Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Festival of Entrepreneurs
Two days. 200 speakers. 150 exhibitors. Five stages. Thousands of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The Festival of Entrepreneurs returns to the NEC Birmingham on 3–4 November 2026, bringing together the people, ideas and opportunities that help businesses grow.
And it's completely FREE to attend.
About the Festival
Who is the Festival of Entrepreneurs for?
The Festival is designed for entrepreneurs, founders, business owners and business leaders who want to start, grow and scale successful businesses.
Whether you're building a start-up, running an established company, leading a growing team or looking for new opportunities, the Festival brings together the ideas, expertise and connections to help you move forward.
We also welcome aspiring entrepreneurs who are serious about starting their own business.
If you're building a business, leading one or planning to start one, this is the event for you.
Do I need to be running my own business to attend?
The event is deigned for people running a business - the Entrepreneur.
However, If you're a company director, senior manager, business leader or responsible for managing a team within a founder-led or growing business, the Festival is just as relevant to you.
Whether you're responsible for strategy, sales, marketing, finance, technology, people or operations, you'll find ideas and connections to help your organisation perform better and grow faster. The event is a showcase for entrepreneurial thinking. And a celebration of all things entrepreneurship.
And if you're planning to start your own venture, you're very welcome too.
Why should I attend?
Where else can you hear from successful entrepreneurs, discover new technologies, explore funding opportunities, meet potential customers and connect with hundreds of businesses — all under one roof, for free?
The Festival brings together inspirational entrepreneurial stories, practical business advice and valuable commercial opportunities.
Whether you're looking to increase sales, improve profitability, raise finance, adopt AI, develop your leadership skills or explore new markets, you'll find expertise and connections to help you get there.
It’s also a lot of fun!
Come with a business challenge. Leave with new ideas, valuable contacts and opportunities to move forward.
What can I expect at the Festival?
There's a huge amount happening across the two days:
200 speakers sharing their experience, insights and practical advice.
Five stages covering entrepreneurship, funding, AI, marketing, leadership and business growth.
150 exhibitors showcasing products, services, expertise and solutions.
Networking opportunities to meet fellow entrepreneurs, potential customers, investors and collaborators.
Panels, interviews and practical sessions featuring people who have built, led and scaled successful businesses.
Explore the agenda and build your day around the topics that matter most to you and your business.
Is the Festival suitable for start-ups and established businesses?
Absolutely. The Festival brings together entrepreneurs at different stages of their business journey, from ambitious start-up founders to experienced leaders running established and growing companies.
For newer businesses, it's an opportunity to learn from successful entrepreneurs, develop your strategy and make valuable connections.
For established businesses, the focus is on accelerating growth, increasing profitability, accessing finance, adopting new technologies, developing leadership and discovering new commercial opportunities.
Whatever stage your business has reached, the Festival is designed to help you get to the next one.
Tickets and Registration
Is the Festival really free to attend?
Yes. Completely FREE.
Your visitor pass gives you access to the Festival on both days, including the conference stages, exhibition and general networking areas.
There are no charges to attend the speaker sessions.
Simply register online to activate your free visitor pass.
How do I register?
Just click Get Your Free 2-Day Pass and complete the short registration form.
You'll receive confirmation of your registration and further information about accessing the event.
Can I attend both days?
Yes! Your free visitor pass covers both Tuesday 3 November and Wednesday 4 November.
You're welcome to attend for both days, one day or just a few hours.
With so much taking place across five stages, we'd recommend exploring the agenda beforehand to make the most of your visit.
Can I bring colleagues or members of my team?
Absolutely — we encourage it!
Bring your co-founder, business partners, directors, senior managers or colleagues who could benefit from the sessions, exhibitors and networking opportunities.
It's a great opportunity to explore new ideas together, meet prospective suppliers and identify opportunities you can take back into your business.
Each visitor should register individually for their free pass.
Do I need to book individual speaker sessions?
No. Your visitor pass provides access to the conference stages without needing to book each session separately.
Popular sessions may be busy, so we recommend arriving early to secure a seat.
Dates, Times and Location
When is the Festival taking place?
Tuesday 3 November 2026: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday 4 November 2026: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Conference sessions begin from 9:30am, with the exhibition and networking opportunities available throughout the day.
Where is the Festival being held?
NEC Birmingham – Hall 8
National Exhibition Centre
Birmingham
B40 1NT
The NEC is one of the UK's best-connected exhibition venues, easily accessible by road, rail and air.
Follow signs for Hall 8 when you arrive.
Is parking available?
Yes. The NEC has extensive onsite parking.
When approaching the venue, follow the event signage marked ENTREPRENEURS and directions from NEC parking staff.
Parking is managed by the NEC and charges may apply.
Can I travel by train?
Yes. The NEC is directly connected to Birmingham International railway station, approximately a five-minute covered walk from the venue.
Regular train services connect Birmingham International with Birmingham New Street and destinations across the UK.
Is food and drink available?
Yes. The NEC has a range of cafés, coffee shops and food outlets, with additional dining options across the NEC campus.
There is a cafe in the central seating area of the Festival serving hot and cold drinks and food.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. The NEC provides accessible facilities, including step-free access, accessible toilets and parking facilities.
For detailed accessibility information and assistance arrangements, please visit the NEC website.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Will there be networking opportunities?
Definitely. Making valuable business connections is one of the biggest reasons to attend.
The Festival brings together entrepreneurs, founders, investors, advisers, business leaders and potential customers from a wide range of industries.
You'll find dedicated networking spaces, organised meet-ups and plenty of informal opportunities to make new contacts throughout the event.
Whether you're looking for new customers, commercial partners, investment opportunities or simply the chance to exchange experiences with other business owners, the Festival is designed to bring the right people together.
You never know where a conversation might lead.
What subjects will the speakers cover?
The programme spans five stages, bringing together successful founders, recognised business leaders and industry specialists.
Topics include:
Starting, growing and scaling businesses
Funding, finance and investment
Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
Sales, marketing and business development
Leadership, people and high-performing teams
Productivity, profitability and operational improvement
Entrepreneurship, innovation and new opportunities
From inspirational founder stories to practical advice you can put into action, the Festival is designed to help you think bigger and do business better.
Will I be able to meet exhibitors and discover business solutions?
Absolutely. The exhibition brings together companies offering expertise, technologies, funding, professional services and practical solutions to help businesses grow.
Whether you're looking to generate more leads, improve operations, embrace AI, find financial support or get expert advice, there will be plenty to explore.
It's an opportunity to meet potential suppliers face-to-face, compare solutions and discover products and services that could make a real difference to your business.
Can I attend on my own?
Of course. Many entrepreneurs and business leaders attend events independently, and the Festival is designed to make it easy to connect with others.
Between the speaker sessions, exhibition, networking spaces and organised meet-ups, you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet people who share your interests and ambitions.
What should I bring?
Your visitor registration confirmation, a phone and perhaps some business cards.
But most importantly, bring your business challenges, your questions and an open mind.
There's no formal dress code. Business casual is absolutely fine.
How do I collect my visitor badge?
Once you've registered, you'll receive confirmation of your free visitor pass.
On arrival at Hall 8, follow the signs for visitor registration, where you'll be able to collect your badge and enter the Festival.
The badging team will be there to help you if you cannot find your confirmation or you are registering someone in your party onsite
How can I contact the organisers?
If you have a question that isn't answered here, please email info@festivalofentrepreneurs.co.uk.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Festival!
TWO DAYS THAT COULD CHANGE HOW YOU DO BUSINESS.
Inspiration. Practical advice. New connections. Fresh opportunities.
200 speakers. 150 exhibitors. Five stages. One incredible gathering of entrepreneurs.
Join founders, business owners and leaders from across the UK for two days dedicated to starting, growing and scaling successful businesses.
Your visitor pass is completely FREE.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Festival.