Sponsor the Kent and Medway Business Summit

Sponsor the Kent and Medway Business Summit

Support the region's flagship business event hosted by the University of Kent.

The Kent and Medway Business Summit is the region’s leading annual business gathering of forward-thinking innovators, policy and decision-makers, returning to Canterbury on Thursday 17 September 2026.

We stand at the crossroads. Devolution ahead, opportunities and threats from AI and technology, potential re-entry into the single market. What does this all mean for Kent? Here is a great place to work it out! 

Set at our Kent Business School and across our vibrant, green Canterbury campus, the Summit brings together influential voices from across sectors to explore ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping business in our region right now. 

With multiple spaces, dynamic panel discussions, and curated networking, this is a unique experience. We invite you to pause from business as usual and embrace the bigger picture. To absorb fresh insights, to chat with familiar faces and new contacts, all in one go.  

Sponsorship of this event is a smart investment, for your business and your time.

Why sponsor the Summit?

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Earn high profile brand association with a Top 40 University and respected business audience.
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Gain direct access to decision-makers, industry leaders and emerging talent.
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Position your business as a thought leader through dynamic panel discussions.
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Engage with businesses driving innovation and growth in Kent and Medway.
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Gain visibility across a premium event experience and marketing campaign hosted in a unique campus setting.
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Support the regional connections and collaborations that make the South East a better place for business.
flag

Earn high profile brand association with a Top 40 University and respected business audience.
key

Gain direct access to decision-makers, industry leaders and emerging talent.
bubble-quote

Position your business as a thought leader through dynamic panel discussions.
road

Engage with businesses driving innovation and growth in Kent and Medway.
blog

Gain visibility across a premium event experience and marketing campaign hosted in a unique campus setting.
puzzle

Support the regional connections and collaborations that make the South East a better place for business.
It was great to see so many people sharing their experiences, insights and forecasts. The mood was upbeat and the outlook optimistic - we are grateful to have had the opportunity to support the Summit.
Rupert Butler, Head of Legal Practice, Leverets (2025 Headline Sponsor)

The setting

Hosted at Kent Business School and across our stunning campus, the Summit welcomes you to a range of modern venues and distinctive spaces, from formal lecture theatres to informal net-walking in the woods. This multi-stage format creates an engaging, festival-like atmosphere that encourages conversation, discovery, and blue-sky thinking. 

Your sponsorship options

£10,000 + VAT

Headline sponsor

Our premier sponsorship opportunity, designed for maximum visibility and influence. Benefit from:

  • Recognition as the principal sponsor of the Summit before, during and after the event  
  • Headline branding across all event materials and communications
  • Opportunities to deliver a keynote address or high-profile speaking slot
  • Exclusive naming rights (e.g. “Kent and Medway Business Summit, in association with [Your Organisation]”)
  •  Premium atrium stand space in a central location 
  • Access to senior leaders and VIP networking opportunities 
  • Tailored promotional opportunities pre-, during, and post-event 
  • Access and hospitality package for your staff and/or clients

£2,500 + VAT

Panel & Session Sponsorship

Position your organisation as a thought leader within key thematic discussions. Benefit from:

  • Sponsoring a panel aligned to your sector or business interests 
  • Branding on your sponsored session and related materials 
  • Opportunities to put forward a speaker or panellist (subject to programming) 
  • Exhibit stand space with power in the central Atrium 
  • Direct engagement with a targeted audience of peers and stakeholders 
  • On-the-day visibility and VIP networking opportunities 
  • Your company logo included in pre and post conference emails, event brochure, website and event display screens.  
  • Two places at the conference, including lunch and refreshments

    • Your Summit, your way

    The Kent and Medway Business Summit is where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and the future of business in our region takes shape. By sponsoring the Summit, you align your brand with innovation, leadership, and positive regional impact. 

    We would be delighted to discuss how we can tailor a sponsorship package to meet your organisation’s goals. Contact Samantha Scott Marques for a creative conversation s.scott@kent.ac.uk 

    About the University and our event partners

    As the University of Kent, we stand for Ambition. We are a civic university, delivering an outstanding student experience, excellent teaching outcomes, and world-leading research and innovation. Join us, alongside our official sponsors, in bringing people together to shape, celebrate, and strengthen the future of business and society, making the world a better place.    

    The IoD is a community of passionate UK business leaders whose membership gives them professional training opportunities & access to essential help & resources.