Bristol firms are being urged to act quickly to secure the last few exhibition stands at the ‘early bird’ rate for Business Showcase South West 2015, the region’s biggest business exhibition.
The event, which is expected to attract 3,000 delegates, is being staged at Colston Hall on May 14 and 15. Last year’s single-day showcase proved to be one of the biggest business events of the year with more than 1,700 tickets ordered and all 91 exhibition stands sold. 
Business Showcase South West 2015 celebrates the best in innovation, creativity and enterprise and offers a unique opportunity to network for free and make new connections with some of the region’s top business figures.
More than two-thirds of the 91 exhibition stands have already been allocated. The event, which is free for delegates, also includes an invitation-only drinks reception and networking event for the region’s leading chief executive officers.
Sponsors include Enterprise Rent-a-Car, First Great Western and Barclays. Bristol Business News and its sister titles Swindon Business News and Bath Business News are official media partners.
Speakers include ‘Millionaires’ Mentor’ Bev James, industry icon Gerald Ratner, Levi Roots of Dragons’ Den and Reggae Reggae sauce fame, and Stella English, former winner of BBC’s The Apprentice.
Companies, which have already secured their exhibition stands, range from Business West and Bristol law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards to Radisson Blu and Nuffield Health.
Business Showcase South West is endorsed by leading figures from Professor Steve West, UWE Vice Chancellor and president of Business West, to the Mayor of Bristol, George Ferguson CBE.
Prof Steve West said: “The South-West has a strong reputation for creativity, sustainability, education and enterprise. With the regional economy in ascendancy, it is particularly apt that we should be encouraging and celebrating the region’s innovation.”
Exhibitors over the two-day event have the chance to showcase products and services, network with peers and business leaders and market their businesses and secure sales leads.
Additional benefits for exhibition stand-holders include free listing in the event’s e-brochure and free wi-fi, electricity and stand.
Business Showcase South West director Jamie Breese said: “We are building on the phenomenal success of the first event, and helping to meet a strong demand. 
“We are celebrating the very best in innovation, creativity and enterprise in the South West, attracting businesses and business people from across the region.
“By booking an exhibition stand at Business Showcase South West business people can connect with hundreds of potential customers, the business media and business leaders. They can launch new products or services, and generate all-important sales.”
Mr Breese, a Bristol-based entrepreneur and broadcaster who has presented TV series for BBC, ITV and Discovery Channel and has operated Only Connect events for the past seven years, added: “Exhibiting has to be one of the most cost-effective ways of promoting businesses and securing leads.
“By booking a stand at Business Showcase South West 2015, businesses are also associating themselves with an already strong and successful brand.”
The ‘early bird’ price for stands for the two-day event is £699 plus VAT, with some spaces available for one day only at £399 plus VAT.
To book an exhibition stand click here
Free delegates are now available here.
