Unleashing innovation and flair: dazzling dancers and Fever Tree stir up the ACUMEN Business Convention

The ACUMEN Business Convention 2023 set the stage ablaze with its electrifying Live Poi light shows, captivating FreePlay sessions, including the exceptional Threesome Networking room, leaving participants spellbound and inspired. 

This groundbreaking event, held at the Grand hotel Brighton, exceeded all expectations, attracting entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and visionaries from around Sussex and beyond.

It would be hard to describe this year’s ACUMEN Business Convention in one word. Exciting? Tick. Extravagant! Tick. HOT? Double tick. Another successful event with nearly 300 business decision-makers in the room and plenty already signing up for next year’s event on May 23 – which Acumen promises to make an even bigger day.  

Perhaps the biggest tick of the 2023 Convention was vulnerability. Our speakers showed a lot of courage when they shared personal aspects of their lives and journeys and how it affected their business journeys. From the concept of grit, giving up and bereavement, to difficult childhood stories and coming out the other end stronger for it.  

Every year there is an extraordinary live performance at the Acumen Convention, this year the attendees were entranced by a breathtaking Poi light show. With their precision and artistry, the performers skillfully twirled and danced, creating intricate patterns of light that seemed to defy gravity. The Poi light show performed by Blue Fish Entertainment was an unforgettable spectacle, adding a touch of enchantment and leaving a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to witness its magic.

The stage was also graced by an array of diverse speakers including Charles
Rolls, the visionary founder of Fever Tree. With his relentless pursuit of excellence and passion for creating the perfect mixer, Charles has revolutionised the beverage industry and shaped the way we enjoy cocktails. Chalres shared his insights and expertise, inspiring attendees with his entrepreneurial journey and leaving a lasting impact.

Rachel Watkyn, the founder of Tiny Box and the most successful female entrepreneur on Dragons Den to date captivated the audience with her inspiring story; Susan Payton shared her expertise on how to craft a compelling brand through the power of storytelling; Perry Power shared his own journey shining a light on the complex emotions, challenges, and triumphs that come with surviving and healing from abuse. Acumen’s very own, Penina Shepherd, CEO & Founder, shared a thought-provoking approach to mindset with her talk: ‘What is your grit?’ 

As well as the inspiring speakers on the big stage, the day included an array of Arena Speakers, featuring four local heroes in TEDx-style talks. These were all facilitated by Acumen’s own speakers who shared a story of betrayal, turmoil and scandal with great informative legal tips and takeaways for all delegates and their businesses.

The day concluded with a prestigious Ridgeview Reception which gathered all the delegates for a final networking opportunity alongside a much deserved and enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine and bagels from Brighton’s famous Bagelman. 

The ACUMEN Business Convention once more delivered its manifesto, which is to educate, inspire, connect and entertain. It certainly did all that sparkled with surprises and Acumen magic!