Ideas Fest brings entrepreneurs and business leaders to Tring

In collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire and the Hertfordshire Growth Hub, we were delighted to partner with Ideas Fest, a business festival recently held at Pendley Manor Hotel, Tring on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 September. 

Ideas Fest is one of the UK’s most unique and dynamic events focused on business, innovation, and community. It  combines the vibrancy of a music festival with the insights of a leading business conference. Set against a backdrop of live music, street food, bars, and interactive workshops, Ideas Fest offers a platform for entrepreneurs, professionals and innovators to connect and share ideas in a relaxed and inspiring environment. 

The line-up of keynote speakers included some of the most influential names in business, including the founders of: Calm, YO! Sushi, Grenade, Clearco, Dr. PAWPAW and New Covent Garden Soup Company.

The event was staged in Dacorum for the first time this year, attracting around 3,000 visitors across the two days. 

The partnership between ourselves, the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Growth Hub enabled the local business community to attend the event. Discounted tickets were on offer to local businesses and residents.

A variety of local businesses were also selected to showcase their offerings, creating a Hertfordshire Spotlight area. Our Economic Development Team were on hand to promote its wide range of initiatives and provide support to attending businesses.  

Ben Marston, owner of Tring-based Puddingstone Distillery, said: “Being part of the Dacorum Borough Council showcase at Ideas Fest 2024 allowed us to engage with attendees and speakers from a broad range of business disciplines. A relaxed outdoor space proved to be a great catalyst for conversations that bought about new ideas, opportunities and affirmations. An essential gathering for fledgling entrepreneurs, established businesses and anyone with an open mind, willing to be inspired and enthused about the way we should approach all aspects of business." 

Andy Welsh, owner of Hemel Hempstead-based Srsly Low Carb, said:  “I've attended Ideas Fest every year but being at this one was extra special as I was part of the Herts and Dacorum zone. The communal space not only bought in far more people than I would have seen alone, but the networking across our own stands was incredible. So many new contacts, and so many great ideas to see us into 2025.” 

Yasmine Moller, a local Workplace Wellbeing Consultant, said: “I had previously been interested in attending but didn't have the budget available, so I was delighted to benefit from a free ticket from Dacorum Borough Council. The event was a wonderful mix of speakers, immersive experiences, stands, food offerings and the chance to network. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a great opportunity to get away from my desk and to have headspace to consider new ideas and opportunities.”

Such was the success of this year’s event, Ideas Fest will be returning to Tring next year on 10 and 11 September 2025.

For more information, please visit the Ideas Fest website.