ATD San Diego upcoming events

ATD-SD Monthly Authors' Workshop (Sat, September 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM PST

Location: Virtual (link shared in registration email)

This monthly 90-minute workshop, facilitated by ATD-SD Board member and author Gregg Ward, is designed to support all of the current and future authors in the chapter. It is practically-focused and designed to help members take their book ideas and turn them into a book in their hands. We help you no matter where you are in your author's journey. Even if you're just thinking about possibly writing a book, join us!

About the Facilitator:

Gregg Ward is a former journalist, playwright, magazine feature writer and OpEd contributor, and the author of three books, two independently published and one - the bestselling, award-winning business fable, "The Respectful Leader" - brought out by John Wiley and Sons in 2016. He's also coached over 10 authors to publication in the business and leadership categories through independent, small press, and big-name publishers. He believes that there's a book inside everyone, just waiting to be successfully shared with the world.

Bridging AI & EI: The Human Skills That Make Technology Work (Thu, September 24, 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AI is changing how we work. But it has not changed one fundamental truth: work still gets done through people.

Join ATD San Diego and Rita Crosby, President of Ritamac, Inc., for an interactive evening exploring the human side of today's increasingly AI-enabled workplace.

As AI becomes more capable, which human capabilities become even more important?

This will not be a sit-back-and-watch presentation. Come ready to participate, connect, and put ideas into practice. Throughout the evening, you will:

Meet someone new and experience the power of connection
Discover what an ancient aspen forest can teach us about how people work together
Explore what happens when "bugs hit the windshield" in communication
Put your delegation skills to the test
Consider how AI and emotional intelligence can work together to strengthen leadership

Rita has spent decades working with managers, executives, and business owners to turn leadership concepts into behaviors people can actually use. A former Vistage Chair, national and international seminar leader, Mastermind facilitator, and Authorized Arbinger Institute Coach, Rita is known for making leadership development practical, memorable, and fun.

Whether you are an L&D professional, HR leader, people manager, or simply thinking about how AI is reshaping the workplace, this conversation is for you.

Come prepared to participate, laugh, think, and perhaps look at AI, EI, and leadership a little differently.

What Learning Professionals Actually Believe About the Future of Their Work (Fri, September 25, 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM PST

Location: Virtual (link shared in registration email)

What does the future hold for learning professionals? Join us for an engaging ATD session that explores what our field really believes is coming next.

JLX surveyed 200 learning professionals about the skills they believe will matter most over the next three years. In this session, James Altman and Jason Gorman share what the data revealed: where the field agrees, where it doesn't, and what the findings mean for practitioners navigating AI, shifting employer expectations, and the question of what makes learning work irreplaceable.

You'll hear from: Jason Gorman

For over 20 years, Jason has been designing powerful, vibrant, and emotionally engaging environments for learners of all ages. As the CEO of Jackrabbit LX, he leads a team of experts in consulting and design, as well as developing innovative educational programs, products, and experiences. He believes that learning design is about people, and he starts with empathy and a deep understanding of the learner and their ecosystem. His relational style of leadership and design aims to bring the best out of people for people.

You'll hear from: James Altman

James has spent two decades helping organizations build better learning. He has led faculty development, managed enterprise LMS implementations, and designed learning strategy at institutions like Northwestern University and 2U. As co-founder and President of Jackrabbit LX, he works with learning teams across sectors to strengthen capability, navigate emerging technology, and connect strategy to outcomes. He is especially focused on what it means to be a learning professional right now.

Coffee and Conversations (Tue, September 29, 2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Coffee & Conversations

September 29, 2026 8:00AM -9:00AM

Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels (Mission Valley)

525 Camino De La Reina, San Diego, CA 92108

☕ Coffee. Conversation. Community.

Join ATD San Diego members and non-members alike for Sip ’n Share Strategies! Connect with fellow L&D consultants over coffee and share insights, ideas, and business development strategies.