GCATD upcoming events

Organizational Development (OD) SIG: Informed Consultant (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:30:00 GMT

In 2026, the GCATD Organizational Development (OD) Special Interest Group is excited to bring you the Global OD Competency Framework series. This internationally recognized framework outlines the core knowledge, skills, and behaviors that define effective OD professionals and provides a common language for the practice of organization development.

This meeting, led by Mary Tettenhorst of Impact Talent Strategies, wraps up our Global OD Competency Framework series. Informed Consultant centers on professional consulting excellence grounded in self-awareness, ethical practice, and continuous learning. Topics include building strong consulting relationships, applying emotional intelligence, and staying current with evolving OD knowledge and methodologies. Attendees will reflect on how lifelong learning and reflective practice strengthen consulting impact and support sustained organizational growth.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Mary Tettenhorst is the Founder of Impact Talent Strategies, where she partners with organizations to develop leaders, build strategic people practices, and drive meaningful results. With more than 20 years of experience across every facet of talent development, Mary brings a practical, people-first approach to the employee lifecycle – from recruiting and onboarding to leadership development, performance management, and succession planning.

Outside of work, she's a wife and mom of two boys. If not on a soccer field, you’ll likely find them hiking in the mountains or adding stamps to their National Parks Passports. As a proud “boy mom,” she spends a lot of time learning, laughing, and being challenged – in all the best ways. If you’re looking for a partner who can bring both heart and strategy to your talent efforts, Mary would love to connect!

Learning Leaders SIG (30 Sep 2026)

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Topic: More details TBA. Convener: Leah Cridlin

2026 GCATD Conference: Empowering People Through Learning - Developing Potential at Every Level (07 Oct 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

This year we present the best parts of what L&D has to offer and we hope you can join us! The GCATD Annual Fall Conference is right around the corner with a fresh, new location in Northern KY as we focus on our theme, Empowering People Through Learning.

In October, experience more of what you love from this premier GCATD annual event. Highlights include breakouts on Instructional Design to Leadership Development & Coaching to Talent Strategy & Future Readiness and MORE to help you reinvigorate your approach in what you do every day.

Featuring Keynote Jeff Walton, a Human Resources leader passionate about helping organizations move beyond traditional training to create meaningful, lasting impact. He is known for his engaging, story-driven style that challenges assumptions, sparks reflection, and inspires L&D professionals to rethink their role in developing people and organizations. Jeff will be presenting the topic, From Content Creators to Capability Builders.

AGENDA | KEYNOTE | SPONSOR

Workshop: The Science & Showmanship of Great Training (23 Oct 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The Science & Showmanship of Great Training explores how trainers can design learning experiences that are interactive, memorable, and meaningful. Participants will examine how adult learners engage with content, why passive information alone rarely creates lasting learning, and how movement, storytelling, challenge, games, and discussion can be used with purpose—not as gimmicks, but as tools for deeper engagement.

Through a mix of examples, discussion, and hands-on practice, participants will discover the “Learning Experience Arc” and apply it to their own training design. The session culminates in an interactive challenge where trainers transform abstract or difficult-to-teach topics into practical, engaging learning activities they can adapt for their own audiences.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Nathan Floom is the Senior Manager of Learning and Development in Sinclair’s Workforce Development Department. For over a decade, he has helped leaders and teams across industries become rock stars in their roles. Each year, Nathan delivers around 100 high-energy training sessions known for their engaging, practical, and interactive approach to building real-world leadership skills. He is a certified facilitator of Patrick Lencioni’s The 6 Types of Working Genius and a qualified facilitator of the AFS Global Up–Global Competence program. In 2023, he was nominated for Teacher of the Year in the Adult Education category for the Southwest Ohio region. Nathan holds a BFA, an MA, and a certificate in Instructional Design from the Association for Talent Development. He is also an Eagle Scout.

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, Bob Riess, Jonathan Wilson

Learning Leaders SIG (28 Oct 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Topic: More details TBA. Convener: Leah Cridlin

Learning Leaders SIG (25 Nov 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Topic: More details TBA. Convener: Leah Cridlin

Learning Leaders SIG (16 Dec 2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Topic: More details TBA. Convener: Leah Cridlin