Join ConeX for an evening celebrating UK manufacturing, reconnecting with the community and looking ahead to 2027.

As 2026 draws to a close, we invite our members, partners and friends from the UK manufacturing community to celebrate, connect and see what our members do best at ConeX Connects LIVE: Christmas Social 2026.

This year we're doing things a little differently. Alongside the festive social, we're bringing the community's capabilities into the room. You'll find a small selection of member showcase areas, short talks and plenty of time to talk with the people driving UK manufacturing forward.

We'll keep the venue a surprise for now. It's an exclusive-use space in Birmingham, and full details will be shared with registered guests closer to the date. Building on last year's Christmas Social in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, this is our biggest ConeX Christmas yet, with around 100 guests expected.

Supported by our partners

More details to be added.

Avidity IP

Crowe UK

Wagstaff Recruitment & 1492 Ltd

NucCol

What to expect

Festive social: a relaxed, informal evening to unwind and celebrate the end of the year with the ConeX community

Manufacturing showcase: around eight member showcase areas, giving you the chance to see products, capabilities and innovation up close

Short talks: quick, punchy sessions rather than a long presentation programme

Great food & drinks included: incredible street food from a local vendor

Networking: connect with manufacturers, innovators, partners and decision-makers, strengthen existing relationships and explore opportunities for 2027

Looking ahead: a short update on the Founding 40 and what's next for ConeX members in 2027

Agenda (approximate timings)

Thursday 3rd December 2026

6:00pm–7:00pm: Arrival and showcase opens

Doors open. Explore the showcase areas and start connecting.

7:00pm–7:10pm: Welcome

A brief, informal welcome from Sam Baynham, Founder of ConeX.

7:10pm–7:45pm: Short talks

[Speakers to be confirmed]. Quick-fire sessions from our partners and members.

7:45pm–8:45pm: Food and conversations

Food served, with time to visit the showcases and catch up with friends old and new.

8:45pm–9:00pm: Looking ahead to 2027

A short update on the Founding 40 and the ConeX community in 2027, and a toast to the year ahead.

9:00pm–midnight: Christmas social

Keep the conversations flowing and enjoy the festive atmosphere as the evening continues.

Location

A secret venue in Birmingham. Full details, including travel and parking information, will be shared with registered guests closer to the date.

Tickets

ConeX members: £9.50

Non-members: £19.50

Showcase space: £99.00 (limited to eight companies). Showcase your business to the room.

Places are limited and registration is essential.

Important information

Dietary requirements: please tell us about any dietary requirements or allergies when you register.

Minimum age: guests must be 18+.

Questions? Please contact Sam or Heather.

Description supplied by the event organiser.