The Heads of Planning from the various offices of W+K across the world met up last week for a big strategic think-off and future planning session in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil seemed like a very sensible location given the latest office opening in 2011)

London was represented by joint heads, Paul Colman & Kevin Chesters

 
Two days spent in a windowless conference room were punctuated by the occasional virtual visitor such as global COO, Dave Luhr.

 
The location did make the post-meeting analysis and 'wash up' sessions a little more pleasant. Here Stu Smith (NY), Sunaina Gupta (Delhi), Dave Terry (Portland) and Paul chat over some thoughts on the roof terrace overlooking Ipanema.

 
And when things got a little tough Sunaina and Stu decided to take a big strategic think on the beach:

And finally there was some time to go out and about exploring some of the more fascinating parts of Rio, such as a trip behind the scenes of the carnival and a trip to some social projects connected to the Mangueira salsa school. Here with Kevin, Sunaina, Stu, Dave and the new head of planning of W+K Brazil, Adriana.

 
And then we went up to the Christ the Redeemer statue to pray for the future of planning.

 
A fascinating, excellent, fun and useful trip. Already planning the next one….