Resources for Chapters in a Virtual Environment

SUMMARY: The Capital Region Chapter faced an ultimatum earlier in 2020: adapt to a virtual environment or cancel its annual talent development conference. The chapter chose to adapt and hold its annual conference virtually. The team planning the conference was already deep into the planning process and had to adjust its plans to shift to a virtual platform. The two-day conference was done via one Zoom link and had 12 sessions. Having one link for the conference allowed attendees to be flexible with work and home schedules to attend sessions when they were available. The conference content and technology experience had an 87 percent overall satisfaction rate, with an average of 30 attendees per session. The chapter had a 100 percent interest from participants to attend the conference again next year.
· Capital Region - SOS Submission Form
· Capital Region - Virtual Conference Timeline Planning Template

SUMMARY: To streamline chapter elections and keep members informed and involved in the process, the chapter used the collaboration portal, Moxtra. The chapter formed a virtual nominating committee and used the platform to distribute details and hold virtual meetings. The chapter also used Moxtra to hold elections, empowering chapter members with more information on the election process and giving them a deeper look into the operations of the chapter. After the committee approved the election results, a full summary was provided to members. The implementation of Moxtra addressed the need to conduct a critical part of chapter business more efficiently by providing more flexibility to the nominating committee members who were vetting the candidates.

• Central Florida - SOS Submission Form
• Central Florida - Call For Nominations Email Template
• Central Florida - Request for Nominations Email Template
• Central Florida - Updated Bylaws with Election Process
• Central Florida - Election Results Summary

SUMMARY: The chapter’s most-attended event each year is its annual talent development panel. To better accommodate a virtual environment, the chapter hosted a TED-like event focused on the Talent Development Capability Model. Two to four presenters would each have 12–15 minutes to share their knowledge and experience. The chapter kept the event affordable by generating $900 in event sponsorship, which exceeded the original goal of $600. Due to the sponsorships, the event was free to chapter members and the cost was significantly reduced for nonmembers, from $40 to $5. The chapter had 37 event attendees, of which included 13 were nonmembers, who rated the event a five out of five in satisfaction.
· Central Pennsylvania - SOS Submission
· Central Pennsylvania - Communication Examples

SUMMARY: To serve as a guide for communications, behavior, and interactions among the board, the chapter developed a respect and professionalism policy and a virtual meetings protocol. The chapter’s work established a written policy that defines and describes respectful behavior expected of all board members and volunteers; described examples of disrespectful and unacceptable behavior; explained expectations of board members during board meetings, when conducting board business, and when handling written communications for board and chapter business; stated the ground rules and the protocol applicable to virtual board meetings; and provided a structured format for achieving efficiency and effectiveness in chapter leadership/operations. The documentation resulted in a more respectful atmosphere during board meetings, prevented a loss of 20 percent of board members due to other board members’ behaviors, and increased participation of the board by 30 percent.

• Detroit - SOS Submission Form
• Detroit - Acknowledgment Form
• Detroit - Virtual Board Meeting Protocol

The chapter was planning its first hybrid event during a time in Texas where COVID-19 cases were on the decline, and the state was lifting restrictions on gathering. Using the ATD chapter guidance on convening as a reference, the chapter worked with stakeholders to gather interest and ensure their event met all guidelines. The chapter limited the number of people at the in-person event to 15 attendees and required attendees to sign a waiver and wear masks. The chapter also kept a stash of spare masks on-site just in case. Working with the venue, the chapter identified areas that would require extra sanitation and found ways that venue employees and patrons could use the space with little risk of transmission. The chapter has successfully hosted three hybrid meetings since October 2020.
· Forth Worth/Mid-Cities: SOS Submissions

The chapter had been engaging members through virtual programming as per their local and state restrictions for the majority of 2020. Once restrictions began to lift, the chapter started looking at what options it had to host programs.* As eager as the chapter was to get back to in-person meetings, the board knew a virtual meeting option would need to be incorporated. To host a hybrid event allowing for in-person and virtual attendance, the chapter used two tripods and set up an iPad and iPhone for the video stream live on Zoom. The chapter also purchased a wireless microphone, which was imperative for maintaining the audio quality. In a strictly virtual format, event attendance began to dwindle; however, the hybrid offering totaled 25 attendees, with 15 attending in person.

*Please note, the chapter went through an extensive risk-management assessment and followed all state, local, and Centers for Disease Control guidelines to host an in-person event. Please see the chapter’s Risk Assessment SOS for more details.
· Fort Worth/Mid-Cities: SOS Submission

SUMMARY: The Boston Chapter created a standard operating procedure to streamline virtual events utilizing Google Drive. Using the collaboration platform to manage and organize event information, the process offers specific instructions to the chapter leaders responsible for creating and marketing events to ensure a smooth rollout. The chapter found success using the virtual events standard operating procedure with its Measurement Special Interest Group (SIG). The SIG’s in-person event planned for April quickly shifted to a four-part web series via Zoom using the virtual events standard operating procedure. The standard operating procedure is considered a catalyst in the SIG’s growth, from 20 members participating in person in 2019 to more than 80 members now participating virtually.
· Greater Boston - SOS Submission
· Greater Boston - Virtual Event SOP
· Greater Boston - June SIG Facebook Ad

SUMMARY: The chapter hosted a virtual nonprofit training day so non-for-profit employees and volunteers can attend an accessible and quality training experience. The board and additional chapter volunteers ran the event via Zoom. The day consisted of breakout sessions and a networking opportunity. The president-elect led a committee of volunteers to plan the event, and the vice president of technology provided technical support during the day. The chapter decreased the registration fee per person from $35 in 2019 to $25 in 2020 and hosted 38 attendees.
· Hawkeye - SOS Submission Form
· Hawkeye - 2020 Non-Profit Training Day Webpage Post

SUMMARY: The chapter’s annual conference hosts an Excellence in Practice Awards banquet, celebrating local talent development professionals’ achievements. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the chapter moved the event to a virtual platform with the challenge of keeping it fun and celebratory. To do that, the chapter hired an event producer to play a winner’s submission video then cut to each winner live on Zoom to share a few words. The chapter received positive feedback on the event, and all involved were glad they could celebrate the community during an atypical time. The event had 93 virtual attendees, an increase from the previous year’s 55 in-person attendees. In the month following the event, the chapter added seven new members.
· Kansas City - SOS Submission Form
· Kansas City - EIP Budget Template
· Kansas City - EIP Script Template

SUMMARY: To increase member engagement and attract new members, the chapter hosted a virtual networking opportunity. The director of programs invited a career coach to present on “Designing Your Career.” The attendees also shared virtual business cards so they could continue their connections formed at the event. Because the event allowed for exposure to a broader audience, a majority of the attendees were not yet members of the chapter. As a result, the chapter is exploring partnering with the Maryland Career Development Association again in the future.

• Maryland - SOS Submission Form

SUMMARY: To empower members to learn about specific capabilities from ATD’s Talent Development Capability Model, the Metro DC Chapter created a structured networking event happy hour series that encouraged learning in a fun and social atmosphere. Each event starts with an introduction along with a set of slides to foster a connected, virtual experience. The event continues with the opportunity for participants to connect and share their top-of-mind items. The moderator then transitions into an interactive game based on a specific talent development capability. The chapter has additional support staff who helps with technical items and an assigned “chief fun officer” (virtual programs volunteer) to help when the session’s energy needs a little bit of bump. The happy hour series has kept the chapter connected in a virtual setting and encouraged members to volunteer.
· Metro DC - SOS Submission
· Metro DC - Virtual happy Hour Flow
· Metro DC - Youtube Promo Videos

SUMMARY: The Nashville Chapter created a three-pronged approach to supporting the Nashville talent development community during the pandemic. First, the board created a free three-month membership for all membership types. Second, the chapter created a virtual forum series to give members space to discuss the pandemic’s challenges. Lastly, the chapter created a virtual coffee chat series offered twice a month to connect members for resume reviews, virtual interview tips, and self-care tips, and more. The chapter has seen an increase in participation from 30 attendees a month pre-COVID-19 to between 75–90 attendees a month by August 2020.

· Nashville - SOS Submission
· Nashville - Virtual Programming List
· Nashville - June 2020 Email from President
· Nashville - July 2020 Newsletter

The chapter held a free virtual roundtable through which members and guests shared a bit about themselves and the projects they are working on to seek help on their respective work. Through the event, the chapter endeavored to foster a sense of community among local professionals and create more intimate connections. As a direct result of the roundtable, several members connected offline to learn more from one other another and continue their conversations. The event received positive feedback from attendees and led to insights on possible topics and speakers for the coming year.

• Northwest Arkansas SOS Submission
• Northwest Arkansas Event Description

SUMMARY: The North Dakota Chapter has members across the state, but the board noticed that the chapter’s geographic reach made it challenging for members to connect in person. To address this challenge, the board created a sub-committee to create and implement virtual peer mentoring groups. The committee used the chapter’s annual member survey to select the top seven talent development topics of interest and assigned a topic to each group. Chapter members who signed up for the program were assigned to a group based on their topic interest. Through Zoom, the peer mentoring groups met regularly for six months, and one-third of the chapter participated in the pilot of the program. According to the post-program survey, participants were satisfied with the experience as the program allowed them to learn, share, and connect with fellow chapter members. The chapter also received feedback that those who regularly facilitated the groups’ conversations expressed interest in continuing their volunteer journey through chapter board service. This program has been a major value-add for the chapter and its members. As a result, the virtual mentoring groups now run on a consistent, six-month interval, starting in January and June.

· North Dakota - SOS Submission
· North Dakota - Peer Mentoring Group FAQ
· North Dakota - Peer Mentoring Group Descriptions
· North Dakota - Conversation Catalyst Role Description
· North Dakota - Sample First Peer Mentoring Group Meeting Agenda and Talking Points

SUMMARY: To promote and generate interest in Power Membership, the chapter used an e-book available through ATD as a member benefit for its book club selection. The chapter promoted the book club to members and created an event on the chapter website to track of registration. The book club met once per month with a three-month focus on one book culminating in two virtual meetings and one in-person meeting. Through the book club, the chapter encouraged use of ATD member benefits, invited people to participate in industry-related conversations, and boosted engagement.

• Pittsburgh - SOS Submission Form

SUMMARY: The chapter organized an online platform for their members to connect with each other, and create additional opportunities to network and learn. Titled “TD Talks,” the webinar series is delivered by South Florida Chapter talent development professionals and practitioners. The topics are selected from the new and innovative practices the practitioners are implementing at their workplaces. The series represents a true practice sharing via an online platform between members and community. Through the series, the chapter aims to bridge connections, provide another value-added offering to its members, and create a professional development opportunity for members that does not require travel.

• South Florida - SOS Submission Form