**On behalf of Donna Austin and Heather Forrest** Dear councilors, We are pleased to inform you that the FY18 Additional Budget Request for the GNSO Council Strategic Planning Session has been accepted. This 3-day face-to-face meeting was requested for January 2018 to allow the GNSO Council to conduct a focused and dedicated strategic planning session in order to develop a work plan for the year ahead and beyond, factoring in the existing workload as well as the new responsibilities following the transition and as part of the Empowered Community. The Strategic Planning Session will be held on Monday 29th January 2018 through to Wednesday 31st January 2018, at the ICANN office in Los Angeles. One of the requirements of the pilot program is that the session be based at an ICANN office location for logistical and financial purposes. Full travel support (i.e., airfare, hotel) will be provided to all 21 GNSO councilors as well as the GNSO Liaison to the GAC. Meeting space as well as AV support will of course be provided, as well as GNSO Support staff for facilitation. Further details will be circulated shortly with information about travel. Kind regards, Donna Austin and Heather Forrest (GNSO Council Vice-Chairs)