Top Small Business Networking Events in Birmingham in 2026

Birmingham is one of the best UK cities for small business networking in 2026 because so many high-value events happen here, especially around the NEC and the ICC. Whether you run a local service business, an ecommerce brand, or a B2B consultancy, there are plenty of rooms full of buyers and decision-makers.

Below are 10 Birmingham events and networks worth considering in 2026, plus a simple Bizcardy digital business card strategy to convert conversations into leads.

Note on dates: Dates and venues are correct at the time of writing, but schedules can change. Always check the official event website before booking.

Top 10 small business events and networks in Birmingham (2026)

1. Spring Fair 2026
   Date: 1 to 4 February 2026
   Location: NEC Birmingham
   Website: Official visitor info

   A huge retail and wholesale show. Brilliant for product businesses, brands, and service providers who sell into retail or ecommerce supply chains.

   Digital business card play: Add a “wholesale enquiry” button (or a “request a sample” link) to your card for this show.

2. West Midlands Business Festival 2026
   Date: 2 to 13 February 2026
   Location: West Midlands (many events in Birmingham)
   Website: Official site

   A two-week programme of free business events designed for SMEs, founders and teams who want growth, collaboration and practical support.

   Digital business card play: Use one “festival” card link with UTM tracking so you can measure leads from the festival later.

3. The UK Food & Drink Shows 2026 (Food & Drink Expo and more)
   Date: 13 to 15 April 2026
   Location: NEC Birmingham
   Website: Visitor FAQs

   Ideal for food and drink brands, hospitality suppliers, packaging partners, and local SMEs that want trade leads and stockist conversations.

   Digital business card play: Put your best-selling products (or services) as the first two links on your card.

4. The Midlands Expo: Birmingham Business Show
   Date: 23 April 2026
   Location: Aston Villa FC (The Holte Suite), Birmingham
   Website: Official event page

   A classic regional SME expo for meeting local businesses, partners and buyers. Great for B2B service providers and local suppliers.

   Digital business card play: Add a “book a meeting” link so people can schedule time while they are still warm.

5. The Security Event 2026
   Date: 28 to 30 April 2026
   Location: NEC Birmingham
   Website: Official site

   A major exhibition for security products and services. Useful if your SME sells into commercial buildings, property, IT, or facilities.

   Digital business card play: Include a short “what we install / support” line and one proof point (case study or certification).

6. Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards 2026
   Date: 14 May 2026
   Location: ICC Birmingham
   Website: Event details

   A flagship celebration event where many of the region’s strongest businesses and leaders are in one place. Great for relationship building.

   Digital business card play: Create a “partner” version of your card with your best collaboration offer (referrals, JV, co-marketing).

7. Autumn Fair 2026
   Date: 6 to 9 September 2026
   Location: NEC Birmingham
   Website: Official site

   A massive wholesale show for home, gift and fashion. Great for independent retailers, product makers, and brands looking for stockists.

   Digital business card play: Put your catalogue link as the first card button so buyers can browse immediately.

8. Glee Birmingham 2026
   Date: 8 to 10 September 2026
   Location: NEC Birmingham
   Website: Official site

   Europe’s major garden retail event. Strong for garden, outdoor living, pet and home brands, plus the suppliers that support them.

   Digital business card play: Add a “become a stockist” or “trade pricing” link and collect enquiries fast.

9. The National Franchise Exhibition (Birmingham) 2026
   Date: 2 to 3 October 2026
   Location: NEC Birmingham
   Website: Event listing (BFA)

   Perfect if you are looking to buy a franchise, franchise your business, or meet the service providers who support franchising.

   Digital business card play: Include one “next step” link: “Request an info pack” or “Book a discovery call”.

10. Birmingham B2B Growth Expo 2026
    Date: 26 November 2026
    Location: The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham
    Website: Official event page

    A business expo designed for networking, practical talks and local growth conversations across B2B industries.

    Digital business card play: Create a Birmingham-only card link and use it for every conversation so you can track results.

How to use Bizcardy at Birmingham events to drive sales

At big venues like the NEC, you can meet dozens of people in a day. The risk is losing momentum because details get messy. A digital business card keeps every conversation organised and easy to follow up.

• Before the event: Create (or update) your Bizcardy card with a clear headline and one primary CTA.
• During the event: Share via QR code and ask the other person to save it on the spot.
• After each chat: Add a quick note on what they care about (pricing, partnership, timeline).
• Within 24 hours: Follow up with one useful resource and a simple next step.
• End of month: Review which events produced meetings and revenue, then double down on those.

Quick CTA: Want to make networking smoother? Create your Bizcardy digital business card and take it with you to the NEC and beyond.