Inspiring Norfolk’s next generation of talent
We’ve given the Festival of Knowledge a fresh new name, introducing the Future Careers Expo!
The old name was a bit… well, vague. We wanted something that actually tells you what the event is all about: a genuine exploration of real career pathways and real opportunities for young people. Something that resonates with schools, students, and businesses alike. The Future Careers Expo does exactly that.
This isn’t just a name change, though. We’ve used it as an opportunity to streamline the whole event and design it with your needs front and centre, whether you’re exhibiting with us for the first time or you’ve been with us since day one.
The Future Careers Expo brings together thousands of students aged between 13-17, from over sixty schools across Norfolk and Suffolk, all ready to try on a few different hats and see which one fits.
If you’re looking to connect with Norfolk’s emerging workforce, inspire the next generation, and showcase what your business has to offer – this is your chance to help them find their perfect fit and open new doors.
Why exhibit at the Future Careers Expo
- Direct Access to Talent – Directly engage with thousands of students considering their career choices and ensure they choose to build their futures in Norfolk. By connecting with emerging talent early, you’ll build a pipeline of skilled workers committed to staying and growing within your sector, turning brain drain into brain gain for your business.
- Dedicated Career Zones – Your business won’t exist in isolation. We’ve created dedicated career zones that bring complementary organisations together, creating a focused environment where young people can explore their sector of interest in depth. You’ll be positioned alongside like-minded businesses – encouraging meaningful conversations and quality engagement.
- Extended Reach Beyond the Event – Every attendee receives our comprehensive event showguide featuring all exhibitors, plus a unique QR code for follow-up engagement. Your business exposure doesn’t end when the event does – it extends to thousands of households across Norfolk as students take home their guide and share it with family and friends.
- Premium Placements for Members – Norfolk Chambers members get priority booking and premium booth placements. Secure your position early and make sure you’re in the best location for maximum impact.
Choose your Career Zone
Select the zone that best aligns with your business:
- Agri-Tech & Food
- Apprenticeships & Colleges
- Aviation and Aerospace
- Charity Sector
- Construction
- Creative, Marketing & Media
- Healthcare
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Engineering & Manufacturing
- Financial, Business & Professional Services
- Public Sector
- Technology & Digital
- Transport
Exhibiting options
The Future Careers Expo is a two-day event bringing together hundreds of students eager to explore their future careers, and this is your chance to make a real impression.
| Stands | What you get |
| £400 for stands (members and non-members) If you’d like to explore a larger area or bespoke package to suit your needs, email [email protected] and we can discuss custom options tailored to your business. | – Standard stand size is 3m x 3m. – Placement within your chosen career zone – Direct engagement with thousands of active attendees – Listing in the comprehensive showguide (7,000+ student reach) – Unique QR code for post-event digital engagement and follow-up – Full event layout sent in advance to help you plan your stand – Networking opportunities with fellow exhibitors Valuable insights into what young professionals are looking for |
For Norfolk-based businesses, this is a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation and ensure that our county’s talent and skills remain rooted here.
To capture students’ interest and stand out, you’ll need to bring your A game—think engaging demonstrations, interactive activities, and authentic conversations about what it really means to work in your sector. This isn’t about passive information booths; it’s about creating memorable experiences that help young people see themselves building a career with you.
Sponsorship opportunities
| Sponsorship | Description | Price |
| Zone Sponsor | Sponsor a dedicated career zone and become the principal business presence in your sector, with premium visibility and positioning throughout the event. | From £2,000 (dependent on zone size) |
| Career Lounge Sponsor | Create a branded space where students can relax, learn more about your organisation, and have meaningful conversations with your team in a more relaxed setting. | £2,000 |
| Showguide Sponsor | Your brand featured prominently on the comprehensive guide received by 7,000+ students and their families – extending your reach far beyond the event itself. | £2,000 |
| Community Sponsor (Bus Subsidy) | Support schools across the region by sponsoring student transport. A powerful statement of community investment. | £5,000 (Sold) |
For schools attending
We’re delighted to welcome schools and teachers to the Future Careers Expo, and the best part? It’s completely free for both students and teachers to attend. This is a unique opportunity to inspire your students and broaden their horizons as they explore the diverse career paths available to them in Norfolk.
Our exhibitors represent a wide range of industries and professions, from engineering and technology to healthcare, business, creative industries, and trades, providing students with genuine insights into what different careers actually involve.
Encourage your students to ask exhibitors meaningful questions: “What qualifications do you need for your role?”, “What does a typical day look like?”, “What skills are most important in your field?”, and “How did you get into this career?” These conversations can spark genuine inspiration and help students make informed decisions about their future.
We also recognise that travel can be a barrier, which is why Norfolk County Council offers a bursary to help with bus transportation costs for schools to travel to the Norfolk Showground. Whether you’re bringing a small group or an entire year cohort, your students will leave energised and with a clearer sense of the opportunities available to them.
To book a time slot for your school or to find out more about the event and our transport bursary, please contact [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you and your students!
Book your stand
If you’re ready to showcase your industry, connect with future talent, and play a part in developing Norfolk’s workforce, we’d love to have you as an exhibitor.
