Every month when the Board of Directors meets, we open each meeting with a focus on the chapter’s value proposition of Access, Recognition, and Expertise – A.R.E. We look to frame our discussions and decisions around who we A.R.E. Some months we lean into the access we are providing to our members, other months recognition activities, and finally other months on the expertise we are helping everyone to gain in our field. I would like to report that we covered all three areas during the second quarter of 2024!
Access in April
By being a member of ATD Dallas, you gain access to a tremendous group of professionals. April was a great month where learning, networking, and collaboration happened for many of our members. The Professional Development team offered three different SIGs (Career Development, L&D, and Learning Technologies) and hosted the AI User Group. These four offerings engaged 140 people! The first cohort of the GIV Mentoring program also completed their capstone presentation. The Programs team hosted Happy Hour at On the Border in Plano, and it was a fun evening with over 30 members and guests in attendance!
Recognition in May
May is a big month for ATD Dallas - as we celebrate the amazing work being accomplished by our fellow talent development peers at the AXIS Awards! This signature event of the chapter showcases the best work being done in organizations across the metroplex that are impacting the most important asset – the people!
The luncheon event was held at the Plano Event Center on Tuesday May 14, 2024.
We recognized nine companies across seven award categories this year. Best of Show went to Children’s Health! Congratulations to all! Check out more event pictures and learn more about the 2024 AXIS Award winners and their projects here.
This event would not have been possible without the dedicated work of our AXIS Awards Co-Chairs, Jamie Cook and Halima McWilliams. We were so very lucky to have them both return to this role for the second year in a row. They were surrounded with a stellar team that helped to plan the event, judged the submitted awards applications, and volunteered on the day of the event. Members of the Board served as presenters during the event. Thank you to everyone that contributed to the success of the 2024 AXIS Awards!
ALC & ATD24
After the AXIS Awards, Matthew Brown (President Elect) and I were bound for New Orleans to attend the ATD Chapter Leader (ALC) conference in the days leading into ATD24. This two-day conference brings chapter leaders together from across the U.S. to network, share their best practices, and learn from one another. We enjoyed seeing our friends from the Fort Worth-Mid-Cities chapter and also making new connections.
ATD24’s theme this year was “Recharge Your Soul.” One of the perks of being a chapter leader, is that you get to sit in a reserved section in the front the auditorium for the keynotes! So, we could feel the energy as we got to see Matthew McConaughey, Daniel Pink, and Venus Williams up close! While all three were interesting, Daniel Pink had the most actionable information, not a surprise!
Across the days in the New Orleans, I had a chance to meet some notable authors and contributors in the learning and talent development space. I might have come home with some signed books that will be door prizes at #SWLS2024!
I also caught up with some of our friends of ATD Dallas! It was great to catch up with Rance Greene (prior ATD Dallas President, author, and prior SWLS presenter), sit in Rick Lozano’s session that will be similar to the keynote he does at #SWLS2024, bump into Kassy LaBorie (who presented a webinar last year), and hang out with Mary Anne Davis (ATD Dallas member and SWLS Planning Team member) at a happy hour on Bourbon Street! Laissez les bon temps rouler…or...Let the Good Times Roll!
Expertise in June
After such a busy May, we welcomed the start of summer with a little slower pace. The Professional Development team offered three virtual events that provided new expertise to almost 100 people! The topics of neuroscience and AI never disappoint. We all can continue to learn more in both of those areas.
Our monthly chapter meeting took us to Southwest Airlines to learn about their approach to Leadership and Employee Development. We had the opportunity to hear from three of their talent and leadership development leaders. Thank you to David Reyes for moderating the panel too!
Onto Q3
It is hard to believe that we are halfway through 2024! July events are already loaded and available for registration the website. August events will be finalized in the coming days and added soon.
We are about 60 days out from Southwest Learning Summit. Be sure to grab your spot by registering before rates jump up on July 15th! I look forward to seeing you soon at one of our monthly events or at #SWLS2024!
