Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
A compact four-hour show concentrates buyer attention: exhibitors get repeated conversations with owner-managers rather than a single pass, and visitors can cover the whole floor plus seminars in one morning.
Event overview
Overview
The Welsh Business Show Cardiff returns to Cardiff City Stadium on 18 May 2027, running from 10:00 to 14:00 with free entry for visitors.
Now in its second decade, the Cardiff leg of The Welsh Business Shows brings Welsh SMEs, national brands and public bodies together for exhibitions, seminars and structured networking.
The 2026 edition was expected to draw more than 500 visitors and over 80 exhibitors, with a networking breakfast and a morning seminar programme.
TL;DR
- 1Date: Tuesday 18 May 2027, 10:00-14:00.
- 2Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith Road, Cardiff CF11 8AZ.
- 3Entry is free for visitors, with pre-registration recommended.
- 4The 2026 edition expected 80+ exhibitors and 500+ visitors.
- 5Seminars, a networking breakfast and on-the-day exhibitor deals run alongside the exhibition.
Why visit
Visit to compare suppliers side by side, sit in on free seminars and meet the business support bodies that serve Welsh SMEs, all within a four-hour window at a venue 10 minutes from central Cardiff.
Why exhibit
Exhibit to reach owner-managers and decision-makers from Cardiff and South East Wales in a focused, low-cost one-day format, with a seminar audience, networking breakfast and pre-registered visitor list feeding the floor.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Owner-managers and directors of Welsh SMEs
Start-ups and sole traders seeking suppliers and advice
Marketing, sales and operations managers
Public sector and business support professionals
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Business service and professional service providers
Telecoms, IT and software vendors
Marketing, print and media companies
Recruitment, training and workplace wellbeing providers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Business services and consultancy
Marketing and digital services
Telecoms and IT solutions
Finance, insurance and legal services
Recruitment and training
Workplace health and wellbeing
Location & Facilities
Venue
Cardiff City Stadium
Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith Road, Cardiff CF11 8AZ, Wales, United Kingdom
Entrances & gates
Main reception, Leckwith Road
Exhibition concourse
Step-free entrance with a staffed reception desk.
Facilities
Food options
Stadium concourse kiosks, Pitch-side hospitality bar
On-site diningParking: Parking is available in the stadium car parks off Leckwith Road; arrive before 09:30 because the car park fills on event mornings.
Gate: Enter through the main stadium reception on Leckwith Road; visitor registration is in the concourse foyer.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
10:00 AM –2:00 PM
Visitor entry
Free entry; pre-registration recommended.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Collect your visitor badge at main reception on Leckwith Road; bring the QR code from your pre-registration email.
Ticket notes
Entry is free for visitors and the seminar programme is included. Pre-registration offers a complimentary goodie bag.
What's on
Programme
Topic tracks
Sales and Lead GenerationMarketing for SMEsWorkplace Wellbeing and Inclusion
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
2026
Completed
Visitors: 500
Exhibitors: 80
This edition
2027
Forecast — not final
Visitors: 500
Exhibitors: 80
Next edition
Not announced yet
New this edition
Audience quality
High-value decision-makers
The audience is senior and local: owner-managers, directors and functional heads from Cardiff and South East Wales, plus public business-support advisers. The small footprint means less tyre-kicking, but it also caps total reach at a few hundred visitors.
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
ROI depends on follow-up. With roughly 80 stands and 500 visitors, a well-run stand can expect steady traffic for three hours; the business case rests on converting a handful of qualified SME conversations into pipeline rather than on volume.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Cardiff, South East Wales
Why it matters
Cardiff anchors the Welsh business services market, with a dense base of SMEs, professional firms and public bodies within an hour of the stadium. A free, one-day show lowers the cost of meeting many local buyers at once.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
SMEs consolidate suppliers
Small firms are cutting the number of vendors they manage and favour suppliers that can bundle advice, software and support.
What it changes: Exhibitors that show a clear, bundled offer stand out on a compact floor.
Workplace wellbeing moves up the agenda
Wellbeing, inclusive employment and HR support now appear alongside sales and marketing in SME buying conversations.
What it changes: Wellbeing providers can reach owner-managers who control budgets directly.
Marketing becomes measurable
Welsh SMEs are shifting spend toward lead generation and CRM tools that can prove return rather than broad awareness.
What it changes: Agencies and software vendors that can demonstrate ROI fit the seminar-led format.
The Welsh Business Shows circuit
Book Cardiff space by spring 2027; Swansea and Carmarthenshire follow later in the year.
The Cardiff show is one of three annual Welsh Business Shows, with sister events in Swansea and Carmarthenshire.
9 Jul 2027
The Welsh Business Show Carmarthenshire
Llanelli, United Kingdom
Provisional: the organiser lists the 2027 Carmarthenshire date as TBC at Parc y Scarlets; 9 July is the expected slot.
website19 Oct 2027
The Welsh Business Show Swansea
Swansea, United Kingdom
Listed by the organiser as 19 October 2027, 10:00-14:00, at Swansea.com Stadium.
websiteSpring 2027
The Welsh Business Show Cardiff
Main Cardiff selling window.
Autumn 2027
The Welsh Business Show Swansea
Second Welsh circuit stop.
Circuit names and the Swansea date come from the organiser calendar; the Carmarthenshire and London dates are provisional.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Cardiff Airport
Closest airport; short taxi or hire-car transfer via the A4232.
20 km
to venue
30 min
by car
Bristol Airport
Larger choice of routes; direct coach to Cardiff then local taxi.
80 km
to venue
75 min
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
budget
Cardiff city centreUSD 70–110 / night
Simple rooms within a short bus ride of the stadium; book early for midweek dates.
mid
Cardiff Bay / city centreUSD 120–170 / night
Reliable mid-market options with parking or quick taxi access.
premium
Cardiff city centre / waterfrontUSD 190–280 / night
Full-service hotels for hosting clients or a longer stay.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus
Estimated costGBP 2.00-4.50
Best forCity centre to Cardiff City Stadium (Leckwith)
Cardiff Bus services run along Leckwith Road; a day ticket is the simplest option.
Taxi / ride-hail
Estimated costGBP 9-15
Best forCardiff Central station to stadium
About 10 minutes off-peak; allow longer at rush hour.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: accepted
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Standard Visitor visa | Visitors from countries without a UK visa-waiver arrangement | $150.00 | Typically 3 weeks |
EU, US and many Commonwealth visitors can enter visa-free for short business visits; check GOV.UK before booking.
ATA Carnet is accepted for temporary exhibition goods; list stands and samples on the carnet.
Official visa pageWeather
Mid-May in Cardiff is mild and changeable: daytime highs around 16°C, lows near 8°C, with a good chance of showers.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The stadium has mobile coverage; exhibitor wifi is not guaranteed, so bring a mobile hotspot for card payments and lead capture.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Bilingual Wales
Welsh and English are both official; signage at public venues is bilingual and a Welsh greeting is appreciated.
Punctuality
Business meetings start on time; arrive at the stadium by 09:30 to set up before the 10:00 opening.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: Cardiff Airport (CWL)
Book into CWL where possible; Bristol is the fallback for more frequent routes.
Visa
Visa-free entry applies to many business visitors; others need a UK Standard Visitor visa before travel.
Estimated cost: USD 150
Processing: Around 3 weeks
Carry an invitation letter from the organiser and proof of onward travel.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: CWL to stadium: 30 minutes by taxi or hire car via the A4232.
Hotel → venue: City centre hotels: 10-15 minutes by taxi or 25-35 minutes on foot.
Ride-hail: Uber and local taxis operate in Cardiff; pick-up at the stadium reception lay-by.
Public transit: Cardiff Bus services along Leckwith Road; Ninian Park rail station is a short walk.
Parking: Stadium car parks off Leckwith Road; arrive before 09:30.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May
Temperature: 8-16°C
Seasonality: Showers are common; May is one of the drier months but not reliably dry.
Packing: Bring a light waterproof layer and comfortable shoes for the stadium concourse.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Tuesday 18 May 2027
The show runs for one day only, so 18 May is the only option; arrive at 10:00 to catch the floor before the seminar rush.
T-14
Register for free entry — Use the official visitor registration page and save the QR code.
T-10
Book travel and hotel — Midweek Cardiff hotels fill; aim for city centre or Cardiff Bay.
T-7
Shortlist exhibitors — Pick 8-10 stands and note the seminar times you want.
T-3
Plan the route — Check bus and rail times; aim to arrive by 09:45.
T-1
Pack essentials — Cards, notebook, phone battery and a waterproof layer.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
09:30
Registration and coffee
Main reception, Leckwith Road10:15
First supplier meetings
Exhibition concourse11:00
Attend a seminar
Seminar stage12:30
Networking and follow-up
Hospitality barSide trips
2Cardiff Castle
Heritage
15 min from city centre
Central landmark for a pre- or post-show afternoon.
Cardiff Bay
Waterfront
20 min by bus
Restaurants and the Wales Millennium Centre for evening hosting.
Networking spots
2Stadium hospitality bar
On-site
Convenient for follow-up conversations during the show.
Cardiff city centre coffee shops
Off-site
Better for longer meetings after the 14:00 close.
First-timer guide
Follow-up playbook
- Send a personalised email within 48 hours.
- Connect on LinkedIn while the show is fresh.
- Add leads to the CRM with the conversation notes.
- Send any promised brochure or quote by the end of the week.
- Review pipeline after two weeks and book a call.
A compact 500-visitor show rewards fast, specific follow-up: reference the stand conversation and the buyer's stated priority.
Budget
Costs & budget
Shell scheme
GBP 150–250 / m²
Raw space
GBP 95–150 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Indicative Welsh regional exhibition rates; the organiser publishes a tariff on request.
sourceBuild your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Booth 9 m² × $255.00/m²$2,295.00
- Hotel × 3 nights$255.00
- Per diem × 3$180.00
- Visa$150.00
- Insurance$120.00
- Flight — Short-haul Europe$220.00
Estimated total$3,220.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Shell scheme stand
exhibitor · standard
GBP 1350–2250 / 9 sqm
estimateAs of 2026-10-31
Hotel
both · mid
USD 120–170 / per night
estimateAs of 2026-10-31
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell scheme stand | exhibitor | standard | GBP 1350–2250 / 9 sqm | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Hotel | both | mid | USD 120–170 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Answer six quick questions to see whether to visit, exhibit or skip The Welsh Business Show Cardiff.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your budget for the Cardiff show?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You sell to or buy from Welsh SMEs and can spare a morning.
Best for
Owner-managers comparing suppliers and picking up free advice
Timeline
Register 1-2 weeks ahead
Risks
Floor is small; a shortlist is essential
Seminars fill up
exhibit
You have a clear offer and can staff a stand for four hours.
Best for
Business service, telecoms, marketing or wellbeing providers selling to SMEs
Min. budget
$1,500.00
Timeline
Book 8-12 weeks ahead
Risks
Limited visitor volume
Follow-up discipline required
skip
Your buyers are not Welsh SMEs or you cannot act on leads within a month.
Best for
Businesses outside the UK SME market or with no capacity to follow up
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing local networking
No pipeline from the Cardiff market
Book with
Partners
Cardiff City Stadium
Venue
The home of Cardiff City FC hosts the Cardiff edition on its exhibition concourse.
Visit partner Confidence: estimated
Venue named on the organiser calendar and in local preview coverage.
Federation of Small Businesses
Industry association
FSB delivers a seminar on membership and small business support at the show.
Visit partner Confidence: estimated
Named as a 2026 seminar provider in local preview coverage.
Business News Wales
Media
Welsh business news outlet that previews the show and records exhibitor interviews.
Visit partner Confidence: estimated
Reported as media partner for the 2026 Cardiff edition.
Cardiff Council
Public body
Local authority supporting business growth and regeneration across the Cardiff region.
Visit partner Confidence: estimated
Public body for the host city; not named as a show partner.
Recommended providers
Visa
Official visitor visa guidance and application.
Hotels
Filter for city centre and free cancellation.
Flights
Compare routes into Cardiff and Bristol.
Freight & shipping
Temporary import and exhibition freight support.
Insurance
Exhibition and public liability cover for standholders.
Side trips
Official city guide for Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay.
Lead capture
Free CRM tier for capturing and following up show leads.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When is The Welsh Business Show Cardiff 2027?
The show takes place on Tuesday 18 May 2027 at Cardiff City Stadium. Doors run from 10:00 to 14:00, with a networking breakfast before the main exhibition. The 2026 edition was held on 29 April, so the 2027 date moves the Cardiff leg later into the spring. Free pre-registration is recommended.
Where is The Welsh Business Show held?
It is held at Cardiff City Stadium on Leckwith Road in Cardiff, Wales, postcode CF11 8AZ. The stadium is about two miles west of Cardiff city centre, near Ninian Park rail station, and has road access from the A4232. The same venue hosted the 2026 Cardiff edition.
Is The Welsh Business Show Cardiff free to attend?
Yes. Visitor entry is free, and organisers recommend pre-registering so you receive a complimentary goodie bag and avoid queueing at reception. There is no charge for the seminar programme either. Exhibitors pay for stand space, but visitors can walk the floor and attend sessions at no cost.
Who should exhibit at The Welsh Business Show?
It suits Welsh and UK businesses that sell to SMEs: professional services, telecoms, IT, marketing, finance, recruitment, training and workplace wellbeing providers. Exhibitors meet owner-managers and directors in a compact four-hour window. The 2026 edition expected over 80 exhibitors, so competition for attention is moderate rather than overwhelming.
What seminars run at the Cardiff show?
The 2026 programme included sessions from Healthy Working Wales on workplace wellbeing, the Federation of Small Businesses on membership, Neurodivergence Wales on inclusive employment, PXA Marketing on SME marketing and Service TG on CRM systems. Sessions ran from 10:30 to 12:30. The 2027 programme is expected to be published closer to the date.
How many visitors and exhibitors attend?
The 2026 edition was expected to attract more than 500 visitors and over 80 exhibitors. Those are organiser preview figures, not audited attendance. The show is deliberately compact, which means visitors can cover the floor in a morning and exhibitors get repeated face time rather than a single brief pass.
Is there a networking breakfast?
Yes. The 2026 event opened with a networking breakfast from 08:00 to 10:00, before the main exhibition started. It gives exhibitors and visitors a quieter setting to introduce themselves before the floor fills. Check the 2027 registration page for breakfast booking details and any separate ticket requirement.
How do I get to Cardiff City Stadium?
The stadium sits off Leckwith Road, about 30 minutes on foot from Cardiff Central station or a short bus or taxi ride from the city centre. Ninian Park station is closest. Cardiff Airport is roughly 30 minutes by car, and Bristol Airport about 75 minutes via the M4.
Glossary
- SME
- Small and medium-sized enterprise, typically defined in the UK as a business with fewer than 250 employees.
- Shell scheme
- A ready-built exhibition stand with walls, carpet, lighting and a name fascia, rented by the square metre.
- Raw space
- An empty exhibition plot that the exhibitor designs and builds out, usually at a lower cost per square metre than shell scheme.
- B2B
- Business-to-business selling, where one company sells products or services to another rather than to consumers.
- Lead capture
- The process of recording visitor contact details and requirements at a stand for later sales follow-up.
- Networking breakfast
- A pre-show morning session where exhibitors and visitors meet informally before the exhibition floor opens.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Welsh Business Show Cardiff
- Welsh Business Show 2027
- business exhibition Cardiff 2027
- Cardiff City Stadium business show
- Welsh business exhibition
- small business event Cardiff
- business networking Cardiff May 2027
- free business show Cardiff
- Cardiff trade show 2027
- Welsh Business Shows Cardiff
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
3
References
2
Publishers
3
Date checked
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The Welsh Business Shows
- The Welsh Business Shows official siteLang: ENFetched Oct 31, 2026official
- Visit The Welsh Business Show CardiffLang: ENFetched Oct 31, 2026official
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Business News Wales
- Hundreds of Businesses Set to Attend Welsh Business Show CardiffLang: ENFetched Oct 31, 2026news
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.