DRPG celebrates 45 years with two-day extravaganza

Creative communications agency DRPG marked its 45th anniversary with a full-day celebration across two West Midlands venues on Saturday 21 June.

The milestone event brought together more than 1,000 clients, partners, team members, and families, for a programme of immersive experiences, live entertainment, thought leadership and community recognition.

The celebration began at West Midlands Safari Park, where Spring Grove House and its grounds were transformed into a VIP hospitality and experiential space. Themed installations reflected DRPG’s legacy and future ambitions, offering guests a chance to engage with the agency’s story through interactive formats and thought leadership.

Reflecting on the milestone, CEO, Dale Parmenter said: “Back in 1980, I started with a single camera and a big dream. Forty-five years later, we’ve grown into a global team driven by purpose, passion and creativity, but what’s never changed is our belief in the power of people. This anniversary has been a reminder of why we do what we do, who we do it for, and where we’re going next.”

Central to the experience was the ‘Then, Now, Future’ activation—a purpose-built ‘time machine’ using lighting, video and sound to guide users through different decades of DRPG’s journey. A key feature allowed guests to interact with an AI-generated avatar of CEO Dale Parmenter, presenting a speculative look at the future of communications and agency life.

DRPG45 Festival Photo Credit: image supplied

Additional exhibits included the ‘Family Tree’, showcasing 45 years of DRPG people, work, CSR and client relationships via touchscreen interfaces, and ‘The Archive’, a retrospective gallery of awards and historical milestones. A CSR-focused installation, ‘Community at Our Heart’, spotlighted the company’s Source to Sea challenge and wider social impact programmes.

A central feature of the day’s schedule was the BigTalk stage, which hosted five thought leadership sessions focused on the future of communication, design, leadership and experience. Talks explored topics such as accessibility in digital design, the role of human intelligence in an AI age, and strategies for authentic leadership. Sessions were designed to offer insights across sectors and were well-attended by both clients and team members. Alongside these, creative-led ‘LittleTalk’ workshops introduced younger attendees and families to hands-on activities in film, animation and AI-generated storytelling.

Family-friendly programming extended across the event site, with a Kids Zone offering activities such as crafts, face painting, circus skills and large-scale games, ensuring the day offered something for all ages.

Following the daytime festival, guests were transported to DRPG’s global headquarters, Studio 212 in Hartlebury, for a gala evening. The programme included a champagne reception, dinner, musical performances, awards and a surprise headline act.

Entertainment opened with a team choir performance linked to DRPG’s recent ‘I’m Possible’ campaign. CEO Dale Parmenter officially welcomed guests before a three-course dinner was served, interspersed with musical interludes and on-stage acknowledgements of collaboration and client partnership. Three client awards were presented during the evening, recognising shared impact and long-term relationships.

The night also included the presentation of a £20,255 charity donation, the result of the agency’s recent Source to Sea fundraising challenge. An initiative that involved Parmenter and team member Alex Cottom, kayaking, running and cycling the full 200-mile length of the River Severn with the Marketing team as support crew. Funds were distributed to Wheels for All, Severn Rivers Trust, The King’s Trust: Creative Futures and Meeting Needs, equally.

“It was a reminder that while we love to celebrate, we also show up for our communities. added Parmenter. “Raising this amount is an incredible achievement by the team; and seeing that generosity recognised on the same stage as world-class entertainment was a real proud moment for us all.”

The evening concluded with a headline performance from Louise, known for her chart success both as a solo artist and as part of Eternal, who delivered a setlist spanning the decades of DRPG’s 45-year history. Guests were then invited to explore the wider Studio 212 site, which had been reimagined for the occasion with a ‘Studio 45’ piano bar, a rooftop terrace to enjoy the sun set on the summer solstice and the purpose built ‘I’mPossible Park’, intended to challenge traditional perceptions of a fun-fair experience.

The event forms part of a wider campaign by DRPG to reflect on its past while setting its strategic direction for the years ahead, with further activities planned throughout the anniversary year.