21-23 JULY 2026
Structured networking opportunities and actionable insights at FIA2026
Structured networking at Farnborough International Airshow 2026
FIA2026 is proud to present two flagship programmes designed to help businesses utilise its global convening power and build meaningful connections.
The Business Connections Exchange (BCE) and The Enterprise Gateway (TEG) have been built to complement each other by offering participants a structured pathway from knowledge to action.
Suitable for businesses looking to forge new commercial relationships, review and refine their strategic thinking, or simply maximise their presence at FIA2026, these two programmes work in harmony to deliver measurable value, boost business development and securing finance and investment.
DATES: 21 July 2026 - 22 July 2026 - 23 July 2026
LOCATION: Farnborough International Airshow 2026, Hall 1, Inspire
Ways to participate in Business Connections Exchange:
As a Buyer/Investor (free of charge):
Step 1. Sign up for Business Connections Exchange here.
Step 2. Complete your profile. This will enable our platform to tailor your meetings with suppliers that align with your business objectives.
Connecting global decision-makers to create long-lasting partnerships
As one of the most popular and longstanding features of Farnborough International Airshow, the Business Connections Exchange provides the participants with opportunities to network and establish meaningful commercial relationships.
Taking place on 21-23 July, programme delegates receive access to a personalised meeting agenda that is tailored to their individual business objectives. For FIA2026, BCE will be moving upstairs to Inspire in Hall 1, providing participants with a more private and tailored networking environment.
Step 3. Add any relevant additional team members to your company profile.
Step 4. Build your agenda. Once the catalogue opens at the end of June, review meeting proposals that suit your needs and objectives.
Step 5. Attend the meetings, hosted at our iconic setting with support from our dedicated team.
As a Supplier (£500 fee*):
Step 1. Sign up for Business Connections Exchange here.
Step 2. Complete your profile. It is recommended that companies include as much information as possible about their product or service to encourage buyers and investors to accept proposed meeting requests.
Step 3. Add any relevant team members to your company profile.
Step 4. Build your agenda by sending meeting proposals to the target participants listed in the event catalogue. Please note, Buyers/Investors validate their meeting requests and accept or decline based on relevance to their business objectives.
Step 5. Attend the meetings and create mutually beneficial partnerships.
TUESDAY 21 JULY
Where knowledge meets opportunity
As part of Farnborough International Airshow’s ambition to support growing businesses (UK and worldwide), The Enterprise Gateway will run alongside the established Business Connections Exchange programme to provide businesses with end-to-end support, from practical, hands-on business guidance to buyer matchmaking and securing targeted meetings.
Taking place at the heart of the Farnborough International Airshow, this three-day, expert-led feature is where SMEs meet innovation and growth opportunities.
Designed with SMEs in mind, The Enterprise Gateway is a dynamic platform to learn, connect, and collaborate on the biggest challenges shaping business today, from navigating procurement systems and funding innovation, to tackling regulation, security, and exports.
Participants will also gain direct access to industry experts, policymakers, and investors, turning insight into action. Aligning with the UK Government’s Plan for Change and FIA’s mission to drive international prosperity, this feature empowers global businesses to build stronger supply chains, secure new opportunities, and accelerate sustainable growth.
WEDNESDAY 22 JULY
Bridging UK Aerospace & Defence SMEs to Global Opportunity: International Perspectives on Supply Chain Growth
Commercial & legal workshop
The Backbone of Capability: Understanding Aerospace & Defence Procurement Systems Fit for Funding: A Workshop on Investment Readiness
SMEs & Primes: Breaking Barriers, Building Capability
Ask the Experts – Networking Session
Meet the customer: Challenges, requirements, use cases from the user’s perspective - A Reverse Dragons’ Den for Defence Innovation
From Opportunity to Submission: How to Write Bids That Actually Win
Pitching for Impact: How to Win Over Buyers, Investors and Partners
Ask the Experts – Networking Session
Scaling for Export: What SMEs need to know about certification, compliance, and procurement expectations in key markets.
THURSDAY 23 JULY
Built Smart, Built Safe: AI & Secure-by-Design for Modern Business
Mission-Driven Innovation: Turning Technology into Defence Capability
Accessing Defence & National Security Frameworks: A Guide for SMEs
Ask the Experts – Networking Session
Navigating Complex Risk: Insurance for High-Tech, High-Stake Sectors
Launch Pad Pitching Sessions
Launch Pad Pitching Sessions
Attend a mixture of keynotes, workshops and live pitching sessions to gain practical insight into buyer matchmaking
How do these programmes work together?
Participants may choose to attend TEG first to gain insight, skills and a strategic framework needed to make the most of connections on offer at the show, gaining confidence and clarity before participating at BCE
Alternatively, those ready to connect may choose to attend BCE right away.
Attend a curated agenda of meetings tailored to your individual business objectives
Who should participate? Who should participate?
The Enterprise Gateway
• SMEs looking for mentorship and guidance.
• Primes looking to diversify their supply chain and promote their community initiatives.
• Industry experts looking to promote their specialist knowledge and expand their professional networks.
• Government departments looking to advance their respective sectors.
• Investors, VCs and banks looking to conduct market research and expand their reach.
The Enterprise Gateway is designed specifically for SME leaders who recognise that informed, well-prepared businesses make better connections. This programme is the ideal starting point for businesses looking to refine their pitch or value proposition, sharpen their market positioning, or build the commercial acumen to make every conversation count at FIA2026.
PRICING
BUSINESS CONNECTIONS EXCHANGE:
Supplier: £500
Buyers/Investors: FREE (1)
THE ENTERPRISE GATEWAY:
Included with BCE registration, concessionary rates are available for start-ups and micro-SMEs (2)
Business Connections Exchange
• Supplier from any tier in the supply chain looking for an investment or a procurement channel to meet with prospective buyers face-to-face.
• Buyers looking for suppliers with certain capabilities to join their supply chain.
• Investors looking to expand their portfolio, or seeking a specific partnership.
Business Connections
Prices include access to all three days of the programme.
All Business Connections Exchange and The Enterprise Gateway participants must hold a valid FIA2026 Ticket on the day of attendance.
ADS Group members are entitled to 10% discount, reach out to fia@vimeet.events to learn more.
(1) pending formal vetting review
(2) eligibility based on a headcount below 10 and an annual turnover or balance sheet total under €2 million.
Farnborough International Airshow 2026 brings the global aerospace, defence and space industries to connect and do business by forging useful connections and offering strategic insight.
With over 1500 exhibiting companies and over 100,000 visitors in attendance, programmes like BCE and TEG can help facilitate targeted networking and maximise participants’ presence at the show.
fia@vimeet.events | farnboroughairshow.com