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• ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Quick Brain Boosters© (aka Brain Hacks) for Focus, Memory, Attention, and More

  • When
    27 Jul 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Registered
    11 registrants

  Register

  
  

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Quick Brain Boosters© (aka Brain Hacks) for Focus, Memory, Attention, and More
  
  Fast, simple neuroscience-based strategies to energize your brain and  your workday

  Facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner

  Monday, July 27 | Virtual via Zoom

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter is thrilled to host a Special Interest Group (SIG) just for you—one that blends brain science with real-world strategies to help you develop talent more effectively.

  Introducing Talent Development with the Brain in Mind, a monthly virtual series facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner, certified Brain-Based Trainer, Dr. Amen Licensed Brain Health Coach, and self-proclaimed “brain junkie.” With warmth, energy, and practical insight, Melanie translates the latest neuroscience into tools you can use to support your brain—and the brains of those you teach, coach, or lead.

  Each session includes:

  - Engaging, research-informed content made simple and actionable

  - Interactive experiences that help learning stick

  - Resources and strategies to apply immediately

  - A welcoming space for discussion and community

  Schedule & Format:

  - When: Fourth Monday of each month

  - Time: 12:00 noon to 1:00pm CT

  - Where: Zoom

  Cost:

  Members can log into the website and register to attend each session for free.  Other guests will need to register online and pay a fee of $20.00 for each session.

  Show details
• T.E.A.M. Talk: Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Communication

  • When
    14 Aug 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Registered
    13 registrants

  Register

  T.E.A.M. Talk:

  Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Communication

  
  

  August 14th, 2026 | Virtual via Zoom

  This presentation introduces a simple and powerful model for understanding communication styles based on four core types. It provides trainers with practical strategies to connect more effectively with challenging trainees and enhance the impact of their programs. Participants will explore how differences in communication styles influence workplace relationships, productivity, and engagement.

  The session moves beyond awareness by focusing on actionable strategies trainers can use to adjust their approach and help learners do the same. Interactive discussions, examples, and real-world scenarios will reinforce learning and provide immediate takeaways.
  

  Speaker Bio:
  

  Alan Krieger, a leadership trainer and executive coach with over 30 years’ experience, helps organizations enhance communication, collaboration, and performance.

  Creator of the T.E.A.M. Communication Styles® assessment, he has trained more than 5,000 leaders and teams, providing practical strategies that improve success, retention, and organizational effectiveness. 

  When:

  Friday, August 14th, 2026

  Where:

  Online via Zoom

  ATD Capability:

  Organizational Capability

  Cost:

  Members can log into the website and register to attend the program for free.  Other guests will need to register online and pay a fee of $20.00.

  This event is worth 1 PDC via SHRM.

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• ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Performance Reviews with the Brain in Mind©

  • When
    24 Aug 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Registered
    9 registrants

  Register

  
  

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Performance Reviews with the Brain in Mind©
  
  Shift feedback from fear to growth—practical neuroscience tools for feedback, motivation, and reflection

  Facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner

  Monday, August 24 | Virtual via Zoom

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter is thrilled to host a Special Interest Group (SIG) just for you—one that blends brain science with real-world strategies to help you develop talent more effectively.

  Introducing Talent Development with the Brain in Mind, a monthly virtual series facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner, certified Brain-Based Trainer, Dr. Amen Licensed Brain Health Coach, and self-proclaimed “brain junkie.” With warmth, energy, and practical insight, Melanie translates the latest neuroscience into tools you can use to support your brain—and the brains of those you teach, coach, or lead.

  Each session includes:

  - Engaging, research-informed content made simple and actionable

  - Interactive experiences that help learning stick

  - Resources and strategies to apply immediately

  - A welcoming space for discussion and community

  Schedule & Format:

  - When: Fourth Monday of each month

  - Time: 12:00 noon to 1:00pm CT

  - Where: Zoom

  Cost:

  Members can log into the website and register to attend each session for free.  Other guests will need to register online and pay a fee of $20.00 for each session.

  Show details
• Train the Trainer for the Virtual Trainer Workshop 2026

  • Start
    25 Aug 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    26 Aug 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

  
  

  

  Train the Trainer for the Virtual Trainer Workshop 2026

  This Train the Trainer experience is designed to help participants build confidence, design engaging learning experiences, and practice virtual delivery skills. The emphasis is on doing, not just listening.

  Participants will leave with:

  • A clearer trainer mindset
  • A designed or redesigned training they can actually deliver
  • Practical virtual engagement techniques
  • Experience practicing in a safe, supportive environment
  • Tools, templates, and PowerPoint resources they can reuse

  

  Program Direction & Scope

  • The Train the Trainer program will be 100% virtual over two full days
  • Participation will not require prior in person training experience from prior Train the Trainer sessions
  • Both days are designed to support newer trainers building confidence and capability presenting in a virtual environment

  Structure & Expectations

  • Each session will emphasize short presentations, practice, and real-time application rather than long lectures.
  • A PDF with takeaways and talking points will be handed out on day 1. A PowerPoint that they will be able to use and apply to the training with resources will be provided during day 2, both are designed with tools and resources in mind to guide them through designing and delivering effective virtual training
  • Content will be given to participants. They will be able to edit, but the focus is on them presenting and leading a virtual training, not the design elements.

  Learning Focus:

  • Engagement in virtual environments
  • Interaction and connection with learners
  • Micro teaching and practice with feedback
  • Practical handling of common trainer challenges

  Day 1: Designing for Impact & Engagement

  Day 1 Objectives

  By the end of Day 1, participants will:

  • Understand the trainer mindset and core adult learning principles
  • Understand what it takes to design training experiences that captivate, not lecture
  • Apply virtual engagement techniques intentionally

  Day 2: Delivery, Practice & Real-World Challenges

  Day 2 Objectives

  By the end of Day 2, participants will:

  • Practice delivering virtual training confidently
  • Give and receive supportive, actionable feedback
  • Handle common trainer challenges effectively
  • Leave with tools and slides they can reuse

  
  

  This workshop is good for 6 SHRM Credits per day.

  Meet Our Facilitators!

  

  Samantha is a Training and Development Specialist at GreenState Credit Union with over five years of experience leading engaging, virtual learning experiences. She is passionate about creating dynamic classroom environments that foster psychological safety and encourage learners to step outside their comfort zones. Samantha is known for her ability to mentor and guide both trainees and fellow trainers, helping others grow with confidence and authenticity. Her work centers on the belief that meaningful learning happens when individuals feel supported, challenged, and empowered.

  
  

  

  Jamie is a Learning and Development Specialist at Hills Bank where she designs and delivers engaging training that helps employees and supervisors across the bank build various skills and confidence. She is passionate about creating practical learning experiences that support both individual growth and organizational success.

  During the pandemic, Jamie led efforts to help an entire organization transition in-person training to a fully virtual environment, equipping other facilitators with the tools and confidence to deliver effective online learning. 6 years later, she still continues to help organizations delivery meaningful training both virtually and in-person. She holds a degree in Merchandising and Design from Iowa State University and brings a strong design focus to creating clear, engaging learning experiences.

  Show details
• The Six Drivers of Retention: Designing Learning That Lasts

  • When
    11 Sep 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Registered
    7 registrants

  Register

  The Six Drivers of Retention:

  Designing Learning that Lasts

  

  September 11th, 2026 | Virtual via Zoom

  Too often, learning is measured by completion rather than retention. Based on the Six Trumps of Learning, this session introduces a practical, evidence-informed framework that identifies six key drivers influencing whether learning sticks over time.

  Participants will explore how these drivers show up in real workplace learning environments—and how small design decisions can significantly improve retention and transfer.

  Ideal for L&D professionals at all levels, this session offers clear takeaways that can be applied to instructor-led, virtual, and self-paced learning.

  Speaker Bio:
  

  Christina Graham is a seasoned Learning & Development professional with over 20 years of experience helping organizations turn learning into meaningful action.

  Known for her engaging, high-energy facilitation style, she creates dynamic learning experiences that connect on both a practical and human level. Grounded in emotional intelligence, Christina brings real-world insights, interactive learning experiences, and practical strategies to every session, empowering individuals to build confidence, strengthen communication, and drive lasting behavior change.

  She has led large-scale training initiatives, developed impactful programs, and coached leaders and facilitators to maximize effectiveness. As part of The Peerman Group, Christina is dedicated to delivering experiences that inspire growth, elevate performance, and leave a lasting impression. 

  When:

  Friday, September 11th, 2026

  Where:

  Online via Zoom

  ATD Capability:

  Professional Capability

  Cost:

  Members can log into the website and register to attend the program for free.  Other guests will need to register online and pay a fee of $20.00.

  This event is worth 1 PDC via SHRM.

  Show details
• ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Burnout, Boundaries & the Brain©

  • When
    28 Sep 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Registered
    3 registrants

  Register

  
  

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Burnout, Boundaries & the Brain©
  
  Recognizing, reversing, and preventing burnout using applied neuroscience and nervous system resets

  Facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner

  Monday, September 28 | Virtual via Zoom

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter is thrilled to host a Special Interest Group (SIG) just for you—one that blends brain science with real-world strategies to help you develop talent more effectively.

  Introducing Talent Development with the Brain in Mind, a monthly virtual series facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner, certified Brain-Based Trainer, Dr. Amen Licensed Brain Health Coach, and self-proclaimed “brain junkie.” With warmth, energy, and practical insight, Melanie translates the latest neuroscience into tools you can use to support your brain—and the brains of those you teach, coach, or lead.

  Each session includes:

  - Engaging, research-informed content made simple and actionable

  - Interactive experiences that help learning stick

  - Resources and strategies to apply immediately

  - A welcoming space for discussion and community

  Schedule & Format:

  - When: Fourth Monday of each month

  - Time: 12:00 noon to 1:00pm CT

  - Where: Zoom

  Cost:

  Members can log into the website and register to attend each session for free.  Other guests will need to register online and pay a fee of $20.00 for each session.

  Show details
• ATD Hawkeye Chapter 50th Anniversary Fall Conference - Communication for Impact

  • When
    30 Sep 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Kirkwood Regional Center, 2301 Oakdale Blvd, Coralville, Iowa

  Register

  

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter 50th Anniversary Fall Conference

  
  Platinum Sponsor

  
  

  
  
  

  Show Up and Show Out: Communicate with Clarity, Confidence, and Career-Defining Presence

   

  For 50 years, the Association for Talent Development Hawkeye Chapter has championed growth, learning, and leadership. But in today’s fast-moving workplace, expertise alone isn’t enough. Visibility, voice, and delivery determine whose ideas get heard, funded, and followed. In this high-energy opening keynote, the award-winning international professional speaker and The Presentation Fixer, Bridgett McGowen, challenges talent development professionals to raise the standard of how they show up in classrooms, boardrooms, and high-stakes conversations and how they show out when it matters most.

   

  Blending practical communication strategy with real-world delivery techniques, Bridgett equips attendees with tools they can immediately apply to trainings, stakeholder briefings, leadership sessions, and conference stages. Participants will learn how to turn everyday communication moments into influence opportunities, strengthen executive presence, and deliver messages that move people to action.

   

  This milestone conference deserves more than attendance. It deserves bold presence. And it deserves talent development leaders who are ready not just to be in the room but to own it. Leaders who are energized to represent the next era of talent development and ready to show up and show out!
  
  

  Audience Takeaways:

  • A practical framework for showing up with authority and authenticity in any professional setting
  • Delivery techniques that increase audience engagement and message retention
  • Strategies to translate expertise into influence through stronger communication
  • Tools to project confidence even under pressure
  • A renewed commitment to visible, vocal, high-impact leadership

  Schedule:

  8:30-9 - Registration
  9-9:30 - Housekeeping/Announcements and Sponsors
  9:30-11:00 – Keynote
  11:00 to 11:15 - Break
  11:15-12:15 - Session 1
  12:15-1:15 - Lunch
  1:15-2:15 - Session 2
  2:15- 2:30 - Break
  2:30-3:30 - Session 3
  3:30-4:30 – Closing action plan, networking, drawings, etc
  

  

  Track 1: Show Up

  Confidence • Executive Presence • Authenticity

  Leadership presence is more than confidence—it is how people experience you before you even begin speaking. This track focuses on helping professionals strengthen executive presence, communicate with authenticity, and project confidence in high-pressure situations. Sessions in this track explore mindset, visibility, emotional intelligence, credibility, and the small communication habits that build trust and influence. Participants will learn practical techniques to show up with clarity, professionalism, and purpose in meetings, presentations, conversations, and leadership moments.

  Ideal for: leaders, emerging leaders, trainers, HR professionals, and anyone ready to increase their professional presence and confidence.

  Track 2: Speak Up

  Presentation • Facilitation • Storytelling • Engagement

  Great communicators do more than share information—they create connection, energy, and action. This track is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their speaking, training, facilitation, and audience engagement skills. Sessions focus on presentation delivery, storytelling, audience interaction, message clarity, and communication techniques that improve retention and participation. Participants will discover how to move beyond simply delivering content to creating memorable experiences that inspire learning and engagement.

  Ideal for: trainers, facilitators, presenters, educators, leaders, and professionals who communicate to groups or teams.

  Track 3: Move People

  Influence • Persuasion • Leadership Communication • Change

  Communication has the power to shape culture, influence decisions, and move people toward action. This track explores the strategic side of communication—helping leaders communicate vision, strategy,  navigate change, build buy-in, and influence others with intention and credibility. Sessions will focus on persuasive communication, stakeholder conversations, difficult discussions, change messaging, and leading through communication. Participants will leave with tools to communicate in ways that inspire trust, alignment, and forward movement.

  Ideal for: organizational leaders, managers, project leaders, change champions, HR professionals, and talent development professionals.

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Brain©

  • When
    26 Oct 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Registered
    3 registrants

  Register

  
  

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Brain©
  
  A practical exploration of neuroplasticity, RAS, and shifting out of survival-mode thinking

  Facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner

  Monday, October 26 | Virtual via Zoom

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter is thrilled to host a Special Interest Group (SIG) just for you—one that blends brain science with real-world strategies to help you develop talent more effectively.

  Introducing Talent Development with the Brain in Mind, a monthly virtual series facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner, certified Brain-Based Trainer, Dr. Amen Licensed Brain Health Coach, and self-proclaimed “brain junkie.” With warmth, energy, and practical insight, Melanie translates the latest neuroscience into tools you can use to support your brain—and the brains of those you teach, coach, or lead.

  Each session includes:

  - Engaging, research-informed content made simple and actionable

  - Interactive experiences that help learning stick

  - Resources and strategies to apply immediately

  - A welcoming space for discussion and community

  Schedule & Format:

  - When: Fourth Monday of each month

  - Time: 12:00 noon to 1:00pm CT

  - Where: Zoom

  Cost:

  Members can log into the website and register to attend each session for free.  Other guests will need to register online and pay a fee of $20.00 for each session.

  Show details
• ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: The Neuroscience of Trust & Psychological Safety©

  • When
    23 Nov 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  
  

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: The Neuroscience of Trust & Psychological Safety©
  
  Explore how oxytocin, cortisol, and social threat detection impact your team’s collaboration, communication, and creativity

  Facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner

  Monday, November 23 | Virtual via Zoom

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter is thrilled to host a Special Interest Group (SIG) just for you—one that blends brain science with real-world strategies to help you develop talent more effectively.

  Introducing Talent Development with the Brain in Mind, a monthly virtual series facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner, certified Brain-Based Trainer, Dr. Amen Licensed Brain Health Coach, and self-proclaimed “brain junkie.” With warmth, energy, and practical insight, Melanie translates the latest neuroscience into tools you can use to support your brain—and the brains of those you teach, coach, or lead.

  Each session includes:

  - Engaging, research-informed content made simple and actionable

  - Interactive experiences that help learning stick

  - Resources and strategies to apply immediately

  - A welcoming space for discussion and community

  Schedule & Format:

  - When: Fourth Monday of each month

  - Time: 12:00 noon to 1:00pm CT

  - Where: Zoom

  Cost:

  Members can log into the website and register to attend each session for free.  Other guests will need to register online and pay a fee of $20.00 for each session.

  Show details
• ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Reflections with the Brain in Mind©

  • When
    28 Dec 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  
  

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Reflections with the Brain in Mind©
  
  Look back with intention, celebrate small wins, and set yourself up for a brain-friendly new year

  Facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner

  Monday, December 28 | Virtual via Zoom

  ATD Hawkeye Chapter is thrilled to host a Special Interest Group (SIG) just for you—one that blends brain science with real-world strategies to help you develop talent more effectively.

  Introducing Talent Development with the Brain in Mind, a monthly virtual series facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner, certified Brain-Based Trainer, Dr. Amen Licensed Brain Health Coach, and self-proclaimed “brain junkie.” With warmth, energy, and practical insight, Melanie translates the latest neuroscience into tools you can use to support your brain—and the brains of those you teach, coach, or lead.

  Each session includes:

  - Engaging, research-informed content made simple and actionable

  - Interactive experiences that help learning stick

  - Resources and strategies to apply immediately

  - A welcoming space for discussion and community

  Schedule & Format:

  - When: Fourth Monday of each month

  - Time: 12:00 noon to 1:00pm CT

  - Where: Zoom

  Cost:

  Members can log into the website and register to attend each session for free.  Other guests will need to register online and pay a fee of $20.00 for each session.

  Show details