Events by International Festival for Business

The British Commission for Maritime History proudly presents an upcoming academic gathering designed to explore human societies' intricate and historic relationship with the sea. Set against the vibrant coastal backdrop of Swansea, this event brings together leading voices in historical research, marine commerce, and naval archaeology. Attendees will dive deep into how maritime networks shaped modern global economies, trade paths, and geopolitical strategies over the centuries. Uncovering Naval and Coastal Heritage The session features comprehensive presentations focusing on critical epochs of maritime development. Scholars and researchers will dissect archival material, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of coastal communities, mercantile operations, and technological evolution in seafaring. By reviewing past societal interactions with oceans, participants gain vital context regarding modern marine conservation, shipping governance, and maritime law frameworks. Engaging Academic Discussions Designed to foster collaborative dialogue, the programme features focused paper presentations followed by rigorous, interactive question-and-answer panels. Emerging scholars and established historians alike can exchange perspectives, test new hypotheses, and establish long-term professional relationships. Whether your focus lies in naval conflict, economic shipping routes, or archaeological underwater exploration, this seminar offers a welcoming intellectual environment. Participation and AccessibilityAligning with the Commission's core mission to make maritime studies universally accessible, admission to this event is entirely free. Participants may choose to attend physically at the designated Swansea venue or engage through supported digital channels. Advanced registration is recommended to secure materials, stream links, and updates regarding the speaker lineup. Join us for an enlightening evening celebrating our shared oceanic past.

Unveiling the Mischief for the Festive Season The Elves Behavin' Badly Festive Trade Showcase is an exclusive B2B product exhibition held at our headquarters in Basildon, Essex. Designed specifically for retail buyers, seasonal merchandisers, and event organizers, this annual event brings the playful, cheeky world of Elfie and Elvie to life. Attendees will get a first look at our official Christmas product lineup, interactive props, and novelties designed to captivate high-street shoppers and online consumers alike during the holiday shopping rush. Exploring Novelty Innovations and Product Range During this full-day trade exhibition, visitors will explore an expansive gallery of new accessories, dress-up costumes, and novelty items added to the official Elves Behavin' Badly collection. Our product development team will host detailed walkthroughs showcasing new plush doll variations, prank kits, props, and holiday décor items. Retailers will learn how to leverage our high-margin, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to maximize seasonal sales and build compelling impulse-purchase displays in high-footfall retail zones. Strategic Visual Merchandising and Retail POS Solutions Creating an engaging floor display is crucial for driving seasonal retail conversion. This event features interactive visual merchandising workshops where attendees can examine complete Point-of-Sale (POS) display units, branded floor spinners, and custom window display concept kits. Experienced retail strategists will demonstrate how to construct eye-catching, mischief-themed product zones that boost impulse buys and encourage cross-category purchases across apparel, stationery, and novelty accessories. Navigating Brand Licensing and Character Appearances Protecting brand integrity while expanding commercial reach is essential for sustainable retail growth. In dedicated licensing seminars, our brand management team will present guidelines on official trademark usage, anti-counterfeiting measures, and co-branding opportunities. Additionally, event managers will discover how to book official licensed Elfie and Elvie costume character appearances for shopping centre activations, festive parades, and promotional family events. Networking and Direct B2B Supply Chain Ordering The showcase provides a direct collaborative space for wholesale buyers to meet directly with our account managers, logistics partners, and inventory specialists. Participants will receive early-bird stock booking options, flexible delivery scheduling, and tailored volume pricing structures ahead of peak Christmas demand. Connect with fellow retail professionals, exchange seasonal consumer trends, and secure your holiday inventory straight from the source.

The International Conference on Circular Business Innovation (ICCBISCS) 2026 is a specialized event focusing on the transition from a linear "take-make-waste" economy to a restorative circular model. As global regulations on carbon footprints and resource management tighten, businesses of all sizes must innovate to remain competitive and compliant. This conference, held in the heart of Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, brings together scientists, business leaders, and environmental advocates to share successful strategies for circularity in the industrial, food, and electronics sectors. The 2026 program places a heavy emphasis on "Supply Chain Circularity." Key sessions will examine how companies can track material life cycles using IoT and AI, ensuring that products are designed for disassembly and reuse. Distinguished speakers from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and leading multinational corporations will present case studies on closed-loop manufacturing and the economic benefits of the "Product-as-a-Service" model. Unlike traditional environmental summits, this event is focused strictly on the business and engineering logic behind circularity, making it a "must-attend" for operations directors and product designers. Interactive workshops will allow participants to stress-test their own business models against circularity principles. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with providers of biodegradable packaging, chemical recycling firms, and renewable energy consultants. The conference also features a "Circular Policy Forum" where industry leaders can engage with government representatives on the future of environmental legislation in the UK and Europe. By the end of the event, participants will have a comprehensive roadmap for transforming their operations into a more resilient, sustainable, and profitable enterprise. In a world of dwindling resources, the ICCBISCS provides the blueprint for the next generation of industrial engineering and business strategy.

The Liverpool Global Trade & Fintech Expo 2026 is an expansive tradeshow and exhibition designed to be the nexus of international commerce and financial technology. In an era where digital currencies and decentralized finance are transforming the way nations trade, this expo serves as a vital platform for businesses to understand and leverage new financial tools. The expo floor at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool will host hundreds of exhibitors from across the globe, representing sectors from banking and insurance to blockchain startups and international logistics firms. The event is built around the theme of "Frictionless Trade." It explores how fintech innovations can reduce cross-border transaction costs and how digital identity verification is streamlining international logistics. High-level seminars will run concurrently with the exhibition, featuring experts from the World Trade Organization and leading fintech unicorns. These sessions will provide actionable advice on navigating post-Brexit trade agreements, utilizing smart contracts in shipping, and securing digital assets in a high-risk global environment. A highlight of the expo is the "Fintech Pitch Arena," where the most promising startups from the UK and beyond pitch their solutions to a panel of international venture capitalists and angel investors. For established SMEs, the "Export Hub" offers one-on-one consultations with trade experts to help them expand their reach into emerging markets in Asia and South America. This event is not just a showcase but a practical workshop for growth. The networking lounge will facilitate thousands of pre-arranged B2B meetings, ensuring that every attendee leaves with concrete leads and new business prospects. If your business relies on moving goods or money across borders, this expo is an essential addition to your 2026 calendar.

The International Conference on Real Estate & Urban Growth 2026 is the definitive forum for professionals involved in the development, investment, and management of the world’s built environment. As urban populations continue to swell and the demand for sustainable housing and commercial space reaches a fever pitch, this conference in Liverpool addresses the most pressing challenges facing the global real estate market today. The program is meticulously curated to cover a wide spectrum of topics, including the rise of "PropTech" (Property Technology), the financialization of green buildings, and the legal complexities of international real estate arbitration. Liverpool, a city that has undergone significant urban regeneration, provides an ideal case study for attendees. The event features specialized "Walk-and-Talk" sessions where local urban planners and international developers visit successful regeneration sites across the city, providing a practical dimension to the theoretical discussions held in the plenary hall. Keynote speakers will include world-renowned architects, heads of global investment funds, and policy makers who are shaping the cities of tomorrow. A major focus of the 2026 conference is the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into real estate portfolios. Investors will find dedicated tracks on ethical property investment and the valuation of net-zero developments. For legal professionals and mediators, the conference offers deep dives into dispute resolution and international mediation strategies. The exhibition floor will host over 100 exhibitors ranging from architectural firms to smart-city solution providers. This is an unparalleled opportunity for real estate professionals to sync their strategies with global trends and connect with the capital and talent needed to bring ambitious urban projects to life.

The Global Innovation and Management Summit 2026 is a premier international gathering designed to redefine how modern enterprises navigate the complexities of the 21st-century economy. Set against the historic and culturally vibrant backdrop of Liverpool, this event brings together global thought leaders, C-suite executives, and disruptive entrepreneurs to explore the intersection of technology and human-centric management. Over the course of two intensive days, participants will engage in high-level discussions regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence in daily operations, the evolution of remote leadership, and the shifting paradigms of international supply chain management. The summit is structured to foster collaboration through a mix of keynote speeches from industry titans and intimate, sector-specific breakout sessions. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into how successful global brands are pivoting toward sustainable innovation while maintaining profitability in a volatile market. The event also features a dedicated "Tech-Innovation Zone" where startups from around the world showcase cutting-edge solutions in fintech, green energy, and enterprise software. Beyond the formal presentations, the summit emphasizes the power of serendipitous networking. Evening receptions held in Liverpool’s iconic maritime venues provide the perfect atmosphere for forging international partnerships and discussing cross-border investment opportunities. This event serves as a critical touchpoint for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving business landscape. Whether you are looking to scale your business internationally or seeking to implement the latest management frameworks, the Global Innovation and Management Summit offers the tools, the network, and the inspiration to drive meaningful change in your organization.

The Good Business Festival is the world’s largest responsible business platform, a direct evolution of the International Festival for Business. Based in the vibrant city of Liverpool, this multi-day event is designed to challenge the status quo and explore how businesses of all sizes can achieve profitability through purpose-led strategies. Unlike traditional corporate conferences, this festival blends high-level economic discourse with arts, culture, and social innovation, reflecting Liverpool’s unique spirit of creativity and resilience. The 2026 edition focuses on "Future-Proofing through Sustainability," addressing the critical global shifts in climate policy, social equity, and technological ethics. The festival provides a massive stage for global thought leaders, CEOs, and grassroots entrepreneurs to collaborate on solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges. Attendees can expect a diverse program featuring "The Greater Good" showcase—a series of deep-dive sessions across different city boroughs—alongside mainstage keynote addresses, interactive workshops, and pitch competitions. One of the core components of the festival is its commitment to international trade. By hosting delegates from over 100 countries, the event serves as a primary gateway for UK businesses to connect with global markets. The networking zones are high-energy hubs where SMEs can meet potential investors, venture capitalists, and policy makers. With a track record of generating hundreds of millions of pounds in investment for participating firms, the festival is not just a place for conversation, but a catalyst for tangible economic growth. Sustainability is woven into the fabric of the event itself. From zero-waste catering to digital-first networking tools, the festival practices what it preaches. Whether you are a tech startup looking for ethical scaling advice or a multinational corporation seeking to refine your ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, The Good Business Festival offers the insights and connections necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.