Workshop Agenda Planner
Plan workshop agendas based on group size and discussion depth. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
TimePerTopic = (TotalTime - Overhead - Breaks - Buffer) / Topics
The calculator subtracts all necessary 'overhead' (Intros, Breaks, Buffers) from the total session length to find the actual 'Working Time'. It then divides this by the number of topics to see if the resulting duration is realistic for the desired depth.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Strategy Session
Problem:4 hours. 10 people. 3 Big Topics. Deep dive.
Solution:Overhead: 30m. Breaks: 30m. Buffer: 24m. Work Time: 156m. Per Topic: 52m.
Result:52m per Topic (Feasible)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a workshop be?
Half-day (3-4 hours) is the sweet spot for energy. Full days (8 hours) require careful pacing. Anything less than 90 minutes is usually just a meeting.
Difference between Workshop and Meeting?
A meeting is for status updates or information sharing. A workshop is for generative work (solving problems, making things, deciding).
How to close a workshop?
Review decisions made. Assign owners to action items. Do a 'Checkout' (one word on how everyone feels).