ATD Cascadia upcoming events

Board of Directors Meeting - September (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The board meeting is open to any interested person.

Please indicate your interest in attending by registering in advance.

This will be a Zoom session and access will need to be given.

Learning over Lunch - Assessment Best Practices (Thursday, September 17, 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Assessment Best Practices

Ask better questions. Measure what matters.

Why Attend?

Whether you're building your first evaluation or refining an established approach, measuring learning impact can be challenging. Join fellow talent development professionals to explore practical approaches, exchange ideas, and learn what others have found successful.

Learning Format

Facilitated Peer Roundtable

What you'll Experience

This discussion is driven by the participants. Bring your questions, share your successes, and learn from the collective experience of the group. Whether you're looking for advice or have proven practices to share, you'll leave with fresh perspectives and practical ideas.

You'll Leave With

Practical assessment ideas you can apply immediately
New approaches shared by fellow talent development professionals
Connections with peers tackling similar challenges

Additional Information:

Please be prepared to join via video (if possible) and actively participate in small group discussions.
Zoom access information will be emailed to you prior to the program.

Bring your ideas, experiences, and questions to what promises to be an engaging and forward-thinking session!

Capability Areas: Developing Professional Capability, Learning Sciences, Instructional Design, Training Delivery and Facilitation

Learning Leaders SIG -How to Incorporate Organizational Development (OD) Principles Into L&D (Tuesday, October 06, 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

The ATD-Cascadia Learning Leaders Special Interest Group (SIG) is an informal discussion group where Talent Development leaders can talk about their challenges, successes, and what they are learning along the way. Our desire is to build a community of learning leaders who share best practices and feel supported in their work.

Please join us during the first Tuesday of every month at Noon for an hour of sharing insights and support with your colleagues.

By attending the Learning Leaders SIG, you will have an opportunity to:

Connect with other learning leaders to share current issues

Gain actionable insights on delivering a talent development strategy

Receive valuable advice and support from your peers

Intended Audience

Talent Development Leaders (managers and above) who are members or future members of ATD-Cascadia.

By talent development, we are specifically looking for those who:

Manage a staff of trainers, instructional designers, learning designers

Lead the learning and development function for an organization

Serve as external consultants who advise on talent development strategy

Have positions such as: Manager/Director of L&D/Training, Chief Learning Officer, Head of Talent Development, or HR leaders responsible for Talent Development

If you are not in a formal L&D leadership position, but want “a peak behind the curtain,” feel free to reach out to Dan Vetter or Dan Bilderback to learn more about this group and see if it is something that appeals to you.

Dan Bilderback, CPTD

Dan has been working in the field of Talent Development since 2006 and is currently the Director of Talent Development at SELCO Community Credit Union, based in Springfield, OR. A longtime member of ATD, Dan earned his CPTD designation in 2011 and was one of the co-founders of the ATD-Cascadia Lane County Geographical Interest Group (GIG). Dan is passionate about partnering with others to create learning solutions that are effective, timely, and fun!

In his spare time, Dan is a part time professional musician who loves traveling, wine tasting, and playing music with his wife, Corrina. Their border collie, Milo, keeps them active and happy!

Dan Vetter, CPTD

Dan has been improving human performance for 35 years. For 12 years he worked inside a Fortune 500 company developing and facilitating workshops for thousands of participants. Since 1994 he has worked his training magic with over 100 clients. Dan was the 2004 President of American Society for Training and Development – Cascadia Chapter. He is actively involved in Oregon Organizational Development Network and is leading their pro-bono Community Consulting Program. Additionally, he serves as an adjunct faculty member for Portland State University helping mentor and develop the trainers of tomorrow. In 2009 he was one of the earliest NW training professionals to earn the prestigious “Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)” designation from the Association for Talent Development (ATD).

Dan lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Carmen who is a glass artist. He loves sailing, hiking, cycling, and trips to the Oregon Coast.

Career & Leadership Development, Coaching, Collaboration & Leadership, Lifelong Learning, Talent Strategy & Management, Future Readiness

Chapter Orientation - ATD Cascadia Chapter (Thursday, October 08, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

ATD Cascadia Chapter Orientation

Get Connected. Get Involved. Get More from ATD Cascadia.

Why Attend?

New to ATD Cascadia? Thinking about joining? Already a member but curious about what’s happening in the chapter?

Come spend an hour with us! Chapter Orientation is a relaxed, welcoming way to learn more about ATD Cascadia, meet fellow talent development professionals, and discover the resources, connections, and opportunities available through your membership.

Learning Format

Interactive Chapter Welcome & Conversation

What You’ll Experience

We’ll give you a quick tour of ATD Cascadia, share the benefits and opportunities available to members, and introduce you to our Slack community where connection continues between events.

Bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe even something you’d like to get more involved in. We’ll make plenty of room for conversation and help you figure out how to make ATD Cascadia work for you.

You’ll Leave With

A better understanding of ATD Cascadia and your member benefits
An introduction to our Slack community and ways to stay connected
Ideas for getting involved based on your interests and goals
New connections with members of the Cascadia talent development community

Not a member yet? You’re welcome, too. Come meet us, ask questions, and see what the chapter is all about.

ATD Capabilities - Developing Professional Capability, Lifelong Learning, Future Readiness

Learning over Lunch - Panel Discussion: Career Pivots into Training (Thursday, October 15, 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Career Pivots into Training

New path. Same purpose. Greater impact.

Why Attend?

Thinking about a career in Learning & Development? Learn how professionals from a variety of backgrounds successfully made the transition and discover how your existing experience can become your greatest advantage.

Learning Format

Interactive Panel Discussion

What you'll Experience

Hear candid stories from experienced L&D professionals about their career journeys, transferable skills, lessons learned, and what they wish they'd known before making the pivot. You'll also have the opportunity to ask your own questions during a live Q&A.

You'll Leave With

A clearer understanding of career paths into L&D
Ideas for translating your existing experience into transferable skills
Practical advice to help you prepare for your own career transition

Additional Information:

Please be prepared to join via video (if possible) and actively participate in small group discussions.
Zoom access information will be emailed to you prior to the program.

Bring your ideas, experiences, and questions to what promises to be an engaging and forward-thinking session!

Capability Areas: Developing Professional Capability, Learning Sciences, Instructional Design, Training Delivery and Facilitation

Breakout WAY Better! with Kassy LaBorie (Friday, October 16, 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Breakout! Turn Zoom Breakout Rooms into Experiences People Actually Want to Join

Breakout rooms can be one of the most powerful tools in virtual training. They can also be awkward, confusing, poorly timed, and occasionally greeted with the virtual equivalent of, “Oh no... not another breakout.”

Let’s make them WAY better.

Why Attend?

A great breakout room doesn’t happen by accident. The right setup, clear instructions, thoughtful timing, and a purposeful debrief can turn an awkward virtual exercise into an experience people actually want to participate in.

In this highly interactive 90-minute workshop, virtual training pioneer Kassy LaBorie will show you how she designs, launches, manages, and debriefs breakout room experiences that keep participants engaged while making the technology feel seamless.

Learning Format

Hands-On Virtual Workshop

What You’ll Experience

This isn’t a watch-someone-else-click-buttons webinar.

You’ll explore the Zoom settings that matter, discover smarter ways to give instructions, and practice techniques for communicating with participants while they’re in their rooms. You’ll also see how simple touches such as timers, broadcasts, screen sharing, music, and purposeful debriefs can completely change the breakout experience.

Then, you’ll get behind the controls yourself.

You’ll have the opportunity to set up a breakout experience, send participants into rooms, communicate with them while they’re there, bring everyone back, and debrief the conversation.

Come ready to click, experiment, and maybe even mess something up. That’s the point. We’ll learn by doing, experimenting, and helping one another build the muscle memory that makes breakout rooms easier to facilitate when it really counts.

You’ll Leave With

Greater confidence setting up breakout rooms and choosing the Zoom settings that support a strong participant experience
Practical techniques for giving instructions, launching rooms, communicating with participants, managing timing and transitions, and bringing everyone back
Strategies for designing breakout conversations with focused prompts, realistic timing, and purposeful debriefs
Hands-on experience using host controls in a supportive environment
Fresh ideas for creating more engaging, human virtual learning experiences

Who Should Attend?

This session is designed for anyone who:

Delivers virtual training or facilitates online learning
Leads virtual meetings and wants to make them more engaging
Wants to build greater trust, connection, and participation in digital environments
Uses Zoom breakout rooms and wants to move from simply using them to facilitating them with confidence

About Kassy LaBorie

Kassy LaBorie is a globally recognized Master Facilitator, Human-Centered Futurist, and two-time bestselling author of Interact and Engage! 75+ Activities for Virtual Training, Meetings, and Webinars and Producing Virtual Training, Meetings, and Webinars.

Long before Zoom and Teams became everyday tools, Kassy was pioneering new approaches to virtual engagement. She has trained thousands of L&D professionals, corporate trainers, HR leaders, and teams from organizations including CVS Health, PepsiCo, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Whole Foods Market.

As the architect behind Dale Carnegie Training’s $4 million digital business and a former senior trainer who helped build Webex University, Kassy has played a significant role in shaping how people connect and collaborate virtually.

Today, she continues to explore what’s next in digital work, helping people master emerging tools without losing the human connection that makes learning meaningful.

Program Details

Meeting will be virtual - Zoom access will be included in your registration confirmation AND emailed the day prior to the program.

Registration Details

Online registration available until 10/09/26
Early bird registration until 9/15/26
Registration is available for our partner organizations
No refunds or credits for future events given after that time.

CPTD Recertification Credit

CPTDs earn one recertification point/credit for each physical hour of continuing education within one’s current role/job or involving a new experience or content. You will need to keep records of the event and prepare any required paperwork. Visit the CPTD webpage for complete information.

The Chapter estimates 1.5 recertification hours for this workshop.

- - - - - - - - - -

HRCI and SHRM Recertification Credit

This program may be eligible for self-certification for HRCI and SHRM recertification credits. You will need to keep records of the event and prepare any required paperwork. Visit the HRCI recertification webpage or the SHRM recertification webpage for more information.

Capability Model Focus Areas: Developing Professional Capability, Learning Sciences, Training Delivery and Facilitation, Technology Application, Building Personal Capacity, Communication

Collective Impact: Conversations Across Disciplines (Tuesday, October 20, 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Where Coaching. Talent Development. Organization Development. Connect.

What becomes possible when we stop working in silos and start learning across disciplines?

Join us for an inspiring afternoon that brings together professionals from coaching, talent development, organization development, HR, learning and development, leadership, and change management to explore the power of collective impact.

Hosted through a unique collaboration between ICF Oregon, ATD Cascadia, and ODN Oregon, this event is designed to spark meaningful conversations, expand professional networks, and uncover new ways to create lasting impact within our organizations and communities. At this event, you will discover fresh perspectives and practical ideas by engaging with professionals who approach organizational challenges through different—but complementary—lenses.

What to Expect

An interactive experience designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration
Real world conversations with professionals across multiple disciplines
Opportunities to build relationships beyond your professional network
New ideas for leadership, learning, coaching, culture, and organizational effectiveness
Actionable Insights and Inspiration you can immediately apply in your work

Who Should Attend?

This event is designed for professionals working in:

Professional Coaching
Talent Development & Learning
Organization Development and effectiveness
Human Resources
Leadership Development
Change Management
Culture & Employee Experience
Anyone passionate about developing people and organizations

Why "Collective Impact"?

Today's organizational challenges are increasingly complex and interconnected. No single discipline holds all the answers.Together, we can create stronger leaders, healthier workplaces, and more resilient organizations.

By bringing together coaching, talent development, and organization development professionals in one shared space, we create opportunities to learn from one another, discover common ground, and build partnerships that extend beyond this event.

Registration Includes

Admission to the event
Interactive learning experience
Networking with professionals across disciplines
Beverages

Registration Details

Online registration available until October 13, 2026
To receive a refund, a written request must be received in the Chapter office at least one week before the event.
No refunds or credits for future events given after that time.

- - - - - - - - - -

CPTD Recertification Credit

The Chapter estimates 2.5 recertification hours for this workshop.

- - - - - - - - - -

HRCI and SHRM Recertification Credit

ATD Capability Model - Business Insight, Talent Strategy & Management, Training Delivery & Facilitation, Evaluating Impact, Future Readiness

Chapter Orientation - ATD Cascadia Chapter (Wednesday, October 21, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT

ATD Cascadia Chapter Orientation

Get Connected. Get Involved. Get More from ATD Cascadia.

Why Attend?

New to ATD Cascadia? Thinking about joining? Already a member but curious about what’s happening in the chapter?

Learning Format

Interactive Chapter Welcome & Conversation

What You’ll Experience

We’ll give you a quick tour of ATD Cascadia, share the benefits and opportunities available to members, and introduce you to our Slack community where connection continues between events.

You’ll Leave With

A better understanding of ATD Cascadia and your member benefits
An introduction to our Slack community and ways to stay connected
Ideas for getting involved based on your interests and goals
New connections with members of the Cascadia talent development community

Not a member yet? You’re welcome, too. Come meet us, ask questions, and see what the chapter is all about.

ATD Capabilities - Developing Professional Capability, Lifelong Learning, Future Readiness

Know the Business. Be the Partner. The Business Acumen Skills That Change How L&D Shows Up with Jess Almlie (Wednesday, October 28, 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Know the Business. Be the Partner.

The Business Acumen Skills

That Change How L&D Shows Up

Why Attend?

Want to be seen as a strategic partner? Start by understanding the business you’re partnering with.

Business acumen is one of the most powerful skills Learning & Talent Development professionals can build. It changes the questions we ask, the conversations we have, and our ability to connect learning and talent solutions to the challenges that actually matter to the organization.

And as AI takes on more transactional work, that ability becomes even more important. Understanding the business helps us move beyond taking orders and toward solving problems, influencing decisions, and creating meaningful value.

The good news? Business acumen isn’t something you either have or you don’t. It’s a skill you can build.

Learning Format

Interactive Virtual Workshop

What You’ll Experience

This 90-minute workshop with Jess Almlie will help you take a practical look at what business acumen means for L&TD and where you can strengthen yours.

You’ll explore five key areas of business knowledge, assess where you already have insight and where gaps exist, and identify ways to find the information you need.

You’ll also begin creating your own Business Acumen Handbook, a practical tool you can continue building long after the workshop ends.

Through discussion and breakout activities, you’ll practice connecting business knowledge to the talent, performance, and organizational challenges your partners bring to you.

You’ll Leave With

A clearer understanding of business acumen and how it changes the way L&TD shows up with business partners
A five-part framework for identifying the business knowledge that matters most
Your own Business Acumen Handbook template for capturing information, resources, insights, and questions
Practical ways to find and use business information to connect learning and talent work to organizational priorities and performance challenges
A clearer picture of where to build next to strengthen your own business acumen

Meet Your Facilitator

Jess Almlie is an award-winning Learning and Talent Development strategist who helps organizations transform L&D from reactive order takers into trusted strategic business partners.

A former Vice President of Learning with more than 30 years of experience, Jess brings deep expertise at the intersection of business strategy, performance, and people development. In 2023, she founded Almlie Consulting, where she helps learning and talent teams clarify business problems, align solutions to strategy, and deliver measurable impact.

Jess is the author of L&D Order Taker No More! Become a Strategic Business Partner (ATD Press), host of the L&D Must Change podcast, and a frequent industry speaker. She was named a 2025 Learning Guild Master in recognition of her contributions to the profession.

Program Details

Meeting will be virtual - Zoom access will be included in your registration confirmation AND emailed the day prior to the program.

Registration Details

Online registration available until 10/27
Early bird registration until 10/7
Registration is available for our partner organizations
No refunds or credits for future events given after that time.

CPTD Recertification Credit

The Chapter estimates 1.5 recertification hours for this workshop.

- - - - - - - - - -

HRCI and SHRM Recertification Credit

Capability Model Focus Areas -Developing Professional Capability, Career & Leadership Development, Evaluating Impact, Communication, Collaboration & Leadership, Business insight, Consulting & Business Partnering, Organizational Development & Culture

Learning Leaders SIG -How Do You Convince Your Company that L&D Still Matters? (Tuesday, November 03, 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Please join us during the first Tuesday of every month at Noon for an hour of sharing insights and support with your colleagues.

By attending the Learning Leaders SIG, you will have an opportunity to:

Connect with other learning leaders to share current issues

Gain actionable insights on delivering a talent development strategy

Receive valuable advice and support from your peers

Intended Audience

Talent Development Leaders (managers and above) who are members or future members of ATD-Cascadia.

By talent development, we are specifically looking for those who:

Manage a staff of trainers, instructional designers, learning designers

Lead the learning and development function for an organization

Serve as external consultants who advise on talent development strategy

Have positions such as: Manager/Director of L&D/Training, Chief Learning Officer, Head of Talent Development, or HR leaders responsible for Talent Development

Dan Bilderback, CPTD

In his spare time, Dan is a part time professional musician who loves traveling, wine tasting, and playing music with his wife, Corrina. Their border collie, Milo, keeps them active and happy!

Dan Vetter, CPTD

Dan lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Carmen who is a glass artist. He loves sailing, hiking, cycling, and trips to the Oregon Coast.

Career & Leadership Development, Coaching, Collaboration & Leadership, Lifelong Learning, Talent Strategy & Management, Future Readiness

Board of Directors Meeting - November (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

The board meeting is open to any interested person.

Please indicate your interest in attending by registering in advance.

This will be a Zoom session and access will need to be given.

Learning over Lunch - Round Table: Professional Portfolios (Thursday, November 19, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Professional Portfolios

Evidence of growth. Proof of impact.

Why Attend?

A professional portfolio helps tell the story behind your work. Whether you're preparing for your next opportunity or simply want to better showcase your accomplishments, a strong portfolio can demonstrate your impact in ways a résumé can't.

Learning Format

Facilitated Peer Roundtable

What you'll Experience

Bring your questions, ideas, and experiences as we explore what belongs in a professional portfolio, different ways to organize and present your work, and examples that have worked well for others. The conversation will be shaped by the interests and expertise of the group.

You'll Leave With

A clearer understanding of what makes an effective professional portfolio
Ideas for organizing and presenting your experience
Inspiration and practical examples from fellow talent development professionals

Additional Information:

Please be prepared to join via video (if possible) and actively participate in small group discussions.
Zoom access information will be emailed to you prior to the program.

Bring your ideas, experiences, and questions to what promises to be an engaging and forward-thinking session!

Capability Areas: Developing Professional Capability, Learning Sciences, Instructional Design, Training Delivery and Facilitation

Learning Leaders SIG - Learning Leaders’ Show and Tell: What We Accomplished and What We Learned in 2026 (Tuesday, December 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Please join us during the first Tuesday of every month at Noon for an hour of sharing insights and support with your colleagues.

By attending the Learning Leaders SIG, you will have an opportunity to:

Connect with other learning leaders to share current issues

Gain actionable insights on delivering a talent development strategy

Receive valuable advice and support from your peers

Intended Audience

Talent Development Leaders (managers and above) who are members or future members of ATD-Cascadia.

By talent development, we are specifically looking for those who:

Manage a staff of trainers, instructional designers, learning designers

Lead the learning and development function for an organization

Serve as external consultants who advise on talent development strategy

Have positions such as: Manager/Director of L&D/Training, Chief Learning Officer, Head of Talent Development, or HR leaders responsible for Talent Development

Dan Bilderback, CPTD

In his spare time, Dan is a part time professional musician who loves traveling, wine tasting, and playing music with his wife, Corrina. Their border collie, Milo, keeps them active and happy!

Dan Vetter, CPTD

Dan lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Carmen who is a glass artist. He loves sailing, hiking, cycling, and trips to the Oregon Coast.

Career & Leadership Development, Coaching, Collaboration & Leadership, Lifelong Learning, Talent Strategy & Management, Future Readiness

Board of Directors Meeting - December (Tuesday, December 15, 2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 01:00:00 GMT

The board meeting is open to any interested person.

Please indicate your interest in attending by registering in advance.

This will be a Zoom session and access will need to be given.

Learning over Lunch - "Gift Exchange" (Thursday, December 17, 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Gift Exchange

The best ideas are meant to be shared.

Why Attend?

Discover practical resources that fellow talent development professionals genuinely use and recommend. You might find your next favorite book, AI tool, activity, or time-saving strategy in just one hour.

Learning Format

Community Idea Exchange

What you'll Experience

Everyone brings one idea. Everyone leaves with many. Share one resource you love, hear recommendations from fellow professionals, and discover practical tools, books, podcasts, activities, AI tools, and strategies you can put to use right away.

You'll Leave With

New ideas, tools, and resources to explore
Practical recommendations from trusted peers
Inspiration you'll use long after lunch

Additional Information:

Please be prepared to join via video (if possible) and actively participate in small group discussions.
Zoom access information will be emailed to you prior to the program.

Bring your ideas, experiences, and questions to what promises to be an engaging and forward-thinking session!

Capability Areas: Developing Professional Capability, Learning Sciences, Instructional Design, Training Delivery and Facilitation