ATD Detroit upcoming events

Instructional Design SIG - Microlearning (Thursday, April 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Hello ATD Detroit Members,

We’re excited to invite you to the Instructional Design Special Interest Group (SIG) session!

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual (Zoom – link provided after registration)
Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and local ATD chapter members

This month's Topic: Microlearning

What’s a SIG?
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are small, member-driven communities focused on particular aspects of Talent Development. SIGs provide a space for members to dive deeper into shared interests, skills, and roles while building valuable connections.

For more information about the Instructional Design SIG, please contact:

Laurie Zeller – lauriezeller365@gmail.com
Misty Minna – Misty.minna@gmail.com
Julie Pochik - julieapochik@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!

Behavioral Science SIG, Building L&D Assets with AI That You Can Actually Use with Jay Johnson (Thursday, May 07, 2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

May Topic: Building L&D Assets with AI That You Can Actually Use

Location: Zoom Online Virtual Platform (link provided after registration)

Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and other local Chapter Members &

$10.00 for Guest

Description: Join us for Building L&D Assets with AI That You Can Actually Use. Most people use AI like a search engine and then wonder why the output feels generic. In this session, we will treat AI like what it really is: a junior design partner that needs clear direction. You will learn how to write prompts that reliably generate high-quality learning assets you can actually use, not just rough ideas that sound good in theory.

This is not a generic “prompt engineering” talk. It is practical prompting for trainers, facilitators, and instructional designers who want better outputs, faster. We will walk through repeatable prompt templates for needs analysis, learning objectives, storyboards, scenarios and role plays, facilitator guides, assessments, job aids, and follow-up resources. You will also learn how to add the missing ingredient most prompts lack: context. When you include the audience, constraints, tone, and behavioral outcomes, AI becomes dramatically more useful and far more consistent.

You will leave with a simple prompting framework, example prompts you can plug into your next project, and best practices for iterating and validating quality so AI speeds up your work without lowering the bar.

Jay's Bio

Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents.

For more information about the ID SIG or the upcoming Meet-up, contact SIG Organizer Jay Johnson at jay@behavioralelements.com

Note: SIGs are an exclusive member benefit for ATD Detroit and other local ATD chapter members.

----

What's a SIG?

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are small groups of members who share an affinity for a particular aspect of Talent Development. Whether it's a specific approach, a certain skill, or a common role in the industry, a SIG helps bring chapter members together to share in an interest.

Anyone can start a SIG - all it takes is a shared interest and a meeting place! To learn more, contact the Chapter President, president@detroitatd.org.

Monthly Meeting: Moving From Panic to Purpose (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Moving From Panic to Purpose: Surviving and Thriving During Unrelenting Change

with Amy Waninger

Your industry is changing more rapidly than ever before, bringing a barrage of discussions about disruption, agility, and resilience. Professionals who adapt quickly can seize new opportunities and manage their careers. This session will introduce various models for understanding personal and organizational change, as well as techniques for identifying and overcoming fear, resistance, and uncertainty. Participants will work through a guided exercise to prepare for a current or imminent change.

They will leave with an action plan that puts them in the driver’s seat.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

✅ Recognize different models for understanding change from an organizational and personal perspective

✅ Identify different responses to change, including fear and resistance, in yourself and others

✅ Evaluate productive behaviors and resilience strategies

✅ Create a personalized action plan for a current or imminent change in your life or career

Schedule:

5:30 - 6:00 P.M. Networking Time

6:00-6:15 P.M. Welcome and Announcements

6:15-7:30 Session

About Amy C. Waninger

Amy C. Waninger (she/her) is the Founder & CEO of Lead at Any Level, where she improves employee engagement and retention for companies that promote from within. Amy offers assessments, advisory services, and training on essential skills for inclusive leaders. She is the author of eight books including Network Beyond Bias: Making Diversity a Competitive Advantage for Your Career.

Amy is a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP), Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach.

She is also a Member of National Speakers Association and a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner. She’s been named a Top 100 HR Influencer globally, five years in a row, and has served clients and audiences on all seven continents, including Antarctica! Her other credentials include two degrees from Indiana University and a “World’s Best Mom” coffee mug.

ATD Detroit 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. This program qualifies for a maximum of 1.5 points.

https://www.credly.com/badges/85145185-065b-452f-a4d9-c632adf20bd8/public_url

Career Boost Coffee Chat (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Career Boost Coffee Chat

Looking to refine your resume, build a standout portfolio, or boost your career prospects? Join us for our Career Boost Coffee Chat, a monthly virtual meetup designed for unemployed and underemployed members seeking expert feedback and guidance.

Topic:

When: Third Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free for ATD members (Detroit, Ann Arbor & West Michigan), $10 for future members

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with fellow professionals! Register now to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Instructional Design SIG (Thursday, May 28, 2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Hello ATD Detroit Members,

We’re excited to invite you to the Instructional Design Special Interest Group (SIG) session!

Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual (Zoom – link provided after registration)
Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and local ATD chapter members

This month's Topic:

For more information about the Instructional Design SIG, please contact:

Laurie Zeller – lauriezeller365@gmail.com
Misty Minna – Misty.minna@gmail.com
Julie Pochik - julieapochik@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!

Behavioral Science SIG (Thursday, June 04, 2026)

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

January Topic: AI as a Behavioral Co-Trainer: Designing Human + Machine Learning Experiences

Location: Zoom Online Virtual Platform (link provided after registration)

Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and other local Chapter Members &

$10.00 for Guest

Description: Join us for AI as a Behavioral Co-Trainer: Designing Human + Machine Learning Experiences. AI is no longer just a content engine, it is a powerful shaper of behavior. In this session, we will explore how AI can act as a “behavioral co-trainer” for your learners and a “co-pilot” for you. From prompting reflection and spacing practice, to nudging follow-through and adapting difficulty, AI can quietly influence what people do before, during, and after your programs. At the same time, it can radically streamline how you design, develop, and deliver learning.

Instead of asking, “Will AI replace trainers?” we will focus on better questions:

What should AI handle incredibly well, and what must stay deeply human?
Where can AI automate micro-tasks so you can focus on high-value facilitation, relationships, and strategy?

Come ready to rethink AI not as a threat to your role, but as a behavioral amplifier and creative partner that can make your work faster, sharper, and more impactful, while keeping the human element exactly where it matters most.

Jay's Bio

For more information about the ID SIG or the upcoming Meet-up, contact SIG Organizer Jay Johnson at jay@behavioralelements.com

Note: SIGs are an exclusive member benefit for ATD Detroit and other local ATD chapter members.

----

What's a SIG?

Anyone can start a SIG - all it takes is a shared interest and a meeting place! To learn more, contact the Chapter President, president@detroitatd.org.

Top Trainer Throwdown 2026! (Tuesday, June 09, 2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Apply to be a competitor: https://form.jotform.com/260274130232140

Join us at Walsh College in Troy!

✨ Who will walk away with the title of Top Trainer of the Year? Come watch, cheer, and vote for your favorite!

Join us at Walsh College (3838 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083) for appetizers, networking, and fantastic presentations!

ATD Detroit: $35

ATD Ann Arbor and West Michigan: $40

Future Members: $45

Students: $15

Each presenter will have 15 minutes to give their best training session, then attendees will vote the winner! Register today to be part of this action-packed event!

Session Schedule

5:30 - 6:30 Networking & Appetizers

6:30 - 7:45 Top Trainer Throwdown Presentations

7:45 - 8:00 Wrap up

Career Boost Coffee Chat (Tuesday, June 16, 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Career Boost Coffee Chat

Topic:

When: Third Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free for ATD members (Detroit, Ann Arbor & West Michigan), $10 for future members

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with fellow professionals! Register now to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Instructional Design SIG - Facilitation Skills for Non Facilitators (Thursday, June 25, 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Hello ATD Detroit Members,

We’re excited to invite you to the Instructional Design Special Interest Group (SIG) session!

Date: Thursday, June 25th ⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET

Location: Virtual (Zoom – link provided after registration)
Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and local ATD chapter members

This month's Topic: Facilitation Skills for Non-Facilitators

As Instructional designers we are often more comfortable working on training materials in the background than being in front of a group. In this session, Megan Kelynack will introduce the way to build facilitation skills that we may need in different moments of our career.

For more information about the Instructional Design SIG, please contact:

Laurie Zeller – lauriezeller365@gmail.com
Misty Minna – Misty.minna@gmail.com
Julie Pochik - julieapochik@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!

Behavioral Science SIG (Thursday, July 02, 2026)

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

January Topic: AI as a Behavioral Co-Trainer: Designing Human + Machine Learning Experiences

Location: Zoom Online Virtual Platform (link provided after registration)

Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and other local Chapter Members &

$10.00 for Guest

Instead of asking, “Will AI replace trainers?” we will focus on better questions:

What should AI handle incredibly well, and what must stay deeply human?
Where can AI automate micro-tasks so you can focus on high-value facilitation, relationships, and strategy?

Jay's Bio

For more information about the ID SIG or the upcoming Meet-up, contact SIG Organizer Jay Johnson at jay@behavioralelements.com

Note: SIGs are an exclusive member benefit for ATD Detroit and other local ATD chapter members.

----

What's a SIG?

Anyone can start a SIG - all it takes is a shared interest and a meeting place! To learn more, contact the Chapter President, president@detroitatd.org.

ATD Detroit Baseball Night at Jimmy John's Field (Thursday, July 16, 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

You're Invited! ⚾

Join us for a night of networking and fun at Jimmy John's Field in Utica!
Bring your family and connect with fellow professionals in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Location: Jimmy John's Field, Utica

Gates Open: 6:00 PM
First Pitch: 7:05 PM

️ Your Ticket Includes:

Hot Dog
Bag of Chips
Pop or Water

Don’t miss out on a great evening of baseball, networking, and community fun. We look forward to seeing you there!

Note: Registration Closes June 16.

Career Boost Coffee Chat (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Career Boost Coffee Chat

Topic:

When: Third Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free for ATD members (Detroit, Ann Arbor & West Michigan), $10 for future members

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with fellow professionals! Register now to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Instructional Design SIG (Thursday, July 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Hello ATD Detroit Members,

We’re excited to invite you to the Instructional Design Special Interest Group (SIG) session!

Date: Thursday, July 30th, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual (Zoom – link provided after registration)
Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and local ATD chapter members

This month's Topic:

For more information about the Instructional Design SIG, please contact:

Laurie Zeller – lauriezeller365@gmail.com
Misty Minna – Misty.minna@gmail.com
Julie Pochik - julieapochik@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!

Behavioral Science SIG (Thursday, August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

January Topic: AI as a Behavioral Co-Trainer: Designing Human + Machine Learning Experiences

Location: Zoom Online Virtual Platform (link provided after registration)

Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and other local Chapter Members &

$10.00 for Guest

Instead of asking, “Will AI replace trainers?” we will focus on better questions:

What should AI handle incredibly well, and what must stay deeply human?
Where can AI automate micro-tasks so you can focus on high-value facilitation, relationships, and strategy?

Jay's Bio

For more information about the ID SIG or the upcoming Meet-up, contact SIG Organizer Jay Johnson at jay@behavioralelements.com

Note: SIGs are an exclusive member benefit for ATD Detroit and other local ATD chapter members.

----

What's a SIG?

Anyone can start a SIG - all it takes is a shared interest and a meeting place! To learn more, contact the Chapter President, president@detroitatd.org.

Career Boost Coffee Chat (Tuesday, August 18, 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Career Boost Coffee Chat

Topic:

When: Third Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free for ATD members (Detroit, Ann Arbor & West Michigan), $10 for future members

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with fellow professionals! Register now to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Instructional Design SIG (Thursday, August 27, 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Hello ATD Detroit Members,

We’re excited to invite you to the Instructional Design Special Interest Group (SIG) session!

Date: Thursday August 27th, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual (Zoom – link provided after registration)
Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and local ATD chapter members

This month's Topic: Career Development for ID's: from entering the field to expert

In this session, Laurie Zeller will share her career journey from sales to instructional design and the intentional steps she took to make the career move, followed by ideas gleaned from other ID's in the field on how to continue to develop as an instructional designer throughout your career. There will also be a group discussion time to share your favorite tips and ask for help from the group.

For more information about the Instructional Design SIG, please contact:

Laurie Zeller – lauriezeller365@gmail.com
Misty Minna – Misty.minna@gmail.com
Julie Pochik - julieapochik@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!

Behavioral Science SIG (Thursday, September 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

January Topic: AI as a Behavioral Co-Trainer: Designing Human + Machine Learning Experiences

Location: Zoom Online Virtual Platform (link provided after registration)

Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and other local Chapter Members &

$10.00 for Guest

Instead of asking, “Will AI replace trainers?” we will focus on better questions:

What should AI handle incredibly well, and what must stay deeply human?
Where can AI automate micro-tasks so you can focus on high-value facilitation, relationships, and strategy?

Jay's Bio

For more information about the ID SIG or the upcoming Meet-up, contact SIG Organizer Jay Johnson at jay@behavioralelements.com

Note: SIGs are an exclusive member benefit for ATD Detroit and other local ATD chapter members.

----

What's a SIG?

Anyone can start a SIG - all it takes is a shared interest and a meeting place! To learn more, contact the Chapter President, president@detroitatd.org.

Monthly Meeting: From Smile Sheets to Statistical Confidence (Tuesday, September 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

From Smile Sheets to Statistical Confidence: Practical Strategies for Defensible Training Evaluation

with Adrian Gianni

Most learning teams collect large amounts of training data but struggle to translate it into credible evidence of impact. This interactive session shows how to move beyond basic satisfaction metrics toward practical, defensible evaluation approaches that align with organizational decision-making.

Participants will work through real-world examples demonstrating how to strengthen Level 3 behavior measurement, connect learning data to business outcomes, and communicate results with greater confidence. The session emphasizes pragmatic methods that can be implemented using data organizations already collect—no advanced statistical background required.

Engagement strategies include guided reflection prompts, structured discussion, and live walkthrough examples that allow participants to evaluate their current measurement approach and identify immediate improvement opportunities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

✅ Identify common gaps that weaken training evaluation credibility

✅ Apply practical methods to strengthen Level 3 behavior measurement

✅ Describe ways to connect learning data to organizational outcomes

Schedule:

5:30 - 6:00 P.M. Networking Time

6:00-6:15 P.M. Welcome and Announcements

6:15-7:30 Session

About Adrian Gianni

Adrian Gianni is a training evaluation consultant and adjunct psychology professor specializing in practical, defensible measurement strategies for learning and development teams. He is the creator of Evaluation Trakker, an applied evaluation ecosystem designed to help organizations strengthen Level 3 behavior measurement, connect learning to business outcomes, and communicate results with greater confidence. Adrian has taught research methods and statistics at the university level and focuses on translating complex analytics into clear, real-world workflows that practitioners can implement using data they already collect.

Career Boost Coffee Chat (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Career Boost Coffee Chat

Topic:

When: Third Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free for ATD members (Detroit, Ann Arbor & West Michigan), $10 for future members

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with fellow professionals! Register now to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Instructional Design SIG (Thursday, September 24, 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Hello ATD Detroit Members,

We’re excited to invite you to the Instructional Design Special Interest Group (SIG) session!

Date: Thursday, September 24th, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual (Zoom – link provided after registration)
Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and local ATD chapter members

This month's Topic: Career Development for ID's: from entering the field to expert

For more information about the Instructional Design SIG, please contact:

Laurie Zeller – lauriezeller365@gmail.com
Misty Minna – Misty.minna@gmail.com
Julie Pochik - julieapochik@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!

Behavioral Science SIG (Thursday, October 08, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

January Topic: AI as a Behavioral Co-Trainer: Designing Human + Machine Learning Experiences

Location: Zoom Online Virtual Platform (link provided after registration)

Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and other local Chapter Members &

$10.00 for Guest

Instead of asking, “Will AI replace trainers?” we will focus on better questions:

What should AI handle incredibly well, and what must stay deeply human?
Where can AI automate micro-tasks so you can focus on high-value facilitation, relationships, and strategy?

Jay's Bio

For more information about the ID SIG or the upcoming Meet-up, contact SIG Organizer Jay Johnson at jay@behavioralelements.com

Note: SIGs are an exclusive member benefit for ATD Detroit and other local ATD chapter members.

----

What's a SIG?

Anyone can start a SIG - all it takes is a shared interest and a meeting place! To learn more, contact the Chapter President, president@detroitatd.org.

MIATD26 (Monday, October 12, 2026)

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Details pending.

Ann Arbor ATD - 2026 MI ATD Regional Conference

Career Boost Coffee Chat (Tuesday, October 20, 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Career Boost Coffee Chat

Topic:

When: Third Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free for ATD members (Detroit, Ann Arbor & West Michigan), $10 for future members

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with fellow professionals! Register now to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Instructional Design SIG (Thursday, October 29, 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Hello ATD Detroit Members,

We’re excited to invite you to the Instructional Design Special Interest Group (SIG) session!

Date: Thursday, October 29th, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual (Zoom – link provided after registration)
Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and local ATD chapter members

This month's Topic: Career Development for ID's: from entering the field to expert

For more information about the Instructional Design SIG, please contact:

Laurie Zeller – lauriezeller365@gmail.com
Misty Minna – Misty.minna@gmail.com
Julie Pochik - julieapochik@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!

Career Boost Coffee Chat (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Career Boost Coffee Chat

Topic:

When: Third Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free for ATD members (Detroit, Ann Arbor & West Michigan), $10 for future members

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with fellow professionals! Register now to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you there!