– What People Said –

About Comms Unplugged 2023

“I love how this event brings my personal and professional lives together. We are nothing at work if we are not ourselves.”

“The combination of learning and wellbeing means you get more out of this event than other conferences.”

“this year particularly taught me how valuable this reset is.”

“The mix of interesting workshops, well-being activities and the chance to meet like-minded people.”

“I think I'd not fully appreciated how great the wellbeing and nature side of it would be! I hadn't realised how much good it would do me.”

“The best moments were the ones that made me laugh… including ‘the poo flow chart of comms…’!”

“The connecting and reconnecting with other comms folks.”

“Connecting with others and laughing so much more than once, and in one session I nearly fell over with it - joyous”

“The atmosphere - truly is wonderful meeting like-minded people in such a unique way.”

“The licence to play workshop - pure joy and laughter. More of this please. Also the fireside chat was excellent and should be repeated - great idea!”

“The relaxed atmosphere of the whole event and networking by the fire were the most memorable moments for me.”

“I was laughing so much, I couldn't cope!”

“All round chilled out vibe.”

“People and their willingness to embrace and share.”

“This was my first time, and it really did not disappoint. I met some fantastic, interesting, and inspirational people - and learnt so much. ”

“You embraced and showcased the power of Dorset”

“It really is a fantastic event, combining personal and professional development in a way that is good for both individuals and employers. ”

“Time outdoors does wonders for body, mind and soul, and you really prove that with Comms Unplugged. ”

“I never fail to leave thinking that a) I know how to do my job and b) I have the support of other experts should I waiver from that.”

“Everything I expected and more - you guys do so much and on top of your every day work and lives - thank you so much. I have been and will continue to advocate and tell anyone who will listen that they need to go next year.”

“You just can't underestimate the difference that zero tech and a learning space that feeds the senses rather than depletes will make to your experience, your engagement, your retention.”

“It felt so special. Even more than I expected. I have come back buzzing!”

“I think it's had quite a profound impact on me. ”

“I think I haven't been very good at appreciating nature before and I really felt the benefits of properly noticing it. Particularly wonderful to be right beside lovely woodland.”

“Grateful for all the hard work that goes into CU. Thank you for creating something wonderful!

– Keynote Speaker –

– Workshop / Leaders –

– Activities –

– Entertainment –

– 2023 Sponsors –

– 2023 Charities –

In 2023 we supported Dorset Mind and Dorset Wildlife Trust again as they fit so well into the ethos of Comms Unplugged.

– 2023 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

In 2022, I took the plunge away from full-time employment to set up in consultancy and undertake interim work, as Georgia Turner Communications. After two decades leading communications, marketing, engagement, and consultation & research teams within local government I decided it was time for a change – and it was now or never!

Before that, I was Director of Communications 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. In that role, I created a new directorate, produced and implemented the council’s first communications strategy and plan, and authored an ambitious place narrative for the area.

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! Why would I – I get to live by the sea, and within 30 minutes of the glorious New Forest in the east and stunning Purbecks and Jurassic Coast to the west.

Out of work passions - travel, conservation, nature, 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 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

– 2023 Gallery –