Training Delivery PDN: Building Your Storytelling Muscle
All eyes are on you as you stand before a classroom filled with learners. You know all too well what it’s like to compete for learners’ attention and engagement because you find ways to make training stick in the session (and beyond). You share a business dilemma that sparks conversation, carefully walking the learners through a mix of data and details that gets them thinking and applying training to their roles.
Storytelling invites learners on board by strategically capturing their attention and conveying information in a memorable or motivating way. Building your storytelling muscle starts with behind-the-scenes science plus intentional design and planning.
The Training Delivery PDN (along with special guest John Guarnero!) is leading a two-part series on storytelling in June and September 2026. In June, we will investigate the neuroscience of storytelling and work on curating relevant stories for your learner audience. Join us for brain science and peer-to-peer practice while you plan how to take storytelling back to your organization.
Agenda
Time
Function
8 - 8:30am
Arrival and Networking
8:30am
Program Start
10:00am
Program Wrap-Up
Parking Instructions
There are a few visitor parking spots located in front of the main entrance (indicated by the red dot). Park anywhere within the red square. Other parking lots are for other businesses and should not be used. Hydrite is a smoke free facility and there is no smoking allowed on our property.
Navigating Uncertainty: Your Competitive Advantage
Change management is essential for setting direction, building trust and driving successful outcomes. It encourages employee involvement, making them feel valued and appreciated. To have the positive impact leaders want, a change initiative needs good planning, communication, and follow-through. Through this impactful session with Andy Marris, participants will learn to consider the emotional stages people experience during times of change and uncertainty. Examine the many ways people resist change and reflect on how overcoming resistance well can lead to competitive advantages.
8:15am
9:45 - 10:00am
Meet the Speaker
With 17+ years of business management and leadership experience, Andy draws on his knowledge and personal business experiences to help participants sharpen leadership skills and business acumen. Prior to coming to MRA, he was a part of an organization that experienced meteoric growth, making change management a learning trial by fire for him and his colleagues.
Andy is a former SEWI-ATD volunteer as:
Andy is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), the highest certification in the talent development Industry, through ATD.
Data Storytelling for Talent & Change Leaders: Turn People Insights into Action
Talent development professionals work with rich data—from engagement and learning outcomes to culture surveys and performance metrics. But numbers alone rarely create momentum. What if your next presentation didn’t just report results, but inspired executives and teams to embrace change, accelerate growth, and strengthen the employee experience?
In this interactive session, Kaitlin Henze of storytelling with data shares her journey using data to drive organizational transformation. Drawing on her experience collaborating with Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, bestselling author and former leader of Google’s People Analytics team, Kaitlin will guide you through practical techniques to design clear, impactful visuals and communicate insights that spark action.
Mastering the superpower of data storytelling will help you:
To close, Kaitlin will share how her Daphne Draws Data initiative helps young learners build lifelong data skills—showcasing the broader mission of creating a future pipeline of data-savvy leaders. Explore the Data Detectives program to see how your organization can join this movement.
I equip our youngest generation with critical thinking and problem-solving skills by teaching them the superpower of data storytelling. Using the inspiring and fun book, Daphne Draws Data, I help kids and educators learn the same data visualization and communication skills that we teach adults…in a slightly more colorful way! I do this by facilitating interactive programs, developing strategic partnerships with organizations, managing our global Data Detectives program, and fostering museum partnerships through our interactive Daphne exhibit that helps children discover the power of visualizing data.
Celebrate Summer with Your Talent Development Community!
Join your fellow talent development professionals for an evening of connection, conversation, and world-class brews at our 2026 Annual Summer Networking Social!
This year, we’re taking the celebration to a Milwaukee icon: Molson Coors. We’ll be gathering at their historic campus—the perfect backdrop to toast to our community's growth and enjoy a classic Milwaukee summer evening. Catch up with colleagues, forge new partnerships, and unwind in an atmosphere where tradition meets innovation.
When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Where: Molson Coors (Milwaukee Campus) 3939 W. Highland Blvd
Kickoff: Organizers will be on-site starting at 4:30 PM to start the happy hour.
Dinner: A buffet-style spread will be served starting at 5:00 PM.
Complimentary Drinks: Valid for a selection of Molson Coors favorites. Water and soda will also be available.
Networking: Quality time with the brightest minds in Southeastern Wisconsin’s Talent Development space.
Note: Last year’s event was a hit, with the conversation flowing long after the first round! Don't miss out on our biggest social event of the season.
Contact Usadmin@sewi-atd.orgPhone: 608-204-9815Association ManagersSeth TrickelHeather L. Dyer, CAE
