The Next Gen Business Fair was designed to connect students with startups, visionaries and exciting career prospects.
Entrepreneurship is thriving. As an entrepreneur myself, the Next-Gen Business Fair hosted at Queen Mary University of London, proved to be a stage for innovation, collaboration and opportunity-grabbing interactions. The Next Gen Business Fair was designed to connect students with startups, visionaries and exciting career prospects.
Read on to see how it turned out...
So, here’s the thing—the Next-Gen Business Fair almost wasn’t the Next-Gen Business Fair at all. In fact, in a parallel universe, you might have been reading about the November Business Fair (I know, incredibly creative name). That was the plan; host a huge networking event in November, bring together amazing startups, and give students the chance to connect with some of the most exciting businesses out there.
But life (and event planning) doesn’t always go as smoothly as we’d like. As November crept closer, it became painfully clear that there just wasn’t enough time to pull everything together properly. Between admin, logistics, and ensuring we had a lineup of incredible businesses, we needed more time to get it right.
Was I frustrated? Absolutely. No one likes to put the brakes on something they’re excited about. But then I reminded myself: a postponement isn’t an annulment. Pushing the fair forward didn’t mean it wasn’t happening, it just meant we had more time to make it even better. And looking back, that decision paid off.
If there were trophies for keeping an event like this on track, it would without a doubt go to Hailey Bachrach, Education Coordinator at Queen Mary Students’ Union. From meeting deadlines (even the ridiculously tight ones) to making sure everything was on point, she took the lead on this project and made sure we actually made it to fair day. So, new year, new name, and a fresh start—The Next-Gen Business Fair was officially set for 27 January 2025. Over the next eight weeks, we registered businesses, ticked off all the admin, and went all-in on marketing the fair across campus. Huge shoutout to Caribella Moss, SOC Ltd, and other attendees who were supposed to be part of the lineup but, unfortunately, couldn’t make it at the last minute. Even so, their support meant a lot.
At this point, we’d done the hard part - or so we thought. The real challenge? Actually pulling it off. And with that, it was time to make it happen
If there’s one thing you can’t control, it’s the weather, and unfortunately, the weather wasn’t exactly on our side. Rain, wind, and even some technical hiccups tried to throw us off-course. But here’s what I admire most about everyone involved: perseverance. Despite the obstacles, no one backed down. Instead, the businesses, students, and organisers adapted, innovated, and kept the energy alive. The fair wasn’t just about showcasing businesses, it was a test of resilience, and everyone passed with flying colors. Take 1Syllable, for example. Instead of letting the gloomy skies dampen spirits, they came out floating (literally) with an exciting pop-the-balloon game that drew students in and sparked conversations. Meanwhile, Super PE Online turned engagement into a challenge, using a fun puzzle game to get students interacting with their stall and learning more about their platform. Then there was The Moo Shack—and honestly, they didn’t need to do anything extra. Their food spoke for itself. Juicy, mouth-watering, and downright addictive, their burgers were the talk of the fair. No gimmicks needed, just pure, unfiltered, culinary greatness. Through all the challenges, one thing became clear: the Next-Gen Business Fair was more than a fair—it was an experience. The conversations, the connections, the value.
Raliat, Founder of 1Syllable (Dance Company): "1Syllable helps give students a platform which they don't really tap into at university or conservatoires."
Nishan, Founder of U.mixD (University Social Media App): "I can't believe I actually got 3 students who wanted to intern for my company!"
Chiara, QMUL Alumni: "The other side of Super PE Online, which is the best side, is the online student community. I recently graduated and I gotta say, it provides so many career opportunities that help me utilise my degree."
Jerry Ndi, QMUL Student & Next-Gen Business Fair Organiser: "First time trying the Moo Shack's food... hmm... hmm... HMMMMM... this is BANGING. 10 out of 10! Like Nishtha always says, have your MOOOOMENT with The Moo Shack!"
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