ACTE Postsecondary CTE Summit 2026

Strong CTE ideas do not fail because they lack merit; they fail because they are not positioned to align with institutional priorities, leadership decision-making, or funding realities. This interactive session focuses on how to effectively “sell” a strategy by understanding stakeholder perspectives and translating ideas into priorities that resonate with senior leaders, boards, and donors.


Participants will be introduced to a practical framework for analyzing stakeholder narratives across institutional and workforce contexts, including presidents, CFOs, faculty, and employer partners. Using a structured Narrative Landscape Analysis, attendees will identify how key stakeholders think about issues such as workforce alignment, funding, rigor, and student success, and learn how to reframe their ideas to better align with those perspectives.


Designed for administrators, faculty leaders, and staff responsible for advancing initiatives, this session emphasizes application over theory. Participants will engage in guided reflection, small-group discussion, and a hands-on activity using a provided worksheet to map a real initiative from their institution. By the end of the session, attendees will develop a concise 2–3-sentence strategic pitch aligned with stakeholder priorities.


Attendees will receive a practical toolkit that includes the Narrative Landscape Analysis worksheet, a strategic messaging template, and access to the session slide deck. These resources are designed to be immediately usable and to support continued conversations with leadership and partners after the conference.


By focusing on alignment rather than persuasion, this session equips participants with the tools to move their ideas from concept to institutional priority.