Festival Features

What can you expect on the day?

Get ready for a packed day of business, ideas, connections and opportunities at the Festival of Business – Proud Past | Bold Future.

With 100+ exhibitors, an inspiring speaker programme, interactive workshops and plenty of opportunities to network, the Festival brings together businesses from across Essex and beyond under one roof. Whether you’re looking to meet potential customers and suppliers, discover new ideas, build connections or simply see what’s happening across the Essex business community, there’s plenty to explore.

Best of all, visitor attendance is FREE. Book your place today and be part of Essex’s biggest business showcase.

 

Visitor Goody Bags

Our first 500 visitors will receive an exclusive Festival Goody Bag which contains some great giveaways.

Register as a Visitor

There are sponsorship opportunities available for our Goody Bags – contact events@essexchambers.co.uk to find out more.

 

Visitor Prize Draw

Visitors have the opportunity to enter into our Prize Draw for a chance to win some amazing prizes.

Find out more

There are sponsorship opportunities available for our Prize Draw – contact events@essexchambers.co.uk to find out more.

 

Nominated Festival Charity – SNAP Charity

As our Charity of the Year 2026/27, SNAP will have a dedicated stand at the Festival, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the team, learn more about their work and discover how they support children and young people with additional needs and disabilities across Essex.

SNAP provides guidance, support and opportunities for families, helping them access specialist services, build connections and navigate everyday challenges. Visit their stand to find out more about the difference they make and how you can support their vital work across the county.

Find out more

 

The Workplace Wellbeing Hub

Take time out from the bustle of the Festival and step inside the Workplace Wellbeing Hub, hosted by Wellity Global.

Drop in throughout the day for practical talks, interactive experiences and expert conversations exploring workplace wellbeing, mental health, leadership and stress. Whether you stay for ten minutes or join a full session, you’ll discover useful ideas and practical approaches to help create healthier, more effective workplaces.

Find out more

 

Capture the Moment with The Robin Cancer Trust

Make sure you stop by The Robin Cancer Trust stand during the Festival and capture the day with your colleagues.

Their photo booth offers a fun way to record your visit with a digital photo to share and keep. For a small donation, you can also receive a printed copy to take away. Every contribution helps support The Robin Cancer Trust’s work raising awareness of testicular and ovarian cancer, promoting early diagnosis, and providing education and support to young people and their families.

Open Road SOS Bus

Open Road will be exhibiting outside with one of their SOS Buses – a mobile outreach unit that plays a key role in their community and corporate engagement work. The SOS Bus supports vulnerable individuals in town centres and at events, but it’s also used to demonstrate to employers how proactive, on-the-ground support can change lives.

Come and meet the Open Road team to:

    • Learn how they work with employers to manage drug and alcohol-related issues in the workplace
    • Find out about bespoke training and awareness sessions for staff
    • Explore partnership opportunities that support CSR, staff wellbeing, and community engagement
    • Step aboard the SOS Bus and see how mobile outreach is making a difference across Essex

Whether you’re an SME or a large employer, Open Road can offer insight and support to help your business build a safe and supportive work environment.

 

Whilst we endeavour to ensure the attendance of our advertised speakers, exhibitors, vendors and displays, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes.
All timings are approximate and subject to change. We advise arriving as early as possible to avoid queues and missing any speakers or displays.