Can individuals outside the Scrum Team attend the Sprint Planning meeting?

Individuals outside the Scrum Team can indeed attend the Sprint Planning meeting, primarily to provide technical or domain advice. This practice is rooted in the collaborative nature of Scrum, where input and expertise from diverse sources can aid in crafting a more effective plan for the upcoming Sprint. Involving external experts can enrich discussions, ensuring that the team has access to the right information and insights that may contribute to the successful completion of the Sprint goals.

The presence of these external individuals is usually meant to enhance the team's understanding and planning capacity, rather than to take over the decision-making process or dictate the direction of the Sprint. It’s important that the Scrum Team maintains control over their own planning process, while still being open to beneficial input from outside sources. This openness supports transparency and promotes an adaptable and informed approach to planning and problem-solving within the Sprint.