A Practical Guide to International Confex 2026 at ExCeL London
Attending International Confex 2026 at ExCeL London? Learn how event marketers and organisers can maximise visibility, engagement, and ROI before, during, and after the show.
If you’ve been to International Confex before, you already know this: it’s a lot. Big halls. Back-to-back conversations. Too many ideas. Not enough time. And by the end of day one, your feet hurt and your brain is full.
But Confex isn’t just another trade show anymore. In 2026, it’s become one of the clearest signals of where the events industry is heading next — and how fast things are changing. So instead of treating Confex like a box to tick, this year is a good time to approach it differently.
We tapped into the expertise of our seasoned Premagic experts to share what it takes to turn handshakes into measurable ROI. This guide captures their proven strategies for business networking at scale—helping you navigate the bustle, cut through the noise, and stand out in a sea of activity.
This guide is for anyone heading to International Confex 2026 at ExCeL London who wants to make the most of those two days without burning out — and maybe even enjoy it along the way.
Start With a Simple Question: Why Are You Going?
Before you open the Confex agenda or book a single meeting, pause for a moment and ask yourself:What would make this a good Confex for me?
Not “meet as many people as possible.” Not “collect leads.” Something more specific. Maybe it’s:
- finding tools that actually save your team time,
- learning how others are measuring real event ROI,
- or understanding how AI is changing attendee engagement without killing the human side of events.
That one answer becomes your filter. Sessions, conversations, booths, everything runs through it.
Premagic Tip from Anup Mohan:“Don’t overbook your calendar. Six to eight meaningful conversations a day is plenty. Anything more and every interaction starts to blur together.”
Watch: Premagic At International Confex 2025 — A Lookback
Navigating the 9 Content Theatres (Without Trying to See Everything)
International Confex 2026 has a packed agenda with nine content theatres, and trying to cover all of them is a fast track to exhaustion.
Here’s how to think about a few of the standouts:
AI & Data Zone: This is where the noise around AI finally gets practical. Look for sessions that talk about real workflows, not future hype. How teams are using AI to save time, improve engagement, or make better decisions right now.
Brand Experience Lab: This is where creativity meets practicality. You’ll see how brands are rethinking identity, interaction, and what “experience” actually means on-site.
People & Planet: Sustainability conversations here go beyond checklists. Expect discussions around digital-first experiences, inclusivity, and long-term impact not just compliance.
Agency Hub & Exhibition HQ: If ROI matters to your role (and it probably does), spend time here. These sessions are grounded, honest, and focused on what actually works.
London Calling & Events Unplugged: These theatres are where you’ll find some of the most candid conversations. Fewer buzzwords. More reality.
Pick two or three sessions that align with your goal.
Build a Schedule That Leaves Breathing Room
Confex rewards energy. And drains it fast. The people who get the most out of the show aren’t the ones running from hall to hall. They’re the ones who’ve left themselves space to think, reset, and actually show up to conversations.
A few practical ways to plan smarter:
- Avoid back-to-back sessions all day. Your brain needs gaps.
- Leave at least one open slot each morning and afternoon.
- Cluster meetings in the same zone of ExCeL to avoid unnecessary laps.
You’ll feel the difference by 3 PM.
Premagic Tip from Mevin Babu:
“Some of our best conversations at Confex have happened in the gaps.. between sessions, while grabbing water, or sitting down for five minutes. If your calendar is packed edge to edge, you miss those moments completely.”
4. Treat the Show Floor Like a Conversation, Not a Checklist
It’s tempting to treat the show floor like a scavenger hunt. Booth after booth. Scan. Smile. Move on.
Slow that down. The most valuable conversations at Confex usually come from staying put a little longer and asking better questions. Instead of “Can you send me more info?”, try:
- What’s new here?
- What problem does this actually solve?
- Who is this really built for?
Premagic Tip from Yatin Johar:
“If a conversation feels rushed, it usually is. When you slow down, people open up — and that’s when you learn what’s actually working, not just what’s being pitched.”
Related Read: How We Geared Up for International Confex 2025
5. Capture Moments While They’re Fresh
Confex moves fast. Ideas, insights, and conversations blur together by the end of the day unless you catch them while they’re still clear. If something resonates, a session takeaway, a sharp insight, an unexpected chat, capture it honestly. A quick LinkedIn post. A photo with context. A short note to yourself. These small acts help the experience live beyond the venue.
Premagic Tip from Ramona Savio:
“Don’t wait to ‘summarise everything’ later. Share one real takeaway while it’s fresh. That’s what people connect with.”
If you'd rather not worry about clicking pictures at International Confex, our team is out there to help. Simply register today to receive your event photos delivered straight to your phone.
Register now for your personalized International Confex 2026 gallery
7. The Real Work Starts After Confex
Confex doesn’t end when you leave ExCeL. It ends when you decide what to do with everything you picked up over those two days.
The people who get real value out of Confex all do one thing well: they follow up while the energy is still alive. Not weeks later, not once the inbox has buried the memory — but while conversations are still familiar and ideas are still sharp.
That can be as simple as sharing one clear takeaway from the event, sending a thoughtful “great to meet you” note within a few days, or jotting down what stood out before it all blurs together. These small actions are what turn passing conversations into real momentum.
Confex Tip from Bhakthi Kapasi:
“Send a personalised follow-up within days. Reference the conversation so it’s clear you were listening. That’s what people remember.”
Two days at Confex can easily fade into another busy week. Or, handled right, they can shape your thinking, relationships, and plans for the year ahead. The difference is what you do next.
Why We’ll Be There: Premagic at Booth E26
Premagic is proud to be a event marketing partner at International Confex 2026. You can find us at Booth E26.
Don't forget to come by our booth, if you’re curious about:
- turning attendees into organic promoters,
- making engagement visible (and valuable) for sponsors,
- or building momentum that begins before the event and lasts beyond event day,
Check out our Confex exhibitor profile
Confex can be overwhelming — or it can be energising. The difference usually comes down to pacing, clarity, and intention. Arrive curious. Leave space between meetings. Drink water. Follow up thoughtfully. And remember: the best outcomes often come from the conversations you didn’t plan.
If you’re heading to International Confex 2026, we hope this helps you make it count — and maybe even enjoy it a little more. See you at ExCeL.
