2026 – The year of the Business Show
16th January 2026
Author EditorPosted on Categories Networking & Events
The Sussex business events calendar is already taking shape for 2026, and Mike Monk Events is once again putting business shows firmly on the map.
The Brighton & Hove Business Show returns, and there is a major venue upgrade for the Gatwick Business Show. Meanwhile, there is growing interest in Mike Monk’s business show licensing programme – would you like to run your own business show?
Brighton & Hove Business Show – stands now booking
Thursday 4th June 2026 – 10am to 3pm. The Amex Stadium, Brighton
The Brighton & Hove Business Show has become one of the key dates in the business calendar. Each year, it brings together hundreds of SMEs, founders, decision-makers and service providers for a focused day of networking, learning and lead generation.
With stand bookings now open, now is the time to secure your place. Exhibitors consistently report that Brighton delivers not just footfall, but the right kind of conversations with people actively looking for suppliers, partners and solutions. For companies wanting visibility across Sussex and beyond, the Brighton show continues to be a proven platform that combines credibility with energy.
Gatwick Business Show – an exciting new venue for 2026
Thursday 8th October 2026 – 10am to 3pm. Lingfield Park Resort, Pavilion Suite
The Gatwick Business Show is set for a significant step up with the announcement of a brand-new venue.
The show, in partnership with Gatwick Diamond Business, will be staged at the Pavilion Suite at Lingfield Park Resort, a premium exhibition and conference space set beside the famous racecourse. This marks a major upgrade for the Gatwick show, offering more space, better facilities and a polished, high-impact environment for exhibitors and visitors alike.
With excellent transport links, on-site accommodation at the Lingfield Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club, and panoramic views across the racecourse, the new venue creates a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that encourages longer conversations and stronger connections.
For exhibitors, it means more room to showcase your brand and a setting that helps you stand out. For visitors, it promises a seamless, inspiring business day. Gatwick 2026 is shaping up to be the most ambitious edition yet.
Licensing your own business show – scaling the model
Alongside his own events, Mike Monk is also opening up the opportunity for others to run successful business shows through a licensing model.
Drawing on years of experience delivering the Brighton, Gatwick and Eastbourne shows, Mike now offers a structured licensing programme for individuals, organisations or groups who want to launch a business show in their own area. The model provides support with planning, branding, exhibitor strategy, operations and marketing. The package dramatically reduces the risk and guesswork involved in starting from scratch.
For those with strong local networks or sector-specific audiences, this presents an opportunity to build a sustainable event business using a proven framework, while benefiting from shared expertise and credibility.
With established shows filling fast, an exciting new venue announced for Gatwick, and a licensing programme enabling others to follow suit, 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for business events across Sussex and the South East.