stay in your lane.
Our inaugural Unconference for West Midlands Public Sector Communications Professionals
Date and time
Location
The Studio
7 Cannon Street Birmingham B2 5EP United KingdomAgenda
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Attendee arrival
Welcome & introductions
What is an unconference?
Have your say
Forming our Community of Practice (CoP)
Lunch & logo lab
Breakout sessions
So, what now?
4:30 PM
Unconference close
Good to know
Highlights
- 7 hours, 30 minutes
- ALL AGES
- In person
- Doors at 8:30 AM
About this event
With an ever-changing landscape and growing expectations to do more with less, it’s never been more important to have a strong network of colleagues — to share best practice, offer peer support, and maintain an up-to-date distribution list of communications contacts.
Health Innovation West Midlands (HIWM) is on a mission to transform health and care through innovation. We’re incredibly proud of the work happening across our region — whether it’s with or without our support. However, one of our ongoing challenges is finding the right way to shout about the positive impact this work has on patients and the wider population — and it seems we’re not alone.
We’d like to invite public sector communications professionals at all levels to join us for our inaugural Unconference, hosted in partnership with Dan Slee (unconference expert). This participant-driven event will mark the launch of a brand-new Community of Practice (CoP).
With tightening budgets across the sector, we want to make sure this day is accessible to all — so we’ll be subsidising the cost for attendees.
Not sure what an unconference is?
Curious about how our Community of Practice will take shape — and how you can help build its brand?
Excited about a day filled with insights, networking... and lots of cake?
We’ve created a conference pack to answer all your burning questions — and you can download it here.
By attending this event you will:
- Get out what you put in – propose a session based on a challenge you’re facing, and hear real stories of lessons learned and solutions found.
- Network with comms professionals from across the West Midlands.
- Help shape the West Midlands Communications Community of Practice model.
- Eat cake — all while supporting a great cause!
Who should attend?
This event is open to communications professionals at all levels across the West Midlands in the following public sectors:
- Integrated Care Systems
- Healthcare
- Academia
- Third sector and Charities
- Local Authorities and Councils
Key contact for information about the event:
If you have any questions about this event, or the community of practice, please contact sarah.walsh@healthinnovationwm.org or laura.simpson@healthinnovationwm.org.
Frequently asked questions
The nearest station is Birmingham New Street. It’s well-connected to local and national train services.
Exit Birmingham New Street via the Stephenson Street exit. Turn left and follow Stephenson Street until you reach Navigation Street. Cross Navigation Street and continue straight onto Cannon Street. Walk for about 3 minutes — the studio is located at 7 Cannon Street, Birmingham, B2 5EP on your right
We’re hosting the event just before Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, so it’s a perfect opportunity to support a great cause. Plus, cake has become a signature part of Dan Slee’s unconferences — it’s the perfect way to connect and share a sweet moment with fellow attendees.
Yes — please bring a full list of ingredients with your homemade cake so attendees with allergies can enjoy the day safely.
Quite simply, it’s a group of people who share a common interest and interact regularly to learn and improve their skills. A CoP is owned by its members. Its purpose and principles are co-designed by all, its value lies in the experiences shared, and it’s all about conversations.
As part of the booking process, you’ll be asked if you’d like to opt into the CoP. By doing so, you’ll join the distribution list, which will be shared with all members of the community.
During breaks, grab a pen, paper, and sketch your concept. If inspiration strikes early, feel free craft something ahead of the day and bring it along to share with us all. We’ll shortlist designs after the event, and the whole community will vote for the victorious visual.
Unfortunately, not on this occasion. This event is designed specifically for public sector communications colleagues.
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