We’re so excited to welcome you to the field for Comms Unplugged 2023. Please read the following instructions carefully – if you have any questions email us on commsunplugged@gmail.com.
Things to do before you head off to the field
Choose your workshop sessions
You can choose your preferred workshops and activity options using this form. To ensure all our speakers and activity leaders have equal numbers, places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. When a workshop is full that option will be removed from the form. If we do not receive your options form we will allocate places for you where there is space. Please be respectful of all our speakers and workshops leaders even if they were not your first choice – they will all be brilliant and are mostly giving their time for free.
Plan what you need to bring
We’ve produced a handy kit list to help you work out what you’ll need. We’re trying to reduce waste so will not be providing disposable plates, cutlery or mugs. Please bring these with you and help us to protect the environment.
Getting there – location, travel and parking
Comms Unplugged takes place at Burnbake Campsite, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5JH. Find more information on Burnbake’s website: https://www.burnbake.com/
Our event is held in the Camp Field – as you enter the campsite from the narrow lane this is immediately on your right. You can drive into the field – parking areas will be clearly marked with Unpluggers around to direct you.
If you are arriving by train, the nearest station is Wareham which is on the main line between London Waterloo and Weymouth. Burnbake is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the station.
When you arrive
If you need help pitching your tent or finding your way around there are loads of experienced Unpluggers, as well as the organisers, who will be happy to help. Just ask!
Wednesday arrivals: If you have chosen to arrive the day before the event you will be able to set up your tent/camper in the field where the event is being held. Pitch fees for Wednesday night are not included in the ticket price so you will need to go to the office on the main campsite and pay for your additional night.
There is a small shop and food outlet on the campsite and there will be a few Unpluggers around with whom to have dinner.
You will not be able to sign in for the event until Thursday.
Thursday arrivals: Depending on what time you arrive you can set up your tent/camper when you get to the site or wait until the afternoon’s programme has finished.
Whether an Unplugger or a speaker / session leader, please sign in with the organisers in the Vent Tent as soon as you can. You will also be given your Comms Unplugged swagbag.
Friday arrivals: Please sign in with the organisers in the Vent Tent as soon as you can. You will also be given your Comms Unplugged swagbag.
If you are camping on Friday night and depending on what time you arrive you can set up your tent/camper when you get to the site or wait until a break in the programme to do so.
Site layout and health and safety
We have clearly defined areas in our field for the activities and workshops, catering, camping and parking. Once you’ve unloaded your car please make sure you park it in the parking area so that we don’t have vehicles moving about near pedestrians. Camper vans should stay in situ once you’ve chosen your spot, except in emergencies.
Facilities on-site
The field where Comms Unplugged takes place has two water standpipes where you can fill water bottles. There is only electricity to power lights and heating in the marquees.
There are portaloos in the field equipped with anti-bacterial hand gel/foam and which will be cleaned during the event.
The main campsite is a lovely 5 minute stroll from our field. This is where you will find the main shower and toilet block, shop and café where hot food is served at the advertised times. All these facilities are open to unpluggers.
We will have both general waste and recycling bins near the main marquee – please try to keep waste to a minimum and recycle wherever possible.
It’s time to unplug!
Event timings
You will receive a detailed programme when you arrive. The high level running order of the event is shown below:
| Thursday 7 Sept | |
| From 12.30 | Lunch available |
| 2pm-5.45pm | Day 1 workshops and activities |
| 7.30pm | Dinner |
| Friday 8 Sept | |
| From 8am | Breakfast for overnighters |
| 10am-12.30pm | Keynote speaker followed by day 2 workshops |
| 12.30-1.45pm | Lunch |
| 1.45-5.30pm | More day 2 workshops followed by wellbeing activities |
| 6.00pm | Free time |
| From 8pm | Dinner and entertainment |
| Saturday 9 Sept | |
| From 8am | Breakfast for overnighters |
| 10.30am | Wellbeing activity |
| 12:00pm | Return to Burnbake |
| 12.30pm | Lunch available and pack down |
Catering
Catering is included in your ticket for Comms Unplugged including (depending on the ticket you’ve bought):
- Breakfast on Friday and Saturday (for those camping overnight)
- Lunch on Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Dinner on Thursday and Friday (for those camping overnight)
Dietary requirements are catered for based on the registration forms submitted. We also have a hot drinks van on-site throughout the event. We’re delighted to welcome back James, our fave coffee van man, for CU23.
We will also provide some snacks and a limited amount of alcoholic drinks. Please bring any alcoholic drinks you would like.
Emergencies or illness
If you have to deal with an emergency or you feel unwell please find one of the organisers and we will try to assist. First Aid facilities are available at the main campsite.
Contacts
If there are any issues on your journey to the event please contact Sally on 07947 119388 or Georgia on 07951 572777. Bear in mind that the signal is very patchy on the site so a text may work better if you can’t get through.
For all queries up to 24 hours before the event please email commsunplugged@gmail.com.
