Igniting Sponsorship: Creating Conditions for Communities of Practice

Short video invitation to this workshop.

In a time when cross-functional collaboration and grassroots learning are more critical than ever, this workshop offers leaders a practical path to creating the conditions where communities of practice can thrive. Participants will gain tools to strengthen the link between board-level strategy and front-line innovation by embracing social learning as a strategic capability.

Why This Matters:

Many organisations aim to build learning cultures, but few know how to do it in a way that empowers people across all levels. This workshop helps leaders see how their role in sponsorship, not just oversight, can catalyse genuine value creation. Drawing from the Ignite initiative and other real-world cases, we’ll show how communities of practice can bridge silos, align with strategy and drive both innovation and engagement.

What You’ll Experience:

This retreat is both strategic and hands-on. Participants will explore case studies, share stories and engage in methods designed to spark learning, reflection and action. You will:

• Examine the Ignite model to understand how communities of practice can scale across large organisations
• Practice value creation techniques and build agendas tailored to your organisational context
• Learn how to sponsor and support learning spaces without dominating them
• Engage in peer-led activities like Fishbowl debates, storytelling and co-design

This is not just about creating communities, it’s about enabling them to thrive and matter in the life of your organisation.

Who is this for:

This retreat is designed for:

• Board members and trustees
• Senior and mid-level leaders supporting learning and innovation
• Community of Practice sponsors and enablers
• Leaders in public institutions, private sector organisations and mission-driven networks

You’ll find this valuable if you want to:

• Create the conditions for communities of practice to emerge and grow
• Move from passive oversight to active sponsorship of learning and collaboration
• Bridge strategy and practice through value-driven engagement
• Learn practical ways to support, evaluate and sustain social learning initiatives

Key outcomes:

You will leave with:

• A working value creation agenda for your organisation
• A practical action plan to launch or support communities of practice
• Deeper understanding of how strategic sponsorship enables grassroots learning
• Tools to evaluate social learning spaces using stories, indicators and engagement metrics
• Access to post-workshop support, including a private peer learning network and optional coaching

Co-hosts

Phil Reid is Product Director in Tech, Data & Product Talent Development at JPMorgan Chase & Co., and the architect of Ignite - JPMC’s Communities of Practice initiative. With thousands of participants and over 25 global locations, Ignite has become a model of how grassroots learning can drive innovation, inclusion and career growth. Phil blends product strategy with community-building, supporting technologists to lead, learn and thrive through peer-driven learning spaces.

Agenda (09:00-20:00 all days)

Day 1: November 19 (late afternoon programme and dinner included)

Day 2: November 20 (late afternoon programme and dinner included)

Day 3: November 21 (late afternoon programme and dinner included)

Location

Located in the coastal town of Helsingør, just across the Øresund from Sweden, Konventum offers a unique blend of natural beauty, modern design and historic significance. Ferries run every 20 minutes to nearby Helsingborg, perfect for a cross-border dinner during the retreat.

Travel & Lodging

On-site lodging is available at Konventum and nearby Hotel Højstrupgaard, just a 2-minute walk from the Forest House, where we host this workshop. The venue is 50 minutes from Copenhagen Airport by car or train and easily reachable from central Copenhagen

What’s included

3 days of immersive workshop content and facilitation; All workshop materials and resources; Daily refreshments, breakfasts, lunches and dinners; Networking opportunities with peers and facilitators.

What’s not included

Travel to and from Copenhagen.

Accommodation

Group discounts

Group discounts may be available upon request. Please contact [email protected] for more details.

Register Now

Ready to ignite sponsorship and empower communities of practice?

Space is limited to ensure an intimate and impactful learning experience. Secure your spot today!

For any inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Konventum, 1 Erling Jensens Vej, Helsingør, Denmark