Shop Talk: Planning with Purpose and Flexibility in Uncertain Times

Presenter Vanessa Dennison, CAE

Traditional long-term plans are increasingly difficult to sustain in a world of rapid change and constant disruption. In this interactive Shop Talk, Vanessa Dennison will explore how associations can approach long-term planning more realistically—by blending clear vision with shorter, more flexible planning and budgeting cycles.

Participants will discuss how to guide boards in balancing near-term priorities with long-term direction, examine practical tools that support adaptability, and share experiences navigating change when plans need to evolve. The session will include facilitated discussion, making space for peer learning and real-world examples.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe approaches for blending long-term vision with shorter, more adaptable planning cycles.
• Identify practical tools to support flexible planning, budgeting, and mid-course adjustments.
• Explore ways to help boards become more comfortable with shorter planning horizons and iterative decision-making.
• Apply simple assessment frameworks to evaluate progress and adjust direction as conditions change.