A Year of Growth, Connection, and Exciting Opportunities

Greetings ATD Pittsburgh Members,

As we approach the end of 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we've had as a chapter. It has been a year full of growth, meaningful connections, and learning, and none of it would have been possible without your active participation and dedication to advancing the field of talent development. Thank you for being a vital part of our Pittsburgh community.

A Look Back at 2024

This year has been filled with engaging events, and it’s been amazing to see so many of you involved in shaping the success of our programs.

• Coffee & Connection sessions: New this year, our Coffee & Connections have continued to be a favorite among members. These monthly sessions allowed us to meet informally, share ideas, and build valuable relationships.
• Monthly Regional Webinars: Throughout the year, our regional webinars brought expert speakers and thought leaders to our virtual space, where we discussed important topics in talent development. Whether it was leadership strategies, DEI initiatives, or the evolving role of technology in learning, these webinars have kept us informed and equipped to lead in our field.
• The Strategic Playground Workshop: Our first in-person workshop since Covid was a huge success. We had the opportunity to explore creative solutions to complex challenges for talent development professionals. The hands-on nature of the workshop allowed us to think outside the box and leave with actionable strategies that we can apply to our work.
• National chapter events: In addition to our local programs, many of you participated in events from ATD’s national chapter. These experiences provided great opportunities to expand our network and bring back fresh insights to share with our local community. It’s been a great year of collaboration and connection, both locally and nationally.

Looking Ahead as we close out 2024

There are still a few fantastic events to look forward to, so register today!

• December 2 – 6: Employee Learning Week. Join your ATD Pittsburgh Board, and the talent development community as we gather on LinkedIn to discuss engaging learning and development topics during Employee Learning Week.
• December 11 at 6:00 p.m. - Regional Webinar Series S12. The final regional webinar of the year will focus on inclusive workspaces, and how to create psychological safety and belonging as a facilitator. Be sure to join us for this final session.
• December 17 at 6:00 p.m. Merry Mixer Holiday Networking Event. Our annual Merry Mixer is just around the corner, so register now! This holiday event is a great way to celebrate the season, connect with colleagues, and have a little festive fun. We hope to see you there for some holiday cheer and networking.

Important Reminders: Annual Survey & Board Elections

As we reflect on the year, it’s also time to look ahead to the future of our chapter. We encourage all members to complete the annual member survey and provide your feedback. Your input is invaluable in helping us shape the programs and events that will benefit you in the year to come.

Additionally, we are currently holding elections for the new slate of board officers. Please take a moment to vote in the election by December 16. Your vote is crucial in ensuring that our chapter continues to thrive under strong leadership.

Wishing You a Joyous Holiday Season!

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your support and dedication to the ATD Pittsburgh chapter. Your involvement has made this year one to remember, and I’m excited about the many possibilities that lie ahead in 2025.

On behalf of the entire chapter board, I wish you a joyful and restful holiday season, filled with moments of reflection, connection, and growth. May you enjoy time with loved ones and look forward to the new opportunities the year ahead will bring.

Looking forward to an exciting 2025 with all of you!

Warm regards,

Dana Whatley Smith

President, ATD Pittsburgh