Where ambitious entrepreneurs meet the partners who help them scale up.
3-4 November 2026 | 200 speakers | 4 stages | 150 exhibitors | 5,000 visitors
Built for founders who run growing businesses.
The Festival of Entrepreneurs brings together decision-makers building real companies. Founders with revenue, teams and plans.
They attend to learn from proven operators — and to meet the partners who can help them move faster.
-
83% of attendees are founders or senior leaders.
-
Nearly half are actively exploring funding, technology or specialist services.
In 2026 the agenda focuses on the decisions founders are making right now — raising capital, applying AI inside the business, strengthening leadership teams, improving marketing performance and preparing for scale.
Across four stages, the speakers include founders who have built nationally recognised companies, senior leaders from major institutions, and specialists working directly with high-growth businesses.
The sessions are practical, direct and shaped around real operating experience.
Exhibit in front of 5,000 growth-focused decision-makers.
The Festival brings together founders running revenue-generating businesses from across the UK.
The visitors attend with clear priorities:
-
66% come to meet partners
-
47% are looking for technology or specialist services
-
48% are exploring funding
Across two days at the NEC, exhibitors meet founders who are actively reviewing suppliers, advisers and capital options.
The exhibition floor sits alongside four content stages and curated meet-ups, creating multiple opportunities for meaningful conversations throughout the event.