Central Ohio ATD upcoming events

COATD Technology SIG - April (14 Apr 2026)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, April 14
noon - 1pm

Join the Technology SIG for an open topic discussion
about all things Learning Technology.

If you have an L&D technology question bring it to the group.

next Technology SIG June 9

ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY SIG

Technology is constantly changing and growing in demand, and it can certainly enhance your training. Topics may include elearning, video, mobile, virtual ILT, gamification, accessibility, LMS, software/online tools, automation, augmented reality, artificial intelligence or other topics. We provide a forum for COATD members to network, share and learn best practices and trends in technology that supports talent development. Have a question or just want to keep up? Come join us!

MEET THE SIG LEADER

Todd is an Instructional Designer and Curriculum Developer with a background in elearning, multimedia, project management, accessibility, user experience design, gamification, visual design, and more. He has been a leader in non-profits for many years including Toastmasters, Nationwide’s Accessibility Advocate Forum, and Central Ohio ATD (4 years as VP of SIGs and 6 years as Technology SIG leader.)

He has taught adult education classes at OSU, presented at WSU, UI and several industry conferences on multimedia, usability, gamification, automation and how to speak. He enjoys creating experiences that train, communicate and entertain audiences.

In addition to working as an Instructional Designer and Curriculum Developer, past roles include Art Director, Multimedia Touch-screen Kiosks Developer, and Usability Specialist. For the past 20 years he was a Learning and Performance Consultant at Nationwide and now works for the Ohio Department of Aging.

COATD Leadership Development SIG - April (15 Apr 2026)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, April 15
noon - 1pm

HOW AI IS CHANGING THE WAY WE LEAD

Leaders today are being asked to guide their teams through one of the most profound shifts in modern work: the integration of AI into everyday decision‑making and collaboration.
While organizations pour resources into technical tools, the real differentiator is a leader’s psychological readiness, their ability to navigate identity changes, maintain trust, and create safety as roles and expectations evolve.
AI doesn’t just change workflows; it reshapes what it feels like to lead. Our conversation today is about that human side of AI transformation, and how we, as leadership development professionals, can help leaders stay grounded, adaptive, and effective in this new era.

next Leadership Development SIG June 17

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SIG

No successful organization exists without effective leadership. It is the primary driver for growth, development, and innovation. For the participants in this SIG, leader development is not only what they do, but also what they love to do, and we enjoy learning from each other’s experiences, history and ideas. Join us to discuss current leadership trends and how we are developing the leaders of today and tomorrow.

MEET THE SIG LEADER

Dr. Adam Bowman, Psy.D., SHRM‑CP, PHR, is an organizational psychologist, executive coach, and Senior Training Consultant at Sedgwick, where he has been a dedicated team member since 2007. He specializes in developing leaders and managers through programs such as Sedgwick’s STAR and SOAR initiatives and partners closely with leadership on engagement, coaching, and organizational development strategies.

With expertise in leadership development, conflict resolution, organizational justice, and employee development, Dr. Bowman designs and facilitates learning experiences for professionals across the insurance and healthcare industries. He also brings extensive experience as a court mediator, facilitator, and organizational consultant, supporting individuals and teams in navigating complex interpersonal and organizational challenges.

Adam is a passionate educator, teaching graduate psychology courses at Grand Canyon University and Southern New Hampshire University. He is also actively involved in the Central Ohio chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and serves on the leadership team of Sedgwick’s Neurodiversity and Disability Colleague Resource Group (CRG).

Dr. Bowman holds a doctorate in Personal and Organizational Psychology and maintains both SHRM‑CP and PHR human resources certifications.

COATD Independent Consultant SIG - April (21 Apr 2026)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, April 21
noon - 1pm

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Independent Consultant SIG June 16

ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT SIG

The Independent Consultant SIG fosters collaboration and continuous learning among a diverse group of independent professionals working to make a positive impact in the field of Learning & Development.

MEET THE SIG LEADER

Jake Harter, MHRM, PHR, is a Fractional Talent Management Consultant and owner of BellevueHRM. He specializes in elevating organizations from "good" to "great" by creating institutional programs and processes that foster thriving, proactive, and agile workforces.

With a proven track record supporting global Fortune 500 companies and family-owned businesses, coupled with a Master's in Human Resources Management and a Professional in Human Resources® certification, Jake excels in identifying high-potential employees, managing complex change management programs, and driving revenue growth through strategic workforce planning.

2026 COATD LearnFest (23 Apr 2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

2026 COATD LearnFest

We are excited to bring you a mini-conference with maximum impact.

⭐ Upskill and network all before lunchtime.

⭐ Two workshops AND a keynote speaker!

Workshop #1

Topic: Pause Before You Prompt: A Discussion on How We Can Approach AI Use Responsibly

Facilitator: Megan Hysell

Every conference has a talk about AI, the wonders of how it can make your life easier, and that we must be using it. This isn’t that talk. Yes, AI can take some mundane tasks off your to-do list, but how often do we consider if these systems are behaving safely, lawfully and accountably in the real world? We don’t have to run from AI, but let’s also be thoughtful in how easily we’re running to it. In this discussion, we will dive into some of the pitfalls of AI, why we’re being told it’s an inevitable part of our future before it truly has the evidence to back up those claims, and how we might become a voice of discernment when new versions are introduced in our organizations.

About Megan:

Megan Hysell has over 20 years of experience in healthcare as a human resources professional and behavioral health administrative director. While she loved leading people, Megan sorely missed the creativity and connection of her education roots. She made a mid-career shift and now provides career coaching and facilitates trainings & team discussions with leading healthcare professionals at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of Forbes 2026 best large employers. Megan helps individuals and employers evaluate their practices through a sociological lens that considers how we can create a better world around us.

Workshop #2

Topic: Culture is Everyone's Job

Facilitators: Andy Aichele & Sarah Blackford

Culture is one of the most vital investments in our organizations, our communities, and our relationships. Culture is EVERYONE's job to build, foster, maintain and sustain. We will explore how to intentionally and purposefully design and support a culture that drives both team member engagement and business results.

About Andy:

Andy Aichele is the co-founder of Culture Always Partners LLC, developing and delivering services in learning & development, leadership coaching and culture transformation. He believes culture is what we do, and engagement is what we think about that. The connector is our behaviors and the choices we make every moment of every day. Andy’s coaching and facilitation style aims to help leaders make those consistent behavior choices to achieve a culture of ALWAYS.

Andy served as Vice President of Education at COSI, leading and supporting a transformative education ecosystem that empowered learning in lives and communities locally and globally through hands-on, accessible, fun and engaging experiences. He provided strategic vision and facilitation for COSI University, an organization-wide professional development portfolio focused on leadership development, career development, onboarding, and team infrastructure and engagement. Andy led the Organizational Learning & Development functions at NetJets Services, Inc. and at the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

The Ohio Museums Association recognized Andy as the Museum Professional of the Year for 2022. Andy serves on the State of Ohio STEM Committee, served as Chapter President and VP of Programs for Central Ohio chapter of Association of Talent Development (ATD), and was a co-leader of the Learning Leaders Forum. He also served four times as TEDxYouth@Columbus organizer and curator.

Andy holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in business administration, with a focus on organizational behavior, from Capital University.

About Sarah:

Sarah Blackford is the co-founder of Culture Always Partners LLC, guiding organizations toward sustainable success through culture transformation, leadership coaching, and L&D initiatives. Her philosophy is centered on empowering individuals and teams to make the conscious choices that build a culture of ALWAYS.

With a human-centered and service-oriented career, Sarah's work is defined by her tenure in leadership roles such as Manager, People Development and Delivery. In the aviation sector (British Airways), she was a transformative leader, responsible for reimagining and delivering a global service culture change that impacted how customers were served. Built around five core pillars, her expertise lies in bridging operational rigor with service excellence, designing holistic onboarding, leadership development, and instructional design programs, and creating clear, repeatable systems that ensure consistent performance and clarify how every role—from the front lines to the back office—shapes the customer experience across primary care, aviation, education, and nonprofit environments. She is a certified trainer for the Crucial Learning Suite (Crucial Conversations, Crucial Influencer, Getting Things Done (GTD)), and InsideOut Coaching.

Closing Keynote

Leadership reDEFYned: Infusing Authenticity to Maximize Culture

by Tami Chapek, WeInspireWe

Studies demonstrate that authenticity is the best pathway to success and leads to greater outcomes. Yet, we continue to see leaders that look, talk, act, and lead alike. This consistency leads to status quo approaches and average results. Rather than continue this path of adequacy, we must reDEFYne leadership and the pathways to get there.

We know that the best leaders are authentic and lean into their strengths and gifts, offering what they have versus focusing on what they don’t. But these leaders are few and far between. Leadership reDEFYned approaches leadership development through a new lens, empowering great leadership at all levels, for all team members, creating a ripple effect of positivity, innovation, and lasting engagement.

In Leadership reDEFYned program, individuals will:

Understand how to reDEFYne leadership to unleash potential in themselves and others
Deepen self-awareness and connection to strengths and gifts
Tap into authenticity to empower self with a personal leadership vision
Walk away with inspiration to create transformational change organizationally

About Tami:

Tami Chapek is the Founder and CEO of WeInspireWe, an award-winning leadership and performance coach, author of Leadership reDEFYned, and a dynamic speaker known for her transformative approach to leadership. As a Forbes contributor and credentialed coach (PCC, CPC, ELI-MP), she focuses on "reDEFYning Leadership" to inspire positive change in organizations and individuals. Tami's speaking engagements cover a range of topics centered on leadership, personal development, and performance, empowering her audience to lead with authenticity and impact.

Tami Chapek has been professionally speaking throughout the bulk of her over 25 year career - across marketing and advertising and now leadership development circles. Tami has presented to groups large and small - and incorporates a dynamic presentation style that is engaging and informative. Tami has provided speaking and training programs across a multitude of industries and has partnered with large institutions like Google, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Charles Schwab, Guidehouse, Chief, Ellevate, and more.

COATD Instructional Design SIG - May (12 May 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, May 12
noon - 1

TBD

next Instructional Design SIG July 14

ABOUT THE SESSION

Join us for Central Ohio ATD's inaugural Instructional Design SIG!

Details will be added once the session topic has been determined.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN SIG

The Instructional Design SIG provides COATD members a forum for COATD members to gain knowledge, learn about best practices, and share resources with one another.

COATD Organizational Development SIG - May (15 May 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Friday, May 15
7:30am - 8:45am

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Organizational Development SIG July 17

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SIG

We provide a forum for COATD members to gain knowledge, learn about best practices, and share resources with one another. In addition, this forum will champion the efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion for talent development professionals to embrace our multicultural workforce.

MEET THE SIG LEADER

Mary coaches leaders on how to get maximum engagement from their employees and the highest level of performance and productivity from their teams.

She is a business coach, and her focus is on the development of high performance teams.

In business, like any other area, teams don’t just spontaneously come together.

The level of engagement and performance you get from your team depends on the quality of leadership in the organization and the degree to which top leaders and managers throughout the organization are committed to training, coaching, and mentoring talent in the workforce … and promoting teamwork as a way of life.

COATD Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion SIG - May 21 (21 May 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, May 21
noon - 1

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion SIG July 23

ABOUT THE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION SIG

We provide a forum for COATD members to gain knowledge, learn about best practices, and share resources with one another. This SIG will champion the efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion for talent development professionals to embrace our multicultural workforce.

MEET THE SIG LEADERS

Tori Smart is currently living in Ohio, but has also lived in several states across the country giving her exposure to character building experiences.
As an Instructional Designer she is dedicated to elevating talent through providing learners with meaningful educational opportunities.

During her career as a leader and patient family advocate, Tori has worked with diverse populations coaching them towards their best outcomes, and enhancing their wellbeing.

Mathew has over 10 years of learning and development experience, most recently as a Senior Talent Development Trainer for Columbus State Community College (CSCC).

In addition, he has been an advocate for LGBTQIA+ issues.

While at NiSource, Mathew was a founder and President of the LGBTQIA+ ERG, NiPRIDE, implementing a variety of companywide initiatives.

Currently, Mathew is the co-lead for PRISM, the CSCC LGBTQIA+ ERG and is a graduate of United Way’s Project Diversity/Pride Leadership program.

COATD Technology SIG - June (09 Jun 2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, June 9
noon - 1pm

Join the Technology SIG for an open topic discussion
about all things Learning Technology.

If you have an L&D technology question bring it to the group.

next Technology SIG August 11

ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY SIG

Technology is constantly changing and growing in demand, and it can certainly enhance your training. Topics may include elearning, video, mobile, virtual ILT, gamification, accessibility, LMS, software/online tools, automation, augmented reality, artificial intelligence or other topics. We provide a forum for COATD members to network, share and learn best practices and trends in technology that supports talent development. Have a question or just want to keep up? Come join us!

MEET THE SIG LEADER

COATD Independent Consultant SIG - June 16 (16 Jun 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, June 16
noon - 1pm

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Independent Consultant SIG August 18

ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT SIG

The Independent Consultant SIG fosters collaboration and continuous learning among a diverse group of independent professionals working to make a positive impact in the field of Learning & Development.

MEET THE SIG LEADER

COATD Leadership Development SIG - June 17 (17 Jun 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, June 17
noon - 1pm

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Leadership Development SIG August 19

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SIG

No successful organization exists without effective leadership. It is the primary driver for growth, development, and innovation. For the participants in this SIG, leader development is not only what they do, but also what they love to do, and we enjoy learning from each other’s experiences, history and ideas. Join us to discuss current leadership trends and how we are developing the leaders of today and tomorrow.

MEET THE SIG LEADER

Dr. Bowman holds a doctorate in Personal and Organizational Psychology and maintains both SHRM‑CP and PHR human resources certifications.

COATD Organizational Development SIG - July 17 (17 Jul 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Friday, July 17
7:30am - 8:45am

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Organizational Development SIG September 18

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SIG

We provide a forum for COATD members to gain knowledge, learn about best practices, and share resources with one another. In addition, this forum will champion the efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion for talent development professionals to embrace our multicultural workforce.

MEET THE SIG LEADER

COATD Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion SIG - July 23 (23 Jul 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, July 23
noon - 1

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion SIG September 17

ABOUT THE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION SIG

We provide a forum for COATD members to gain knowledge, learn about best practices, and share resources with one another. This SIG will champion the efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion for talent development professionals to embrace our multicultural workforce.

MEET THE SIG LEADERS

During her career as a leader and patient family advocate, Tori has worked with diverse populations coaching them towards their best outcomes, and enhancing their wellbeing.

Mathew has over 9 years of learning and development experience, most recently as a Senior Talent Development Trainer for Columbus State Community College (CSCC).

In addition, he has been an advocate for LGBTQIA+ issues.

While at NiSource, Mathew was a founder and President of the LGBTQIA+ ERG, NiPRIDE, implementing a variety of companywide initiatives.

Currently, Mathew is the co-lead for PRISM, the CSCC LGBTQIA+ ERG and is a graduate of United Way’s Project Diversity/Pride Leadership program.

COATD Technology SIG - August 11 (11 Aug 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, August 11
noon - 1pm

Join the Technology SIG for an open topic discussion
about all things Learning Technology.

If you have an L&D technology question bring it to the group.

next Technology SIG October 13

ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY SIG

Technology is constantly changing and growing in demand, and it can certainly enhance your training. Topics may include elearning, video, mobile, virtual ILT, gamification, accessibility, LMS, software/online tools, automation, augmented reality, artificial intelligence or other topics. We provide a forum for COATD members to network, share and learn best practices and trends in technology that supports talent development. Have a question or just want to keep up? Come join us!

MEET THE SIG LEADER

COATD Independent Consultant SIG - August 18 (18 Aug 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, August 18
noon - 1pm

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Independent Consultant SIG October 20

ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT SIG

The Independent Consultant SIG fosters collaboration and continuous learning among a diverse group of independent professionals working to make a positive impact in the field of Learning & Development.

MEET THE SIG LEADER

COATD Leadership Development SIG - August 19 (19 Aug 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, August 19
noon - 1pm

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Leadership Development SIG October 21

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SIG

No successful organization exists without effective leadership. It is the primary driver for growth, development, and innovation. For the participants in this SIG, leader development is not only what they do, but also what they love to do, and we enjoy learning from each other’s experiences, history and ideas. Join us to discuss current leadership trends and how we are developing the leaders of today and tomorrow.

MEET THE SIG LEADER

Dr. Bowman holds a doctorate in Personal and Organizational Psychology and maintains both SHRM‑CP and PHR human resources certifications.

COATD Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion SIG - September 17 (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, September 17
noon - 1

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion SIG will be in 2027

ABOUT THE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION SIG

We provide a forum for COATD members to gain knowledge, learn about best practices, and share resources with one another. This SIG will champion the efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion for talent development professionals to embrace our multicultural workforce.

MEET THE SIG LEADERS

During her career as a leader and patient family advocate, Tori has worked with diverse populations coaching them towards their best outcomes, and enhancing their wellbeing.

Mathew has over 10 years of learning and development experience, most recently as a Senior Talent Development Trainer for Columbus State Community College (CSCC).

In addition, he has been an advocate for LGBTQIA+ issues.

While at NiSource, Mathew was a founder and President of the LGBTQIA+ ERG, NiPRIDE, implementing a variety of companywide initiatives.

Currently, Mathew is the co-lead for PRISM, the CSCC LGBTQIA+ ERG and is a graduate of United Way’s Project Diversity/Pride Leadership program.

COATD Organizational Development SIG - September 18 (18 Sep 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Friday, September 18
7:30am - 8:45am

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Organizational Development SIG November 13

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SIG

We provide a forum for COATD members to gain knowledge, learn about best practices, and share resources with one another. In addition, this forum will champion the efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion for talent development professionals to embrace our multicultural workforce.

MEET THE SIG LEADER

COATD Technology SIG - October 13 (13 Oct 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, October 13
noon - 1pm

Join the Technology SIG for an open topic discussion
about all things Learning Technology.

If you have an L&D technology question bring it to the group.

next Technology SIG will be in 2027

ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY SIG

Technology is constantly changing and growing in demand, and it can certainly enhance your training. Topics may include elearning, video, mobile, virtual ILT, gamification, accessibility, LMS, software/online tools, automation, augmented reality, artificial intelligence or other topics. We provide a forum for COATD members to network, share and learn best practices and trends in technology that supports talent development. Have a question or just want to keep up? Come join us!

MEET THE SIG LEADER

COATD Independent Consultant SIG - October 20 (20 Oct 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, October 20
noon - 1pm

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Independent Consultant SIG will be in 2027

ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT SIG

The Independent Consultant SIG fosters collaboration and continuous learning among a diverse group of independent professionals working to make a positive impact in the field of Learning & Development.

MEET THE SIG LEADER

COATD Leadership Development SIG - October 21 (21 Oct 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, October 21
noon - 1pm

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Leadership Development SIG will be in 2027

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SIG

No successful organization exists without effective leadership. It is the primary driver for growth, development, and innovation. For the participants in this SIG, leader development is not only what they do, but also what they love to do, and we enjoy learning from each other’s experiences, history and ideas. Join us to discuss current leadership trends and how we are developing the leaders of today and tomorrow.

MEET THE SIG LEADER

Dr. Bowman holds a doctorate in Personal and Organizational Psychology and maintains both SHRM‑CP and PHR human resources certifications.

COATD Organizational Development SIG - November 13 (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Friday, November 13
7:30am - 8:45am

SESSION TOPIC
will be updated, once selected.

next Organizational Development SIG will be in 2027

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SIG

We provide a forum for COATD members to gain knowledge, learn about best practices, and share resources with one another. In addition, this forum will champion the efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion for talent development professionals to embrace our multicultural workforce.

MEET THE SIG LEADER