GCATD upcoming events

NEW DATE! Learning Leaders SIG: How do we Create a Culture of Continuous Learning Without Overwhelming Employees? (04 Nov 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

NOTE that the original date has changed. The Learning Leaders will be meeting on Wednesday, November 4 at 7:30AM.

It seems the trend is doing more with less employees. I hear this multiple times at meetings, conferences, and daily discussions. But how do we continue to develop our employees without overwhelming them? I am overwhelmed personally and I know others are as well.

"If employees were given one hour per week for development, how would we ensure that hour produces meaningful growth rather than more content consumption?"

Let’s discuss this question and how we can create a meaningful learning environment that doesn’t overwhelm our employees. Convener: Leah Cridlin

Webinar: Conference Takeaways & Networking (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Keep the momentum going! The 2026 Conference may be behind us, but the learning journey continues! You're invited to an engaging conversation where we’ll reflect on what we learned, share “aha!” moments, and connect with fellow attendees.

Whether you attended the conference or not, this is a valuable opportunity to:

Hear what resonated most with your peers.
Share your own insights and impactful moments.
Learn from sessions you may have missed.
Network with colleagues across departments.

Didn’t attend the conference? No problem! You’re still welcome to join, learn, and be inspired.

Let’s keep the conversation going and continue growing together. Don’t miss this energizing and collaborative experience!

Host: Josh Donath, VP of Professional Development at GCATD.

Instructional Design (ID) SIG: Gamification in L&D (16 Nov 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The topic in November is Gamification in L&D, BUT remember the open forum - bring any of your L&D questions/wins/roadblocks and connect for insights!

GCATD's Instructional Design SIG is especially for Instructional Designers, whether full-time, contract, or independent consultants, come together to share thoughts on the industry, talk through challenges and roadblocks they are experiencing, providing a consistent group for networking and professional development.

Participants will also periodically hear from designated guest speakers. Convener: Benedetta Khoury

Learning Leaders SIG (25 Nov 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Topic: More details TBA. Convener: Leah Cridlin

Webinar: Pages to Practice - The First 20 Hours (09 Dec 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill but felt overwhelmed by the time, effort, or expertise required? In The First 20 Hours, Josh Kaufman challenges the belief that mastery requires thousands of hours of practice. Instead, he introduces a practical approach to rapid skill acquisition, showing how anyone can become proficient at a new skill with focused, deliberate practice during the first twenty hours.

In our discussion, we'll explore how learning professionals, HR practitioners, and leaders can apply these principles to accelerate their own development, build confidence in new areas, and create learning experiences that encourage continuous growth for others.

Not a reader? Don’t worry, all attendees can prepare for the discussion, by choosing their way to engage with the material:

Read a book: Get a copy of The First 20 Hours by Josh Kaufman from your local library, or check out the Libby App (free use).
Read an book summary: The First 20 Hours — Josh Kaufman | Summary & notes | Gianmarco David
Watch a video: The first 20 hours -- how to learn anything | Josh Kaufman | TEDxCSU

ABOUT PAGES TO PRACTICE

Pages to Practice are informal discussions where we bring learning professionals together to move beyond just reading and into application.

Each session centers on a shared book, guided discussion, and practical exploration of how key ideas translated into behavior change, learning design, organizational impact, etc.

Participants engage with peers to share experiences, and practical takeaways they can use immediately. Every session concludes with intentional networking, pairing participants to deepen relationships and extend learning beyond the meeting. Come for the insights and discussion—leave with connections and action.

Participants will leave this session with:

Apply principles from The First 20 Hours to design learning experiences that help employees build skills faster
Identify common barriers that prevent learners from developing new capabilities and strategies to overcome them
Explore how learning professionals can foster a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and skill development

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Cody Messmore, Learning and Development Systems Manager, General Electric Credit Union

Cody Messmore has over 15 years of experience in learning and development with a focus on instructional design, program management, and professional development. Currently he is the L&D Systems Manager at General Electric Credit Union where he is the L&D Systems Manager at General Electric Credit Union where he supports the Learning Management System (LMS) as well as managing several learning initiatives across the business.

Workshop: Building and Facilitating Training for Neurodivergent Learners (11 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 13:30:00 GMT

This session will equip HR professionals, educators, and facilitators with the concepts needed to design learning experiences that honor and welcome a wide variety of cognitive styles and reduce unintentional barriers. Together, we’ll discuss ways to improve clarity, engagement, and accessibility for neurodivergent learners while benefiting all participants.

Participants will leave this session with:

A foundational understanding of neurodiversity and associated strengths/challenges.
How various cognitive profiles may influence different processing and learning needs.
Tactics to integrate inclusive and accessible design principles to meet those cognitive profiles.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Samantha Kelly is a neurodivergent advocate and trainer who helps businesses build more inclusive, high-performing workplaces. Through workshops, coaching, and leadership development, she brings a strength-based, real-world approach to neurodiversity at work. With experience spanning the HR industry, consulting, and advocacy, Samantha is known for making complex ideas relatable — and creating space where all minds can thrive.

Web: https://www.beyondnd.com/

Instructional Design (ID) SIG (14 Dec 2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

GCATD's latest special interest group especially for Instructional Designers, whether full-time, contract, or independent consultants, come together to share thoughts on the industry, talk through challenges and roadblocks they are experiencing, providing a consistent group for networking and professional development.

Participants will also periodically hear from designated guest speakers. More topic details to come!

Webinar: The Mindset of a Champion - The Secret Weapon for High-Performance Leadership (14 Dec 2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

In today’s high-pressure work environment, mental fitness has become essential for effective leadership and sustainable performance.

In this interactive session, Todd Bertsch helps leaders and teams strengthen resilience, improve focus, and manage stress more effectively by shifting from reactive thinking to intentional action under pressure.

Participants will leave this session with:

Recognize how stress and reactive thought patterns can interfere with leadership effectiveness, decision-making, and performance.
Identify common mental habits that can undermine resilience, focus, and well-being.
Apply a simple mental fitness technique to pause, reframe, and respond more intentionally in challenging moments.
Explore how mental fitness can strengthen resilience and sustainable performance for both leaders and the people they support.
Identify one practical action they can immediately use to begin strengthening their mental fitness.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Todd Bertsch is a keynote speaker, mental fitness coach, and entrepreneur who helps leaders and teams perform at their best without sacrificing their well-being. With 20 years of executive leadership experience and more than five years practicing and coaching Positive Intelligence®, Todd blends behavioral science, real-world leadership experience, and practical tools to help people manage stress, strengthen resilience, and lead with greater intention.

Learning Leaders SIG (16 Dec 2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Topic: More details TBA. Convener: Leah Cridlin

Webinar: Becoming YOU 2.0 (27 Jan 2027)

Wed, 27 Jan 2027 17:00:00 GMT

Pure Motivation and Inspiration!! In this exclusive talk you will laugh, cheer, and find purpose as Sean Olson shares the power of being the best version of yourself, YOU 2.0.

Everyone, no matter the job or leader level, will be uplifted and challenged.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Greatness is inside of you: The chapters of my life have set me up to be great and make an impact.
We were created to do this WITH others: The best version of you is enhanced and sharpened as we journey and grow with others.
Begin moving forward now. Inspiration without action is a good feeling. Inspiration with action is growth that will drive you to the future you desire.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Sean Olson | Renogize, CEO and Co-Founder of Professional Coaching

Sean Olson is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and author with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and teams reach their full potential and e?ectiveness.

He is the co-founder and CEO of Renogize Professional Coaching. Renogize provides executive coaching and leadership development to Universities and Companies throughout the United States. Renogize has been voted the #1 Executive Coaching Firm in Central Ohio by Columbus CEO Magazine for the past five years.

He published his first book in December of 2019; This Is How I Role: 7 Strategies to Accelerate Your Leadership Growth and Promotability. He is also the host of The Intentional Leader podcast. His driving passion is to bring out the incredible leader that is inside every person; YOU 2.0.

Web: Sean Olson | Recognize Professional Coaching

Pages to Practice: Developing Human Capability for the Digital Workplace (18 Feb 2027)

Thu, 18 Feb 2027 17:00:00 GMT

As our investment in new technologies increases, we must ensure we are investing just as intentionally in the team members expected to use these technology tools.

Join us as we explore the concept of digital flourishing and consider how we can be a primary driver in developing human capability that complements technology and maximizes its impact. We'll examine the influence of cognitive capacity, digital friction, workplace culture, and intentional learning—and what these concepts mean for the future of organizational learning and development.

To prepare for the discussion, you can choose one or more ways to engage:

Read a book: The Future of Happiness, by Amy Blankson
Read an article: “Why Hasn’t AI Made Work Easier?” by Cal Newport (author of Deep Work)
Watch a video: The Future of Happiness: Getting Unstuck in the Digital Era, by Amy Blankson (TedX talk)

ABOUT PAGES TO PRACTICE

Pages to Practice are informal discussions where we bring learning professionals together to move beyond just reading and into application.

Each session centers on a shared book, guided discussion, and practical exploration of how key ideas translated into behavior change, learning design, organizational impact, etc.

Participants will leave this session with:

Explore the concept of digital flourishing and its relevance to today's workplace and workforce
Examine how cognitive capacity, digital friction, and workplace culture influence learning, performance, and adoption of new technologies.
Identify opportunities for Learning & Development professionals to intentionally build the human capabilities that enable people—and technology—to perform at their best together.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Elisabeth Galperin | Founder, Peak Productivity, Owner

Elisabeth Galperin is the founder of Peak Productivity. As an executive coach, trainer and speaker, she is passionate about helping professionals perform at their peak & reach their potential in all facets of life. Elisabeth works collaboratively with clients to improve personal habits, define & implement business systems, increase productivity & consistently perform at their peak – while avoiding burn-out and overcoming overwhelm. Her mission is to help leaders maximize their personal and professional potential while building sustainable and successful organizations that make a positive impact on our world.

Webinar: Win Anyway - How High-Performing Teams Maintain Consistency In Times of Uncertainty (23 Apr 2027)

Fri, 23 Apr 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Every team eventually faces a stretch where the future looks uncertain: budget cuts, reorgs, market shifts, or a crisis nobody saw coming. The difference between teams that freeze and teams that move forward comes down to belief. In this high-energy, research-backed session, I share the Win Anyway framework: three core beliefs high-performing teams use to stay consistent, take action, and win when conditions turn against them. Drawing from work with over 300 organizations, including JPMorgan Chase, John Maxwell Leadership, and Rutgers University, attendees leave with a practical, repeatable framework they can use with their own teams immediately.

Participants leaving this session will:

1. Recognize the choices and responses that remain within their control, even when circumstances are not.

2. Replace dependence on external stability with beliefs that support performance during uncertainty.

3. Reframe losses and setbacks as opportunities to learn, improve, and increase their chances of future success.

4. Take meaningful action before certainty, clarity, or perfect conditions arrive.

5. Build greater self-trust by acting, evaluating results, and learning from experience.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

MJ Pittman | The MJ Pittman Group / Leadership Speaker, Executive Coach & Author

MJ Pittman is a leadership speaker, executive coach and author who helps organizations navigate uncertainty together. With a background in engineering, finance and sales, MJ brings the rare combination of analytical rigor and human warmth to every room he enters.

His clients include the John Maxwell High Capacity Leaders Conference, JPMorgan Chase, and Rutgers University. Paid professional speaker for over two decades.

Web: https://mjpittman.com/

Workshop: Ship Happens-Be the Reason It Does (30 Apr 2027)

Fri, 30 Apr 2027 12:00:00 GMT

Ship Happens is an interactive workshop designed to help Learning & Development professionals think and operate like product managers. Instead of building courses by request or compliance, participants will be challenged to approach the request like product managers who validate assumptions and iterate before investing time and energy into long-term products.

In this session, attendees will step into one of three fictional organizations facing realistic learning challenges. Using these scenarios as their sandbox, they’ll explore how product thinking elevates ADDIE, uncover hidden root causes behind training requests, and practice translating stakeholder “asks” into strategic outcome statements.

The workshop culminates in the creation of an outcome-based roadmap: a practical tool that aligns learning efforts to business impact through clear North Star results, small testable pilots, and evidence-driven scaling.

This workshop equips L&D professionals to challenge assumptions, design with intention, and ship solutions that genuinely change performance because learning doesn’t matter until ship happens.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Cara North is an award-winning product-minded learning leader who helps organizations stop launching courses and start launching outcomes. She began her career as an “accidental” L&D professional in telecommunications, where a surprise promotion into training revealed a talent for simplifying complexity and improving performance. Nearly two decades later, her work spans corporate, higher education, and consulting environments with organizations including Amazon, The Ohio State University, Silfex, Medical Mutual and JPMorganChase.

Cara is the author of the award-nominated book Learning Experience Design Essentials and serves as adjunct faculty at Boise State University. She is also the founder of The Monthly 60-a community of practice for learning and development professionals to network and sharpen skills in one high-impact hour each month. Cara also serves as a certificate program facilitator for the Association for Talent and Development. She resides in Columbus, Ohio with her partner and their four cats. When she’s not working, you can find her in an Orangetheory Fitness studio chasing her next benchmark score, watching esports, or gaming her stress away. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caranorth11/

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM; Doors open at 7:45 AM with networking available until 10:00 AM. Continental Breakfast will be provided.

Conveners: Kim Breeze, Nathan Floom, Jonathan Wilson