PLA Propel 2026
May 6 - 8, 2026 - Berkeley, CA
Connection, introspection, and inspiration
Join fellow strategic People leaders of investor-backed, founder-led companies
for an illuminating in-person retreat.
What to Expect
PLA Propel is an immersive retreat designed to provide you with the chance to really hone in on your next chapter. Together, we’ll dive into questions like: Who do you want to be as a people leader? What are the skills and mindsets you want to further cultivate? Who are the people in your community that will support you in this growth?
In a world where there is so often not a “you” for you, it can be hard to take a moment to step back and look holistically at your own goals and ideas. At PLA Propel, you’ll continue to expand your network of peers and mentors, and stretch your own thinking about what is possible for you.
During Propel 2026, we’ll be taking a deeper dive into values—not just a list of nice words and traits that we think we should have. But rather, a deeper understanding of the principles that galvanize our choices, actions, and decisions. You’ll come away with a richer, more useful values vocabulary and understanding for yourself and others, and action steps about what it might mean for your life right now.
Agenda
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Afternoon arrivals and check in
6pm - 9pm: Welcome Dinner @ Gather Restaurant (Sponsored by MobSquad)
9pm: After party (TBD location!)
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7:30 - 8:45am: Breakfast
8:45 - 9:15am: Welcoming remarks and warm up
9:15am - 9:45am: Session 1: Why look at values?
10am - 10:30am: Session 2: Values exercises
10:40am - 11:10am: Session 3: Values exercises
11:10am - 11:50am: Session 4: Values exercises
12 - 1pm: Lunch
1pm - 1:45pm: Session 5: Values exercises
1:45 - 2:15pm: Session 6: Reflection
2:45pm - 4:15pm: Session 7: Values Bridge
4:30pm - 5pm: Session 8: Closing and where next
5:30 - 8:30pm: Happy hour & dinner (sponsored by CandorIQ)
8:30pm onwards: Casual (and optional) hang out @ Faculty Club
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7:45am - 8:45am: Breakfast (sponsored by Hone)
8:45-10am: Session 1: Live values debrief (panel discussion)
10:15am - 11:30am: Session 2: Setting intentions
11:30-12pm: Closing remarks
12pm: Lunch (optional) and departures
Our location
In 2025, we gathered at the historic UC Berkeley Faculty Club, in the heart of the UC Berkeley campus, where we enjoyed both cozy rooms and lots of outdoor patio space.
And, we are back at the Faculty Club in 2026!
Reserve your spot
Propel 2026 Participation Fee
$1,000
*admission includes all food, drinks, and activities.
See below for information about booking lodging!
Lodging
Berkeley has many lodging options for your stay during PLA Propel; however, for your maximum convenience, we suggest considering rooms at The Faculty Club itself, the nearby Women’s Faculty Club, or The Graduate Hotel (book directly with these hotels—links below!).
Note that UC Berkeley Commencement is hot on the heels of PLA Propel, so some hotels will have premium rates—however, we have a block of rooms held at The Faculty Club at the regular (cheaper!) rate, so be sure to mention that you’re booking for the PLA conference in order to secure that discount.
There are also attendees who are considering finding an Airbnb or other shared lodging close by, so be sure to check Slack and message other alums if that kind of accommodation is of interest to you.
