BrightonSEO
Attending for the first time or on your own?

Everyone's welcome

First time at brightonSEO? Coming on your own? You’re in very good company. We know a big conference can feel overwhelming but brightonSEO is famously friendly, welcoming and easy to find your feet in. Here is a little guide to help you make the most of your trip.

Your guide to brightonSEO Spring 2026

At our last event, 38% of attendees were there for the very first time and a huge number came on their own. It might feel like everyone already knows each other, but that’s rarely the case. Most people are open, approachable, and just as keen to meet new people as you are.

📋 What to expect

Here’s how the conference works (and how to make it work for you):

  • There are 6 tracks, each with 5 sessions per day
  • Each session includes 3–4 talks on a shared topic
  • You can move between tracks between sessions (but not between individual talks)
  • You’re welcome to move between Hero Conf and brightonSEO sessions

For the last session on Friday, the keynote is a single-track session so everyone can attend together.

The expo area is busiest during breaks, so if you prefer a quieter wander or want more time to chat, dip in during a talk session instead.

🗓 A simple first-timer plan

  • Arrive early for registration (queues build from 9am onwards)
  • Grab a coffee, explore the venue, and get familiar with the space
  • 9am: Head to the Welcome Briefing (Aud 2)
  • Pick 2–3 sessions per day you’re most excited about
  • Create your My Schedule on the website and print it
  • Spend one break (or a talk session) exploring the expo
  • Go to the after-party or drinks — even if just for 30 minutes

And don’t worry:
It’s completely normal to attend sessions alone. Even people who come in groups often split up to catch different talks.

👋 Start your day right

Join the Welcome Briefing at 9am in Auditorium 2 (both days).
It’s a great way to get oriented and feel settled before the day begins.

Open to anyone that would like to hear from the brightonSEO team about how the conference works.

🤝 Meet people (without the awkwardness)

There is nothing worse than coming away from a buzzing event like brightonSEO but feeling like you didn't connect with anyone. Which is why we put on a whole range of low-pressure networking activities to help you find your SEO people.

There are plenty of easy, low-pressure ways to connect:

  • Yoga, beach clean, 5k run, networking
  • Roundtables, drinks receptions, parties
  • Informal networking throughout the event

These are especially popular with first-timers and solo attendees and there’s something for every personality type.

🍴 Meet-Up Meals (for solo & first-timers only)

Once you’ve booked your ticket, you can join one of our Meet-Up Meals, designed specifically for:

  • First-time attendees
  • People coming on their own
  • BFF ticket holders

These are reserved tables at restaurants on the Wednesday evening where you can meet and dine with fellow attendees.

🔗 If you have your brightonSEO ticket, you can book onto a meal here.

👥 Structured Networking

If you prefer something more organised, join our Speed Networking sessions in MR15 during the conference:

Thursday

  • 11:20–12:20
  • 15:30–16:30

Friday

  • 11:20–12:20
  • 15:30–16:30

Final note

You don’t need to know anyone to feel at home here.
Show up, be yourself, and take it at your own pace. You’ll fit right in.