SOIF Retreat in Strategic Foresight
A week-long exploration of strategic foresight and how to transform the future of your organisation, community or sector.
Overview
SOIF's foresight retreat brings emerging and senior leaders together for five days to to explore how strategic foresight can have an impact by enhancing decision-making today and supporting people to come together to address the challenges facing our societies.
SOIF's foresight retreat is back with a new location and a new date. Join us for our 15th anniversary retreat this October in Italy for an inspirational week of foresight and a focus on transformation: helping citizens shape their future, building organisational capabilities to become more agile and anticipatory, and supporting our leaders to make intergenerationally fair decisions
Our flagship foresight retreats are five-day, face-to-face intensive courses designed for emerging and senior leaders in strategy, policy and analysis roles as well as changemkaers working across governments, international organisations, civil society and business.
We design the week to help you achieve three results:
- Become a better user and commissioner of foresight, with the mindset, tools and judgement to know what good looks like.
- Return to your work ready to build future-ready organisations and coalitions for change, from where you already stand.
- Learn from, and support, each other as part of a global foresight community that continues long after the week.
Learn how to become a better user or commissioner of foresight work and what it takes for foresight to be transformational.
Build the skills, perspectives and network to lead change
Five days, face to face, for emerging and senior leaders in strategy, policy, planning and analysis. Over the week you will:
- Learn how foresight, network weaving and long-term governance can unlock transformation in your organisation, sector or community.
- Understand how to navigate uncertainty, challenge assumptions and improve the quality of decisions being made today.
- Harness foresight as a leader: start transforming an organisation, a sector or a community from where you already stand.
- Explore the mindset of a futurist, applying the tools to a live policy challenge alongside expert speakers.
- Build your network within a global community of practice of practitioners, users and commissioners of foresight.
- Gain insight into the issues shaping the next decade through the 2027 retreat themes.
Curious about what to expect?
Read about the retreat on Medium.
The week
Five days, three levels: mindset, intervention, systems
We design the week as a learning journey, so that you come away able to act at three levels: a futures mindset, which is the foundation of futures literacy; the design and commissioning of foresight interventions; and the leverage points in the systems you work in.
Building the mindset of a futurist
We focus on the mindset level, reflecting on our futures literacy and how we think about the future. Besides the cognitive aspects of foresight, we also collectively explore the interpersonal aspects, exploring how to use network-weaving approaches and an understanding of human systems dynamics in order to influence a more significant change.
A deep dive into the intervention level
We support you through a deep dive into the intervention level. You'll learn SOIF's practical four-stage approach to foresight that provides a solid framework for understanding the art, science and craft of foresight, and practise applying your learning to a live challenge working in your groups.
Driving lasting change in our systems
The focus shifts to the systems level: how we can drive lasting change in our systems, including institutionalising and embedding foresight, building coalitions for change, anticipatory governance, and your role as leaders. We return to our personal projects and context to consider how to connect the retreat experience into our jobs and endeavours as we take the next steps on our journeys after the retreat.
Speakers and faculty
Sessions are led by SOIF Faculty, supported by more than 15 expert speakers: commissioners, practitioners and users of foresight, as well as private and public sector policy planning and government leads and experts in futures thinking, design and data. Read more from Aarathi Krishnan and Geci Karuri-Sebina about the insights they brought to the 2023 retreat.
The SOIF2027 line-up will be announced in early 2027. In the meantime, here are the faculty and speakers from SOIF2025.
Ambassador Brian Wallace
Jamaica's Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Co-Facilitator for the Declaration on Future Generations process
Jamaica's Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Co-Facilitator for the Declaration on Future Generations process
Ambassador Brian Wallace is a distinguished diplomat and legal expert, currently serving as Jamaica's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He assumed this role in September 2021, bringing a wealth of experience in international law…
Ammaarah Nilfadeen
Researcher, Center for the Study of Organized Hate; NGFP Fellow and Main Award Winner 2024
Researcher, Center for the Study of Organized Hate; NGFP Fellow and Main Award Winner 2024
Ammaarah Nilafdeen is a researcher based in Sri Lanka and a 2023 Next Generation Foresight Practitioner Fellow, as well as a recipient of the 2024 NGFP Impact Award. Over the past five years, she has worked with…
Andrew Curry
Director of Futures, SOIF
Director of Futures, SOIF
As Director of Futures, Andrew leads SOIF’s Advisory practice, advises on futures methods and techniques, and contributes as faculty to SOIF’s learning and training. He has been a futurist for more than 20 years, working…
Ashanti Kunene
Founder of Learning 2 Unlearn
Founder of Learning 2 Unlearn
Ashanti Kunene is an art activist, slam poet, published writer, 2x TedX speaker and the founder of Learning 2 Unlearn - a decolonial strategic narratives consultancy cultivating leadership coherence in the context of the polycrisis.…
Betty Sue Flowers
Scenario Planning Consultant; Poet; Author
Scenario Planning Consultant; Poet; Author
Betty Sue Flowers, PhD, Professor Emerita (UT-Austin) and former Director, Johnson Presidential Library, is an international foresight consultant with publications ranging from poetry therapy to sustainability, including two books of poetry and four PBS tie-in…
Bill Sharpe
Co-founder of Future Stewards
Co-founder of Future Stewards
Bill is a futures practitioner and systems thinker, specialising in the intersection between science, technology, and society. Following a career of innovation in the computer industry he has focussed on helping organisations meet the challenges…
Cat Zuzarte Tully
Managing Director, SOIF
Managing Director, SOIF
Cat Zuzarte Tully leads the School of International Futures (SOIF), a not-for-profit international collective of practitioners based in the UK who use futures thinking to inspire change at the local, national and global levels. SOIF…
Cécile Wendling
Associate Researcher, Crisis Lab, Centre de sociologie des organisation, Sciences Po; and Managing Director Pan-or-amiques. Former Group Head of Foresight and Group Head of Security Strategy, Axa.
Associate Researcher, Crisis Lab, Centre de sociologie des organisation, Sciences Po; and Managing Director Pan-or-amiques. Former Group Head of Foresight and Group Head of Security Strategy, Axa.
Cécile Wendling is a futurist and a strategist, passionate about identifying trends and weak signals to help leaders decide under uncertainties. She has more than 15 years of experience in the field: She has worked…
Erurera Tarena
Executive Diretor, Tokona Te Raki
Executive Diretor, Tokona Te Raki
Eruera leads an indigenous social innovation lab and futures academy, Tokona te Raki: Māori Future Maker, in New Zealand’s South Island. Tribal Affiliations: Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui With a PhD in indigenous organisation…
Geci Karuri-Sebina
Associate Professor in Digital Governance at the Wits School of Governance
Associate Professor in Digital Governance at the Wits School of Governance
Professor Geci Karuri-Sebina, PhD Geci is a scholar-practitioner based in Johannesburg working in the intersection between people, place and technological change. She is Associate Professor in Digital Governance at the Wits School of Governance where…
Glenda Eoyang
Founding Executive Director Human Systems Dynamics Institute
Founding Executive Director Human Systems Dynamics Institute
Glenda Eoyang helps people thrive in the face of overwhelming complexity and uncertainty. She is a pioneer in the applications of complexity science to human systems. As the Founding Executive Director of Human Systems Dynamics…
Jaana Tapanainen-Thiess
Secretary General, Government Report on the Future and Government Foresight Group, Prime Minister's Office, Finland
Secretary General, Government Report on the Future and Government Foresight Group, Prime Minister's Office, Finland
Mrs Tapanainen-Thiess is an expert in strategic foresight and has extensive experience in conceptualizing and realizing high stakes strategic foresight projects for both private and public sector. She has managed and led strategy and scenario…
Jac Ellis
Director for External Relations and Culture at the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Director for External Relations and Culture at the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Jacob Ellis is the Director for External Relations and Culture at the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, supporting public bodies and Welsh Government to implement the Well-being of Future Generations Act. In…
Jane Davidson
Chair of Wales Net Zero 2035; Former Minister for Environment, Sustainability in the Welsh Government
Chair of Wales Net Zero 2035; Former Minister for Environment, Sustainability in the Welsh Government
Jane Davidson is the author of #futuregen: Lessons from a Small Country, the story of why Wales was the first country in the world to introduce legislation to protect future generations. #futuregen is published by…
Mat Burrows
Program Lead of the Stimson Center’s Strategic Foresight Hub and a Distinguished Fellow with the Reimagining US Grand Strategy program. Former Counsellor, U.S. National Intelligence Council and principal drafter, NIC publication Global Trends 2030: Alternative Worlds
Program Lead of the Stimson Center’s Strategic Foresight Hub and a Distinguished Fellow with the Reimagining US Grand Strategy program. Former Counsellor, U.S. National Intelligence Council and principal drafter, NIC publication Global Trends 2030: Alternative Worlds
Mathew Burrows is the Program Lead of the Stimson Center’s Strategic Foresight Hub and a Distinguished Fellow with the Reimagining US Grand Strategy program. Prior to joining Stimson, he served as the director of Foresight…
Nicholas Colloff
Director of Argidius Foundation and former Director of Innovation at Oxfam GB
Director of Argidius Foundation and former Director of Innovation at Oxfam GB
Nicholas Colloff is the director of the Argidius Foundation, a private family foundation. This is focused on advancing enterprise development in emerging economies as an approach to poverty reduction. It adopts a venture philanthropy approach…
Peter Glenday
Programme and Research Director, SOIF
Programme and Research Director, SOIF
Peter Glenday is Programme and Research Director at the School of International Futures (SOIF). He has over twelve years’ experience delivering foresight and research projects across governments, non-profits, and academic research. Clients include: BOND Development…
Sonia Arrakal
Co-founder, Think Forward; Incubation and Communication Lead, Long-term Governance Team, SOIF
Co-founder, Think Forward; Incubation and Communication Lead, Long-term Governance Team, SOIF
Sonia is strategic thinker with experience across advisory, public policy and international relations. She has recently joined SOIF as Incubation and Communication Lead where she leads country level work in Europe and Australia for the…
Speaking in 2027? Get in touch
A focus on foresight and impact
Understand the science of strategic foresight and how it can be used to make a real difference in your organisation. Learn SOIF's four-stage process for Foresight with Impact, and practical tools and methods. Start your learning before you arrive at the retreat, and gain support to contextualise and embed these in your organisation after you leave.
Appreciate the art of strategic foresight through panel discussions and debates with expert practitioners and leaders who have successfully used foresight to influence decision-making.
Develop confidence and practical experience in the craft by working through a geopolitical "live" challenge in breakout sessions using the tools and approach that you learn.
A focus on transformation: impact, leadership and capacity-building. Our retreats are best suited to leaders who want to shape the future of their organisation, community or sector. The course will help you understand how to use foresight for transformation.
Leave a confident commissioner and intelligent user of futures. Learn the skills and techniques needed to create change and to communicate the impact of foresight work with practical ideas for implementing foresight in your organisation.
Who should attend?
Attendance is limited to 30 participants.
Whether you set the strategic direction for your organisation, lead a strategy or innovation unit, set up your foresight function, or are just curious about the future, you will benefit from the new analytical and professional perspectives that the retreat provides. If you have already taken part in strategic foresight exercises or are new to the field, you will learn the skills and techniques needed to create change in your organisation and to communicate the impact of your foresight work.
Participants work at a senior level in strategy, policy, leadership and analytical roles in governments, NGOs, international organisations and businesses. Previous participants include representatives from Chevron; Delma Institute, UAE; Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; European External Action Service; Garten Rothkopf; Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology; McKinsey and Company; National Commission of Security, Mexico; Save the Children; Shell Global; The African Public Policy and Research Institute; United Nations; UK Ministry of Defence.
SOIF is international. Our retreats draw attendees from all six continents, and we typically have over 20 nationalities at each retreat.
SOIF builds a community. Whether you are a foresight practitioner, user or commissioner, we help you build connections with people working to solve the same problems you are facing.
Discussion is conducted under the Chatham House Rule, allowing you to reflect, exchange insights and build lasting relationships.
Fees for SOIF2027
Every place is a participation fee plus accommodation and meals at the castle. Prices exclude VAT.
Public bodies, NGOs, international organisations, universities, foundations, and people paying for themselves
- Five-day programme, all sessions and materials
- Live challenge and faculty coaching
- Alumni community membership
Companies and commercial consultancies
- Five-day programme, all sessions and materials
- Live challenge and faculty coaching
- Alumni community membership
Four nights at the castle, all meals and the group transfers from Turin. Everyone stays on site, so this is part of every place.
- Single room in the castle, breakfast included
- Lunches, dinners and the closing dinner
- Group transfers from Turin
Prices exclude VAT, charged where applicable.
Apply before 28 February 2027 and the saving comes off your participation fee.
Multi-place discounts are available on request; typically up to three places per organisation.
Pay a £500 deposit by card when you apply (we deduct it from your invoice and the balance is due within six weeks of your place being confirmed), pay in full by card, or ask to be invoiced in full once your place is confirmed, payable within six weeks.
Apply for SOIF2027
If you would like to join us for SOIF2027, please start by completing the application form. You will be asked to provide information about yourself and your motivations for attending.
If you have questions please reach out to the team at learning@soif.org.uk.
We will review this and contact you to let you know if we need more information before confirming your registration. We want to ensure that attendees will be able to get the most out of the course, and will let you know if we don't think the retreat is the right fit.
Once approved, we will confirm your place and issue your invoice (less any deposit you have paid), due within six weeks, and start the onboarding process for the retreat.
We look forward to welcoming you to Piedmont and the beautiful Castello di San Sebastiano Po.
Thank you, there.
We've received your application and your £500 deposit; Stripe's receipt is on its way to your inbox. We'll be in touch within two weeks, and may ask for a little more detail first. The deposit comes off your invoice, and the balance is due within six weeks of your place being confirmed.
We've received your application and your payment in full; Stripe's receipt is on its way to your inbox. We'll be in touch within two weeks, and may ask for a little more detail first.
We've received your application and emailed you an acknowledgement. We'll be in touch within two weeks, and invoice once your place is confirmed; the invoice is payable within six weeks.
Questions in the meantime? learning@soif.org.uk or +44 (0) 300 302 0486.
Before you apply
Is accommodation included in the fee?
Accommodation and meals are a required part of every place and are invoiced together with the participation fee: £1,600 + VAT for four nights at the castle, all meals and the group transfers from Turin. Everyone stays on site. The evenings are where much of the week's value lies, and the castle is not somewhere you can commute to.
Is VAT applicable
The retreat takes place in Italy and is subject to Italian VAT. This requires us to charge 10% VAT on the accommodation fee and 22% on the participation fee. Countries in the European Commission and those with reciprocal agreements such as the UK, Norway, Sweden are able to use the VAT reverse charge mechanism. If you have questions about your VAT circumstances please reach out to the team.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
No. When you apply you can pay a £500 deposit by card, which we deduct from your invoice with the balance due within six weeks of your place being confirmed; pay in full by card; or ask to be invoiced in full once your place is confirmed, payable within six weeks. Deposits are fully refundable if we can't offer you a place, and if you withdraw before the cancellation charges below apply.
Do I need previous experience of foresight?
No. The Retreat is designed for leaders who commission and use futures work as much as for practitioners. If you have already run foresight exercises, you will learn how to make them land and how to communicate their impact.
Can I bring colleagues?
Yes, typically up to three places per organisation, and multi-place discounts are available on request. We keep the cohort deliberately mixed, so we may cap places from one organisation in a given year.
What are the cancellation terms?
Within seven days of your place being approved: full refund. After that, the following charges apply:
- Before 1 July 2027: 15% of the fee
- 1 July to 1 August 2027: 50%
- After 1 August 2027: 100%
If SOIF has to reschedule, you can attend the new dates, defer to the following year, or cancel for a full refund. We would aim to hold the Retreat within three to six months of the original dates and give more than a month's notice.
Can SOIF provide a visa invitation letter?
Yes. Once your place is confirmed and paid we will issue an invitation letter for your Schengen visa application. Please apply early: appointments can take several weeks in some countries.
What language is the Retreat in?
English. Sessions, materials and the live challenge are all in English; the castle's staff speak English and Italian.
What about access and dietary needs?
Tell us by email, or in the onboarding form once your place is confirmed. The castle is a historic building with stairs and uneven floors in places, so the earlier we know about access needs, the more we can arrange. The trattoria caters for most dietary requirements with notice.
The retreat in pictures
Moments from previous retreats.
Talk to the Retreat team
Any questions, not ready to apply, but want to find out more? We're happy to talk through whether SOIF2027 is right for you, or to help make the case to your organisation.
- learning@soif.org.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0) 300 302 0486
- Social
- @SOIFutures · #SOIF2027