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Reflections from the First Marketing Confex in Bristol — From a Hashtag Events Ambassador

  • Gavin Belton-Rose
  • Jul 14, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 12

Last Wednesday marked a significant milestone—the first-ever Marketing Confex in Bristol, hosted at the iconic SS Great Britain.


As a proud Hashtag Events and the founder of Momentum Sales & Marketing, I’ve attended numerous business events over the last 25 years. I can confidently say: Bristol showed up brilliantly for its inaugural Marketing Confex.


Andrew Charlton CEO Hashtag Events

The Right Environment Builds Momentum


With over 200 business owners attending, an incredible line-up of speakers, and genuine opportunities to make meaningful connections—this event demonstrated why being in the right room matters.


  • ✅ Practical insights, not just theory

  • ✅ Real-world marketing and sales advice

  • ✅ Conversations that could lead to your next breakthrough


Momentum is built by consistently surrounding yourself with the right people, the right strategies, and the right opportunities—and that’s exactly what Confex delivered.


What Stood Out on the Day


Some standout moments for me included:


  • Steven J Innes kicking off with B2B networking strategies

  • Stefan Thomas sharing how to join up your marketing and networking efforts

  • Kristjan Mar Hauksson urging us to think differently about digital marketing

  • Petter Høie breaking down the AI journey every business should consider

  • Geoff Nicholson making podcasting feel accessible and effective

  • And the brilliant Sam Rathling, delivering a LinkedIn masterclass packed with actionable advice


But the biggest highlight? The energy in the room and the quality of the business conversations that happened throughout the day.


Don’t Let the Momentum Stop Here


At Momentum Sales & Marketing, we specialise in helping businesses turn that post-event motivation into lasting commercial growth.


I spent the day sharing advice in 1-to-1 sessions, drawing on my 25+ years of sales and marketing experience. If we spoke—brilliant, let’s keep going. If we didn’t get a chance—consider this your follow-up invite.


Gavin Belton-Rose with Sam Rathling

Here’s how we can continue the conversation:


  • ✅ Grab a copy of my book, The Glue: Why Sales & Marketing Must Stick Together, filled with real-world strategies for growing your business the right way: Get it on Amazon

  • ✅ Book a free 30-minute consultation with me where we’ll take a no-nonsense look at your sales and marketing, and I’ll provide clear, actionable advice to move forward: Book Your Free Consultation

  • ✅ Learn more about Momentum and how we help businesses like yours get more leads, more sales, and better results—without wasting time or budget: Visit Momentum Sales & Marketing


Hashtag Events Team Geoff Nicholson, Gavin Belton-Rose, Andrew Charlton & Sean Goodman of Reclaim Tax UK

Let’s Keep Moving


I’ll be back in Bristol this December for the next Hashtag Business Show, and I’d love to hear how your business has progressed since the Confex.


Be visible, stay active, take action—and don’t let the ideas from last week gather dust.


The Importance of Networking


Networking is crucial for business growth. It opens doors to new opportunities and partnerships. At events like the Marketing Confex, you can meet industry leaders and innovators. These connections can lead to collaborations that enhance your business's reach and effectiveness.


Implementing What You Learned


After attending such events, it's vital to implement the insights gained. Take notes during sessions and reflect on how you can apply these strategies to your business. Whether it’s improving your marketing tactics or refining your sales approach, action is key.


Follow-Up Strategies


After networking, follow up with the people you met. A simple email or message can keep the conversation going. This not only strengthens your connections but also shows your commitment to building relationships.


The Future of Marketing Events


As we look ahead, marketing events will continue to evolve. They will adapt to new technologies and trends. Staying informed about these changes will help you leverage them for your business's advantage.


Speak soon,

Gavin

Founder of Momentum Sales & Marketing | Hashtag Events Ambassador | Sales & Marketing Strategist | Author of The Glue

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