ATD Cascadia upcoming events

Board of Directors Meeting - July (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)

Wed, 22 Jul 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 Leaders SIG -Protecting DEI Programs in the Current Climate (Tuesday, August 04, 2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 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

Board of Directors Meeting - August (Tuesday, August 18, 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 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 - Grounded Leadership: Staying Effective in High-Stakes Conversations (Thursday, August 20, 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Are you looking for a friendly and collaborative opportunity for knowledge sharing? Join fellow Talent Development professionals for ATD-Cascadia’s free Learning Over Lunch series.

This workshop supports leaders in navigating difficult conversations with confidence by helping them understand how the brain responds to stress and perceived threat. Participants explore the neuroscience of emotional regulation, reflect on their personal stress and safety cues, and practice practical tools for staying grounded, clear, and effective during high-stakes conversations.

Take aways:

• Normalize emotional reactions – Understand that stress responses are a natural biological reaction, not a personal failure or lack of capability.

• Increase self-awareness – Learn to recognize personal signs of being in a stress state versus a safe state, and how each impacts communication and problem-solving.

• Build regulation skills – Leave with practical tools to shift from a stress response into a calm, productive “safe zone” during challenging conversations.

About Elle Christensen:

Training & Development Manager

OrePac Building Products

Elle Christensen is the Training and Development Manager at OrePac Building Products, where she supports leadership development across the organization. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College (Class of 2015) with a degree in Critical Social Thought, Elle brings a strong foundation in systems thinking and human behavior to her work. She is also an alumna of Gonzaga University (Class of 2018), where she earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Elle’s work focuses on building leadership capability by helping people understand the neuroscience behind predictable human reactions and apply that knowledge to stay calm, clear, and connected.

This Month's Topic: Grounded Leadership: Staying Effective in High-Stakes Conversations

Agenda items:

Group discussion and sharing

Details:

Date & Time: August 20, 2026 - 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Format: Virtual discussion with small group breakouts

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, Building Personal Capacity, Communication, Emotional Intelligence & Decision Making

Evening Edition: Industry Story Slam (Tuesday, August 25, 2026)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Inspired by the storytelling tradition of The Moth, this evening features true, personal stories told live by professionals across talent development, learning and development, organizational development, human resources, people operations, coaching, and leadership. Each storyteller will share a 5–7 minute story about a defining moment in their career—one that challenged them, changed them, or shaped the way they lead today.

From unexpected failures and breakthrough moments to career pivots and lessons learned the hard way, these stories remind us that some of the most powerful professional development comes through shared human experience.

Come connect with colleagues, enjoy great food, and experience an evening of authenticity, laughter, and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

Gain fresh perspectives through authentic stories of leadership, resilience, and professional growth.
Discover lessons and insights you can apply to your own career, team, or organization.
Build meaningful connections with fellow professionals through the shared experience of storytelling.

What to Expect

Live storytelling from professionals across talent development, learning and development, organizational development, human resources, and people operations.
Authentic stories told without notes in a supportive, engaging environment.
Opportunities to connect with colleagues before and after the program.
A welcoming atmosphere that celebrates learning through shared experience.

Food & Beverage:

Enjoy provided food during the event. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Who Should Attend

Learning and development professionals
HR professionals focused on talent development
Training managers and coordinators
Anyone interested in professional development trends
ATD members and those considering membership!

Our programs are a great opportunity to connect with talent development colleagues from across the area as well as to learn something new as each meeting focuses on a different topic related to our profession. Our programs are open to members and non-members alike.

Additional Registration Information

Discounted registration is available for our partner organizations (ICF, NSA, ODN, SHRM).

Multiple registrations? Contact the office at 503-579-1552 or adminassistant@tdcascadia.org.

Need a refund? Send a written request to adminassistant@tdcascadia.org at least one week before the event. No refunds or credits for future events given after that time.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please register in advance.

HRCI and SHRM

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.

Developing Professional Capability, Training Delivery and Facilitation, Knowledge Management, Career & Leadership Development, Communication, Emotional Intelligence & Decision Making, Collaboration & Leadership, Cultural Awareness & Inclusion, Lifelong Learning, Impacting Organizational Capability, Business insight, Organizational Development & Culture, Talent Strategy & Management, Change Management, Future Readiness

Learning Leaders SIG -Proposing Solutions When You Can’t Guarantee ROI: How to Protect the L&D space When Times Get Lean (Tuesday, September 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 19:00:00 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 - 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

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 - October (Tuesday, October 20, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The board meeting is open to any interested person.

Please indicate your interest in attending by registering in advance.

Please note that the meeting location may either be in a secure building where you will need to receive instructions prior to the meeting to gain access. Or, this will be a Zoom session and access will need to be given.

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 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.