ATD - Hawkeye Chapter upcoming events

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Training with the Brain in Mind© (27 Apr 2026)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Training with the Brain in Mind©

Brain-friendly facilitation strategies to make learning stick (sneak peek at June’s Train the Trainer)

Facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner

Monday, April 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.

2026 Building Community Connections Conference (05 May 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Future Readiness: From Uncertainty to Empowerment

May 5th, 2026 - In Person Event

Hawkeye ATD's Building Community Connections Conference is an award-winning event where we give back to the community.

Join us for an engaging and energizing day where you’ll discover how you respond to change and leave empowered to shape your organization’s future—featuring opening keynote speaker Tom Hicks and closing keynote speaker Celina Peerman!

Whether you're navigating technological disruption, leadership transitions, or evolving community needs, you'll leave with concrete strategies to foster adaptive mindsets and build the organizational agility that mission-driven work demands.

Join us to transform how you respond to change—and emerge empowered to shape your organization's future.

We invite everyone who works for or volunteers at a nonprofit.

When:

Tuesday, May 5th. Check in begins at 8:00 a.m.

Event is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where:

Mt Mercy University Graduate Center, 1650 Matterhorn Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402

Cost:

Includes sessions, session materials, lunch, snacks, and beverages.

$35 - Students, Non-Profit Staff, Volunteer, or Board Member
$45 - ATD Member
$55 - Non-Member

BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE AGENDA

8:00 a.m. Registration Opens and Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m. ATD Welcome and Networking!

9:00 a.m. Opening Keynote - "Embracing Failure & Growth Through Juggling" - Tom Hicks

Inspired by a juggling kit from his grandmother, Tom Hicks delivers a fun, hands-on workshop that transforms the fear of failure into fuel for growth. Embracing Failure & Growth Through Juggling blends laughter, resilience, and connection, giving participants a safe space to try, fail, and try again—while building trust, adaptability, and a true continuous improvement mindset. Perfect for teams, schools, and organizations ready to strengthen culture, spark collaboration, and leave with lessons that last long after the balls stop flying. Are you ready to juggle?

10:00 a.m. 15-minute break

10:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions

11:15 a.m. Lunch

12:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions

1:15 p.m. 15-minute break

1:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions

2:30 p.m. 15-minute break

2:45 p.m. Table Discussions with Speakers

3:30 p.m. Closing Keynote - "Ready or Not: Change, Adaptation, and the Future Workplace" - Dr. Celina Peerman

Work is changing rapidly but success depends on how leaders’ model and manage disruption. This session explores the human side of change: reducing resistance, building clarity, strengthening trust, and guiding teams through uncertainty. Walk away with practical strategies to lead adaptation with confidence and empathy.

4:20 p.m. Conference Closeout and Drawings

4:30 p.m. Conference Concludes

About our Keynote Speakers:

Tom Hicks is an experienced higher‑education professional with a foundation in coaching, active listening, and goal‑oriented student development. He has expanded this expertise into building inclusive environments, leading organizational change, strengthening recruitment and retention, and coaching individuals at all levels.

Dr. Celina Peerman, Ph.D., CSP, SHRM‑SCP, is a people champion known for solving challenges in leader development, change readiness, uncertainty, and the future of work. As an Organizational Psychologist, Global Speaker, Trainer, 2x TEDx Speaker, 4x Author, Advisor, and Angel Investor, Dr. Peerman brings a unique blend of research-based insight and real‑world experience. Her work is grounded in the day‑to‑day challenges leaders face across industries and levels.
Breakout Sessions

Time	Track	Session
10:15 - 11:15 AM	1	Circle of Control: Leading Yourself from the Inside Out
10:15 - 11:15 AM	2	Why Change Initiatives Fail and Why Leadership Matters
10:15 - 11:15 AM	3	AI
12:15 - 1:15 PM	1	The Happiness Journey: A guide for changing your mindset to achieve contentment, joy, and well-being in all areas of your life
12:15 - 1:15 PM	2	Leading Through the Trough: Helping People Move Forward in Times of Change
12:15 - 1:15 PM	3	AI
1:30 - 2:30 PM	1	Reclaim Your Spark: Confidence from the Inside Out
1:30 - 2:30 PM	2	Communicating Change
1:30 - 2:30 PM	3	AI

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Organizing with the Brain in Mind© (25 May 2026)

Mon, 25 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Organizing with the Brain in Mind©

Declutter your brain and your space with neuroscience-supported strategies for planning, prioritizing, and peace of mind.

Facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner

Monday, May 25 | 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.

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.

Train the Trainer Workshop 2026 (09 Jun 2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Train the Trainer Workshop

June 9th - 10th, 2026 - In Person Event

We are pleased to announce Marcie Van Note and Melanie Hoffner will facilitate our highly popular Train the Trainer workshop in 2026!

Location: GreenState Credit Union
2355 Landon Rd, North Liberty, IA 52317

Dates:

June 9th: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Check-in: 8:15 a.m.)
June 10th: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

About the Workshop

This two-day workshop is for those who are new to a training role or individuals who do training as a part of their role, but it may not be their primary job role. This workshop is also for experienced trainers who need a refresher to their design and delivery. Each day will focus on building foundational knowledge and essential skills for designing and delivering effective training.

Listed below you will find an outline of the objectives that will be laid out in this course.

Learning Objectives

Write measurable learning objectives.
Connect how adults learn with techniques to include in your training.
Create a positive, active learning environment.
Structure training delivery to optimize the participants' learning experience, including their attention, comprehension, and retention.
Integrate new principles and strategies into one of your own training plans. (Time provided during this session).
Develop an Action and Implementation Plan to integrate your learning from Train the Trainer.

Pricing:

$199 for members

$249 for non-members

Facilitators

Marcie Van Note, MS.Ed with Specialization in Training and Performance Improvement
Consultant and Vice President of Events of the ATD Hawkeye Chapter

Melanie Hoffner

Founder and Chief People Development Specialist, Brain Bonanza, LLC.

Both Marcie and Melanie are Past Presidents of the ATD Hawkeye Chapter.
For additional questions, please contact nikkinorton@hawkeyeatd.org.

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Working with the Brain in Mind© (aka Your Best Brain at Work©) (22 Jun 2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Working with the Brain in Mind© (aka Your Best Brain at Work©)

From Zoom fatigue to mental multitasking—optimize how you show up, think, and lead during the workday

Facilitated by Melanie K. Hoffner

Monday, June 22 | 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.

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.

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Quick Brain Boosters© (aka Brain Hacks) for Focus, Memory, Attention, and More (27 Jul 2026)

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Performance Reviews with the Brain in Mind© (24 Aug 2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Burnout, Boundaries & the Brain© (28 Sep 2026)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

Mon, 28 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

ATD - Hawkeye Chapter upcoming events

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Training with the Brain in Mind© (27 Apr 2026)

Monday, April 27 | Virtual via Zoom

2026 Building Community Connections Conference (05 May 2026)

Future Readiness: From Uncertainty to Empowerment

May 5th, 2026 - In Person Event

BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE AGENDA

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Organizing with the Brain in Mind© (25 May 2026)

Monday, May 25 | Virtual via Zoom

Train the Trainer Workshop 2026 (09 Jun 2026)

Train the Trainer Workshop

June 9th - 10th, 2026 - In Person Event

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Working with the Brain in Mind© (aka Your Best Brain at Work©) (22 Jun 2026)

Monday, June 22 | Virtual via Zoom

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Quick Brain Boosters© (aka Brain Hacks) for Focus, Memory, Attention, and More (27 Jul 2026)

Monday, July 27 | Virtual via Zoom

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Performance Reviews with the Brain in Mind© (24 Aug 2026)

Monday, August 24 | Virtual via Zoom

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Burnout, Boundaries & the Brain© (28 Sep 2026)

Monday, September 28 | Virtual via Zoom

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Brain© (26 Oct 2026)

Monday, October 26 | Virtual via Zoom

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: The Neuroscience of Trust & Psychological Safety© (23 Nov 2026)

Monday, November 23 | Virtual via Zoom

ATD Hawkeye Chapter SIG: Reflections with the Brain in Mind© (28 Dec 2026)

Monday, December 28 | Virtual via Zoom