What are the latest trends in social media marketing? How can you get your vegan business featured in the media? What are the best ways to raise money to grow your business?

These are among the most common questions asked by vegan business owners, regardless of whether they’re at startup phase or an established business. As part of its commitment to help vegan businesses succeed, VegfestUK Trade is providing a full day of presentations and panels by experts who will answer these questions and many more in the Business Support Room on 20th October 2017.

Hosted by Katrina Fox, founder of content, events and training platform Vegan Business Media, the aim is to equip vegan business owners with the best information, research and practical strategies in marketing, PR, raising funds, certifications and distribution that they can take away and implement, regardless of the type of business they run.

Here’s the first announcement of speakers and panellists, with more to come:

Social Media & Content Marketing Session:

This panel includes Robbie Lockie of PlantBased News; Damien Clarkson from The Growing Box and Vevolution; and digital marketer Lucy Knight from veganmarketingagency.com, who will share the most up-to-date trends in social media and content marketing, how to create content that will go viral, and tips on how to get high engagement on your content to increase leads and sales.

Media & PR Session

Getting your business featured in the media as editorial, as opposed to paying for advertising, is a golden opportunity for vegan business owners because it’s free publicity. But you have to approach it the right way if you’re doing your own PR. In this session renowned publicist Karin Ridgers of Mad Promotions and VeggieVision TV joins Vegan Life and Cook Vegan editor Maria Chiorando and journalist, PR consultant and Vegan Business Talk host Katrina Fox in giving you tips on how to get your brand in the spotlight.

Money & Fundraising Session

Should you do a crowdfunding campaign? What about equity crowdfunding? Is getting an investor on board the right move for your business and if so, when? This panel of seasoned business owners will share their own experiences and answer your money and fundraising questions. Presenters include Craig Tannock, owner of five café/bars in Glasgow including Mono, Stereo, The Old Hairdressers, The 78 and Flying Duck; Mike Hill, one of the founders of One Planet Pizza; and John Petrides, co-founder of meal delivery service AllPlants. Each of these entrepreneurs has extensive experience in raising funds over the years using a variety of methods.

Certifications Session

Gluten-free. Vegan. Leaping Bunny. There are so many certifications available. Is it worth getting your product certified? Find out in this panel which includes Abigail Stevens, trademark relations officer at the Vegan Society, Kate Sandle from B Lab UK, which supports the community of UK-based B Corporations; and more to be announced.

Distribution Session

Whether you’re already working with a distributor or you’re keen to find one, you won’t want to miss this session. Get up close and personal with some of the UK’s leading distributors, who will share what they’re looking for when considering taking on a brand, as well as what’s involved in working with a distributor. This session will also feature a presentation by Jennifer Pardoe from Zest Plant-Based Food Consulting on how to get your product distribution-ready.

This is just a taste of what’s to come, with more being announced in the coming months. If you own a vegan-run business, take advantage of this opportunity to expand your knowledge as well as connect with other entrepreneurs and business support professionals at this one-of-a-kind event.

VegfestUK Trade 2017 will be live for stall bookings from March 29^th 2017 at www.trade.vegfest.co.uk