The Strategy Design Festival brings together leaders and changemakers to explore strategy design in uncertain times. This working agenda combines structured sessions with participant-driven discussions, creating space for collaborative learning and peer exchange.
Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
08:15 Arrivals & Registration
Welcome tea and coffee, with time to settle in and connect informally.
09:00 Opening Circle
We’ll start with a warm, engaging kickoff that includes welcome remarks, brief participant introductions, and an overview of the day’s agenda, participation guidelines, and logistics.
09:15 Exploring Our Definitions of ‘Strategy’
An interactive plenary where participants compare and contrast what “strategy” means to them in theory and in practice. This session aims to establish shared language and understanding around the core concepts that will anchor our work throughout the day.
09:45 Bridging Theories of Change and Strategic Goals
Participants will articulate their respective theories of change and connect those with their real-world impact goals. The outputs of this session will help to establish the foundational components upon which stakeholder engagement and collaborative co-design can be centered throughout strategic planning cycles.
11:00 Break
11:15 Mapping Stakeholders and Power Dynamics
We will work collectively to enumerate the broad spectrum of stakeholders involved in each strategic planning endeavor, documenting both the internal–staff, board, volunteers, etc–and external actors–those who will be involved with and impacted by implementation of the implemented strategy. For each of these mappings, we will in turn consider power dynamics and discuss ways to more equitably apportion both input and influence in the process.
12:15 Lunch
Participants are encouraged to sit with those they have not yet met or engaged.
13:15 Strategic Planning Sessions – Round 1
These breakout sessions will be designed to enable each participant to focus on the specific strategy design objectives communicated during pre-event engagement. The afternoon will be structured to enable participants to explore two to three of the following topics.
Session facilitators will introduce objectives, and participants will join the session of their choice. Anticipated working sessions include:
- Setting measurable goals for evaluating and learning with your strategy
- Engaging stakeholders in ways that establish shared ownership, broader support and better strategic planning outcomes
- Leveraging strategic planning as an opportunity to evolve roles and decision making in your program or organisation
- Understanding the role of narrative and storytelling in your strategic planning process
- Working openly whilst stewarding sensitive information
- Centering organisational vitality in your strategic goals and plans
- Using AI to inform and stress-test your strategy
- Prioritizing in the day-to-day as you implement your strategy
- Navigating feedback, learning, and adaption as you implement your strategic plan
- “Threat modeling” your strategy to envision what could go wrong and respond accordingly
14:45 Break
15:00 Strategic Planning Sessions – Round 2
The second round of sessions will enable participants to explore additional topics and outcomes from the list above.
16:15 Closing Circle
We will wrap up the day with reflections on key insights, “aha moments,” and emergent themes. Participants will share learnings and identify next steps in their strategy design journey.
17:00 Adjourn
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