Living Our People First Value
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A Note from the President
At ATD Dallas, putting People First starts with you. Coming from a background rooted in hospitality and service, I’ve always believed that how people are treated matters just as much as what is delivered. Every connection we make, every learning experience we design and every opportunity we offer is grounded in our commitment to ensuring you feel welcomed, valued and supported, whether you’re a long-time member, a volunteer or engaging with us for the very first time.
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You’ll see this commitment reflected in our volunteer opportunities, networking events and community initiatives all designed to help you feel connected, supported and empowered. As a volunteer-led organization, we know our strength comes from our people, and we are deeply committed to investing in you through opportunities for growth, recognition and belonging.
As you explore this month’s newsletter, I hope you’ll find something that inspires you to engage, connect and grow with us. Together, we’re building a community where people always come first.
Chenier Mershon
President, ATD Dallas
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Don't Miss This: Why Leadership Skills Aren't the Problem
Leadership effectiveness isn’t declining because leaders lack skills, it’s declining because they lack capacity. As organizations flatten and spans of control increase, burnout and disengagement are quietly eroding performance and retention.
Join ATD Dallas for a research-backed Learning and Development SIG session on Friday, February 6 at 12:00 p.m. with Sara Bell, who will introduce the Thrive Leadership Method, a capacity-first approach to developing resilient, high-impact leaders. This session offers a modern, human-centered framework to reduce burnout, strengthen engagement, and drive measurable results.
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Learning and Lattes: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Join us on February 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Mudleaf Coffee for the launch of the ATD Dallas Book Club, Learning & Lattes, hosted by Karen Clem and R. Mark Miles. This quarter, we’ll dive into The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, a practical and empowering guide to letting go of what you can’t control and focusing on what truly matters.
Connect with fellow ATD Dallas members over meaningful conversation, share key takeaways, and explore how these ideas can be applied to your work and life. Come early and enjoy a free cup of coffee on us as we learn, reflect and grow together.
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Announcing the Launch of Our Networking Lunch Meetups
ATD Dallas is launching GIG (Geographical Interest Group) Lunch Meetups, casual, connection-first gatherings designed to help members connect close to where they live or work.
Join us for lunch at 11:30 a.m. on February 16 at Jason’s Deli in Dallas (5400 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas, 75206) or February 25 at Zion Market Food Court at Music City Mall in Lewisville (2401 South Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville, Texas, 75067) for great conversation and community.
These pay-your-own-way lunches are open to ATD Dallas members and non-members curious about our chapter. Come meet fellow professionals, share ideas and step away from your desk to recharge. Space is limited, so register today!
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ATD Dallas Happy Hour: Connect with NovoEd + Win Apple AirPods
Join ATD Dallas for a relaxed happy hour at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17 at Gloria's Latin Cuisine in Dallas (5100 Belt Line Road, Ste. 864, Dallas, Texas, 75254) hosted by NovoEd—an evening of great conversation, meaningful connections and community. In addition to networking, NovoEd will host a fun Apple AirPods raffle, with questions based on NovoEd facts you can find using AI or at NovoEd.com.
Answer cards will be provided at check-in, and all correct entries will be eligible to win. Whether you’re new to ATD or a longtime member, come unwind, connect and enjoy the energy at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine.
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Register Now: Master Your Energy for Sustainable High Performance
In today’s fast-paced workplace, overextending yourself can come at the cost of both well-being and impact. Join leadership coach and professional speaker Chasity Crawley at 6:30 p.m. on February 23 for our next Career Development SIG to learn how to treat your energy like capital by budgeting it strategically, avoiding “energy debt,” and investing it where it delivers the highest return.
You’ll conduct a personal energy audit, identify drains and high-value investments and discover how to sustain performance without sacrificing yourself. Walk away with practical tools to reclaim energy for leadership, innovation and personal fulfillment.
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Register for Super Early Bird Pricing for the Southwest Learning Summit
The Southwest Learning Summit (SWLS) brings together professionals who are passionate about learning and talent development in the workplace. Taking place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Plano, Texas, attendees will gain fresh insights from leading experts, explore the latest trends and resources, and connect with innovative vendor partners. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to network with peers across disciplines like learning and development, organizational development, coaching, leadership development, instructional design and more. Whether you’re looking to grow your skills or strengthen your professional community, SWLS offers an energizing space to learn, share, and collaborate. This conference is ideal for anyone committed to their professional development.
Pricing:
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$199 | ATD Dallas Chapter Member and Affiliate Member – Super Early Bird!
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$249 | Non-Member – Super Early Bird!
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ATD26 Conference and Expo: Register with the ATD Dallas Member Code to Save Money!
Get ready! ATD’s International Conference and EXPO is headed to Los Angeles May 17-20, 2026! This is the premier global event for talent development professionals, offering world-class speakers, cutting-edge learning sessions, and an energizing community of practitioners from around the world. Whether you attend in person or virtually, this is your chance to elevate your skills, explore the latest industry innovations, and bring new strategies back to your organization.
Ready to Register?
Visit the ATD26 Conference site and click REGISTER NOW in the top right. Choose your registration type and any add-ons, then click Add to Cart. If you’re not currently an ATD national member, consider bundling membership with your registration for extra savings. In your cart, select REDEEM A CODE and enter the appropriate code below to receive your discount. Finally, proceed to checkout and enter ATD Dallas' ChIP code: CH7017 before payment to help support the Dallas chapter. We are offering an ATD Dallas team discount which can save you up to $500 by entering the codes below:
- In-Person Code: ATD26-7017
- Virtual Code: ATD26V-7017
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the largest gathering in talent development. Secure your spot today! Prices go up at the start of the new year.
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💎 Platinum Sponsor Spotlight: TrainingPros
Got more projects than people? TrainingPros is here to help!
As a trusted partner to learning and development teams, TrainingPros connects you with top-notch talent and tailored solutions to keep your projects moving forward. From instructional design to leadership development and beyond, they offer the expertise and support you need—exactly when you need it.
🤝 Schedule a consult today to get expert guidance and the right resources to meet your goals with confidence.
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Be Part of Something Big:
Volunteer with ATD Dallas!
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ATD Dallas is more than a chapter—it’s a vibrant community dedicated to building talent and creating connections that make Dallas the talent development capital of the world. But we can’t do it without YOU!
We’re looking for passionate volunteers to help support our local chapter and its incredible initiatives. Whether you’re looking to grow your network, develop new skills, or make a lasting impact in the talent development field, there’s a place for you here.
Join us in shaping the future of talent development while giving back to the community that supports us all. Let’s build something amazing together! 🌟
Ready to make a difference? Visit our site to explore volunteer opportunities today!
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DISCOVER EVENTS, MEMBERSHIP PERKS AND MORE WITH ATD DALLAS!
Looking for the latest on chapter events, membership benefits, and more? Visit our website to stay in the loop on upcoming programs, networking opportunities, and resources designed just for you! Discover everything our community has to offer—stop by and explore today!
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