ATD Alabama upcoming events

Knowledge at Noon: What's Next in Talent Development (06/23/2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:30:00 GMT

KNOWLEDGE AT NOON: What’s Next in Talent Development

Join us in June for a lunch‑and‑learn where we’ll share insights, themes, and practical ideas emerging from the ATD International Conference & Expo. This session may feature reflections from our chapter’s conference experience and/or a perspective from a conference presenter, depending on availability.

Expect an interactive and conversational session focused on what’s emerging across the talent development field—and what it could mean for our work this year and beyond.

Lunch & Networking (In-person): 11:30 - 12:00
Interactive Session (In-person & Virtual): 12:00 -1:00

Sip & Share: When AI Meets Leadership Development (07/21/2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT

SIP & SHARE: WHEN AI MEETS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Join us on Tuesday, July 21st from at the Frothy Monkey in Homewood for our first Sip and Share of the year with Grace Smitherman leading the conversation.

AI is changing how leaders make decisions, develop people, and create impact—but what does that really mean in day‑to‑day leadership development work? Join us for a relaxed, facilitator‑led conversation exploring how talent professionals are pairing human capabilities like emotional intelligence, ethical judgment, and collaboration with emerging AI tools to strengthen leadership at all levels. This is not a formal presentation—it’s a chance to sip, share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another as we navigate what leadership development looks like in an AI‑enabled workplace.

Speaker Bio

Grace Smitherman is a seasoned Talent Development Consultant with a Master’s in Education and over 15 years of experience in designing learning experiences that fuel leadership, culture, and growth. With a background that bridges adult learning theory and real-world application, Grace has led initiatives ranging from first-time manager leadership programs to organization-wide learning opportunities. Grace is passionate about creating practical, inclusive, and people-centered learning experiences that resonate beyond the classroom. Her approach blends instructional design, leadership development, and strategic consulting to equip today’s leaders for tomorrow’s challenges.

Knowledge at Noon: The Respect Effect with Paul Meshanko (08/20/2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:30:00 GMT

KNOWLEDGE AT NOON: THE RESPECT EFFECT - Leveraging Brain Science to Build a More Inclusive & Resilient Culture

Respect. It's a simple concept, a universally powerful motivator, and a core value required for inclusive organizations. So why are reports of disrespect and incivility at all-time highs in today’s workplaces? With today's increasingly diverse workforce, organizational culture has never been more important, and a foundation of Respect is the bedrock. It sets the stage for greater engagement, promotes collaboration and inclusion, and unleashes extraordinary creativity and resilience.

This highly interactive session will help participants better understand the emotional experience of respect, what it looks and feels like, and why it is the required starting point for creating and capitalizing on inclusive work cultures.

Lunch & Networking (In-person): 11:30 - 12:00
Interactive Session (In-person & Virtual): 12:00 -1:00

Learn more about Paul

Paul Meshanko helps leaders build cultures rooted in respect, trust, and accountability—especially during times of change. His work applies neuroleadership science to translate how people think and respond into practical leadership behaviors. With 28+ years of experience, including a decade in a Fortune 500 company, he brings both credibility and real-world application. He has worked with over half a million professionals globally and authored The Respect Effect: Using the Science of Neuro-leadership to Inspire a More Loyal and Productive Workplace.