Show Checklist

With more than 350 exhibitors and over 250 seminars – and a series of live events to participate in – Business Startup is the biggest show in the UK for start-ups. Because there is so much to see and do, you need to think carefully about how to manage your visit to make the most of your valuable time.

Most importantly, you should work out exactly what you need to know before you arrive. Past visitors to the show have stressed that a little preparation goes a long way when faced with the vast amount of information available at Business Startup.

Many of the best service providers in the UK - geared up to supply solutions for people like you - will be at the show. And the unrivalled seminar schedule is literally star-studded with some of the pre-eminent entrepreneurs in the country. Use this checklist to make sure you don't miss any of the essentials for your visit to Business Startup.

Plan

Make use of this website, the updates we send you by email and the showguide - a 100+ page magazine that you will receive by post when we send out your free ticket - to plan your visit. Calculate how much time you think you will need to fit everything in, then double it. There really is so much to see and do that you might need to consider visiting on both days of the show.

Identify

What do you want from this show? What information or advice do you need? Identify which exhibitors you should visit, which speakers you want to hear and the events you would like to participate in to get the most out of Business Startup.

Target

Once you have planned who you want to see, use the floorplan inside the back cover of the showguide.

Relax

When planning your trip to the show, leave time for reflection or for unexpected events - don't be unrealistic about what you can achieve, and don't be surprised who you may meet.

Record

Don't forget to take a pen and notepad - or your laptop or PDA - so that you can make notes at the show. If you have a dictaphone, take that too.

Network

Take a pile of business cards, and a briefcase or backpack - if you haven't visited before, you'll be surprised just how much information is available at the show. And the businesses you meet on the day could become your preferred suppliers, or your best customers.

Follow-up

After the show, don't let your motivation go off the boil or your hot leads cool. Call the people who gave you their cards, keep those lunch dates, and put your networking contacts in your address book.