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2026 Strategic Plan Development

Join the Strategic Planning Workshop!

To make the most of the insight our members are bringing, we have decided to combine our regional sessions into one statewide workshop, in the central location of Hartford.

• Tuesday, November 3, 2026
• 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• CEN: 55 Farmington Ave, Hartford, Room 1008/1011

Bringing members together in one place means richer conversation and more opportunities to collaborate. You'll hear perspectives from colleagues in every region and help shape a five-year strategy that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

This workshop is open to all CEN members.

Summary

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 Workshops, 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.

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 approach ensures we hear from a 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.