ATD Central Massachusetts upcoming events

AI Hands-On Learning Lab - featuring Slack AI (July 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

About the AI Learning Lab

The AI Hands-On Learning Lab is a monthly, guided exploration of technology tools with a focus on their AI capabilities. Each session spotlights a specific software and provides learners the opportunity to delve into its distinct AI features through hands-on exploration. The lab will also foster discussions on how these tools can be effectively used across workplace contexts - from getting the job, reducing friction in your workflow processes, and leveling up your learning design.

We will rotate through focusing on an AI tool through one of these three specific lenses:

Job Edition
Ways of Working Edition
Learning Content Edition.

Our July lab will focus specifically on Slack AI.

About Slack AI

While Slack remains primarily a messaging tool, its premium, paid add-on Slack AI (available on Business+ and Enterprise plans) introduces a layer of automation designed to help manage daily information overload. For busy L&D and talent development professionals, digging through endless channel history and training threads can be a massive time-drain.

In this interactive, hands-on session, we will look past the marketing hype to test what Slack AI can actually do to streamline your daily communication.

Important Note on Access: The features explored in this session require a premium Slack AI license. If your organization hasn't enabled this paid add-on, you may not see these features in your day-to-day workspace, but this lab serves as an excellent opportunity to evaluate whether the upgrade is worth the investment for your team.

What we will explore and evaluate together:

Thread & Channel Summarization: Test how effectively Slack AI synthesizes long, messy conversation threads and missed channel updates into quick recaps.
Natural Language Workspace Search: Practice using conversational prompts to extract specific answers, files, or milestones hidden deep within your historical Slack messages.
Workflow Automation Dissections: Discuss how to combine basic Slack workflows with AI steps to help field internal FAQs or gather training feedback without leaving the chat interface.

Mary serves as the Vice President of Technology for ATD Central Mass. Currently an instructional designer at Boston Scientific, she holds an M.A. in Educational Technology Leadership from George Washington University and an additional M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages with a focus on adult learners from Teachers College, Columbia University. A technology evangelist and project management professional with extensive experience managing diverse learning and development projects in the northeast, as well as Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Germany, Mary’s interests encompass adult learning, educational technology, task authenticity, learning transfer, competency-based learning, and culturally responsive practices. Her favorite instructional design model is SAM (with Dick & Carey close behind). Mary is particularly passionate about adapting learning design, instruction, and technology to enhance cultural relevance for target audience as well as implementing small moves to address performance gaps.

Capability Model - Technology Application, Lifelong Learning, Future Readiness

2026 Friday Morning Central Mash: Networking, Fun & Learning (July 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Talk, share, grow, and recharge at Central Mass ATD's biweekly networking Central Mash event.

This casual setting is a place to share best practices, explore ideas, develop and refine your work, and brainstorm solutions for challenges you're facing. We will be meeting every other Friday, and welcome you at one or all of the sessions as it suits your schedule.

These programs are open to members and non members.

Building our talent development community one cup at a time!

Please register in advance each time! Knowing who is attending our programs helps us make chapter decisions.

CPTD VIRTUAL STUDY GROUP (April 2026 forward) (July 28, 2026)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Having a support system as you prepare for the CPTD exam can have a big impact on your success and we're here for you!

Central Massachusetts ATD is hosting a study group for current CPTD candidates pursuing certification.

Details

This will be a rolling 13-week schedule, where you can join anytime depending on your goal, and just continue.
The schedule will repeat every 13 weeks, so join whenever is best for you and your specific goals.
We meet on Tuesdays from 7 - 9 over Zoom.

If you have any questions, you can email prodev@tdcentralmass.org.

Cost: $50 USD for non-members and general public, $35 to Central Massachusetts ATD members and chapter affiliates

What To Expect:
The study group sessions are typically structured as follows:

13 weekly sessions focused on the three capability areas
The virtual (Zoom) study group sessions are meant to supplement your independent study. The sessions provide a chance to reinforce knowledge through discussion, clarification of key points, shared resources, and key test taking strategies. Each study group session is moderated by one or more facilitators from the CMATD chapter
This group is a great way to keep accountable and also get encouragement!
Most sessions will count as 1 hour of Professional Development towards meeting the certification requirements (announced at the start of each session)
Certified CPTDs and experts in the capability areas may be scheduled as guest speakers during an individual study group session.

Study Materials:

No study materials are provided specifically from this study group. We are using the Talent Development Body of Knowledge (TDBok) as the group textbook and all members should have access. TDBok is now free to all ATD national members.

Please Scroll to the Bottom to Register

CPTD VIRTUAL STUDY GROUP (April 2026 forward) (August 04, 2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Having a support system as you prepare for the CPTD exam can have a big impact on your success and we're here for you!

Central Massachusetts ATD is hosting a study group for current CPTD candidates pursuing certification.

Details

This will be a rolling 13-week schedule, where you can join anytime depending on your goal, and just continue.
The schedule will repeat every 13 weeks, so join whenever is best for you and your specific goals.
We meet on Tuesdays from 7 - 9 over Zoom.

If you have any questions, you can email prodev@tdcentralmass.org.

Cost: $50 USD for non-members and general public, $35 to Central Massachusetts ATD members and chapter affiliates

What To Expect:
The study group sessions are typically structured as follows:

13 weekly sessions focused on the three capability areas
The virtual (Zoom) study group sessions are meant to supplement your independent study. The sessions provide a chance to reinforce knowledge through discussion, clarification of key points, shared resources, and key test taking strategies. Each study group session is moderated by one or more facilitators from the CMATD chapter
This group is a great way to keep accountable and also get encouragement!
Most sessions will count as 1 hour of Professional Development towards meeting the certification requirements (announced at the start of each session)
Certified CPTDs and experts in the capability areas may be scheduled as guest speakers during an individual study group session.

Study Materials:

Please Scroll to the Bottom to Register

Mastermind for Independent Consultants - August (August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

What It Is

A monthly working session for independent leadership and talent development consultants. Sixty minutes, fully virtual, month to month. You come when you have a problem worth diagnosing.

How It Works

You bring a real situation: a stalled client, a positioning question, a decision you are sitting on. Dr. Othman diagnoses it live, separates the problem you named from the one underneath it, and recommends the move. Other consultants add perspective. The diagnostic conclusion stays with the person who has held the room for executive teams across sectors.

What You Leave With
Each session, you leave clearer on the problem you solve and the value only you bring

Schedule

Subsequent opportunities available for monthly sign ups

Who It's For

Independent consultants and small firm owners ready for advanced work. Committed to confidentiality, active participation, and no selling.
Not for beginners or those looking for passive networking.

Registration Details

Monthly, 60 minutes, virtual. Included for members. $10 for non-members. There are no more than 3 people per session.

To join, sign up online or contact administrator@tdcentralmass.org.

When you register here, you are registering for one program. There will be a unique Zoom link for each session.

Host & Facilitator

Dr. Othman is brought in when critical initiatives stall. He uncovers the misalignments in collaboration and execution that keep work from moving, and names what has to change. He has partnered with organizations including Chicago Public Schools and the Massachusetts Department of Early Childhood Education.

Author of Be. Lead. Innovate. MBTI Master Practitioner. Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). Host of Othman's Leadership Podcast.

Capability Model: Consulting & Business Partnering , Collaboration & Leadership, Communication, Coaching

2026 Friday Morning Central Mash: Networking, Fun & Learning (August 07, 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Talk, share, grow, and recharge at Central Mass ATD's biweekly networking Central Mash event.

These programs are open to members and non members.

Building our talent development community one cup at a time!

Please register in advance each time! Knowing who is attending our programs helps us make chapter decisions.

CPTD VIRTUAL STUDY GROUP (April 2026 forward) (August 11, 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Having a support system as you prepare for the CPTD exam can have a big impact on your success and we're here for you!

Central Massachusetts ATD is hosting a study group for current CPTD candidates pursuing certification.

Details

This will be a rolling 13-week schedule, where you can join anytime depending on your goal, and just continue.
The schedule will repeat every 13 weeks, so join whenever is best for you and your specific goals.
We meet on Tuesdays from 7 - 9 over Zoom.

If you have any questions, you can email prodev@tdcentralmass.org.

Cost: $50 USD for non-members and general public, $35 to Central Massachusetts ATD members and chapter affiliates

What To Expect:
The study group sessions are typically structured as follows:

13 weekly sessions focused on the three capability areas
The virtual (Zoom) study group sessions are meant to supplement your independent study. The sessions provide a chance to reinforce knowledge through discussion, clarification of key points, shared resources, and key test taking strategies. Each study group session is moderated by one or more facilitators from the CMATD chapter
This group is a great way to keep accountable and also get encouragement!
Most sessions will count as 1 hour of Professional Development towards meeting the certification requirements (announced at the start of each session)
Certified CPTDs and experts in the capability areas may be scheduled as guest speakers during an individual study group session.

Study Materials:

Please Scroll to the Bottom to Register

CPTD VIRTUAL STUDY GROUP (April 2026 forward) (August 18, 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Having a support system as you prepare for the CPTD exam can have a big impact on your success and we're here for you!

Central Massachusetts ATD is hosting a study group for current CPTD candidates pursuing certification.

Details

This will be a rolling 13-week schedule, where you can join anytime depending on your goal, and just continue.
The schedule will repeat every 13 weeks, so join whenever is best for you and your specific goals.
We meet on Tuesdays from 7 - 9 over Zoom.

If you have any questions, you can email prodev@tdcentralmass.org.

Cost: $50 USD for non-members and general public, $35 to Central Massachusetts ATD members and chapter affiliates

What To Expect:
The study group sessions are typically structured as follows:

13 weekly sessions focused on the three capability areas
The virtual (Zoom) study group sessions are meant to supplement your independent study. The sessions provide a chance to reinforce knowledge through discussion, clarification of key points, shared resources, and key test taking strategies. Each study group session is moderated by one or more facilitators from the CMATD chapter
This group is a great way to keep accountable and also get encouragement!
Most sessions will count as 1 hour of Professional Development towards meeting the certification requirements (announced at the start of each session)
Certified CPTDs and experts in the capability areas may be scheduled as guest speakers during an individual study group session.

Study Materials:

Please Scroll to the Bottom to Register

2026 Friday Morning Central Mash: Networking, Fun & Learning (August 21, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Talk, share, grow, and recharge at Central Mass ATD's biweekly networking Central Mash event.

These programs are open to members and non members.

Building our talent development community one cup at a time!

Please register in advance each time! Knowing who is attending our programs helps us make chapter decisions.

CPTD VIRTUAL STUDY GROUP (April 2026 forward) (August 25, 2026)

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Having a support system as you prepare for the CPTD exam can have a big impact on your success and we're here for you!

Central Massachusetts ATD is hosting a study group for current CPTD candidates pursuing certification.

Details

This will be a rolling 13-week schedule, where you can join anytime depending on your goal, and just continue.
The schedule will repeat every 13 weeks, so join whenever is best for you and your specific goals.
We meet on Tuesdays from 7 - 9 over Zoom.

If you have any questions, you can email prodev@tdcentralmass.org.

Cost: $50 USD for non-members and general public, $35 to Central Massachusetts ATD members and chapter affiliates

What To Expect:
The study group sessions are typically structured as follows:

13 weekly sessions focused on the three capability areas
The virtual (Zoom) study group sessions are meant to supplement your independent study. The sessions provide a chance to reinforce knowledge through discussion, clarification of key points, shared resources, and key test taking strategies. Each study group session is moderated by one or more facilitators from the CMATD chapter
This group is a great way to keep accountable and also get encouragement!
Most sessions will count as 1 hour of Professional Development towards meeting the certification requirements (announced at the start of each session)
Certified CPTDs and experts in the capability areas may be scheduled as guest speakers during an individual study group session.

Study Materials:

Please Scroll to the Bottom to Register

CPTD VIRTUAL STUDY GROUP (April 2026 forward) (September 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Having a support system as you prepare for the CPTD exam can have a big impact on your success and we're here for you!

Central Massachusetts ATD is hosting a study group for current CPTD candidates pursuing certification.

Details

This will be a rolling 13-week schedule, where you can join anytime depending on your goal, and just continue.
The schedule will repeat every 13 weeks, so join whenever is best for you and your specific goals.
We meet on Tuesdays from 7 - 9 over Zoom.

If you have any questions, you can email prodev@tdcentralmass.org.

Cost: $50 USD for non-members and general public, $35 to Central Massachusetts ATD members and chapter affiliates

What To Expect:
The study group sessions are typically structured as follows:

13 weekly sessions focused on the three capability areas
The virtual (Zoom) study group sessions are meant to supplement your independent study. The sessions provide a chance to reinforce knowledge through discussion, clarification of key points, shared resources, and key test taking strategies. Each study group session is moderated by one or more facilitators from the CMATD chapter
This group is a great way to keep accountable and also get encouragement!
Most sessions will count as 1 hour of Professional Development towards meeting the certification requirements (announced at the start of each session)
Certified CPTDs and experts in the capability areas may be scheduled as guest speakers during an individual study group session.

Study Materials:

Please Scroll to the Bottom to Register

Mastermind for Independent Consultants - September (September 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

What It Is

A monthly working session for independent leadership and talent development consultants. Sixty minutes, fully virtual, month to month. You come when you have a problem worth diagnosing.

How It Works

What You Leave With
Each session, you leave clearer on the problem you solve and the value only you bring

Schedule

Subsequent opportunities available for monthly sign ups

Who It's For

Independent consultants and small firm owners ready for advanced work. Committed to confidentiality, active participation, and no selling.
Not for beginners or those looking for passive networking.

Registration Details

Monthly, 60 minutes, virtual. Included for members. $10 for non-members. There are no more than 3 people per session.

To join, sign up online or contact administrator@tdcentralmass.org.

When you register here, you are registering for one program. There will be a unique Zoom link for each session.

Host & Facilitator

Author of Be. Lead. Innovate. MBTI Master Practitioner. Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). Host of Othman's Leadership Podcast.

Capability Model: Consulting & Business Partnering , Collaboration & Leadership, Communication, Coaching

2026 Friday Morning Central Mash: Networking, Fun & Learning (September 04, 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Talk, share, grow, and recharge at Central Mass ATD's biweekly networking Central Mash event.

These programs are open to members and non members.

Building our talent development community one cup at a time!

Please register in advance each time! Knowing who is attending our programs helps us make chapter decisions.

CPTD VIRTUAL STUDY GROUP (April 2026 forward) (September 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Having a support system as you prepare for the CPTD exam can have a big impact on your success and we're here for you!

Central Massachusetts ATD is hosting a study group for current CPTD candidates pursuing certification.

Details

This will be a rolling 13-week schedule, where you can join anytime depending on your goal, and just continue.
The schedule will repeat every 13 weeks, so join whenever is best for you and your specific goals.
We meet on Tuesdays from 7 - 9 over Zoom.

If you have any questions, you can email prodev@tdcentralmass.org.

Cost: $50 USD for non-members and general public, $35 to Central Massachusetts ATD members and chapter affiliates

What To Expect:
The study group sessions are typically structured as follows:

13 weekly sessions focused on the three capability areas
The virtual (Zoom) study group sessions are meant to supplement your independent study. The sessions provide a chance to reinforce knowledge through discussion, clarification of key points, shared resources, and key test taking strategies. Each study group session is moderated by one or more facilitators from the CMATD chapter
This group is a great way to keep accountable and also get encouragement!
Most sessions will count as 1 hour of Professional Development towards meeting the certification requirements (announced at the start of each session)
Certified CPTDs and experts in the capability areas may be scheduled as guest speakers during an individual study group session.

Study Materials:

Please Scroll to the Bottom to Register

2026 Friday Morning Central Mash: Networking, Fun & Learning (September 18, 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Talk, share, grow, and recharge at Central Mass ATD's biweekly networking Central Mash event.

These programs are open to members and non members.

Building our talent development community one cup at a time!

Please register in advance each time! Knowing who is attending our programs helps us make chapter decisions.

Mastermind for Independent Consultants - October (October 01, 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

What It Is

A monthly working session for independent leadership and talent development consultants. Sixty minutes, fully virtual, month to month. You come when you have a problem worth diagnosing.

How It Works

What You Leave With
Each session, you leave clearer on the problem you solve and the value only you bring

Schedule

Subsequent opportunities available for monthly sign ups

Who It's For

Independent consultants and small firm owners ready for advanced work. Committed to confidentiality, active participation, and no selling.
Not for beginners or those looking for passive networking.

Registration Details

Monthly, 60 minutes, virtual. Included for members. $10 for non-members. There are no more than 3 people per session.

To join, sign up online or contact administrator@tdcentralmass.org.

When you register here, you are registering for one program. There will be a unique Zoom link for each session.

Host & Facilitator

Author of Be. Lead. Innovate. MBTI Master Practitioner. Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). Host of Othman's Leadership Podcast.

Capability Model: Consulting & Business Partnering , Collaboration & Leadership, Communication, Coaching

2026 Friday Morning Central Mash: Networking, Fun & Learning (October 02, 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Talk, share, grow, and recharge at Central Mass ATD's biweekly networking Central Mash event.

These programs are open to members and non members.

Building our talent development community one cup at a time!

Please register in advance each time! Knowing who is attending our programs helps us make chapter decisions.

2026 Friday Morning Central Mash: Networking, Fun & Learning (October 16, 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Talk, share, grow, and recharge at Central Mass ATD's biweekly networking Central Mash event.

These programs are open to members and non members.

Building our talent development community one cup at a time!

Please register in advance each time! Knowing who is attending our programs helps us make chapter decisions.

2026 Friday Morning Central Mash: Networking, Fun & Learning (October 30, 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Talk, share, grow, and recharge at Central Mass ATD's biweekly networking Central Mash event.

These programs are open to members and non members.

Building our talent development community one cup at a time!

Please register in advance each time! Knowing who is attending our programs helps us make chapter decisions.

Mastermind for Independent Consultants - November (November 05, 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

What It Is

A monthly working session for independent leadership and talent development consultants. Sixty minutes, fully virtual, month to month. You come when you have a problem worth diagnosing.

How It Works

What You Leave With
Each session, you leave clearer on the problem you solve and the value only you bring

Schedule

Subsequent opportunities available for monthly sign ups

Who It's For

Independent consultants and small firm owners ready for advanced work. Committed to confidentiality, active participation, and no selling.
Not for beginners or those looking for passive networking.

Registration Details

Monthly, 60 minutes, virtual. Included for members. $10 for non-members. There are no more than 3 people per session.

To join, sign up online or contact administrator@tdcentralmass.org.

When you register here, you are registering for one program. There will be a unique Zoom link for each session.

Host & Facilitator

Author of Be. Lead. Innovate. MBTI Master Practitioner. Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). Host of Othman's Leadership Podcast.

Capability Model: Consulting & Business Partnering , Collaboration & Leadership, Communication, Coaching

Mastermind for Independent Consultants - December (December 03, 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

What It Is

A monthly working session for independent leadership and talent development consultants. Sixty minutes, fully virtual, month to month. You come when you have a problem worth diagnosing.

How It Works

What You Leave With
Each session, you leave clearer on the problem you solve and the value only you bring

Schedule

Subsequent opportunities available for monthly sign ups

Who It's For

Independent consultants and small firm owners ready for advanced work. Committed to confidentiality, active participation, and no selling.
Not for beginners or those looking for passive networking.

Registration Details

Monthly, 60 minutes, virtual. Included for members. $10 for non-members. There are no more than 3 people per session.

To join, sign up online or contact administrator@tdcentralmass.org.

When you register here, you are registering for one program. There will be a unique Zoom link for each session.

Host & Facilitator

Author of Be. Lead. Innovate. MBTI Master Practitioner. Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). Host of Othman's Leadership Podcast.

Capability Model: Consulting & Business Partnering , Collaboration & Leadership, Communication, Coaching