By Helena Hornby, original unplugger and Head of Marketing and Communications for our content sponsor Orlo
When something changes your life, you don’t always recognise it in the moment. It’s only when you look back that you realise just how much it meant.
That’s how I feel about Comms Unplugged.
When I turned up to the very first event in a field in Dorset back in 2017, I had no idea that it would become something I’d return to year after year. Or that it would become a community I’d lean on, not just for ideas and inspiration, but for friendship, kindness, and the kind of deep connection that’s pretty rare in our busy, always-on lives.
So hearing that CU is heading to Scotland this year for the first time? Well, that feels pretty special. New people, a new landscape…but the same unplugged magic.
It’s fitting that this year’s new event location is being announced during Mental Health Awareness Week. Because if there’s one thing Comms Unplugged understands deeply, it’s that connection and community are essential for our wellbeing, especially for those of us in communications. We’re the fixers, the fire-fighters, the calm-in-a-crisis crew. But we’re human too. We need space to breathe. We need to know there are other people who get it. And we need somewhere to go where there’s no pressure to perform, just be.
A chance to switch off your emails, switch on your senses, and remember what it feels like to just be present. To listen and learn, and take part in workshops without the distraction of screens and notifications. Whether you’re joining a mindfulness walk, chatting round the fire, or just sitting with a brew watching the world go by – you’re with people who understand the comms world and the human behind the job title.
That’s exactly what CU offered me that first year, and I needed it more than I realised. Which is why I kept going back. And it’s why I’ll be going to Comms Unplugged in Scotland in September.
This year, I’m incredibly proud that Orlo is sponsoring Comms Unplugged for the first time. It’s something that feels really personal to me. When I made the move from working in public sector comms into the tech sector with Orlo, it was a big deal. Leaving comms? Massive deal! I got a lot of support, advice, and encouragement from people I know from the CU community.
So why is Orlo sponsoring? Yes, we’re a digital engagement company, but we are all about building trust and connection, whether that’s through online spaces or in-person moments like this.
And we’re not just about trust between organisations and the public – we talk about the importance of supporting each other through the tough stuff too. I wrote recently about what it’s like when personal and professional life collide, and how comms people so often carry the emotional load. It’s something we don’t talk about enough. But at CU, it’s okay to show up exactly as you are.
Sponsoring this event isn’t just a branding exercise for us – it’s a chance to support a community that truly aligns with our values. A community that’s helped me stay grounded, connected, and inspired me throughout my career.
So if you’ve never been to Comms Unplugged before, could this be your year? And if you’re a CU regular, will you come and discover something new north of the border?
I’ll save you a space by the fire.
— Thursday 15th May —
