On Thursday 19 September, DRPG hosted its annual BigTalk event where the anticipated launch of DRPG Labs – the global communications group’s innovation hub – took centre stage.
At the company’s Midlands Studio complex, the event brought together over 150 clients and industry professionals, showcasing DRPG’s commitment to advancing communication strategies and driving the future of creative comms across every sector.
Notable highlights came during the opening panel that featured leaders from across the industry, Ryan Curtis-Johnson, Chief Communications Officer from The Valuable 500, Sam Wilson, Managing Director of Syntiro Associates, Toby Bassford, Managing Director from Tillon and Spencer Holt, Chief Executive & People Officer from Merlin Entertainments, all took part in a series of lively conversations by combatting controversial statements taken from research on burning comms issues. The panellists explored everything from sustainability and accessibility to reward and recognition.
In its eighth year, BigTalk was ‘powered’ by DRPG Labs for 2024, a theme that came to life through the hands of the agency’s Stage and Scenic teams who transformed the agency’s studio complex into a series of laboratories. It was within these purpose-built environments, that experts delivered workshops that addressed key topics such as artificial intelligence, storytelling, behavioural change and leadership, offering practical insights and valuable takeaways through lively debates and interactive sessions.
Reflecting on the event, DRPG CEO Dale Parmenter remarked, “BigTalk 2024 was a pivotal moment for us, showcasing the future of communication and the innovative spirit that drives DRPG. Our aim was to create insightful discussions, and it was rewarding to see such meaningful engagement from all participants. Passion is alight in the creative industry right now and we’re pleased to offer our clients a seat at the forefront.”
Later, guests enjoyed a dinner created by Chef Graham Brooks, featuring local produce and drinks where 96% of the menu’s ingredients were produced and sourced in Worcestershire, mindfully setting the stage for the evening’s awards.
The event finished with a unique recognition ceremony, celebrating exceptional achievements in communication, from the agency directly to its clients. This segment awarded the outstanding global projects and collaborations made over the past year that have shaped communications in an extraordinary way, technically, behaviourally or through best use of specific channels. To fit the theme, bespoke trophies were constructed by 3D printed recycled filament and repurposed wooden bases for the winners to take home.
Antonia Voss, Head of EMEA & APAC Events at Blackstone added, “I knew there’d be innovation, but I didn’t expect it to be at this level. The creativity and the energy have just been phenomenal. Seeing colleagues of yours rapping to Vanilla Ice along with cutting edge AI is probably something I wasn’t expecting. So many key takeaways, creative strategies and a lot of AI innovation.”
Sarah White, Channel Communications Director at EE said, “I would definitely recommend people to come to BigTalk. I can imagine that from the professionals that get the invitations it’s always that ‘I haven’t got time,’ but it’s really necessary to get out of whatever corporate bubble you’re in just to get some new inspiration and new ideas rolling. It was a really good use of time, a great day.”
To watch the highlights from the event, click here.
To discover the full list of BigTalk 2024 award winners and dive deeper into the extraordinary projects, click here.