The Introbiz Expo of 2018 was an immensely successful event, with record crowds attending. We were ambitious enough to carry out four sold-out events in one day. And it worked. We worked so hard to ensure success and learned a lot as a team. At Introbiz it is our upmost aim to connect business so that they can thrive, so it was a pleasure to see so many connections and even deals made on the day! We are determined to up the ante next year – so stay tuned… watch this space. If you were not able to make the Expo this year, here’s what you missed.
With the sun peeping through the winter clouds on the morning of the Introbiz Expo, all was still at 7am outside the Motorpoint Arena. Inside, however, it was a different story. Through the front doors, there were huge crowds queueing down the street to get inside. Entrepreneurs were in search of coffee and getting ready for the day ahead, beginning with Wales’ biggest Networking Breakfast event. Last minute touches were put to the record number of stands being exhibited, with the smell of full English breakfasts and fresh croissants wafting through the arena. The Introbiz Expo 2018 had begun.
Wales largest Networking Breakfast event, sponsored by PIXAFUSION Digital
The day kicked off with WRU CEO Martyn Phillips and BBC’s Scrum V presenter Sean Holley hosting a live Q&A. This took place with over 300 guests enjoying a breakfast fit for royalty, provided by the award-winning Spiros Caterers.
But first, there was an important surprise. The Royal Welsh Third Battalion slowly marched into the breakfast room, dazzling the crowd with their percussion and musical talent. With their drums and uniforms catching everyone’s eye, they provided the perfect beginning to the day. They acted as a clue to the theme of the VIP Charity Gala Dinner later in the evening, accompanying ABF The Soldiers’ Charity on their stand throughout the day.
See the highlights of this event here.
Lord Sugar Lunch, sponsored by Hunter Jones Investments
One of our main and highly anticipated keynote speakers took to the stage at midday. The business mandate and nation’s favourite hirer and firer, Lord Alan Sugar arrived in Cardiff to give the Welsh business community an insight into his business expertise.
With Spiros Caterers kindly providing us with lunch too, the guests sat down to await Lord Sugar. Over 300 high-profile business celebs and entrepreneurs joined us in the curtained off room for the VIP experience, with Lord Sugar partaking in a live Q&A with Paul and Tracey Smolinski, Introbiz’ MDs. The Lord’s wit and humour did not go amiss, with many saying they were over the moon to have seen their business idol in person.
See the highlights here.
Grant Cardone 10X, sponsored by Paul McFadden Wealth and Thrive Assets
The global entrepreneur Grant Cardone was in the UK on his 10X Tour, he visited London and Glasgow along with Cardiff. With people paying thousands to see him live in America, there was a huge hype generated in the UK’s business community. He certainly lived up to his reputation. The packed-out room was encapsulated by Grant Cardone as he delivered his 10X talk.
This American sales guru brought along his gorgeous family and hypnotised the crowd with his business philosophies. Guests were walking away from his talk feeling more than inspired and ready to 10X their business, which is what the Expo is all about!
Check out the keynote speakers gallery here.
VIP Charity Gala Dinner, sponsored by Godiva Insurance
Taking place at The Vale Resort, our VIP Charity Gala Dinner really was awe-inspiring. The room was dressed up beautifully (but not as beautifully as our guests!!), really showcasing a celebratory, Christmassy vibe – the ideal setting to relax and enjoy the aftermath and the success of the day. Sean Holley addressed the crowd as compère, hosting an auction and a raffle to raise money for the ABF Soldiers’ Charity. Prizes such as a black-tie dinner for two at Edinburgh Castle + VIP Royal Gallery for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Afternoon Tea at the Savoy Hotel in London were on offer and generated much interest and friendly competition. With great pride we are proud to say we raised a large sum of money for the charity.
This was the perfect end to a day filled with success, emotion and pride. Our goal was met when we received such positive feedback from exhibitors, visitors, sponsors and keynote speakers alike!
See the highlights of this beautiful event here.
To read some further feedback, have a read of our testimonials from some of our exhibitors, sponsors and visitors, they provide a real taster of what to expect from the Expo.
If you like what you have seen about Introbiz and you’re not yet a member, give our lovely team a call on 02920 291 002 or email on [email protected]. The benefits are bountiful, we have a brilliant network and any business is welcome to join us. We go above and beyond to connect people in our network, if we see a link, we will not hesitate to connect businesses together.
Excited for next year? Check out our new floor plan:
Tempted to exhibit in 2019? With prices to exhibit starting from £499, it’s an absolute no brainer! This year we had thousands of visitors, with plenty of deals taking place on the day ? Head over to our website for more information.
So, thank you to everyone who got involved. We are already looking forward to next year!
