A long-running Bristol-based annual conference for communications professionals working in the natural history, conservation and environmental sectors takes place next month with a fully digital programme of events.
Staged for the past 16 years, Communicate is hosted by the city-based Natural History Consortium and has traditionally taken place over two days at Bristol Zoo. 
It offers communications professionals the opportunity to develop skills, share best practice and debate the latest issues in science communication, nature conservation and engaging people with the natural world.
Communicate 2020, which takes place on November 26 and 27, brings together a number of themes reflecting this year’s challenges and opportunities and will include a retrospective look at the Covid-19 crisis so far.
Other sessions will look at engaging people online and through social media, the role of brands in nature conservation and an insight into the latest research into how people think, behave and connect with environmental messaging.
There will also be a number of ‘in conversation’ sessions with guests including green campaigner and founder director of Forum for the Future, Jonathon Porritt, pictured, Spring Watch producer Rosemary Edwards and Adam Vaughan, chief reporter at New Scientist.
Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram, best known for his thought-provoking pieces, including installing a giant waterslide down the city’s steepest street, Park Street, back in 2014, his Play Me, I’m Yours street pianos and his 7m diameter Museum of the Moon, will also take part. 
Communicate 2020’s organisers say it will boast the same varied and engaging line up of speakers, panel discussions and workshops that delegates have enjoyed over the past 16 years.
The packed programme will be structured into five timeslots each hosting a choice of three parallel sessions.
There will be ‘fireside chat’ style networking slots and ‘drop back in points’ to enable delegates to reconnect with the sessions if they’ve had to switch attention for part of the day.
Each of the two days ends with The Swap – a Communicate ‘favourite format’ wrapping up the day’s discussions and trading insights from across the conference before closing for the day at 5pm.
Natural History Consortium chief executive officer Savita Willmott said: “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to bring Communicate back for 2020 and have enjoyed the challenge of finding new ways to make sure our delegates the same opportunity to experience a wide range of sessions as well a chance to network and chat with their colleagues at this digital event.
“This year has been challenging for us all, but has also thrown a spotlight on new opportunities and we’re looking forward to exploring what comes next with our colleagues and friends over the two days.
“We’re also hoping that our new digital platform means that those who haven’t been able to travel to attend in previous years the opportunity to experience the conference.”
Tickets for Communicate 2020 cost £25 each. For a full programme and details of how to register visit www.communicate2020.org.uk
