Over nearly ten years, Only Connect has become THE place to be for making new contacts, securing new business and having a GREAT time. For example, Only Connect 21 attracted over 540 dynamic and like-minded people of all ages and took place at Bristol’s largest, most iconic venue: Colston Hall.

The event was founded in Clifton, Bristol in 2008 by Sunday Mirror Columnist, TV host and auctioneer Jamie Breese. The event is the sister event to the Business Showcase South West: the largest business event in the South West of England, held bi-annually at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol.

What has always made us special is the gentle mix of business and social networking, speed networking and after-party. The average evening event lasts 7 hours!

Experienced co-hosts build bridges whilst guests network under the serene influence of fizz.

Networking is more important than ever in these more troubled times and Only Connect constantly attracts the cream of the West from business leaders and CEOs, to small/medium business owners and celebrities. Sectors are varied and include management consultancy, suppliers of everything imaginable, media, politics, creative, academics, asset management and professionals of all disciplines.

Previous event sponsors have included luxury international brands such as Dior, Aston Martin, Bentley and lifestyle businesses such as Nuffield Health Clubs.

Key Networking Tips:

- remember the value of taking the time to build fruitful relationships. Always follow up with the people you connect with.

- networking is not like “cold-calling.” It isn’t something you do to someone – it’s something you do with them. Be confident and be fun.

- given that marketing and advertising is so cost-prohibitive, networking provides a great ROI : a small ticket fee.