Bianca Baumann is VP, Learning Solutions & Innovation at Ardent Learning. Over time, she has developed processes and methodologies to help organizations meet their growth targets with the help of innovative L&D approaches, including workforce transformations, onboarding and reskilling programs. She has spearheaded multiple projects in the marketing, automotive, financial and events industries, creating award-winning programs along the way.

Performitiv is a learning impact optimization technology company. As COO Jeffrey helps shape the strategy and manages day-to-day operations. Jeffrey has been in the learning measurement field for nearly 20 years. He has co-authored 2 books on human capital analytics. He is an adjunct professor on performance measurement and process improvement in Chicago.

Mariah brings over a decade of expertise in education and Learning & Development. As the Head of Learning & Development at Advisor360°, she built the function from the ground-up, crafting frameworks for a high-speed Engineering environment. Previously, she led a team of 30+ as the Learning & Organization Development Manager at DCU. A certified facilitator of Crucial Learning, Blanchard, and FranklinCovey programs, Mariah innovates to foster learning transfer in fast-paced contexts.

LaKisha Brooks is the Managing Partner at Brooks Consultants and former VP of DEIB at the International Coaching Federation. She is a Certified Diversity Professional, columnist for The DimEnsIons of Organizational Development, and serves on advisory boards for HR.com, ATD’s OrgDev Conference, and Central Michigan University. LaKisha is a 2018 Trainer Showdown winner and Top 100 HR Influencer in 2021. With 14 years of sales and management consulting and 20 years of public speaking experience.

People say Jonathan is open, focused and fun.

“A place where I can express my individuality. A place where leadership understands the balance between capitalism and humanism. A place where I am heard, valued, and appreciated. A place where we hang our egos at the door and don’t take things personally. A family that wants to grow, learn, and have fun together.”

Saul Carliner is a Professor at Concordia University in Montreal. His work focuses on the design of instructional and informational materials, the management of groups that produce them, and related issues of professionalism. He also consults with corporations and government agencies. His publications include the ATD Press books Training Design Basics and Informal Learning Basics. He is a Fellow of the Institute for Performance and Learning and Society for Technical Communication.

Robyn transitioned from nine years as an English Instructor to a role as a LOD Specialist at CenterPoint Energy. Her teaching experience emphasized diverse learning approaches and personalized learning experiences. Now, she and her team at CenterPoint Energy cultivate professional growth and leadership opportunities for employees. Robyn, a Grambling State University graduate and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member, finds joy in parenthood, learning from her two active daughters.

Betty Dannewitz is an Immersive Experience Architect with over 20 years in corporate learning and development. She is also a Speaker, Podcaster, and Solutions Architect. Betty’s passion is to help people become better humans and she advocates that innovative technology, like XR and podcasting, have a HUGE role in making that happen.

People say Cornelius is relatable, strategic and open-minded. “Being my authentic self in a workplace where I feel and know I belong. It’s not about my physical appearance, level of expertise or background – but about my value-add contributions striving for the same goals and beyond as a team.” Cornelius Dowdell’s strives to align all programs with the corporation’s business goals and strategies.

As an organizational psychologist and founder of EmC Leaders, Dr. Gershfeld specializes in helping companies build stronger relationships to reduce “people problems” and focus on their core goals through the Emotional Connection (EmC) process. She offers research-based tools for conflict resolution, team dynamics, and cultural transformation, guiding leaders to create lasting, positive change. Dr. Gershfeld has authored Emotional Connection and The Connected Culture and developed three online courses that equip leaders with strategies for fostering healthy workplace relationships. Her passion lies in empowering leaders and teams to thrive and succeed, even in challenging environments.

Richard, from BrightCarbon, a presentation and eLearning agency, enjoys helping people use PowerPoint effectively with visual storytelling, all supported by free resources at www.brightcarbon.com.

Dr. Lauren Hodges is a consultant, speaker, and author of Less Stress, More Calm: Discover Your Unique Stress Personality and Make It Your Superpower. She is the owner of Performance on Purpose, a global human performance coaching and training company. She has spent the last 17 years consulting with global leaders such as Johnson & Johnson, Accenture, and Estee Lauder Companies on their human sustainability and learning strategies.

Stephanie Hubka, CPTD wants to live in a world where learning is exciting, inspiring, and recognized as a driver of organizational strategy. As managing partner of Protos Learning, LLC, she specializes in strategies and products that advance a company’s mission, vision, and professionalism. She is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and is a longtime Metro DC ATD volunteer, including a term as chapter president in 2016. She served as a National Advisor for Chapters from 2017-2022.

As a leading industry expert and 20+ year pioneer of virtual training, Cindy Huggett, CPTD, has vast experience delivering engaging learning solutions. She’s the author of 5 acclaimed books on the subject including The Facilitator’s Guide to Immersive, Blended, and Hybrid Learning. She partners with organizations, trainers and designers to create engaging virtual training with lasting learning impact. Based in Raleigh, NC, Cindy serves clients globally. For more, visit cindyhuggett.com.

Ronald L. Jacobs is principal of SiTUATE, LLC., a global consulting firm that focuses on workplace learning and performance. Ron is emeritus professor of human resource development at the Ohio State University and the University of Illinois. Ron has extensive experience consulting in organizations and is the author of "Work Analysis in the Knowledge Economy: Documenting What People Do on their Jobs for Human Resource Development," (2019, Palgrave)

Britne Jenke, CPTD has been a member of ATD and leader of the award-winning Greater Las Vegas chapter since 2017. Britne is passionate about accessibility, disability advocacy, and inclusive design. She holds several certifications: Talent Development (CPTD), Human Resources (SHRM-SCP), Accessibility (CPACC), and Diversity & Inclusion. She speaks regularly on accessibility and disability inclusion in the workplace and was featured in 2021 on the ATD DEI podcast for designing inclusive training.

Crystal Kadakia is the co-creator of the Learning Cluster Design (LCD) model, author of Designing for Modern Learning: Beyond ADDIE and SAM (ATD Press, 2020) & two-time TEDx speaker. The LCD model is a powerful method shifting the learning industry from one-and-done curriculums to driving on-the-job change through multiple learning assets. She is also an OD consultant working with nonprofit leaders.

Katrina Kennedy is known to the training community as “the trainer’s trainer.” She is passionate about helping trainers design and deliver interactive, engaging learning that transfers to the job. She has provided training, coaching, and design consultation to organizations since 1997. She holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Development from Chapman University and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She shares training insights and ideas at www.katrinakennedy.com.

Dr Maurine Kwende is passionate about empowering leaders to reach their full potential. She is the CEO and Founder of EMK Learning Solutions, and a certified leadership and executive coach, speaker, and DISC consultant. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of learning and development. Maurine holds a PhD in Learning Technologies Design Research at George Mason University. She has spoken at many conferences and events on various topics in L&D, Leadership, coaching, and consulting.

Over the last 20 years, Michelle has become a recognized leader in corporate learning strategy and tech. She modernized training strategies at companies including UPS and Oracle. Michelle holds certificates in Prompt Engineering, Hogan, 360 Feedback, and is pursuing her ICF coaching certification. She is a recipient of the ATD Volunteer-Partnership Award and has contributed to several books, including Ready, Set, Curate: 8 Learning Experts Tell You How and L&D's Playbook for the Digital Age.

Jason is a "renaissance" facilitator and combines an eclectic mix of train-the-trainer expertise. On the one hand, he's a certified Design Thinking practitioner and has advised global brands on innovation projects. On the other hand, he's a founder and active member of The Kinkonauts improv theatre in his home town of Calgary, AB. Combining his wide range of experiences and interests, Jason has completed a Master's thesis focused on "Creativity and Teams in Organizations".

Bridgett McGowen is an award-winning author, an award-winning publisher, and an award-winning international professional speaker who is known to be both comical and totally unforgettable. The author of multiple books to include "Real Talk" and "Show Up and Show Out," Bridgett has presented on in-person and virtual stages since 2001. Bridgett will not only energize you, but she will inspire you to not let anyone or anything get in the way of you being the most unforgettable person in the room.

Margie Meacham has been building educational chatbots for clients since 2013. Her designs have won awards from Tech & Learning magazine and Brandon Hall. Her book, “AI and Talent Development,” was published by ATD Press in 2020. She served as a SME on several ATD projects, including "Essentials of Brain-Based Learning," the Adult Learning certificate, the 2023 ATD Research Report, "AI in Learning and Talent Development" and the new on-demand course, "AI and Emerging Technologies."

Gwen Navarrete Klapperich, M.Ed., CPTD® is Learning Consultant/Owner of Klapperich International Training Associates (KITA) LLC, a talent development firm that specializes in employee training & development, diversity & inclusion initiatives, performance consulting, and health & safety training. She holds over 20 years of experience in training & development, customer service supervision, and quality assurance initiatives, and has worked in a variety of diverse industries throughout her career.

Kenneth M. Nowack, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and Senior Research office of Envisia Learning, Inc. Ken received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from UCLA and has published extensively in the areas of 360-degree feedback & health psychology.

Ken serves as outgoing Editor for the APA Consulting Psychology Journal and is a Fellow of APA. Ken's new book, "Performance Feedback Strategies: Driving Successful Behavior Change" will be published next year (ATD Press, 2025).

Josh Penzell, VP of AI Solutions at ELB Learning, leads AI integration into learning frameworks and AI consulting. Co-founder of TheaterThink, he applies theater principles for innovative learning experiences, impacting firms like Zillow and Amazon. At ELB, he develops AI agents for content creation, enhancing content production efficiency. A sought-after speaker, Josh holds a BS in Communications, an MFA in Theater, and an MBA. He resides in Seattle with his family and pets.

Matthew Pierce, learning and video ambassador from TechSmith Corporation, has created videos for learning and marketing for over a decade. He is the lead for TechSmith Academy, a free platform teaching video and image creation. He’s also the host of The Visual Lounge podcast by TechSmith, streaming on Youtube, Facebook, and LinkedIn weekly. He is a regular speaker at multiple conferences and is a regular contributor to various training publications.

Jack J. Phillips, Ph.D., chairman, ROI Institute, is a world-renowned expert on accountability, measurement, and evaluation. The author or editor of more than 75 books, Phillips consults for Fortune 500 companies and major global organizations, conducts workshops and presents at conferences globally. Jack has been recognized by numerous organizations, including receiving ATD's 2022 Talent Development Thought Leader Award along with his wife and ROI Institute co-founder, Patti Phillips.

Ken Phillips is the CEO of Phillips Associates and the creator of the Predictive Learning Analytics™ evaluation methodology. He is also a measurement and evaluation master, having spoken and received rave reviews at the ATD International Conference on measuring and evaluating learning issues every year since 2008.

Ken has pooled his knowledge and experience in measurement and evaluation into engaging presentations containing content that most L&D professionals haven’t previously heard.

Patti P. Phillips, Ph.D., CEO, ROI Institute, is a renowned measurement and evaluation leader. Patti helps organizations across 70 countries implement the ROI Methodology. Patti is a member of the board of trustees of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and the International Federation of Training and Development Organizations. She is chair of the i4cp People Analytics Board; principal research fellow for The Conference Board; and is an ATD Certification Institute CPTD fellow.

Moe is the Trainer's Trainer. His expertise and insight have been honed over a 20+ career focused on training delivery. As a train-the-trainer specialist, Moe combines understated self-assurance with a spark so powerful it incites lasting positive change. He’s courageous in his feedback, and relentless in the way he coaches both virtually and in-person. Through Shift Facilitation, he and his team are called upon by companies large and small to elevate the impact of their internal training teams.

Scott Provence is a learning strategist whose print and web-based curricula serve millions annually. He has worked in both public and private sectors, and led L&D teams from small startups to Google. Scott received an MA in English and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Washington. He has written books on everything from addiction treatment to training gamification, and enjoys working with teams at any stage and budget to create effective training solutions.

GeekyGirl Karin Rex is an innovative and experienced pro in talent development and storytelling. With a 30-year career serving a global clientele, she brings a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and passion for delivering transformative learning experiences. As a facilitator specializing in virtual classroom delivery and an ID focused on e-learning and virtual classroom design, her commitment to excellence shines in her ability to create engaging and appealing learning experiences.

Barbara Ann has extensive experience in strategic consulting, building strong leaders and high performing teams and workgroups in today’s diverse and progressive environment. She is an international keynote speaker with an advanced degree in Instructional Design, Performance Technology, and Leadership Studies. Her passion today is helping trainers, learning and development professionals and leaders achieve their next level of excellence through inclusion, intention, and integrity.

A veteran practitioner, speaker, and innovator, Mark is no stranger to the dynamic L&D landscape. He embraces his inner geek and puts technology to work in the learning process while challenging expectations. He has presented at events in Canada, the US, & Australia. He holds a Certificate in Adult Training & Development from the University of Toronto, a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Seneca College, and a Masters Degree in Learning & Technology from Royal Roads University.

Tim Slade is a speaker, author, award-winning freelance e-learning designer, and creator of The eLearning Designer’s Academy. Having spent more than a decade working to help others elevate their e-learning content, Tim has been recognized and awarded within the e-learning industry multiple times for his creative and innovative design aesthetics. Tim is also an international speaker, a recognized Articulate Super Hero, and the author of The eLearning Designer’s Handbook.

Dr. Alaina Szlachta is a Learning Measurement Architect and founder of By Design Development Solutions. She specializes in creating cost-effective evaluation systems for nonprofits and small businesses. Alaina hosts a free community of practice, Measurement Made Easy, for practitioners to explore real case studies and simpler solutions for program evaluation. She is also the author of the upcoming ATD Press book, "Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring," simplifying measurement solutions.

Mike Taylor, known for his practical approach to learning design, has over two decades of experience in the field. He is a highly-rated speaker, consultant at Nationwide, and teaches at Franklin University's graduate program. Mike holds an MBA from Ohio University and a master's in educational technology from San Diego State University.

Chris Tompkins is the V.P. of Business Development for learning technology companies Rustici Software and Watershed. He is an expert in the standards (like SCORM and xAPI) and uses his technical expertise to support eLearning RFP and procurement. Chris has an MBA from Belmont University, focused on Entrepreneurship and Negotiations. Building on previous work at HP/Compaq and XM Satellite Radio, he has over fifteen years of experience matching the right technical solution to a client’s needs.

Megan Torrance is CEO and founder of TorranceLearning, and has over 25 years of experience in learning design, deployment and consulting. Megan and the TorranceLearning team are passionate about sharing what works so they devote considerable time to sharing professional development in her field. Megan is the author of Agile for Instructional Designers, Data & Analytics for Instructional Designers, and Making Sense of xAPI.

Danielle Wallace is the chief learning strategist at Beyond the Sky: Custom Learning. Previously, as a marketing leader with P&G and PepsiCo, she learned strategic marketing which she now applies to L&D. Danielle is a sought-after speaker at global conferences and her thought leadership is found in industry publications. She’s passionate about elevating L&D through her podcast, "You in 2042: The Future of Work" and her AI+L&D Community of Practice at www.beyondthesky.ca.

Becky Willis brings a mix of learning and business leadership to learning strategy. A founder and CLO of Tractus Learning, she works on learning strategy, content development and learning technology . Additionally, Becky founded WillLearn Consulting, helping clients build effective leadership programs. At EdCast, she was the VP of Engagement and led Learning Innovation at HPE and HP, as well as other leadership positions in HR, Sales and Marketing.