a Doctorate in Education from UNI and several certifications. Her deep expertise allows her to craft thoughtful, accessible programs that help people build trust and strengthen collaboration. Known for her grounded presence and masterful facilitation, Teresa brings both clarity and care to her work. She equips leaders with the tools and confidence to tackle complex challenges and create lasting change.

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The purpose of the Non-Profit SIG is to serve our communities and enhance engagement with Iowa nonprofit organizations by offering high-quality leadership and professional development to individuals who work for non-profits and others in talent development. We meet on the 4th Friday of the month at 8:30 a.m., usually virtually via Zoom.

The Nonprofit Special Interest Group (SIG) is hosted by Thom Powell (thomleader@outlook.com) and Alicia Vermeer (alicia@cyconcepts.org). If you have any questions, comments or ideas for the SIG, please connect with one of them.

Tech SIG: The AI-Assisted ID Workflow: From Intake to Output Without Losing Your Brain (Friday, May 01, 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The AI-Assisted ID Workflow: From Intake to Output Without Losing Your Brain

Every instructional designer has felt it: the cognitive overload of managing a full course build from scratch. In this session, we'll walk through the complete course development lifecycle with AI embedded as a practical tool at every phase, from needs scoping and storyboarding to voiceover scripting, assessment writing, and accessibility review. This isn't a session about AI replacing the instructional designer. It's about reclaiming your bandwidth for the work that actually requires you.

Topics will include:

Using AI to accelerate storyboarding and content structuring
Prompting strategies for assessment item generation and review
Accessibility and QA checks you can automate without sacrificing quality
Building a personal AI workflow that fits your tools and your org

Skill level: Beginner to intermediate.

Facilitator Bio: Lauren Fischels is a Strategic Talent Management Partner at Ruan, a national leader in logistics and transportation, where she specializes in enterprise training, leadership development, and content creation. With a multidisciplinary background spanning client technology consulting, managed IT service leadership, and organizational learning, Lauren brings a people-first, business-minded lens to talent development. She is passionate about designing programs that elevate both individual capability and organizational performance, and serves as Co-Director of Technology for the ATD Central Iowa Chapter.

The Technology/E-learning Special Interest Group (SIG) brings the talent development community together for collaborative discussions and workshops to explore e-learning and technology in training. Tech SIG events are hosted by Shelby Fourez (Athene, sfourez@athene.com) and Lauren Fischels (Ruan, lfischel@ruan.com).

Cost: FREE

What’s the Evidence? Making Research-Informed Decisions for Better Talent Development (Friday, May 08, 2026)

Fri, 08 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Go beyond the boundaries of experience to include research for more evidence-based decision-making. Learn how to acquire, appraise, and apply research as evidence to make better decisions for your organization’s talent development. This session is an introduction to the 6 A’s of evidence-based practice with a focus on scientific literature as a source of evidence. Attendees will learn how to: search for open-access research; dissect an article to get the most important information with minimal effort; and appraise the relevance, appropriateness, and quality of the research.

At the end of this session, learners will be able to:

Identify the 6 A’s of evidence-based practice – Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Aggregate, Apply, and Assess.
Identify four sources of evidence, especially scientific literature
Search for open-access research relevant to a stated problem or question.
Appraise the relevance, appropriateness, and quality of the research.

Meet the Speaker:

Robert G. Olinger is an assistant teaching professor of management at the University of Kansas in the School of Business. His teaching focuses on HR, organizational behavior, and strategic management. Prior to his academic career, Robert served 21years in the Iowa National Guard leading teams and managing organizations to reach award-winning performance locally, regionally, and nationally. Robert earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Grand View University and is working on his dissertation to earn a PhD from Drake University.

ATD-CI Monthly Board Meeting (Monday, June 22, 2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Hello Chapter Members! You are welcome to attend our monthly Central Iowa Chapter ATD Board Meetings, where we focus on chapter operations, governance, and strategic planning. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month.

If you would like to observe a meeting, please sign up to receive the Google Meet link.

Questions? Let us know! Email us at president@atdiowa.org.

The Internal Trainer Preparation & Certification Model (Friday, July 10, 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this practical virtual session, Jordon Taylor, the "Corporate Training Companion," unveils a robust framework for validating trainer readiness and ensuring consistent, high-quality learning experiences. We will move beyond theory and dive into two essential tools: the Certification Guidelines and the Training Lesson Plan.

Attendees will explore a systematic process for the tracking of trainer capability, ensuring that no critical skill gap is overlooked. You will also learn how to implement a four-step preparation model, covering participant learning, trainer preparation, delivery strategies, and lesson breakdowns. This model empowers facilitators to deliver with confidence. Whether you are building new internal faculty or upskilling subject matter experts, this session provides the actionable blueprint you need to internally certify your trainers for success.

Meet the Presenter: Jordan Taylor

Jordon Taylor helps new and experienced learning professionals build real skill in modern corporate training, drawing from his own experience as a trainer, consultant, and learning leader. He designs practical, engaging Train-the-Learning-Professional experiences that build strong instructional habits, confident facilitation, and effective learning systems. Blending expertise in corporate training, performance consulting, and instructional design with a magician’s timing and a musician’s creativity, Jordon makes learning stick. He has designed and led 100+ programs across industries, built company-wide train-the-trainer curriculum, coached dozens of facilitators, and created scalable virtual onboarding and continuing education with 90%+ satisfaction. Whether you’re new to training or leading learning at scale, Jordon helps you use modern tools like AI, Google Workspace, and Office 365 to create learning experiences people actually remember.

ATD-CI Monthly Board Meeting (Monday, August 17, 2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

If you would like to observe a meeting, please sign up to receive the Google Meet link.

Questions? Let us know! Email us at president@atdiowa.org.

ATD-CI Monthly Board Meeting (Monday, September 21, 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

If you would like to observe a meeting, please sign up to receive the Google Meet link.

Questions? Let us know! Email us at president@atdiowa.org.

KinetIQ Live!: Signal & Noise (Thursday, September 24, 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

ATD Central Iowa's newest event is back, and this time KinetIQ Live! is tackling workplace assessments head-on.

What's the difference between feel-good new-age pseudoscience and meaningful, validated insights?

How do talent development and HR practitioners sift through thousands of psychometrics to find one that actually works for their organization?

And why the heck is DiSC spelled like that?

All of these questions and more will be answered as eight expert practitioners dig into what works, what doesn't, and why it matters in a fun, fast-paced, action-oriented format.

This isn't a night of sales pitches. It's a night of healthy skepticism, science-informed practice, and meaningful action.

Individual GA and Reserved Group seating available. Ticket includes heavy apps and two drink tickets.

Questions? Email preselect@atdiowa.org.

Real Leadership Begins Within: Lead Yourself. Lead Others. Lead the Change. (Friday, October 09, 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Great leaders aren’t born—they’re developed, through self-awareness, intentional coaching, meaningful conversations, and hard work. In this engaging, hands-on workshop, participants learn how to lead from within while using a coach approach to positively influence others.

Drawing on concepts from Leading the Team Within, (Ann Wright) and the OSCAR Coaching Model (Andrew Gilbert and Karen Whittleworth) this session equips leaders to transform everyday conversations into opportunities for clarity, growth, and connection. Participants will examine how self-leadership, purpose, and confidence directly influence communication, decision-making, and team performance. Guided by Ann, they will also explore how traits often viewed as negative, can be reframed into leadership strengths—enabling more confident decisions for themselves and the teams they lead.

Through reflection, discussion, and hands-on application, attendees will build confidence, sharpen communication, and strengthen connections that drive meaningful impact. Participants will practice coaching and be coached, strengthening their ability to ask curiosity-driven questions with clarity and impact.

Walk away with practical tools and one clear action you can apply immediately to lead and influence more effectively—one conversation at a time. Whether you’re leading team members, collaborating across departments, or striving to grow personally, this session equips you to lead from within and make a lasting difference.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Actively listen and ask powerful, curiosity-driven questions that build trust and connection by utilizing a coach approach-one conversation at a time
Apply the OSCAR Coaching Model to lead and influence others through everyday conversations
Increase self-awareness and confidence by reframing perceived weaknesses into leadership strengths
Lead and positively impact others by strengthening communication and relationships to foster collaboration, engagement, and team performance

ATD-CI Monthly Board Meeting (Monday, October 19, 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

If you would like to observe a meeting, please sign up to receive the Google Meet link.

Questions? Let us know! Email us at president@atdiowa.org.

Spark the Experience: Leading with Energy, Empathy & Presence (Friday, November 13, 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Fatigue is contagious. Talent developers feel it first. In a world where hybrid work, rapid change, and emotional overload are the new normal, leaders are burning out while trying to keep everyone else motivated.

This session explores how emotional intelligence and body language shape the transfer of energy across teams and learning environments. Using neuroscience, behavioral research, and real-world examples, Dr. Claire Muselman teaches how to identify compassion fatigue, reset emotional energy, and communicate with confidence and authenticity.

Through interactive exercises and practical takeaways, participants will learn how to use their tone, posture, and nonverbal cues to create belonging, trust, and engagement. They’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how presence and self-awareness influence facilitation, leadership, and culture. When we intentionally manage our energy, we elevate our impact and the entire learning experience. Attendees will leave recharged, refocused, and ready to spark connection, confidence, and curiosity in every room they enter.

After the session, the learners will be able to:

1. Recognize the signs of compassion fatigue in themselves and others.

2. Apply emotional-intelligence strategies to build empathy, boundaries, and resilience.

3. Use body language, tone, and micro-expressions to strengthen presence and connection.

4. Design micro-moments of belonging and energy renewal within training and leadership settings.

5. Facilitate with renewed confidence and authenticity to elevate learner engagement.

Meet The Speaker:

Dr. Claire Muselman is the Chief Operating Officer of WorkersCompensation.com and a Professor of Practice at Drake University specializing in Leadership, Human Resources, and Organizational Behavior. She is also Co-Director of the Master of Science in Leadership program and a nationally recognized keynote speaker. With more than 250 published articles on leadership, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience, Dr. Claire blends academic insight with real-world application to help leaders communicate with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Her signature style, bright, dynamic energy, brings science to life through practical, human-centered strategies that elevate energy and impact. Known for her work with Captive Resources, CLM, and executive education programs, she empowers organizations to build cultures of empathy, accountability, and connection. Whether teaching in the classroom or speaking on stage, Dr. Claire’s mission is to make leadership feel both brilliant and deeply human.

ATD-CI Monthly Board Meeting (Monday, November 16, 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

If you would like to observe a meeting, please sign up to receive the Google Meet link.

Questions? Let us know! Email us at president@atdiowa.org.

Building Comfort Zones for Engagement (Friday, December 11, 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This workshop is designed for Learning & Development professionals who facilitate experiential or participatory learning and want to more effectively engage groups that arrive hesitant, skeptical, or resistant. Crossed arms, eye rolls, and quiet withdrawal are often less about unwillingness and more about unclear expectations, perceived exposure, or unexamined assumptions about what participation is supposed to look like. Drawing from challenge-course facilitation and real-world team-building programs, Janie shares examples and stories from the field that illustrate how choice operates in practice—and how intentionally designed invitations can support comfort, engagement, and readiness. The session explores the concept of “comfort zones” and offers practical approaches for designing experiences that invite participation without pressure or manipulation.

At the end of this session, learners will be able to:

1. Identify and understand facilitation techniques that foster choice, inclusion, and curiosity-driven participation by reflecting on

how language, activity structure, and environment shape natural engagement and willingness to step outside comfort zones.

2. Leverage Experiential Activities for Learning: Participants will experience and practice playful, interactive activities that promote

connection, and inclusion, and together explore how to translate these methods into professional development settings.

Meet the Speaker:

Janie Jeffries, MA, TRS, CCM (she/her/ally) is a Lead Facilitator of the Stowe Heights Challenge Course, a program of Community Youth Concepts (CYC) in Des Moines, Iowa. With a Master’s in Therapeutic Recreation and over 20 years of experience in Experiential Education and facilitation, Janie brings deep expertise in designing programs that foster meaningful connection and engagement. Her work is grounded in the belief that intentional, experience-based learning builds bridges—to ourselves, to one another, and to the environments we navigate. Inspired by mentors who nurtured curiosity and compassion, Janie designs learning experiences that are authentic, inclusive, and rooted in human behavior, decision-making, and growth.

ATD-CI Monthly Board Meeting (Monday, December 21, 2026)

Mon, 21 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

If you would like to observe a meeting, please sign up to receive the Google Meet link.

Questions? Let us know! Email us at president@atdiowa.org.