Bedfordshire
Thursday 15th October 2026
The Bedford International Athletic Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SB
10:00 - 15:00
The Heart of Regional Enterprise
Bedford is a town with a rich industrial heritage and a rapidly evolving business landscape. Your Business Expo is thrilled to bring our premier networking event to this historic location, hosted at the prestigious Bedford International Athletics Stadium. This event serves as a focal point for the county, gathering hundreds of local business owners, key decision-makers, and ambitious entrepreneurs for a day dedicated to growth and regional partnership.
What to Expect
Our Bedford event is designed to move beyond the screen and get you back to the heart of business: real, face-to-face connections. Whether you are a Bedfordshire-based startup looking to make your mark or a long-standing firm strengthening your local ties, this expo provides the ultimate platform to showcase your value.
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Diverse Exhibition Hall: Engage with 60+ exhibitors representing the best of Bedfordshire, from manufacturing and professional services to creative agencies and logistics.
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Insightful Seminars: Step into our seminar zone to hear from local industry leaders on the topics that matter most to Bedford’s economy, including digital growth and business resilience.
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Structured Networking: Start your morning with our high-impact VIP Networking Breakfast. It’s the perfect way to build meaningful relationships and secure leads before the exhibition floor even opens.
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Local Focus: We remain committed to our "local first" ethos. This expo is built for the Bedford community, ensuring that every connection you make is relevant to your regional success.
Why Bedford?
Bedford is a town on the move, perfectly positioned as a gateway between major hubs like London, Cambridge, and the Midlands. By joining us at the expo, you are doing more than just handing out flyers—you are positioning your brand at the center of a thriving, supportive business ecosystem. This is your chance to become a key player in the Bedford success story and grow your network where it matters most.
A Stage for Excellence and Growth
As one of the East of England’s most prestigious sporting landmarks, the Bedford International Athletics Stadium represents ambition and performance. We have transformed this iconic setting into a premier business hub, utilising its vast indoor facilities to host Your Business Expo. The stadium's unique atmosphere and impressive scale provide a high-profile backdrop that ensures your business stands out from the crowd.
Designed for Connection
We chose this venue specifically to provide a seamless, high-value experience for both our exhibitors and our visitors:
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Premium Exhibition Layout: The arena’s open-plan design provides a spacious, airy environment. This allows for large-scale displays and comfortable foot traffic, giving you the perfect space to engage with prospects in a relaxed yet professional setting.
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A Regional Landmark: As a cornerstone of Bedford’s identity, the stadium is easily recognized and highly accessible, acting as a powerful draw for professionals from across the county.
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Strategic Connectivity: Situated perfectly for regional travel, the stadium is just moments from the A421, offering rapid connections to the M1, A1, and surrounding hubs like Cambridge and Milton Keynes.
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Stress-Free Arrival: We know that a successful day starts with easy access. With extensive free on-site parking, exhibitors can enjoy a smooth load-in process, and visitors can focus on networking rather than searching for a space.
By Car
The Bedford International Athletics Stadium is exceptionally well-connected, making it a convenient destination for exhibitors and visitors from across Bedfordshire and beyond.
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From the A421 (Southern Bypass): This is the easiest route. Exit the A421 at the A603 junction (signed for Bedford/Sandy) and follow signs for the "International Athletics Stadium" on Barkers Lane.
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From the M1/A1: The venue sits perfectly between the M1 (J13) and the A1 (Black Cat Roundabout), connected by the dual-carriageway A421, ensuring a smooth journey from Milton Keynes, Luton, or Cambridge.
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Parking: We offer ample free on-site parking directly at the stadium. This ensures a stress-free arrival for visitors and a very straightforward load-in process for our exhibitors.
By Public Transport
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By Train: Bedford Railway Station is the main hub, located approximately 2 miles from the stadium. It is a 10-minute taxi ride or a short bus journey away. The station offers direct, fast links to London St Pancras, St Albans, and Brighton via Thameslink, as well as East Midlands Railway services.
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By Bus: Local bus services run regularly from Bedford Town Centre to Barkers Lane, with stops located just a short walk from the stadium entrance.
Accessibility
The stadium is a modern, inclusive facility designed to be accessible to everyone:
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Level Access: The exhibition areas are located on the ground floor with wide, step-free entry points.
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Facilities: The venue is equipped with accessible toilets and clear signage throughout.
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Blue Badge Parking: Dedicated parking bays are available close to the main entrance for those with restricted mobility.
Why Your Business Expo?
Your Business Expo puts your brand at the centre of the South Midlands business community. It’s where conversations turn into partnerships, ideas become opportunities, and face-to-face connections lead to real business growth.
Powerful Connections
Meet decision makers, entrepreneurs and ambitious business leaders face to face. Build relationships that create trust, open doors and lead to new opportunities.
Insight That Moves You Forward
Hear from speakers shaping the South Midlands business landscape. Leave with practical ideas and insights you can put into action immediately.
Targeted Visibility
Showcase your brand to a focused regional audience. Be seen by the people most likely to become your customers, partners or collaborators.
Energy & Momentum
Step into a room filled with ambition, ideas and commercial drive. Leave inspired, focused and ready to take your next step.
Credibility & Positioning
Align your brand with a respected regional business platform. Strengthen your reputation within the South Midlands business community.
Sales Opportunities
Speak directly with businesses actively looking for solutions. Turn the right conversations into qualified leads and new revenue.
