The 2026 Devon Business Show transformed Plymouth’s Life Centre into a hive of professional activity this week, drawing a record-breaking crowd of more than 1,200 attendees. The massive turnout underscored a surging appetite for networking and collaboration across the county, as business leaders from Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay, and beyond gathered to showcase the region’s economic strength.
Organised by the Devon Chamber of Commerce, the event featured over 100 exhibitors, turning the city’s largest sports hall into a dynamic marketplace of ideas, products, and services. The scale of this year’s show, the third since the historic merger of the Devon and Plymouth Chambers with Exeter’s branch, highlighted the success of utilizing the expansive Life Centre venue, which provides 30% more floor space than previous settings.
Helen Wylde-Archibald, chief executive of the Devon Chamber of Commerce, expressed her delight at the overwhelming engagement. “We had 1,200 pre-registrations and sold out every stand—and had to put more on,” she said. “There is a mix of stands from across the county, so it’s a real Devon business show. It shows the power of the county and highlights just how exciting a time it is to be involved in business in the South West.”
The atmosphere on the show floor was far from a traditional, stuffy corporate gathering. Instead, exhibitors leaned into interactive experiences, utilizing games, puzzles, and live podcasts to engage visitors. Standouts included Plymouth Science Park’s “chief curiosity officer”—a skeleton named Albert—and a collaborative effort between PL1 Events and Sir Fix-a-lock, which featured a key-themed contest to win a bottle of champagne.
The event served as a vital hub for diverse sectors, from law firms like Woollcombe Yonge Solicitors, which focused on building ties with local charities and IT companies, to automotive leaders like City West Country, who leveraged the foot traffic to push the adoption of electric vehicles. Even non-profit organizations found success in the lively environment; the environmental charity SocieTree saw rapid interest in their puzzles, while the YMCA used freshly baked cookies to draw attendees in for conversations about their Discovery College initiatives.
Strategic growth also remained a focal point, with “Team Plymouth” utilizing the show to canvas opinions on the city’s future. Attendees were encouraged to share their vision, offering insights that ranged from improving national connectivity to fostering opportunities for local youth.
As the show drew to a close, the consensus among participants was clear: the event had successfully combined serious business development with a celebratory spirit, proving that Devon’s business community is more connected and ambitious than ever.
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