Businesses were closing their doors, communities were isolated, and entrepreneurs, the daring dreamers who build, create, and push the world forward, were struggling to find their footing. For me, it was a moment of clarity.

You see, I’ve always been passionate about entrepreneurs. There’s something magical about people who take risks, follow their passions, and turn ideas into reality.

Through my work with awards programmes like the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, The UK StartUp Awards and the UK Fast Growth Index, I’d seen first-hand the power of community and how bringing people together to celebrate their achievements could spark new opportunities and connections. But I wanted to take that a step further. I didn’t just want to celebrate entrepreneurs; I wanted to create a space where they could meet, learn, collaborate, and thrive. And so, the seed of Ideas Fest was planted.

Why a Festival?

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’ve always been a festival girl at heart. There’s something about the energy of a festival, the music, the laughter, the shared experiences under the open sky, that’s electric.

It’s a melting pot of creativity and connection, where anything feels possible. So, when I thought about creating something for entrepreneurs, it just made sense to borrow from that magic. Why not take the best parts of a festival and combine them with the inspiration and insight of a business event? Why not make it fun?

During Covid, outdoor events became the safer choice, and that practicality also aligned perfectly with the vision. An outdoor setting, with stages, tipis, and spaces designed for creativity and collaboration, felt like the ideal way to break the monotony of Zoom calls and reconnect people in a truly human way.

Building a Community

From the beginning, Ideas Fest was about more than just a two-day event. It was about building a community. Entrepreneurs are often on lonely journeys, and it’s so easy to get caught up in the grind. But when you bring people together, when you create a space where they can share their challenges, celebrate their wins, and learn from each other, something magical happens. At Ideas Fest, you’re not just meeting people; you’re finding your tribe.

I’ve seen first-hand how connections made at the festival can lead to incredible collaborations. From impromptu brainstorms over coffee to deals sealed in the networking ball pit (yes, really!), Ideas Fest is proof that when you put ambitious, creative people in the same space, amazing things happen.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we head into our third Ideas Fest in 2025, I can confidently say it will be our best one yet. Each year, we’ve built on what we’ve learned, refining the experience to make it even more impactful. The feedback from past attendees has been phenomenal, and it drives us to keep pushing the boundaries. We’re planning bigger stages, more interactive workshops, and even more ways to connect and collaborate.

Personally, I couldn’t be more excited. Ideas Fest combines so many of the things I love: the energy of a festival, the brilliance of entrepreneurs, and the joy of bringing people together. It’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and ambition—and it’s only getting better.

Join Us

If you’ve never been to Ideas Fest, now’s the time. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, just starting out, or somewhere in between, there’s something for you here.

It’s a place to dream big, meet like-minded people, and leave with more than just inspiration, you’ll leave with the tools and connections to turn your ideas into action.

See you in September. Let’s make it unforgettable.

Watch The Ideas Fest 2024 Best Bits:

Ideas Fest really is THE place to be! 💡🎪