– What People Said –

About Comms Unplugged 2019

“I did so many things that I would never have otherwise chosen to do, and took so much away from them. I now cannot wait to go bird watching again, and hope to use some of the Fresh Air Fridays methods in my home life”

“The opportunity to network with some brilliant, likeminded people.”

“The balance of organised sessions and networking was just right”

“The sessions, the people, the atmosphere - it's a really great event.”

“Realising other people have the same problems as I do!! Jonny Benjamin obviously!”

“The agenda was so good, so much to choose from, and showed real understanding of what our challenges are at the coalface. Who even says that about a conference though? ’Hey, great agenda…‘”

“Being in the field is so much more relaxed and less stuffy than other conferences I've attended.”

“Amazing sessions!”

“People were quick to talk and start a conversation which is hugely helpful when you struggle with social anxiety. It made the sessions more relaxed and enjoyable.”

“I got the head space to reflect and relax, it was a really comfortable environment to be in and I didn't expect that. I am feeling better after the event and to me that balance was not what I expected and feeling re-energised. Thank you Comms-unplugged”

“I love the vibe from the field, I feel very lucky to be a part of such a special club. In Clare's session she asked us to reflect on how we felt being at CU and to draw a picture. I drew a bursting open treasure chest full of beautiful things. I felt it was a little empty and uninspired before CU19 but over the few days the treasure filled up to bursting and now I am sharing it with my colleagues back in work. Totally loved the whole experience.”

“The whole package was brilliant. The fact we were unplugged enabled us to engage with each other and be present. Everyone should spend a couple of days a year unplugged! The planning, preparation, being looked after throughout the time in the field and little touches were superb.”

“The Unplugged experience builds more than networks - it nurtures relationships. It was so lovely to take a step back and watch the new Unpluggers make friends and catch the CU bug, like we did in the first year. The whole atmosphere was wonderful this year. Bravo x”

“It all worked so well! The people, presentations, workshops, location - Dorset countryside :) the marquees with fairy lights! Loved it! :) ”

“What I really noticed was that even though it's grown in size and the range of speakers/sessions has gone up a level the magic of that first year in the field is still 100% there. It's just brilliant.”

“It is the fantastic combination of a beautiful peaceful setting and like minded individuals that makes the event what it is.”

“It was totally unique and not like anything I've ever been to before. It was just brilliant. Such a unique vibe.”

“Nobody was there to show off, all there to acknowledge we have shared challenges, sometimes struggle, need to look after each other and ourselves. The community that's built up now is great to be part of. I'm proud to be an unplugger and look forward to contributing to its continuing success.”

– Keynote Speaker –

– Workshop / Leaders –

– Activities –

– Entertainment –

– Food & Drink –

– 2019 Sponsors –

– 2019 Charities –

In 2019 we supported Dorset Mind and Dorset Wildlife Trust again as they fit so well into the ethos of Comms Unplugged. Each charity received just over £500.

– 2019 Organisers –

Sally Northeast

Deputy Director for OD, Communication and Participation at Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust.

After a degree in languages I trained to be a journo at the local paper in my home town. A few years later I hopped the fence into local gov comms, with a stint as a freelance and finally a move to the NHS.

Love the variety and the challenges of public sector comms and engagement, and the great people you get to work with. Value great writing, good humour, funky ideas and positive relationships.

Outside work it's two girls, one dog, one guinea pig, baking, singing (Rock Choir), movies, books, drawing, codeword puzzles and travel.

@salzasal

Georgia Turner

I am Shared Head of Communication and Marketing, Bournemouth Borough Council and Borough of Poole.

I studied a PR degree in my hometown of Bournemouth, which included a placement at the council. I loved it so much I went back after the obligatory post-graduation travelling and haven't left since!

After a dabble in the glamping business for a couple of seasons just two years ago (alongside my full time job at Bournemouth - what was I thinking?), I realised that the grass really wasn't greener, even in a glamping field, and embraced my job with newfound enthusiasm & appreciation. Why wouldn't I? I love the unending change, the requisite drive for creativity, and the innovation & commitment I see each day… oh, and I get to live by the sea.

Out of work passions - travel, conservation, food, wine, and my cat Marble.

@georgiaturner

Darren Caveney

My son claims I “work on The Twitter”. But really, I am a communications consultant, creator of comms2point0, and owner of Creative Communicators Ltd.

My 21-year career in communications, marketing and PR spans 10 years as Head of Communications within local government, a director level role in the NHS and five years in private sector marketing, winning some awards with my teams along the way.

I have hosted and spoken at more than 100 events across the UK, Europe and the Middle East, on integrating social media for business, building communications and engagement strategies, and communicating in a digital world.

And amongst many, many projects I am most proud to deliver the unique annual UnAwards, now in their fourth year.

I love the communications community and my mission is to fly a flag for it wherever possible.

I'm also passionate about all things Birmingham, including our very average football team, and in between trying to be a decent dad I love music, film & TV, cooking, trips to the seaside and the occasional visit to the gym.

Say hello to me at @darrencaveney and @comms2point0

– 2019 Gallery –