Independent marketing network Pimento has officially announced the Festival of New Business, a dedicated one-day event built to help agencies and consultants navigate the current business landscape and accelerate their growth. The event is set for Tuesday 7th October 2025, at the prestigious One Birdcage Walk in Westminster, London.
With over 200 attendees expected, including agency leaders, founders, new business directors, and senior marketers, the conference will provide practical guidance and strategic insights focused on winning new clients and succeeding amid industry disruption.
Helping Agencies Win More Business
The Festival of New Business comes at a time when the agency world is facing significant headwinds. Marketing budgets are shrinking, in-house client teams are expanding, and the rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping how work is delivered. As a result, independent agencies are under growing pressure to maintain revenue, prove value, and stand out in an increasingly competitive environment.
This event is designed to tackle these exact challenges. Attendees will be guided through the full new business lifecycle — from refining their positioning to pitching smarter, negotiating more effectively, and strengthening client relationships. With a focus on practical solutions, the Festival aims to equip agencies with the tools they need to not just survive, but thrive.
Stephen Knight, Chairman and CEO of Pimento, commented on the event’s purpose:
“Agencies are finding it harder than ever to cut through. Clients are demanding more for less, procurement is tougher and technology is shifting the playing field. The Festival of New Business is about equipping independent agencies with the tools, insights and contacts they need to win and retain clients. For the price of a night out, leaders can invest in their future growth.”
The Festival will serve as a space for knowledge-sharing and action planning, all tailored to the realities independent agencies face in today’s marketing ecosystem.
Multi-Format Learning Designed for Real-World Impact
To maximize its value to attendees, the Festival of New Business will feature a combination of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and targeted breakout sessions.
The main stage will welcome business thought leaders, Chief Marketing Officers, and senior agency professionals who will share forward-thinking perspectives and tried-and-tested approaches to client acquisition. These sessions are designed to provide high-level strategic clarity that agency leaders can bring back to their teams.
Meanwhile, breakout sessions will allow for a more focused dive into specialist topics, such as:
- AI applications in marketing
- Data-driven lead generation
- Client retention strategies
- High-conversion sales techniques
These smaller group discussions will provide hands-on insights and tactical guidance, helping attendees translate theory into immediate action.
In addition to knowledge sharing, the Festival will offer valuable networking opportunities. With more than 200 attendees from across the independent agency sector, there will be ample chances to connect, collaborate, and share insights with fellow professionals and potential business partners.
Over 30 Industry Leaders Confirmed as Speakers
The Festival boasts an impressive speaker lineup of over 30 confirmed industry experts, spanning creative, strategic, and executive leadership roles across top agencies and brands.
Featured speakers include:
- Peter Boutros, whose executive experience includes roles at Walt Disney Company, Pixar, and Nestlé
- Ajaz Ahmed, founder of award-winning agency AKQA and current leader of Studio.One
- Katie Street, well-known marketing strategist and founder of Street Agency
- Simon Rhind-Tutt, founder of Relationship Audits & Management, specializing in agency-client performance
- Pete Martin, Founding Director at Always Be Content, a certified B-Corp creative agency
These experts bring together diverse insights from across the marketing, digital, creative, and consultancy sectors, ensuring attendees benefit from both established industry wisdom and cutting-edge thinking.
Affordable Pricing and Exclusive Sponsorship Options
Pimento has made affordability a key priority to ensure the event is accessible to smaller agencies and solo consultants. Advanced tickets are priced at £195 for Pimento members and £245 for non-members (plus VAT). From September, prices rise to £245 for all attendees.
This pricing structure encourages early registration and makes high-quality business development resources available to even the leanest agency teams.
For companies and service providers interested in reaching independent agencies, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are also available. These packages offer access to a highly targeted audience of agency decision-makers, providing a powerful platform to showcase tools, technologies, and services that support agency growth.
Central London Venue and Seamless Registration
The Festival will take place at One Birdcage Walk, a prestigious event venue located in the heart of Westminster, London. Known for its professional ambiance and historic charm, the space provides an ideal backdrop for a day of immersive learning and purposeful networking.
Its central location ensures easy access for attendees traveling from across the UK via public transport.
Registration for the event is now open via Eventbrite, making the booking process smooth and efficient. Attendees can register online, receive updates, and manage their tickets all in one place.
About Pimento
Pimento is a UK-based marketing network that brings together the country’s largest community of independent agencies, consultants, and specialists. Operating as a full-service agency, Pimento connects clients with best-fit teams — whether through single agency partnerships or custom-built teams assembled to meet specific project needs.
With a deep understanding of the daily challenges faced by independent firms, Pimento is uniquely positioned to provide support, insight, and growth opportunities. The Festival of New Business is an extension of this commitment and reflects the organization’s ongoing mission to empower independent agencies in an evolving marketing world.
