The Future Sessions
August 25-28, 2026 · Evins Mill, TN
August 25-28, 2026 · Evins Mill, TN
August 25-28, 2026
Evins Mill, TN
THE SETTING
A place designed for deep work.
Evins Mill is a secluded Tennessee retreat nestled along the Caney Fork River — a space chosen deliberately for its natural beauty, quiet, and capacity to help leaders think clearly. Away from the noise of daily demands, this is where real clarity becomes possible.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Three days. One clear plan.
Through a guided process, you will draft a communications strategy or strategic plan customized to your goals—whether for an institution, department, or upcoming challenge—and explore a range of critical issues that shape strategic success.
Day 1 — Tuesday, Aug. 25
Strategic Thinking
Arrive by 6 p.m.
Team Dinner
What & Why Introductions Exercise
Connecting Strategy & Purpose
Forward from Here
Day 2 — Wednesday, Aug. 26
Idea to Action
Morning Activity
Identifying Possible Horizons
Deep Dive into Direction
Initiating the Strategy
Team Dinner & Activity
Day 3 — Thursday, Aug. 27
Action to Implementation
Morning Activity
Overcoming Resistance
Turning Difficult Conversations into Strategic Progress
Building the Strategy
Team Dinner & Activity
Day 4 — Friday, Aug. 28
Testing through Teamwork
Morning Activity
Presenting Draft Strategies
Strategic Group Feedback
Setting Your Goal
Depart at 1:30 p.m.
Evins Mill is a secluded Tennessee retreat nestled along the Caney Fork River — a space chosen deliberately for its natural beauty, quiet, and capacity to help leaders think clearly. Away from the noise of daily demands, this is where real clarity becomes possible.
A place designed for deep work.
THE SETTING
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Three days. One clear plan.
Through a guided process, you will draft a communications strategy or strategic plan customized to your goals—whether for an institution, department, or upcoming challenge—and explore a range of critical issues that shape strategic success.
Day 1 — Oct. 21
Strategic Thinking
Arrive by 6 p.m.
Team Dinner
What & Why Introductions Exercise
Connecting Strategy & Purpose
Forward from Here
Day 2 — Oct. 22
Idea to Action
Morning Activity
Identifying Possible Horizons
Deep Dive into Direction
Initiating the Strategy
Team Dinner & Activity
Day 3 — Oct. 23
Action to Implementation
Morning Activity
Overcoming Resistance
Turning Difficult Conversations into Strategic Progress
Building the Strategy
Team Dinner & Activity
Day 4 — Oct. 24
Testing through Teamwork
Morning Activity
Presenting Draft Strategies
Strategic Group Feedback
Setting Your Goal
Depart by 1:30 p.m.
What is The Future Sessions?
A highly personalized, deeply thoughtful working retreat designed to help leaders of today and tomorrow think hard, make good strategic decisions, and get ready for action they can believe in.
Held over three focused days at a serene retreat setting, this one-of-a-kind program—now 10-years in and growing—uses a step-by-step framework of structured discussions, one-on-one coaching, peer feedback, and dedicated solo work time to guide participants in building an actionable strategy to tackle a major challenge of their choosing.
Attend if you’re:
A leader responsible for effecting meaningful change
A decision-maker craving space to reflect at a pivotal time
A professional looking for new approaches to strategic thinking, team-building, and conflict management
An implementer looking for clarity and confidence behind a plan you can actually use
What you’ll leave with:
A realistic plan for advancing a long-term goal
Practical ways to align colleagues and build shared momentum
Renewed focus, conviction, and energy
A small, trusted peer group that understands your challenges and offers honest perspective
What’s Included:
→ Three immersive days of focused planning to clarify your biggest goal and build a plan you’re ready to activate
→ All program materials and activities, including select outdoor experiences tied to the program goals
→ A small, peer group (limited to 10) who understand your challenges and offer honest, useful feedback
→ Dedicated time to think, write, and pressure-test ideas without distraction or urgency
→ Overnight accommodations at a serene retreat setting chosen for natural beauty, reflection, and connection
→ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, with fresh, thoughtfully prepared food to meet all dietary needs
What is The Future Sessions?
A highly personalized, deeply thoughtful working retreat designed to help leaders of today and tomorrow think hard, make good strategic decisions, and get ready for action they can believe in.
Held over three focused days at a serene retreat setting, this one-of-a-kind program—now 10-years in and growing—uses a step-by-step framework of structured discussions, one-on-one coaching, peer feedback, and dedicated solo work time to guide participants in building an actionable strategy to tackle a major challenge of their choosing.
Attend if you’re:
A leader responsible for effecting meaningful change
A decision-maker craving space to reflect at a pivotal time
A professional looking for new approaches to strategic thinking, team-building, and conflict management
An implementer looking for clarity and confidence behind a plan you can actually use
What you’ll leave with:
A realistic plan for advancing a long-term goal
Practical ways to align colleagues and build shared momentum
Renewed focus, conviction, and energy
A small, trusted peer group that understands your challenges and offers honest perspective
What’s Included:
→ Three immersive days of focused planning to clarify your biggest goal and build a plan you’re ready to activate
→ All program materials and activities, including select outdoor experiences tied to the program goals
→ A small, peer group (limited to 10) who understand your challenges and offer honest, useful feedback
→ Dedicated time to think, write, and pressure-test ideas without distraction or urgency
→ Overnight accommodations at a serene retreat setting chosen for natural beauty, reflection, and connection
→ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, with fresh, thoughtfully prepared food to meet all dietary needs
Evins Mill is a secluded Tennessee retreat nestled along the Caney Fork River — a space chosen deliberately for its natural beauty, quiet, and capacity to help leaders think clearly. Away from the noise of daily demands, this is where real clarity becomes possible.
A place designed for deep work.
THE SETTING
→ Overnight accommodations at a serene retreat setting chosen for natural beauty, reflection, and connection
→ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, with fresh, thoughtfully prepared food to meet all dietary needs
→ Overnight accommodations at a serene retreat setting chosen for natural beauty, reflection, and connection
→ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, with fresh, thoughtfully prepared food to meet all dietary needs
What’s Included:
What’s Included:
What’s Included:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Immersive Program: Three days of structured sessions, one-on-one coaching, peer feedback, and dedicated solo work time — guided by a proven, step-by-step framework.
Small Peer Group: Intentionally limited to 10 participants — peers who understand the complexity of your work and offer the kind of honest, useful feedback that's hard to find elsewhere.
All Program Materials: Workbooks, frameworks, and resources you'll use during the sessions and take home — tools built to support real-world implementation, not just inspiration.
Outdoor Experiences: Select activities in nature — intentionally woven into the program to support reflection, restore energy, and build connection with your cohort.
Overnight Accommodations: Three nights at Evins Mill — a secluded retreat setting chosen for its natural beauty, quiet, and capacity to support genuine focus and connection.
All Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Fresh, thoughtfully prepared food designed to sustain your energy and meet all dietary needs.
One investment. Everything you need.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
One investment. Everything you need.
Immersive Program: Three days of structured sessions, one-on-one coaching, peer feedback, and dedicated solo work time — guided by a proven, step-by-step framework.
Small Peer Group: Intentionally limited to 10 participants — peers who understand the complexity of your work and offer the kind of honest, useful feedback that's hard to find elsewhere.
All Program Materials: Workbooks, frameworks, and resources you'll use during the sessions and take home — tools built to support real-world implementation, not just inspiration.
Outdoor Experiences: Select activities in nature — intentionally woven into the program to support reflection, restore energy, and build connection with your cohort.
Overnight Accommodations: Three nights at Evins Mill — a secluded retreat setting chosen for its natural beauty, quiet, and capacity to support genuine focus and connection.
All Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Fresh, thoughtfully prepared food designed to sustain your energy and meet all dietary needs.
Immersive Program: Three days of structured sessions, one-on-one coaching, peer feedback, and dedicated solo work time — guided by a proven, step-by-step framework.
Small Peer Group: Intentionally limited to 10 participants — peers who understand the complexity of your work and offer the kind of honest, useful feedback that's hard to find elsewhere.
All Program Materials: Workbooks, frameworks, and resources you'll use during the sessions and take home — tools built to support real-world implementation, not just inspiration.
Outdoor Experiences: Select activities in nature — intentionally woven into the program to support reflection, restore energy, and build connection with your cohort.
Overnight Accommodations: Three nights at Evins Mill — a secluded retreat setting chosen for its natural beauty, quiet, and capacity to support genuine focus and connection.
All Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Fresh, thoughtfully prepared food designed to sustain your energy and meet all dietary needs.
“It gave me the structure, feedback, and time I needed to craft and finish my strategic communications plan.”
— Melissa Connolly, Vice President for Communications & Marketing, University at Albany, SUNY
INVESTMENT
Registration & Fees
Spots are intentionally limited to 10 participants. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
EARLY BIRD: $3,200
When you register by July 14, 2026 (6 weeks before event)
REGULAR RATE: $4,000
Beginning July 15, 2026
INVESTMENT
Registration & Fees
Spots are intentionally limited to 10 participants. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
EARLY BIRD: $3,200
When you register by July 14, 2026 (6 weeks before event)
REGULAR RATE: $4,000
Regular rate resumes July 15, 2026.
REGULAR RATE: $4,000
Beginning July 15, 2026
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Three days. One clear plan.
Through a guided process, you will draft a communications strategy or strategic plan customized to your goals—whether for an institution, department, or upcoming challenge—and explore a range of critical issues that shape strategic success.
EARLY BIRD RATE: $3,200
When you register by July 14, 2026 (6 weeks before event)
Day 1 — Oct. 21
Strategic Thinking
Arrive by 6 p.m.
Team Dinner
What & Why Introductions Exercise
Connecting Strategy & Purpose
Forward from Here
Day 2 — Oct. 22
Idea to Action
Morning Activity
Identifying Possible Horizons
Deep Dive into Direction
Initiating the Strategy
Team Dinner & Activity
REGULAR RATE: $4,000
Regular rate resumes July 15, 2026.
Day 3 — Oct. 23
Action to Implementation
Morning Activity
Overcoming Resistance
Turning Difficult Conversations into Strategic Progress
Building the Strategy
Team Dinner & Activity
Day 4 — Oct. 24
Testing through Teamwork
Morning Activity
Presenting Draft Strategies
Strategic Group Feedback
Setting Your Goal
Depart by 1:30 p.m.
INVESTMENT
Registration & Fees
Spots are intentionally limited to 10 participants. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
EARLY BIRD: $3,200
When you register by July 14, 2026 (6 weeks before event)
REGULAR RATE: $4,000
Beginning July 15, 2026
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you register:
Who is The Future Sessions designed for?
The program is built for leaders (typically vice presidents and directors) responsible for effecting meaningful change in communications, marketing, strategy, and advancement professionals at colleges, universities, and nonprofits. If you're navigating a high-stakes challenge and craving structured time to think clearly, this is for you.
What should I bring to work on?
Come with a major challenge you want to address — a strategic initiative you're trying to advance, a plan you need to build, or a long-term goal you haven't had space to tackle. You'll receive pre-work guidance after registration to help you arrive prepared.
How do I get to Evins Mill?
Evins Mill is located near Smithville, Tennessee, approximately one hour southeast of Nashville. Most participants fly into BNA (Nashville International Airport) and rent a car or carpool. Opportunities to share rides can be coordinated after registration.
Is there a cancellation or refund policy?
Yes, see our cancellation and refund policy here.
Can my institution sponsor my attendance?
Absolutely. Most participants receive institutional support. We're happy to provide an invoice or supporting documentation to assist with your approval process. Reach out and we can help you make the case.
The future of your leadership starts here.
Ten spots. One transformative experience. Don't wait — early bird pricing ends soon.
The future of your leadership starts here.
Ten spots. One transformative experience. Don't wait — early bird pricing ends soon.
The future of your leadership starts here.
Ten spots. One transformative experience. Don't wait — early bird pricing ends soon.
The future of your leadership starts here.
Ten spots. One transformative experience. Don't wait — early bird pricing ends soon.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you register:
Who is The Future Sessions designed for?
The program is built for leaders (typically vice presidents and directors) responsible for effecting meaningful change in communications, marketing, strategy, and advancement professionals at colleges, universities, and nonprofits. If you're navigating a high-stakes challenge and craving structured time to think clearly, this is for you.
What should I bring to work on?
Come with a major challenge you want to address — a strategic initiative you're trying to advance, a plan you need to build, or a long-term goal you haven't had space to tackle. You'll receive pre-work guidance after registration to help you arrive prepared.
How do I get to Evins Mill?
Evins Mill is located near Smithville, Tennessee, approximately one hour southeast of Nashville. Most participants fly into BNA (Nashville International Airport) and rent a car or carpool. Opportunities to share rides can be coordinated after registration.
Is there a cancellation or refund policy?
Yes, see our cancellation and refund policy here.
Can my institution sponsor my attendance?
Absolutely. Most participants receive institutional support. We're happy to provide an invoice or supporting documentation to assist with your approval process. Reach out and we can help you make the case.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you register:
Who is The Future Sessions designed for?
The program is built for leaders (typically vice presidents and directors) responsible for effecting meaningful change in communications, marketing, strategy, and advancement professionals at colleges, universities, and nonprofits. If you're navigating a high-stakes challenge and craving structured time to think clearly, this is for you.
What should I bring to work on?
Come with a major challenge you want to address — a strategic initiative you're trying to advance, a plan you need to build, or a long-term goal you haven't had space to tackle. You'll receive pre-work guidance after registration to help you arrive prepared.
How do I get to Evins Mill?
Evins Mill is located near Smithville, Tennessee, approximately one hour southeast of Nashville. Most participants fly into BNA (Nashville International Airport) and rent a car or carpool. Opportunities to share rides can be coordinated after registration.
Is there a cancellation or refund policy?
Yes, see our cancellation and refund policy here.
Can my institution sponsor my attendance?
Absolutely. Most participants receive institutional support. We're happy to provide an invoice or supporting documentation to assist with your approval process. Reach out and we can help you make the case.
© 2025 Mackey Strategies. All Rights Reserved.
Our site uses cookies and similar tools that may connect your activity with your email to deliver relevant communications. To opt out, visit: https://app.retention.com/optout.
© 2025 Mackey Strategies. All Rights Reserved.
Our site uses cookies and similar tools that may connect your activity with your email to deliver relevant communications. To opt out, visit: https://app.retention.com/optout.
© 2025 Mackey Strategies. All Rights Reserved.
Our site uses cookies and similar tools that may connect your activity with your email to deliver relevant communications. To opt out, visit: https://app.retention.com/optout.
© 2025 Mackey Strategies. All Rights Reserved.
Our site uses cookies and similar tools that may connect your activity with your email to deliver relevant communications. To opt out, visit: https://app.retention.com/optout.