From Smile Sheets to Statistical Confidence: Practical Strategies for Defensible Training Evaluation

Presented by Adrian Gianni

Most learning teams collect plenty of training data—but turning that data into meaningful, credible evidence of impact is often the real challenge.

In this interactive session, you'll learn how to move beyond smile sheets and satisfaction scores to practical evaluation strategies that demonstrate the true value of learning. Through real-world examples, Adrian will show how to strengthen Level 3 behavior measurement, connect learning results to organizational outcomes, and communicate findings with greater confidence.

The best part? These approaches don't require an advanced background in statistics. You'll discover practical methods you can begin using immediately with the data your organization already collects.

Throughout the session, participants will engage in guided reflection, structured discussion, and live walkthroughs to evaluate their current measurement approach and identify opportunities for immediate improvement.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify common gaps that weaken the credibility of training evaluation.

• Apply practical methods to strengthen Level 3 behavior measurement.

• Describe strategies for connecting learning data to organizational outcomes.

Event Schedule

5:30–6:00 p.m. – Networking

6:00–6:15 p.m. – Welcome & Chapter Announcements

6:15–7:30 p.m. – Featured Presentation

About Adrian Gianni

Adrian Gianni is a training evaluation consultant and adjunct psychology professor specializing in practical, defensible measurement strategies for learning and development teams. He is the creator of Evaluation Trakker, an applied evaluation ecosystem designed to help organizations strengthen Level 3 behavior measurement, connect learning initiatives to business outcomes, and communicate results with greater confidence.

With experience teaching research methods and statistics at the university level, Adrian is passionate about translating complex analytics into practical, real-world workflows that learning professionals can confidently implement using data they already have.

We look forward to seeing you!

ATD Detroit

Advancing the talent development profession throughout Southeast Michigan.

www.atddetroit.org

Connect with us:
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September Topic: Identity-Based Learning

Location: Zoom Online Virtual Platform (link provided after registration)

Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and other local Chapter Members &

$10.00 for Guest

Note: This session will be on September 10,2026 the second Thursday.

Description:  Join us for Identity-Based Learning. People do not just learn new skills. They carry stories about who they are, what they are good at, what they avoid, and what “people like me” do or do not do. Those identity stories quietly shape whether learners engage, resist, practice, or retreat back to old habits.

In this Behavioral Science SIG session, we will explore the power of identity-based learning: how self-concept, belonging, labels, confidence, and personal narrative influence behavior change. Instead of designing learning only around what people need to know or do, we will look at how trainers, coaches, and instructional designers can help learners shift the story behind the behavior.

Participants will learn how to recognize identity language, reduce identity threat, and design learning experiences that help people become the kind of leader, teammate, communicator, or professional they are trying to grow into. This session will move beyond skill-building and into one of the deeper questions of development: “Who am I becoming through this learning?”

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain how identity and self-concept influence learning, resistance, and behavior change.
• Recognize identity-based language that may support or block growth.
• Design learning experiences that reinforce new behaviors through small, visible wins.
• Use reframing strategies that help learners see change as an evolution of who they are, not a threat to who they have been.

Jay's Bio

Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents.

For more information about the ID SIG or the upcoming Meet-up, contact SIG Organizer Jay Johnson at jay@behavioralelements.com 

Note: SIGs are an exclusive member benefit for ATD Detroit and other local ATD chapter members. 

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What's a SIG?

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are small groups of members who share an affinity for a particular aspect of Talent Development. Whether it's a specific approach, a certain skill, or a common role in the industry, a SIG helps bring chapter members together to share in an interest.  

Anyone can start a SIG - all it takes is a shared interest and a meeting place! To learn more, contact the Chapter President, president@detroitatd.org.

Career Boost Coffee Chat

Looking to refine your resume, build a standout portfolio, or boost your career prospects? Join us for our Career Boost Coffee Chat, a monthly virtual meetup designed for unemployed and underemployed members seeking expert feedback and guidance.

Topic: 

When: Third Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free for ATD members (Detroit, Ann Arbor & West Michigan), $10 for future members

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with fellow professionals! Register now to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Hello ATD Detroit Members,

We’re excited to invite you to the Quarterly Leadership & Organizational Development Special Interest Group (SIG) session!

 Date: September 22, 2026
⏰ Time: 4 pm -5:30 PM ET
Location: DTE Office Hybrid (Teams – link provided after registration)
Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and local ATD chapter members

Topic: Leading Forward: Building Leadership Capability, Coaching Culture, and HR Transformation

Join us for Leading Forward, an interactive ATD peer session exploring how organizations are evolving from traditional leadership development programs to scalable leadership capability, coaching cultures, and HR transformation. Through real-world examples, discussion, and peer networking, you'll exchange ideas with fellow talent development professionals and leave with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Deborah Meyers is a Senior Organizational Development Consultant at DTE Energy with more than two decades of experience advancing leadership and organizational capability. She leads enterprise-wide manager development, designing impactful learning experiences that help leaders deepen self-awareness, lead with intention, and build engaged and successful teams. Her work integrates leadership assessments, 360 feedback, coaching, and experiential learning to accelerate growth.

Deborah has helped shape DTE’s leadership and talent strategy, including development of corporate university efforts, competency models, talent planning, and performance management processes. Prior to DTE, she spent six years at Aon Consulting designing selection and assessment solutions across industries.

Deborah holds a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, is SPHR-certified, holds multiple coaching and assessment certifications, and serves on the ATD Leadership and Organizational Development SIG, with a passion for building cultures where people and performance thrive.

Stacy West is a Senior Organizational Development Consultant in the HR Service Delivery Transformation Office at DTE Energy. She serves as a strategic partner designing enterprise leadership development initiatives that build future-ready leaders and strengthen organizational capability. Known for blending technology with human-centered design, Stacy integrates AI-driven learning tools and analytics to drive real-world application and measurable impact.

With more than 25 years of experience in learning and organizational development, including over 15 years in leadership development, Stacy has built a career focused on practical, experiential learning. Since joining DTE in 2021, she has led flagship programs supporting frontline and emerging leaders. Prior to DTE, she founded a consulting practice supporting organizations in training strategy and process improvement and held leadership roles in both construction and technology sectors.

Stacy has been an active member of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) for more than 10 years and is passionate about advancing the profession through connection, innovation, and shared learning. She is a DDI Facilitator, Master Facilitator in Facilitative Leadership, Hogan and Korn Ferry 360 certified coach, and is trained in Cognitive Coaching. She also holds a Six Sigma Yellow Belt. Stacy holds a master's degree in education from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Oakland University.

What’s a SIG?
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are small, member-driven communities focused on particular aspects of Talent Development. SIGs provide a space for members to explore their shared interests, skills, and roles, while fostering valuable connections.

For more information about the Leadership and Organizational Development SIG, please contact: Dr. Olacoy Lawyer, VP of Professional Development via email, olacoylawyer@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!

Hello ATD Detroit Members,

We’re excited to invite you to the Instructional Design Special Interest Group (SIG) session!

Date: Thursday, September 24th, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual (Zoom – link provided after registration)
Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and local ATD chapter members

$10 for guests/future members 

This month's Topic: AI as a partner in the real world of ID: going beyond "Will it build my course?" 

Guest presenter: Brandon Billings 

Session summary:

Most conversations about AI in learning start with "can it build my course." This session starts somewhere more useful, and more honest: the work around the course. Brandon Billings, Director of Learning Technologies for SAE Professional Development, will walk through real working sessions from the past six months, none of which required him to become a programmer. A vendor update that silently re-exposed buy buttons and dead-ended real customers. Roughly 1,200 quiz questions checked against what the courses actually taught. A platform quietly dropping learner responses, with no error to warn anybody. You will see the actual work on screen, wrong turns and dead ends included, so you can tell where the designer stays in charge and where the machine is genuinely faster. Expect a straight conversation about guardrails, and about what you are really handing over when you give an AI agent the same access you have. You should leave with at least one task worth handing off, a clearer view of the work that should stay human, and a simple question to ask before automating anything at all.

What’s a SIG?
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are small, member-driven communities focused on particular aspects of Talent Development. SIGs provide a space for members to dive deeper into shared interests, skills, and roles while building valuable connections.

For more information about the Instructional Design SIG, please contact:

• Laurie Zeller – lauriezeller365@gmail.com

• Misty Minna – Misty.minna@gmail.com

• Julie Pochik - julieapochik@gmail.com 

We hope to see you there!

2026 MI ATD Regional Conference

Join Michigan’s talent development community for a full day focused on Change in L&D.

MIATD26 brings together workplace learning professionals from across Michigan and neighboring regions to explore how we lead through change, uncertainty, and transformation in practical and human-centered ways.

Hosted collaboratively by Ann Arbor ATD and ATD Detroit, with additional support from West Michigan ATD, partners and volunteers, MIATD26 continues to build connection, shared learning, and professional community across the region.

Why Attend MIATD26?

Whether you lead learning programs, design training, support organizational change, coach leaders, or help teams adapt to what’s next, MIATD26 is designed to give you practical ideas, fresh perspective, and meaningful professional connection.

At MIATD26, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Explore timely conversations around change, AI, leadership, and workforce transformation

• Connect with L&D, HR, OD, and talent professionals from across the region

• Learn practical strategies you can bring back to your organization

• Hear from speakers and practitioners navigating real workplace challenges

• Build relationships across Michigan’s ATD community and beyond

This Year’s Programming Will Center Around:

• Organizational transformation

• Human-centered leadership

• AI and workforce evolution

• Resilience and adaptability

• Strategic influence and communication

A Full-Day Experience Built for Learning, Connection, and Momentum MIATD26 will include a keynote experience, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, sponsor and exhibitor connections, and space to exchange ideas with peers who are facing many of the same questions and pressures.

The day is designed to be practical, energizing, and community-centered, helping attendees leave with new ideas, useful connections, and renewed confidence for the future of work and learning.

Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for:

• Learning & Development professionals

• Talent Development leaders

• Instructional Designers

• HR and Organizational Development professionals

• Training managers and facilitators

• Consultants and coaches

• Workplace learning strategists

• Emerging and established leaders

Register at https://a2atd.org/event-6646301

• MI ATD Chapter Members: Advanced Registration $150 by Sun. Aug 16th, Regular Registration $185

• Student Members of MI ATD Chapters: $100

• Non-Members: $225

• MI ATD Conference Volunteer / Workers: $100

Please register by Oct. 5, 2026. 

All attendees (including guests) must register in advance so we can make facility and food arrangements.

Expected attendance: approximately 80–100 workplace learning professionals from across Michigan and neighboring regions.

Register early to save your spot. Space is limited, and advanced registration is available through Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Location Details:

Washtenaw Community College - Morris Lawrence Building

4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Presenter Information and Agenda Coming Soon:

Programming is currently being finalized. Keynote, speaker, sponsor, and agenda details will be announced as they are confirmed. Early registration is now open for those who want to reserve their spot.

Interested in sponsoring MIATD26? Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations interested in supporting the talent development community across Michigan. Details are coming soon.

Career Boost Coffee Chat

Looking to refine your resume, build a standout portfolio, or boost your career prospects? Join us for our Career Boost Coffee Chat, a monthly virtual meetup designed for unemployed and underemployed members seeking expert feedback and guidance.

Topic: 

When: Third Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free for ATD members (Detroit, Ann Arbor & West Michigan), $10 for future members

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with fellow professionals! Register now to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Hello ATD Detroit Members,

We’re excited to invite you to the Instructional Design Special Interest Group (SIG) session!

Date: Thursday, October 29th, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual (Zoom – link provided after registration)
Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and local ATD chapter members

This month's Topic: Career Development for ID's: from entering the field to expert

In this session, Laurie Zeller will share her career journey from sales to instructional design and the intentional steps she took to make the career move, followed by ideas gleaned from other ID's in the field on how to continue to develop as an instructional designer throughout your career. There will also be a group discussion time to share your favorite tips and ask for help from the group.

What’s a SIG?
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are small, member-driven communities focused on particular aspects of Talent Development. SIGs provide a space for members to dive deeper into shared interests, skills, and roles while building valuable connections.

For more information about the Instructional Design SIG, please contact:

• Laurie Zeller – lauriezeller365@gmail.com

• Misty Minna – Misty.minna@gmail.com

• Julie Pochik - julieapochik@gmail.com 

We hope to see you there!

November Topic: AI as a Behavioral Co-Trainer: Designing Human + Machine Learning Experiences

Location: Zoom Online Virtual Platform (link provided after registration)

Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and other local Chapter Members &

$10.00 for Guest

Description: Join us for AI as a Behavioral Co-Trainer: Designing Human + Machine Learning Experiences. AI is no longer just a content engine, it is a powerful shaper of behavior. In this session, we will explore how AI can act as a “behavioral co-trainer” for your learners and a “co-pilot” for you. From prompting reflection and spacing practice, to nudging follow-through and adapting difficulty, AI can quietly influence what people do before, during, and after your programs. At the same time, it can radically streamline how you design, develop, and deliver learning.

Instead of asking, “Will AI replace trainers?” we will focus on better questions:

• What should AI handle incredibly well, and what must stay deeply human?

• Where can AI automate micro-tasks so you can focus on high-value facilitation, relationships, and strategy?

Come ready to rethink AI not as a threat to your role, but as a behavioral amplifier and creative partner that can make your work faster, sharper, and more impactful, while keeping the human element exactly where it matters most.  

Jay's Bio

Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents.

For more information about the ID SIG or the upcoming Meet-up, contact SIG Organizer Jay Johnson at jay@behavioralelements.com 

Note: SIGs are an exclusive member benefit for ATD Detroit and other local ATD chapter members. 

----

What's a SIG?

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are small groups of members who share an affinity for a particular aspect of Talent Development. Whether it's a specific approach, a certain skill, or a common role in the industry, a SIG helps bring chapter members together to share in an interest.  

Anyone can start a SIG - all it takes is a shared interest and a meeting place! To learn more, contact the Chapter President, president@detroitatd.org.

Career Boost Coffee Chat

Looking to refine your resume, build a standout portfolio, or boost your career prospects? Join us for our Career Boost Coffee Chat, a monthly virtual meetup designed for unemployed and underemployed members seeking expert feedback and guidance.

Topic: 

When: Third Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free for ATD members (Detroit, Ann Arbor & West Michigan), $10 for future members

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with fellow professionals! Register now to secure your spot.

We look forward to seeing you there!

December Topic: 

Location: Zoom Online Virtual Platform (link provided after registration)

Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and other local Chapter Members &

$10.00 for Guest

Description: 

Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents.

For more information about the ID SIG or the upcoming Meet-up, contact SIG Organizer Jay Johnson at jay@behavioralelements.com 

Note: SIGs are an exclusive member benefit for ATD Detroit and other local ATD chapter members. 

----

What's a SIG?

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are small groups of members who share an affinity for a particular aspect of Talent Development. Whether it's a specific approach, a certain skill, or a common role in the industry, a SIG helps bring chapter members together to share in an interest.  

Anyone can start a SIG - all it takes is a shared interest and a meeting place! To learn more, contact the Chapter President, president@detroitatd.org.

Hello ATD Detroit Members,

We’re excited to invite you to the Instructional Design Special Interest Group (SIG) session!

Date: Thursday, December 10th, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual (Zoom – link provided after registration)
Cost: Free for ATD Detroit and local ATD chapter members

This month's Topic: 

What’s a SIG?
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are small, member-driven communities focused on particular aspects of Talent Development. SIGs provide a space for members to dive deeper into shared interests, skills, and roles while building valuable connections.

For more information about the Instructional Design SIG, please contact:

• Laurie Zeller – lauriezeller365@gmail.com

• Misty Minna – Misty.minna@gmail.com

• Julie Pochik - julieapochik@gmail.com 

We hope to see you there!