HP Hood Research & Development

Strategic Planning Workshop

What to Expect and How to Prepare

What We Aim to Accomplish

Why it matters:

We're defining a proactive, long-term product strategy to sustain and grow our market leadership. Historically, we've operated reactively; now, we need a deliberate, competitive approach.

The goals:

  • Identify opportunities: Pinpoint programs to enhance our five product categories and outpace competitors.

  • Plan for growth: Develop strategies to maintain and expand market share through innovation in taste, appearance, and overall consumer experience.

  • Strengthen our approach: Train the team to think strategically, not just follow instructions, fostering a culture of bold ideas and continuous improvement.

The big picture:

Success requires a forward-thinking, strategic approach. To stay competitive, we must shift from reactive improvements to deliberate, long-term planning that ensures our products lead in innovation, quality, and consumer appeal.

The bottom line:

This retreat is about building a proactive product strategy. By identifying opportunities, training the team to think differently, and focusing on innovation, we will solidify and grow our market leadership.

What To Expect

Experience: A series of exercises using small groups, post-it notes, and sharpies. We’ll be on our feet, moving about the room.

Dress: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Note: This is an in-person-only event. No dial-in or video conference will be available.

Location: Four Points by Sheraton Wakefield Boston Hotel & Conference Center -One Audubon Rd, Wakefield, MA 01880

Date & Time: February 18, 2025, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST

Agenda:

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Welcome & Warm-Up

  • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Strategic Problem Discussion

  • 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Break

  • 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM: Future Vision Planning

  • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM: Lunch

Afternoon

  • 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM: Defining Department Scope

  • 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM: Break

  • 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM: Identifying Competitive Advantages

  • 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Internal Capabilities & Systems

  • 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Next Steps

  • 4:30 PM: Adjourn

Date & Time: February 19, 2025, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST

Agenda:

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 9:10 AM: Welcome

  • 9:10 AM - 9:40 AM: Defining the "Mountain for 2025" (Immediate Goal)

  • 9:40 AM - 10:25 AM: Identifying the "Big 5" Priorities for 2025

  • 10:25 AM - 11:40 AM: Tactical Plans for Delivering Priorities

  • 11:40 AM - 11:55 AM: 90-Day Action Plan Discussion

  • 11:55 AM - 12:00 PM: Close & Final Remarks

  • 12:00 PM: Adjourn

How to Prepare for the Session

Required: Complete the pre-workshop survey by February 10, 2025 (10 min)

Helpful but not required:

  1. Read What Is Strategy by Michael E. Porter (10 min)

  2. Read Can you say what your strategy is? (10 min)

  3. Watch the video A Plan Is Not a Strategy by Roger Martin. (10 min)

Learn More About

Jeff Shannon

A master facilitator of corporate strategy workshops, leadership development, and offsite retreats. He conducts 80+ sessions annually for numerous companies in the midwest, and is the author of business guides like "Lead Engaging Meetings" and "Hard Work Is Not Enough."