On 30th January 2025, the celebrated PR Smith — founder of the globally renowned SOSTAC® Planning Methodology — delivered a public SOSTAC® Planning Masterclass in Central London, near Westminster Bridge. This exclusive, interactive workshop was designed for professionals looking to refine their strategic planning skills, integrate AI tools into their processes, and drive exceptional results. Whether you are a senior manager, ambitious executive, start-up owner, or simply looking to develop your planning capabilities, this event was created with practitioners in mind.
Why SOSTAC®?
SOSTAC® is a top-tier planning methodology recognised by industry leaders and organisations including LinkedIn, KPMG, and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). It has been listed among the Top 3 Business Models worldwide for its logical clarity and ability to deliver real, measurable results.
The framework helps you create the optimal plan by breaking it into six actionable steps:
- Situation Analysis – Understand where you are now.
- Objectives – Define where you want to go.
- Strategy – Plan how to get there.
- Tactics – Detail the strategy, including your marketing mix.
- Actions – Execute the tactics efficiently.
- Control – Track and measure success with the right metrics.
What Makes This Masterclass Distinctive
In addition to learning how to apply SOSTAC® to strategic plans, this masterclass offered a deep dive into integrating AI tools across all six stages of the methodology. By the end of the session, delegates were able to build better plans and enhance their ability to make data-driven decisions, develop strong value propositions, and avoid common planning mistakes.
PR Smith delivered insights on:
- Reducing risk and making better decisions through analysis and AI.
- Developing clear, actionable strategies using the 9 Key Components.
- Mastering the Magic Marketing Formula and building lifetime customer relationships.
- Creative thinking techniques for innovative approaches to planning.
Exclusive Benefits for Delegates
Attendees of the masterclass received:
- A signed copy of the SOSTAC® 2025 Guide (AI edition).
- An 80+ page SOSTAC® Plan Workbook for hands-on learning.
- Access to SOSTAC® online resources, including tutorials, summaries, and quizzes.
- An invitation to the SOSTAC® Plans Club, a weekly live AI chat on LinkedIn.
- The opportunity to become a SOSTAC® Certified Planner, recognised by professionals worldwide.
About PR Smith
A TEDx speaker and one of the most celebrated digital marketing writers of our time, PR Smith has dedicated his career to helping professionals become world-class marketers. His engaging teaching style and depth of expertise have made SOSTAC® an indispensable planning tool for businesses of all sizes.
Who Should Attend
This masterclass is ideal for:
- Senior and middle-level management.
- Ambitious executives and start-up owners.
- Anyone looking to create impactful business or marketing plans.
Whether you are planning for your business, marketing campaigns, or any other professional endeavour, SOSTAC® equips you with the clarity and tools needed to succeed.
Professional Academy Wishes PR Smith Great Success
At Professional Academy, we wish PR Smith and Lydia McClelland every success with this event. Their commitment to innovation and strategic excellence continues to inspire professionals worldwide, and the integration of AI thinking into the SOSTAC® framework reflects exactly the kind of forward-looking approach that modern marketers need.
For more information about upcoming events and professional development resources, visit the VCMO Events and Webinars page.
How Professional Academy Supports Your Journey
If this masterclass has sparked an interest in developing your marketing strategy skills further, Professional Academy offers a range of structured qualifications that provide the academic and practical foundation to complement workshops like this one. Our CIM Marketing Qualifications — from the CIM Level 3 Foundation Certificate through to the CIM Level 6 Diploma — include strategic marketing planning as a core component of the curriculum, all assessed through assignments and case studies.
To find out which programme is right for you, get in touch with our team today.
