Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Procurex 2026 is set to be a pivotal event for public procurement professionals, showcasing innovative solutions and best practices. The event will feature a variety of exhibitors and speakers, focusing on the latest trends in procurement.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with key industry players and gain insights into effective procurement strategies. Procurex takes place in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Procurex takes place on 11 November 2026 at Utilita Arena Cardiff, United Kingdom.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key platform for public procurement professionals in Wales.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by BiP Solutions, a leader in procurement events.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include procurement officers, government officials, and industry leaders.
- 5Entry: Registration is available online; check the website for details.
Why visit
Attending Procurex 2026 offers valuable networking opportunities with procurement professionals and industry leaders. Visitors can explore innovative solutions, attend informative sessions, and engage with exhibitors showcasing the latest procurement technologies. This event is essential for anyone involved in public procurement in Wales.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Procurex 2026 provides companies with direct access to decision-makers in the public procurement sector. Exhibitors can showcase their products and services, enhance brand visibility, and generate leads. This event is a prime opportunity to connect with potential clients and partners in the procurement industry.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Public sector procurement and commercial officers from Welsh Government, NHS Wales health boards, local authorities and arm's-length bodies
Category managers, contract managers and framework leads running call-off contracts and re-tenders
Commissioning, finance and legal staff who approve, challenge or audit tender decisions
Heads of procurement, directors of finance and other budget-holding decision makers assessing supplier options
SME, micro-business and third sector suppliers based in Wales who bid for public contracts
Sustainability, social value and community benefits leads measuring non-price award criteria
Procurement consultants, interim commercial managers and CPD training providers
Academics and students on procurement, supply chain and public policy programmes
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
eTendering, tender portal, contract management and spend analytics software vendors
Framework operators and consortia that aggregate demand for Welsh public bodies
Consultancies selling bid support, category strategy, commercial transformation and interim commercial resource
Suppliers and manufacturers in construction, facilities management, ICT, professional services, care and fleet who want Welsh public sector buyers
Training, accreditation and CPD providers for procurement and contract management teams
Social value, community benefits and carbon reporting specialists
Recruitment and workforce planning firms serving commercial and procurement functions
Business support bodies and membership organisations that help Welsh SMEs bid for public contracts
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
eProcurement and eTendering platforms, supplier registration and tender alert systems
Contract management, spend analytics, invoice automation and procurement data tools
National and sector frameworks plus aggregated purchasing and call-off services
Category consultancy for construction, ICT, facilities management, social care and professional services
Bid writing, tender training and procurement CPD programmes
Community benefits, social value and carbon reporting measurement services
Supplier diversity, SME and third sector support programmes
Interim commercial and procurement recruitment services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Utilita Arena Cardiff
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Facilities
Parking
Utilita Arena Cardiff in Cardiff typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Utilita Arena Cardiff in Cardiff typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Utilita Arena Cardiff for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
Event daysOfficial show date: 11 November 2026
Event daysconfirm daily opening hours on the organiser registration page
Who runs the show
Organisers
BiP Solutions
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Why it matters
Attending Procurex on 2026-11-11 to 2026-11-11 in Cardiff lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Cardiff Bute Terrace Hotel by Belvilla
About 100 yd from the venue district, per the captured Cardiff hotel mission to venue
Closest of the captured properties by distance. Small independent stock in this district can sell out around arena events.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forCardiff Airport (CWL) to Utilita Arena Cardiff
Approximate band for a one-way journey of roughly 30-40 minutes; traffic and time of day affect the fare. Confirm live fares with the operator before travel.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP 80-130 taxi or rideshare
Best forBristol Airport (BRS) to Utilita Arena Cardiff
Approximate band for a cross-Severn journey of roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. A coach or rail option via Bristol Temple Meads is usually cheaper; the earlier capture showed only an alternative flight fare into BRS, not a ground fare.
rail
Estimated costGBP 9-20 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forCardiff International Airport (Rhoose) station to Cardiff Central
Rhoose station is linked to the airport terminal by a shuttle bus, with trains running on the Vale of Glamorgan line towards Cardiff Central. Confirm shuttle times and live rail fares before travelling.
bus
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forCardiff Airport (CWL) to Utilita Arena Cardiff
Scheduled coach and bus services connect the airport with central Cardiff. Journey times vary with traffic on the A4232 and into the city centre.
train
Estimated costApprox. GBP 2-4 local single fare if travelling within Cardiff; the venue is walkable from both stations
Best forCardiff Queen Street / Cardiff Central to Utilita Arena Cardiff
Both stations are within walking distance of the arena. Cardiff Queen Street is the closer of the two for the city centre side of the venue.
walking
Estimated costNo fare; roughly 5-15 minutes on foot from the Queen Street and St Mary Street hotel cluster
Best forCardiff city centre hotel cluster to Utilita Arena Cardiff
Central Cardiff is compact and the arena sits on Mary Ann Street, so walking is often quicker than taking a short taxi during event traffic.
parking
Estimated costGBP 15-28 daily venue parking
Best forUtilita Arena Cardiff on-site and city centre car parks
The arena has on-site parking with additional multi-storey and pay-and-display parking in the immediate district. Approximate band only; confirm current charges with the venue or operator.
taxi
Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLondon Heathrow (LHR) to Utilita Arena Cardiff
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
November in Cardiff is typically mild, unsettled and often wet, with daytime temperatures broadly in the 7-12 C range and cooler evenings. Rain can arrive in short heavy showers and wind off the Bristol Channel makes umbrellas unreliable, so a waterproof jacket is more practical. These are approximate seasonal bands for planning only; check the forecast for your exact travel dates before leaving.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile networks offer prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors; venue Wi‑Fi availability varies - confirm with the organiser.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Bilingual city
Cardiff is a bilingual Welsh and English city. Road signs, station signage and public documents commonly show Welsh first, and Welsh greetings are appreciated, but all event and venue business is conducted in English.
Business dress
Smart business dress is the norm at UK public sector procurement events, from suits in buyer meetings to smart casual on the exhibition floor.
Arrival and badge collection
Arrive early on the day for badge collection and a lap of the hall before scheduled seminar sessions, as the programme is usually single-day and tightly timetabled.
Local currency and payments
The currency is pound sterling (GBP). Card and contactless payment is accepted almost everywhere, including taxis, cafes and the arena, so large amounts of cash are unnecessary.
Public sector networking etiquette
Discussions on live tenders should stay at capability and market-engagement level. Keep commercial questions about specific procurements to the official clarification channels.
Getting around
Central Cardiff is compact and walkable, with Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central as the main rail hubs. Cardiff Bay is a short train or taxi ride from the city centre if you extend your stay.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Cardiff; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Visa
Check if you need a UK visa, electronic travel authorisation (ETA) or eVisa to prove your immigration status if you are not a British citizen or Irish national.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Visit the UK covers tourism, business and short stays of up to 6 months, plus airport transit visas; work, study and family routes are listed separately on GOV.UK.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Cardiff; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Utilita Arena Cardiff: Cardiff Bute Terrace Hotel by Belvilla.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Cardiff; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Cardiff CWL is the city's own airport served by the Google Flights searches for the 2026-11-10 arrival date; Bristol BRS appeared as an alternative gateway in the New York JFK capture. Confirm onward rail, bus or taxi connections from the airport to the Utilita Arena Cardiff district locally.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Utilita Arena Cardiff; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Approx. 7-12 C daytime high and 3-7 C overnight in Cardiff for a November edition; expect single-digit days and cooler evenings, and treat these as seasonal planning bands rather than a forecast.
Seasonality: November is one of the wetter months in South Wales, with frequent rain days and short heavy showers rather than all-day drizzle. Daylight hours are short, so plan the walk between the station or your hotel and Utilita Arena Cardiff with time to spare after the programme.
Packing: November 2026
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Procurex usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your registration on procurexwales.co.uk and download or print the badge confirmation the organiser issues
T-2
Check the published seminar and keynote timetable and mark the procurement policy or category sessions that match your live requirements
T-3
Write a one-page list of the contracts you expect to re-tender or call off in the next 12 months so you can test supplier capability on the floor
T-4
Book rail tickets to Cardiff Queen Street or Cardiff Central early if you are travelling from outside South Wales, and check the arena's event-day travel guidance
T-5
Reserve a city centre hotel within walking distance of Utilita Arena Cardiff if you are staying overnight, and confirm the cancellation terms
T-6
Check the weather forecast for Cardiff for your travel days and pack a waterproof layer plus comfortable shoes for the walk from the station
T-7
Prepare business cards and set a phone note with the framework names, lot numbers and category codes you want to discuss
T-8
If you are arriving from outside the UK, review the GOV.UK visit and business visa or electronic travel authorisation guidance before booking flights
T-9
Book an airport transfer, rail leg or taxi from Cardiff Airport (CWL) or Bristol Airport (BRS) in advance if you land on the morning of the event
T-10
List three suppliers you want to speak to and note their stand numbers from the exhibitor directory once it is published
T-11
Check whether the seminar programme offers CPD or attendance certification and note the process for claiming it
T-12
Set a realistic meeting budget for the day and plan a mid-afternoon break rather than back-to-back stands
T-13
Save the organiser and venue contact details plus your hotel address in your phone for travel-day queries
T-14
Plan how you will record supplier notes and follow-up actions on the day so leads do not go cold the following week
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Utilita Arena Cardiff
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Procurex registration concourse
Utilita Arena Cardiff
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Utilita Arena Cardiff
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Procurex fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is Procurex Wales and who organises it?
Procurex Wales is the Welsh edition of the Procurex series of public sector procurement events, run in Cardiff and listed on procurexwales.co.uk. It combines an exhibition of suppliers and service providers with a seminar and keynote programme aimed at buyers, commissioners and suppliers working with Welsh public bodies.
Where is Procurex Wales held?
The event is listed at Utilita Arena Cardiff on Mary Ann Street in central Cardiff, a short walk from Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central railway stations and within walking distance of the city centre hotel cluster.
Who should attend Procurex Wales?
Public sector procurement, commercial, commissioning, finance and legal staff from Welsh Government, NHS Wales, local authorities, universities and the third sector get the most from the buyer-side programme. Suppliers and SMEs selling into the Welsh public sector also attend to meet buyers, framework teams and bid support providers.
How do I register and is there a ticket price?
Registration is handled on the official procurexwales.co.uk site, where the current pass types and any buyer, supplier or public sector rates are published. Check that page for the live registration route and any delegate fee before booking travel.
Is Procurex Wales trade-only?
It is a professional procurement event rather than a public consumer show. Attendance is aimed at people working in or selling to the public sector, so bring business identification and the registration confirmation you receive from the organiser.
What can buyers do at the show that they cannot do online?
The programme is built around live access to framework and category teams, supplier capability checks for upcoming re-tenders, and seminar content on procurement policy changes. Buyers typically use the day for supplier shortlisting and for pre-market engagement conversations ahead of publishing a notice.
Which sectors are covered on the exhibition floor?
Supplier presence and seminar content in Cardiff usually spans ICT and digital services, construction and facilities management, professional and financial services, social care and health supplies, fleet and energy, plus the e-tendering and contract management tools that support those categories.
Is there parking at Utilita Arena Cardiff?
The arena has on-site parking with access from the city centre road network, and additional pay-and-display and multi-storey parking sits within the immediate district. Rates and availability change with events, so confirm the current charges with the venue or operator before travelling.
How do I get to Utilita Arena Cardiff from Cardiff Airport?
Cardiff Airport (CWL) is roughly a 30-40 minute drive west of the city centre. Options include a taxi or rideshare, the airport bus or coach link into Cardiff, and rail via the Cardiff International Airport station at Rhoose with a connecting shuttle from the terminal. Fares and timetables change, so confirm live on the day.
Can I reach the venue by train?
Yes. Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central are the two nearest main stations and both are a short walk from Utilita Arena Cardiff, which makes rail a straightforward option for delegates arriving from elsewhere in South Wales and the wider UK network.
Do I need a visa to attend from outside the UK?
Non-British and non-Irish visitors should check the GOV.UK visas and immigration guidance for visit, business and electronic travel authorisation routes before booking. The standard visitor route covers attending a trade event and short business meetings in the UK.
What should I bring and wear?
Smart business dress is the norm. Bring business cards, a charged phone for badge scanning and any capability statement or case study you want to leave with a category team. Cardiff in November is often wet, so a waterproof layer is more useful than an umbrella on a windy day.
Glossary
- Public procurement
- The process by which public bodies such as Welsh Government, NHS Wales health boards, councils and universities buy goods, works and services with public money, normally through advertised competitions or pre-established frameworks.
- Procurement Act 2023
- The UK-wide statute that replaced the previous EU-derived rules for most contracting authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, introducing a single digital platform, new notice types and a stronger focus on value for money and transparency.
- Find a Tender Service (FTS)
- The UK-wide public procurement notice platform used by contracting authorities to advertise above-threshold opportunities and publish award notices.
- Sell2Wales
- The Welsh Government's supplier portal where Welsh public sector bodies advertise lower-value and sector-specific opportunities and where suppliers register to receive tender alerts.
- Framework agreement
- A pre-tendered arrangement with one or more suppliers under which public bodies can run further competitions or place call-offs without repeating a full tender.
- Dynamic purchasing system (DPS)
- An electronic list of pre-qualified suppliers that buyers can add to over time and then run mini-competitions against, typically used for commonly bought services.
- MEAT
- Most economically advantageous tender: the award criterion under which price is weighed against quality, social value, sustainability and delivery risk rather than lowest cost alone.
- Community benefits
- The Welsh public sector's customary label for social value commitments such as local employment, apprenticeships, supply-chain spend with Welsh SMEs and environmental targets, often scored within tenders.
- Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
- Welsh legislation that requires listed public bodies to set and report against well-being objectives, which is why sustainability, decarbonisation and long-term social impact feature in Welsh tenders.
- Welsh Government Commercial Delivery (WGCD)
- The team that operates many of the national collaborative frameworks used by Welsh public bodies to aggregate demand across health, central government and local authority sectors.
- Selection questionnaire (SQ)
- The standard pre-tender stage in which bidders evidence financial standing, insurance, technical capability and policy compliance before detailed tenders are invited.
- Prior Information Notice (PIN)
- An early market notice signalling an upcoming requirement, sometimes used to run pre-market engagement before a formal tender is published.
- Standstill period
- The short pause between notifying bidders of an intended award and signing the contract so unsuccessful bidders can request a debrief or challenge the decision.
- eTendering portal
- The online system where tender documents are issued, clarification questions answered, bids uploaded and evaluations scored, most commonly BravoSolution, ProContract, Delta or similar.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Procurex
- Procurex 2026
- Procurex Cardiff
- Procurex Cardiff 2026
- Cardiff United Kingdom
- Procurement software and technology solutions
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.