Rataplan

Rataplan was founded in 2006 by Sara Meroni and Silvia Marcante, two professionals whose shared background in producing large-scale exhibitions and performances across Europe, the United States, Canada, and Japan naturally evolved into a broader communications practice. Based in Cinisello Balsamo, Italy, the agency emerged from a conviction that marketing strategies are more effective when they draw from the worlds of culture and the performing arts. Rather than treating public relations as a purely transactional discipline, Rataplan approaches it as a form of storytelling that can connect ideas, places, and people through collective engagement.

From event production to cultural communication

While Rataplan began with a strong focus on event production and staging, the agency has significantly expanded its scope since 2015. Today, it operates at the intersection of corporate communication and cultural design, producing editorial and multimedia content while developing accessible interactive technologies. This shift reflects a broader recognition that audiences expect more than passive messaging—they want experiences that are sensory, inclusive, and memorable. Rataplan's work now includes augmented reality applications, holographic installations, virtual tours, and accessible mapping tools, all designed to make cultural heritage and brand narratives more engaging. The agency has also maintained its roots in live event production, team building, and experiential activities for both institutions and companies, using informal learning to build transversal skills.

Services and specialties

Rataplan offers a range of services that blend traditional public relations and communications with creative and technological innovation. While the agency does not publish a fixed service list, its project portfolio and keyword focus suggest the following core capabilities:

• Corporate communication and brand storytelling
• Event planning, production, and staging
• Video production and editing
• Copywriting and content creation
• Social media marketing and digital strategy
• Multimedia content development (apps, virtual tours, AR)
• Accessible design and heritage accessibility consulting
• Artistic installations and scenography
• Cultural event programming and management
• Team building and experiential learning programs

What distinguishes Rataplan is its commitment to accessibility. The agency actively researches languages and technologies that can translate complex content into sensitive, inclusive experiences, aiming to overcome both physical and conceptual barriers. This approach is evident in projects like accessible mapping for cultural sites and interactive installations designed for diverse audiences.

Who benefits from Rataplan's approach

Rataplan works with a wide range of clients, from municipal governments to multinational corporations. Past and current clients include the City of Milan, the City of Varese, the City of Monza, the City of Como, the Italian Red Cross, the Pio Istituto dei Sordi, Regione Lombardia, the Museo del ‘900, Deloitte, ButanGas, McDonald's, Roche Avastin, Lilly, CAF Acli Milano, Gruppo CSC, and UniAbita Soc. Coop. This mix of public institutions and private companies reflects the agency's ability to tailor its services to different needs—whether that means developing a territorial marketing strategy for a municipality, creating an accessible virtual tour for a museum, or designing a team-building experience for a corporate client. Rataplan is a good fit for organizations that value cross-disciplinary thinking and want communications that are not only effective but also culturally resonant and inclusive. Its team of sceneggiatori (screenwriters), designers, and technologists works collaboratively, ensuring that every project benefits from multiple perspectives. For companies and institutions in Cinisello Balsamo and throughout Italy that seek to tell stories of value—about their business, their mission, or their people—Rataplan offers a thoughtful, experience-driven alternative to conventional PR.