Sussex Business Show moves to Brighton in 2023

2022 will be hailed as the year that the Sussex Business Show established itself on the business event scene. 

The show did not disappoint at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, with a refreshed style and feel. It emphasised the indisputable: that the Sussex Business Show delivers with a bang!

Renowned for more than just B2B trade shows, Sonny Cutting, the event director, has for a number of years hosted trade shows with a twist. He weaves together game-themed events to break the ice at pioneering and innovative B2B conferences. The blend provides an irresistible experience of energy with networking opportunities.

For the first time ever, Ardingly saw the Sussex Business Show utilising a full shell system to enable exhibitors to have their very own spaces, giving them room to show off. Along with the new professional look to the show, the day was host to incredible speakers and the innovative spin-off, The Tiger’s Pen.

Powerhouse Speakers

With a showcase of the local region’s powerhouse speakers, the Sussex event was teeming with expertise, experience and energy. Bringing together twelve masterclass leaders, each delivered business talks on the day. Talks included topics such as wellbeing, cyber security, diversity and inclusion, data storytelling, digital marketing and start-up success to name a few.

The Tiger’s Pen

The Tiger’s Pen gives eight aspiring start-ups the opportunity to pitch for investment and advice. The ‘Best Pitch’ award in The Tiger’s Pen (sponsored by Gold Pebble) went to an aspiring start-up called Changing Minds Training run by Olivia-Louise Hamilton. Despite not leaving with investment, her passion and professionalism won her the Best Pitch Prize – a day out at English’s restaurant in Brighton, courtesy of Simon Rand, CEO of KuulEats Local.

The Tiger’s Pen truly adds an extra inclusive layer to this show, sharing the power of business expertise, advice and guidance.

Other Prizes on Offer

Another delightfully surprising element of the tradeshow was the long-awaited customer experience awards which returned to the show. All 85 exhibitors with a phone number on their website were called pre-event for a mystery shopping campaign. Three winners were chosen and a fourth business was given an honorary mention. Next year, the Customer Experience Awards will be back and the calls have already been started to rate them on their skills in Customer Service for the 2023 epic Brighton Showcase.

The show’s focus on games, experiences and recognition at every event is unmatched. This year, however, Sonny wanted to do something special and created The Grand Draw to go along with the casino theme. Prizes were given out throughout the day, and guests were seen from as far away as a galaxy far, far away with Darth Vader and his stormtroopers making a surprise entrance on the day. 

Next year

So, how can next year be any better?

The Sussex Business Show will have two special experiences for 2023 with a special charity ‘Rockinghorse and Star Wars Awareness Day’ on May 4th, and the much-anticipated tradeshow on September 28th in Brighton at The Dome, Corn Exchange.

Sonny said of his choice of venue: “Many people have asked why I didn’t simply place the event next year at the Racecourse, Amex or Brighton Centre, and even though each of those venues offers their own unique experiences, I wanted something in the centre of the city which could deliver local businesses the opportunity of a wondrous experience of architecture whilst enjoying our new county tradeshow event.” 

The arts venue in Brighton is currently undergoing a huge transformation, making the show next year the perfect opportunity to take advantage of its updates, and it’s in the centre of the city. 

Next year’s show moves up a gear and offers a wellness lounge, a silent disco and 100 exhibitor stands to meet and connect with. Along with the new additions, the winning formula of a game theme will continue. The casino returns for another year and Sonny is dealing everyone in. The Grand Draw brings in so many businesses to play, engage and win prizes and makes for a day of excitement. As an added bonus, just like Charlie and the Chocolate factory, some of the guest bags will even have Golden Tickets. 

Eighty-five of the exhibitor spaces have already been snapped up. There are still some sponsorship packages available. If you would like to partner with the event, gain special perks and get an advertising package which will give your brand even more exposure, get in touch or drop into Freedom Works in Hove on Mondays or Tuesdays, and find The Sussex Business Show in the office for a chat. Alternatively, give them a call on 01273 833 222 or 07889 533641.

www.sussexbizshow.com