Wed 23 / 10 / 19

Brighton Summit 2019 – the biggest yet

Brighton Summit 2019 brings together record numbers of Brighton’s businesses, charities and entrepreneurs

A record number of Brighton’s businesses, charities and entrepreneurs came together on Friday 11 October for the 2019 Brighton Summit: Crack on.

Nearly 400 attendees took part in a fully-immersive day of learning and networking, making it the biggest Brighton Summit in the seven years since it began.

The packed line up featured an opening keynote speech from Hannah Dawson who shared her business journey, about resilience, the barriers of pride and fear and the importance of a learning mind-set.

The second keynote speaker Kamal Ahmed, Editorial Director of BBC News was interviewed by Master of Ceremonies, James Dempster. Kamal shared his experience of being the ‘other’ growing up as a mix-raced boy in the 70s as well as his vision of reinventing the audience-corporation dynamic in his role at the BBC.

Kamal Ahmed and James Dempster at Brighton Summit

Gina Miller, businesswoman and campaigner, closed the Summit with an uplifting and inspirational keynote talk about the lessons she has learnt throughout her life, how she navigated upheaval, trauma and hardship, and reflecting on the choices she made to become who she is today. The audience rose to its feet as she finished her talk.

Campaigner Gina Miller at Brighton Summit

Attendees chose from four additional speaker sessions where local business leaders including Justin Francis from Responsible Travel and Jason Kirk from Kirk & Kirk shared their business story. There were five interactive workshops led by experts designed to help business crack on and ten Engine Hours including sewing, an escape room and a food tour and many more activities all designed to inspire and recharge for the afternoon.

In the buzzing foyer attendees were busy networking, connecting with new contacts and catching up with existing connections. Much needed energy and sustenance came from local food and drink suppliers throughout the day including Sugardough, Bird & Blend, Redroaster, Higgidy Pies, Youjuice, Spade and Spoon, Brighton Cakes, Happy Maki, Loud Shirt Brewery and Fin & Farm.

"A business event that isn't too business-like! Gina Miller was a highlight for us as well as a really fun Samba session. It's always great to meet other businesses in an informal and relaxed environment. We'll definitely be back next year."

Mel Berry and James Armstrong

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“I loved this year’s Brighton Summit – networking with new and old contacts, being inspired by the keynote speeches and learning new skills during the workshops! Can’t wait to see what the fantastic team at Brighton Chamber come up with for next year – they’ve raised the bar again!”