ATD Austin upcoming events

Q3 Chapter Meeting | What Are We Getting Wrong About Learning at Work? (08 Sep 2026)

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Q3 Chapter Meeting

What Are We Getting Wrong About Learning at Work?

A Fireside Conversation with Michele Lau Torres
Chief Learning Officer, City of Austin

We spend a lot of time in talent development talking about best practices, new tools, and what organizations should be doing. But what if some of the assumptions we’ve built our work around deserve another look?

Join ATD Austin for a candid fireside conversation with Michele Lau Torres, Chief Learning Officer for the City of Austin, as we challenge some of the conventional thinking about learning at work and explore where L&D may need to think differently.

Together, we’ll dig into questions like:

When is training not the answer?

What should L&D professionals stop doing?

What actually changes performance?

Where might our profession need to rethink the way we approach learning at work?

As expectations of L&D continue to evolve, these questions matter. How we define a learning need, where we focus our resources, and the solutions we recommend all influence the impact we’re able to make within our organizations.

Rather than a traditional presentation, this session is an opportunity to question assumptions, hear a different perspective, and join the conversation. Come ready to reflect on your own approach, exchange ideas with fellow talent development professionals, and consider what we might do differently to create greater impact through our work.

About the Speaker

Michele Lau Torres
Chief Learning Officer, City of Austin

Michele Lau-Torres is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in performance and organizational development. As the first Chief Learning Officer for the City of Austin, she launched the Learning, Engagement, and Development (LEAD) Office in May 2024, dedicated to leadership growth, training innovation, and employee engagement.

Michele’s career spans diverse sectors, including utilities, public safety, transportation, education, hospitality, and local government where she has designed impactful leadership programs, elevated workplace culture, and implemented transformative talent strategies. A best-selling author of Point Taken: Brilliant Business Advice from Women at the Top, she is celebrated for her passion for leadership excellence, innovative approach, team-building expertise, and commitment to driving meaningful organizational success.

This chapter meeting is a complimentary event for ATD Austin Members.

Guests are invited for just $15!

Register Now

For more information about the event, contact our VP of Professional Development: pro_dev@tdaustin.org

Stop Thinking Outside the Box. Start Experimenting In and Out of It. (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Stop Thinking Outside the Box.

Start Experimenting In and Out of It.

with Jimbo Clark

We tell people to “think outside the box,” but very few people stop to ask what the box actually is—or how people move beyond it in practice.

ATD Austin is partnering with Jimbo Clark, creator of the B❒X, to bring our community a highly interactive, small-group learning experience. Participants will use the B❒X methodology to make invisible assumptions visible, experiment with different ways of thinking, and design practical experiments they can immediately apply in their work.

This experience is limited to just 10 participants. The small group is intentional, creating space for hands-on experimentation, conversation, reflection, and individual participation.

Participants will learn how to:

Make hidden assumptions visible so they can be discussed instead of defended.

Use simple experiments—not perfect plans—to reduce resistance and accelerate change.

Help individuals and teams create lasting behavior change through structured reflection and action.

This isn't a traditional presentation. It's a hands-on learning experience.

Participants will:

Complete a series of guided B❒X experiments using the physical B❒X model.

Work individually, in pairs, and in small groups to compare perspectives and challenge assumptions.

Experience structured reflection, facilitated dialogue, visual thinking, and collaborative problem solving.

Design and share a real-world experiment they can implement immediately after the session.

Throughout the workshop, participants continuously apply each concept to their own work, allowing them to leave with practical insights and a concrete next step rather than simply new ideas.

About Your Facilitator:

Jimbo Clark is the creator of the B❒X, an experiential learning tool that literally helps people think about “thinking outside the box.”Over the past 15 years, more than 60,000 people across 30+ countries have used the B❒X to improve communication, collaboration, leadership, innovation, and change. Jimbo works with organizations around the world helping leaders, teams, and facilitators make invisible thinking visible so they can create meaningful and lasting change.

New, Current, and Prospective Member Welcome 2026 (18 Sep 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

We are excited that you want to learn more about the ATD Austin Chapter and the value of membership!

Please join us for a 30-minute orientation to our chapter professional development and networking opportunities.

New, existing, or prospective members are welcome to join!

Meeting Details will be sent in an email upon registering. Reach out to Chelsea Delbar at membership@tdaustin.org with any questions.

New to Zoom?

Visit https://zoom.us/download to download the Zoom client to join the call.

Personal & Professional Development Community | The Manager in the Middle: How Managers Shape Team Culture Inside Organizational Complexity (22 Sep 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Personal & Professional Development Community

The Manager in the Middle: How Managers Shape Team Culture Inside Organizational Complexity

Managers are often expected to lead inside systems they did not design, explain decisions they did not make, and create stability in the middle of constant change. They sit between senior leadership priorities, team needs, cross-functional pressure, and the daily reality of getting work done through people they may not fully control.

In this interactive session, we will explore how managers shape the culture their teams actually experience, even when the larger organization feels fragmented, fast-moving, or misaligned. Participants will examine the difference between organizational culture and local team culture, reflect on what managers model, reward, tolerate, and protect, and leave with practical questions they can use to create more clarity, trust, and consistency in the space they can influence.

Participants will leave able to:

Recognize how managers shape local team culture inside broader organizational complexity.

Identify the four culture levers managers use every day: what they model, reward, tolerate, and protect.

Apply practical coaching questions to help managers create clarity, trust, and healthier team norms, even when they cannot control the larger system.

About Your Speaker:

Isla Reddin, Corporate Performance Coach

Isla Reddin is a corporate performance coach passionate about bringing diverse tools and strategies to support individuals and teams to grow and reach their desired goals. Her background in curriculum design, training, and project management informs her coaching practice. Isla believes new tools and paradigms of learning need to be constantly created to meet the needs of individuals and society.

In her early career, Isla supported global sales, media, and PR events for international automotive, pharmaceutical, and financial services companies. In the past 15 years, she has worked in Europe and the US as a consultant and corporate performance coach with multiple clients, and as an entrepreneur in the tech, and education spaces. She understands how to help leaders and teams handle the diverse challenges they face with practical, creative, and flexible solutions.

Instructional Design Community (08 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Instructional Design Community

Join ATD Austin’s Instructional Design Community of Practice for an engaging session focused on building and refining instructional design skills. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional, this event will provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and opportunities to connect with other learning professionals.

What to Expect:

A deep dive into key instructional design topics

Practical takeaways you can apply to your work

Opportunities to network and exchange ideas with fellow instructional designers

This session is designed to help you stay ahead of industry trends, tackle common challenges, and enhance the effectiveness of your learning programs.

ATD Austin Social @ The Dogwood at The Domain (15 Oct 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Fall Into L&D

Leaves change. Goals grow. Networks expand

Our October ATD Austin mixer returns to The Domain at The Dogwood Rock Rose for an evening full of rich conversation and community energy.

Share insights, swap ideas, and spark new collaborations.

New, Current, and Prospective Member Welcome 2026 (16 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

We are excited that you want to learn more about the ATD Austin Chapter and the value of membership!

Please join us for a 30-minute orientation to our chapter professional development and networking opportunities.

New, existing, or prospective members are welcome to join!

Meeting Details will be sent in an email upon registering. Reach out to Chelsea Delbar at membership@tdaustin.org with any questions.

New to Zoom?

Visit https://zoom.us/download to download the Zoom client to join the call.

2026 Talent Development Summit | From Leading to Building: Moving Beyond the Blueprint (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

2026 ATD Austin Talent Development Summit

From Leading to Building

Moving Beyond the Blueprint

About "From Leading to Building"

Great ideas need more than a plan. They need people willing to build.

This year’s Talent Development Summit is about moving from vision to action. Moving Beyond the Blueprint explores what happens after the strategy is set and the plan is on paper: the work of turning ideas into programs, practices, systems, and cultures that make a lasting impact.

Throughout the Summit, we’ll focus on the real work of building in talent development. That means practical approaches you can put to use, honest conversations about what works and what doesn’t, and opportunities to learn alongside other professionals navigating similar challenges.

This isn’t just a day to collect ideas. It’s a day to work with them.

Come ready to explore, collaborate, and build what’s next.

Logistics

Date: Friday, November 13, 2026

Time: 9:30am - 4pm CST

Location: ACC Rio Grande Campus | Building 1000, Room 1103 | 1212 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701

Price:

Member $70
Non-member $90
New Membership + Summit $170

Save $10 with early bird pricing now through October 1st.

Networking Happy Hour

End the Summit with connection and conversation at our Networking Happy Hour at. All attendees enjoy 2 drink tickets and appetizers as part of the event. Location to be announced soon.

Time: 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Summit attendees: Complimentary admission (RSVP with the code in your registration email).

Guests: $20 in advance | $30 day-of.

Who Should Attend

The 2026 Talent Development Summit brings together professionals who develop people, strengthen organizations, and shape the future of work. Attendees will include:

Talent development practitioners who design, deliver, and measure learning

Learning and development leaders guiding strategy and driving impact

HR and organizational development professionals strengthening workplace culture and performance

Instructional designers and learning technologists creating innovative learning experiences

Coaches, facilitators, and consultants helping individuals and teams grow

Business leaders and people managers invested in developing their teams

Whether you’re growing your own capabilities, strengthening your organization, or developing the next generation of leaders, you’ll find practical ideas, meaningful connections, and a community of peers at the Summit.

Venue

The 2026 Talent Development Summit will be hosted at Austin Community College’s Rio Grande Campus, located in the heart of Austin.

This central location will bring our talent development community together for a full day of learning, collaboration, and connection as we Move Beyond the Blueprint.

View parking map

Summit Networking Happy Hour (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Summit Networking Happy Hour

Wrap up the ATD Austin 2026 Talent Development Summit with an evening of connection, conversation, and community. Join fellow attendees for a relaxed networking event to continue the day’s energy.

Learn more about the Summit

Logistics

Time: 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: Coming soon

What’s included:

2 drink tickets
Lite bites to share
Reserved space for the ATD Austin community

Tickets

Summit Attendees: Complimentary admission with the discount code in your Summit registration email.

Guests/Non-Attendees: $20 in advance | $30 day-of

Come ready to relax, make new connections, and celebrate a full day of learning and growth.

Personal & Professional Development Community (16 Nov 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Personal & Professional Development Community

Join ATD Austin’s Personal and Professional Development Community of Practice for a dynamic session focused on building the skills that drive career growth and workplace success. Whether you are looking to enhance your leadership presence, improve communication, or develop new strategies for personal and professional growth, this event will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways.

What to Expect:

Engaging discussions on key topics in personal and professional development

Actionable strategies to apply in your career and workplace

Opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and expand your network

This session is designed to help you build confidence, strengthen your skills, and navigate the challenges of an evolving workplace.

Stay tuned for the full topic details coming soon.

About Your Speaker:

Isla Reddin, Corporate Performance Coach

The ATD Austin Chapter has been pre-approved by the ATD Certification Institute to offer educational programs that can be used towards initial eligibility and recertification of the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credentials. This program qualifies for a maximum of 1 point.

New, Current, and Prospective Member Welcome 2026 (20 Nov 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

We are excited that you want to learn more about the ATD Austin Chapter and the value of membership!

Please join us for a 30-minute orientation to our chapter professional development and networking opportunities.

New, existing, or prospective members are welcome to join!

Meeting Details will be sent in an email upon registering. Reach out to Chelsea Delbar at membership@tdaustin.org with any questions.

New to Zoom?

Visit https://zoom.us/download to download the Zoom client to join the call.

Instructional Design Community (10 Dec 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Instructional Design Community

What to Expect:

A deep dive into key instructional design topics

Practical takeaways you can apply to your work

Opportunities to network and exchange ideas with fellow instructional designers

This session is designed to help you stay ahead of industry trends, tackle common challenges, and enhance the effectiveness of your learning programs.

ATD Austin Social @ TBD (17 Dec 2026)

Fri, 18 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Cheers to Learning & Leading

We’re closing out the year the best way we know how—together!

Join ATD Austin for our annual Cheers to Learning & Leading holiday mixer. It’s the perfect time to celebrate growth, accomplishments, and the community that makes it all happen.

Come toast to 2027 and all the learning ahead!

New, Current, and Prospective Member Welcome 2026 (18 Dec 2026)

Fri, 18 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

We are excited that you want to learn more about the ATD Austin Chapter and the value of membership!

Please join us for a 30-minute orientation to our chapter professional development and networking opportunities.

New, existing, or prospective members are welcome to join!

Meeting Details will be sent in an email upon registering. Reach out to Chelsea Delbar at membership@tdaustin.org with any questions.

New to Zoom?

Visit https://zoom.us/download to download the Zoom client to join the call.