Bournemouth, Business | Posted on October 23rd, 2026 | return to news

Digital connections made at Bournemouth business expo

There were 66 stands at the Dorset Business Expo held on the first floor of the Hilton Hotel’s conference centre.

Thousands of new business connections were made at the recent Dorset Business Expo.

More than 400 visitors came through the doors of the Dorset Chamber event with a sold-out 66 stands across the entire first floor of the Hilton Hotel’s conference centre in Bournemouth.

A total of 2,384 virtual business cards were exchanged and business connections made via a bespoke app especially created for the showcase by chamber platinum business partner CrowdComms.

That figure was via the app alone, with hundreds more connections forged through networking, introductions and the exchange of physical business cards during the event.

Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber chief executive, said: “The Dorset Business Expo was a huge success.

“The expo floors were packed and there was a vibrant and positive atmosphere, which has become a hallmark of Dorset Chamber events and its business community.

“Delegates enthusiastically embraced the opportunities provided by our event app to create a profile, plan their visit, register on arrival, network in person and scan each other’s QR codes or business cards to make new connections.

“The thousands of connections made on the app were the most at any of our events so far while the total number of connections was much higher with physical business cards exchanged, connections through networking and introductions.

“The success of this event clearly shows that this type of technology combined with the personal touch represents the future of business events of this kind.

“Our thanks go to everyone who exhibited and attended during the day to show once again why Dorset has such a dynamic, collaborative and inspirational business community.”

The expo was sponsored by Snows Toyota and Lexus Bournemouth. It was open to all, with free entry for chamber members and non-members alike.