Mastering Sprint Planning: How to Create a Winning Sprint Backlog

We're thrilled to have local Agile legend - Alex Sloley - kick off our Agility Basics series with an incredibly practical session on Sprint / Iteration Planning. Whether you're new to Agile or want a free refresh on a core practice, please join us.

Session description
Join us for a 60-minute interactive workshop where you’ll learn how to run an effective Sprint Planning session. Using hands-on activities inspired by Training from the Back of the Room, we’ll break down the three key topics of Sprint Planning (Why, What, How) and practice crafting a clear, motivating Sprint Backlog.

Whether you’re a Developer, Product Owner, or Scrum Master, this session will sharpen your agile collaboration skills.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, attendees will:

1. Define the purpose and structure of Sprint Planning as per the Scrum Guide 2020.
2. Collaborate to draft a Sprint Goal that aligns with the Product Backlog.
3. Practice breaking down work into a Sprint Backlog using a timeboxed simulation.
4. Identify common anti-patterns (e.g., overcommitment, vague goals) and how to avoid them.
5. Apply facilitation techniques to make Sprint Planning more engaging and outcome-driven.

Who should attend?

• Developers, Product Owners, Scrum Masters
• Agile Coaches looking for fresh workshop ideas
• Stakeholders who want to understand Scrum’s planning rhythm

When
5:30pm (AEDT) Doors open for networking over pizza and drinks
6:00pm Welcome
6:05pm Mastering Sprint Planning: How to Create a Winning Sprint Backlog
7:05pm Networking
7:30pm Close

Venue
We're delighted to be at The Onset's office very close to Central Station in Surry Hills. Come along for networking over pizza and drink before the magic of Open Space. Be prepared to be surprised!

Scrum Education Units (SEUs)
If you hold a Scrum Alliance certification, participating in SSUG meetups earns you SEUs.

From your dashboard select "Renewal". + Add New SEU. Category I - Organize or Facilitate --> Agile or Scrum user group.

Appreciations
Special thanks to Alex for his time.

Thanks very much to The Onset for providing the venue, food and drinks. In particular, thank you to Alyse Lucey for leading the logistics at the venue.

The Onset connects tech talent with innovative and inspiring career opportunities as Australia's leading technology and executive recruiter. Onset has partnered with some of Australia's most successful startup, scaleup and enterprise businesses as they build and grow high-impact teams or go through digital transformation.

Thanks to the Adapt WithStyle team for organising and promoting this event as well as ordering the pizza!

Adapt WithStyle is Scrum WithStyle reborn to offer consulting services targeting pivotal challenges in Agile-related change and management innovation. Check out the new Adapt WithStyle website.

Thanks to Scrum Alliance for sponsoring the food and soft drinks. The Sydney Scrum User Group is an official Scrum Alliance Scrum User Group.