2026 Strategic Plan Development
CEN is launching the development of our next five-year Strategic Plan, and we’re inviting all members to take part in shaping the network’s future. Your insights, priorities, and regional perspectives are essential to ensuring our strategy reflects the needs of the entire community we serve.
We’ll be hosting an in-person Strategic Planning Workshop during the CEN Member Conference on May 6, 2026, designed to gather input, explore opportunities, and collaborate on a shared path forward. This process is intentionally thoughtful, we won’t rush it, and the session will be shaped by member feedback to ensure it reflects the diverse needs and perspectives across our network.
Join the Strategic Planning Workshop at CEN Connect 2026!
This session is open to all CEN members and will take place during the CEN Member Conference on May 6, 2026. Space is limited, so we encourage early registration.
To further encourage your participation in the strategy workshops at the CEN Member Conference, we are offering complimentary registration for both days of the conference when you attend the Day 1 strategy workshop. To take advantage of this offer, please contact CEN Member Services, memberservices@cteducation.net, when you are prepared to register.
The workshop will include:
-
Overview of CEN’s mission and current strategic priorities
-
Interactive SWOT input exercise
-
Small-group discussion focused on needs, challenges, and future opportunities
-
Open dialogue on member priorities for the next five years
Prepare for The Workshop
Members can review a short set of materials in advance to ensure discussions are focused and productive. These resources also help teams participate consistently across regions.
Downloadable Pre-Workshop Toolkit
-
2026 Planning Summary: What we hope to achieve and how your input informs decisions
-
SWOT Exercise Overview: What to consider before the session
-
Draft Agenda: High-level flow of each workshop
-
Downloadable Toolkit: Coming Soon
Our Commitment to a Member-Driven Process
Developing a strategic plan is a collaborative journey. We expect the process, and even the pacing, to evolve based on what we learn along the way. Your voice is critical, and this multi-month, region-based approach ensures we hear from a broad and diverse group of members.
Together, we’ll build a thoughtful, actionable, and forward-looking 2026–2031 Strategic Plan that reflects the needs of Connecticut’s research and education community.