ATD Cascadia upcoming events

State of the Industry Report: Benchmarks and Confronting a BANI Environment (Friday, June 12, 2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In a Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible (BANI) world, talent development has a strategic opening: harness AI agents for hyper-personalized, just in time, upskilling, co-create learning paths that adapt in real-time, and continue to lead the way in steering and driving change that leverages our unique talents in ways that ultimately best serve our target audiences.

Join us for an in-person overview of ATD National’s latest State of the Industry report, spotlighting spending trends, learning hours per employee, delivery modalities, AI adoption rates, and TD staffing shifts. We’ll confront how these conditions demand agile L&D strategies that build resilience amid uncertainty.

Expect a high-level summary with facilitated discussions where local leaders share how BANI dynamics such as fragile systems, heightened anxiety, nonlinear timelines, and opaque futures, play out in their workplaces.

This session will include an in-depth overview of the latest data, small-group BANI analysis, full-group synthesis, and personal action commitments.

Primary Audience

Talent development, L&D, and HR professionals
People leaders who sponsor or champion learning
Internal consultants, OD practitioners, and instructional designers

Learning Objectives

By session end, participants will be able to:

Summarize ATD benchmarks (spend per employee, hours, modalities, tech/AI use).
Identify two to three BANI-specific challenges from national data and local stories.
Adapt national trends to local contexts by analyzing how peers are reducing learner anxiety and handling nonlinear skill shifts.
Develop one to two concrete next steps such as AI-enabled just-in-time learning, manager enablement for uncertainty, or redesigned measurement for volatile environments.
Commit to one BANI-aware practice shift (e.g., scenario planning over linear roadmaps, anxiety-reducing communications, simplified success metrics) for immediate implementation.

This lean session will better equip you to lead through BANI with data and collective wisdom. Bring your front line stories and we’ll turn them into strategies.

D.J. Netz is the corporate leadership development curriculum manager for Northrop Grumman. He is responsible for shaping learning strategy while delivering innovative and future-focused programs for leadership development, technical skills, change management, and transformation training in all modalities.

Previously, Mr. Netz served for three years as Leadership Development Program Manager, Enterprise Operations, for Lockheed Martin Corporation. In this capacity, he was responsible for leading the corporate curriculum strategy for each level of leadership.

Prior to Lockheed Martin, Mr. Netz was a senior learning consultant for GP Strategies, a global performance improvement provider. In that role, he advised enterprise level organizations on digital learning transformation, crafting solutions that balance technology and scalability. Throughout his career, D.J. has led several initiatives for leadership strategy, financial acumen, data science, and business development training.

Mr. Netz graduated from Portland State University with a Master’s degree in Adult Education. He earned his undergraduate degree in Management of Human Resources from George Fox University. He achieved Scrum Master certification in 2019.

D.J. is a three-time Brandon Hall award winner. He served six years as adjunct instructor at Portland State University, teaching courses on corporate training. He served on the board of the ATD-Cascadia Chapter for twelve years. In his free time, D.J. enjoys domestic travel and organic farming.

- - - - - - - - - -

Program Details

This is an in person session

Registration Details

Online registration available until June 11, 2026
Registration is available for our partner organizations.
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

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 2.0 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.

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

Board of Directors Meeting - June (Tuesday, June 16, 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 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.

ATD Cascadia's Learning over Lunch - How to Facilitate Hot Topics to Maintain Cool Heads (Thursday, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 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.

Please note: To continue offering high-quality programming and to ensure the sustainability of our chapter, we are now implementing a $10 fee for non-members to attend networking events including our Learning Over Lunch series.

This session will focus on Facilitation structures that support psychological safety and nuance in team decision-making.

Take aways:

1. A model for understanding how disagreements can lead to conflict, and how to keep the process productive.

2. Two facilitation techniques learners can use with their groups tomorrow.

3. An opportunity to compare notes about how hot topics in our region are impacting other teams.

About the Pacific Northwest Facilitators Guild (PNWFG):

The PNWFG is a professional collective of independent facilitators and small firms serving Oregon and Washington, starting in the Portland/Vancouver metro area.

We exist because organizations in this region deserve better access to skilled facilitation when it matters most: the high-stakes conversations, the stalled innovations, the cross-functional tangles, the decisions that keep getting deferred. Our members bring a range of methodologies and deep experience working with teams under pressure.

For talent development professionals, the Guild offers a local bench of vetted practitioners you can call on when your organization needs outside facilitation support, whether that's a single session or a complex multi-stakeholder engagement. We complement the professional development work that groups like ATD already do by focusing on the practitioner side: making sure skilled facilitators are findable, collaborative, and ready to work.

This Month's Topic: How to Facilitate Hot Topics to Maintain Cool Heads

Agenda items:

Group discussion and sharing

Details:

Date & Time: June 18 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, Developing Professional Capability, Training Delivery and Facilitation,Lifelong Learning

Learning Leaders SIG - Practical Uses of AI for Learning Development: Storyboards, Visuals, and Narration (Tuesday, July 07, 2026)

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:00:00 GMT

This is the last of the series focusing on AI in L & D.

July 7 - Session 3: Practical Uses of AI for Learning Development: Storyboards, Visuals, and Narration

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 - 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

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 - 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 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 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.