THREE of the world’s most innovative business names – Facebook, Google and TEDx are taking to the stage to speak at the South West’s largest free business exhibition.

The 6th Business Showcase South West is taking place on Wednesday, October 11 at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol from 10am to 4pm.

The free to attend event is for the whole of the region and is welcoming Facebook who are delivering a keynote speech and workshop for business – believed to be a first for the South West.

Google are offering two workshops on social media for business and google analytics, whilst TEDxBristol – the largest TEDx event in the UK – are delivering a special seminar.

Facebook’s partner manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa is Ben O’Sullivan. His keynote speech is entitled ‘Mobile, Visual, Personal – Future-proofing your business with Facebook’ and he’ll also be hosting a workshop later in the day called ‘Grow Your Business with Facebook & Instagram’ Over 200 exhibitors from across the region are preparing to meet with an expected 3000+ attendees.

First West of England are running a comprehensive bus service from Temple Meads station in Bristol and shuttles around the city, helping to keep the business showcase free to travel to whilst the official car parks are free to use.

Other keynote speakers include Tim Bowles, the new Metro Mayor for the West of England.

Also speaking is the Queen’s Award recipient, Bev Hurley CBE and 19-year-old business sensation Ben Towers, who has already merged a company and is publicly endorsed by Sir Richard Branson.

Worldpay and NatWest, Bristol Waste and West of England Growth Hub all sponsored the event again, whilst CityMazes has joined the line-up with Talent International, Blackstar Solutions and Weston College.

The Business Showcase South West has become the largest free business event for the South West region, celebrating the best of innovation, creativity and enterprise. Previous speakers have included business leaders like Baroness Brady, Levi Roots, Gerald Ratner and achievers like the world’s fastest man: Wing Commander Andy Green.

The Business Showcase South West was founded by Bristol-based entrepreneur and broadcaster Jamie Breese who has presented series on TV for all the major networks from BBC to ITV, to Sky and The Discovery Channel whilst operating business events in the region for the last 10 years.

Jamie said: “We are all set for a huge event with two further dates confirmed for 2018 too.

“The showcase this year presents an almost unique opportunity for people to connect with so many great businesses – from global brands to SMEs.

“I want the showcase to be a business-packed experience that delegates of all ages and experience, will feel compelled to stay at all day long.

“Our delegates enjoy a free event, multiple and useful seminars, expert-led workshops from the likes of Google, and inspiring keynotes which help solve the problems and challenges in today’s business world.

“I expect delegates from across the region who will see this as the stay-all-day, must-go-to, business-driven networking-fest!”

To book free delegate tickets, readers or listeners can visit businessshowcasesouthwest.com.