Hello Fans of Plans, this week I want to write about an event I went to last week. It’s the third time in four years I’ve been and the organisers of this not-for-profit conference have come up with a very unique experience for the delegates… let me tell you a little more about it and what I learned from this year’s conference. 

What is this unique experience?  

The event is called Comms Unplugged, and is aimed at people working in communications. The event organisers describe it as a ‘retreat’ with the ‘opportunity to connect and develop in a unique setting.’ 

One of the things that make it unique is it takes place in marquees on a campsite in Dorset and delegates are encouraged to pitch a tent and camp for the duration of the conference… oh and there is a clue in the title – everyone is ‘unplugged’. So there are no phones/laptops/tablets allowed at the event (even for the workshops and speakers). This makes it all the better for being able to be in the present and really listen to the speakers and workshop sessions, as well as getting to know the other delegates. 

In a world where those working in communications are expected to be updating social media accounts – it’s a refreshing 48 hours of not having to log on and tweet, blog or get an Instagram post out about what’s going on! 

Learning, Wellbeing and Giving

There is plenty to learn and get stuck into. This year’s keynote speaker on the Thursday, Chris Croft, gave us some interesting thinking points around happiness and how this is not just the realm of our personal lives, but how we can also strive for this in our working lives too. 

The second keynote speaker on Friday, Dr Youmna Mouhamad, spoke about her personal experiences of overcoming challenges and how to believe in yourself – a crucial part of wellbeing and working well. 

The workshops were thought-provoking and really helped to invigorate creativity. One workshop that was a little cheeky was ‘how to be naughty at work.’ This sounded intriguing gave some fun examples of how being a bit naughty (in a respectful way!) on projects can lead to achieving great results. 

Wellbeing is a huge part of Comms Unplugged and there are as many wellbeing sessions as there are learning workshops. This is because, as the organisers of Comms Unplugged will emphasise, you can’t work if you are not well. Taking part in mindfulness activities that get you thinking about the present moment (and not what’s for dinner, or what work you need to be doing) is a way to work on your wellbeing. The Fresh Air Friday session leader said to us, being in the present helps to clear our mind of everything else that’s causing us issues. Our problems are in the past and in the future, but being in the present, we can be calm. 

Another thing that the Comms Unplugged event is unique for is its Friday evening raffle! Giving is part of wellbeing. Studies have shown that we gain more pleasure buying something for our loved ones than we do buying things for ourselves. There were many great prizes donated by businesses to the Comms Unplugged raffle (including from Make Me A Plan!), and ticket sales raised over £1000 for Dorset Mind and Dorset Wildlife Trust charities  - now that’s a warm fuzzy feeling! 

So fans of plans , my big learning point from this 48 hours in a field in Dorset is – be in the present – learn and think about what is going on around you, make those connections with others. Connections are key to working well.  

PS - If you are keen for some individual wellbeing tips to complement this Working Well life, check our Being Yourself Series with Jane. You can read the latest edition here: https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/on-grieving/