– What People Said –

About Comms Unplugged 2021

“Loved the sessions. Layne's forest bathing had a profound effect on me.”

“Great sessions - so much to take in!”

“The practical exercises to demonstrate key points really helped the learning stick in my mind.”

“Really thought-provoking and inspiring.”

“Always knock it out of the park with your key note speakers! Impressed.”

“An excellent selection of professional development content”

“The vent tent was a safe space for us to openly share frustrations/problems and work through some together.”

“It was so uplifting to enjoy live music with a group of people again! Really an absolute highlight - thank you.”

“Love love love it! Nothing more to say.”

“It's just so different in the best way possible.”

“Such a friendly, open atmosphere. It was an eye opener but it was the perfect way to make those initial connections”

“Spending time with like-minded people and sharing experiences and knowledge.”

“The whole atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and welcoming. It's a wonderful community and something pretty special.”

“After having watched via Twitter for so many years it was wonderful to be part of it.”

“I got that feeling that all of us worked for the same organisation and were on a summer camp together.”

“I've come away feeling reset. I've learnt so many great practical things to take forward professionally as well as taking dedicated time to improve my wellbeing and relax.”

“So much humanity and warmth in the field.”

“Comms Unplugged was just what we needed - even if we didn't know it. I'm so grateful to be part of something amazing and be able to connect with colleagues. It is a very affirming event and probably the only event I come away from with ideas and renewed sense of motivation!”

“I'm so grateful for the CU community. I feel like I have a network of friends that I can call on for support, career advice and a good laugh.”

“I came looking for inspiration for my work and new ways to invest in my wellbeing. I left with that and a whole lot more. I am on a journey struggling with well over a decade of PTSD. #CU21 was a turning point for me. There was something magical about the field and my fellow unpluggers. I cried freely for the first time in 15 years and I am looking to the future with hope.”

“I felt quite emotional a few times after some pretty tough moments (that I know we've all had) this last 18 months. Being with like-minded people and taking time out for yourself really was so needed.”

“I really felt like I belonged and I honestly learned so much about workplace culture that I think will be very useful back at my local authority.”

“I honestly think this one was the best yet.”

“Another fantastic event. I love how it pulls comms and wellbeing into one place, such an important concept.”

– Keynote Speaker –

– Workshop / Leaders –

– Activities –

– Entertainment –

– 2021 Sponsors –

– 2021 Charities –

In 2021 we supported Dorset Mind and Dorset Wildlife Trust again as they fit so well into the ethos of Comms Unplugged.

– 2021 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 Director of Communication and Marketing, for England's newest urban local authority, BCP Council, serving the 400,000 residents of the city-region of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole on the glorious south coast. We’re in the midst of a huge and genuine transformation involving culture change, organisation design and service harmonisation not to mention our major placemaking agenda that is set to see Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole emerge as a bold, confident, proud southern powerhouse.

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 23-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 and I have worked with over 100 communications teams in my consultancy role.

I have hosted and spoken at more than 150 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 sixth 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 –