HUNDREDS of businesspeople gathered at Anglia Ruskin University for the biggest event in the Essex corporate calendar.
Around 400 attended Showcase for Business 2012, which saw everyone from start-ups to multinationals attend the event on November 14.
The event, now in its fourth year, was organised by Chelmsford City Council and held in the Michael Ashcroft building.
There were 40 exhibitors and ten seminars, ranging from marketing, motivational speeches and branding.
Experts were on hand to give advice to those already trading, organisations considering relocation, or individuals who are thinking about setting up in business in Chelmsford.
Mike Smith, inward investment, economy and growth officer at Chelmsford City Council, said: "It has all been very good, the feedback so far from the seminars has all been positive.
"The seminars which focused around things such as social media did very well, compared to how to manage your bank.
"The lunch with John Longworth, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce went well. He commands a fair bit of respect.
"He also has dealings with central government and it shows they are listening to the chambers.
"The breakfast was also a full house, there was hardly a seat to spare in the room.
"John Spence, the South East Local Enterprise Partnership chairman, was very well-received and it was a good start to the day.
"Businesspeople, as I understand, like to start the day early. We were there at 6am to set up, and one delegate arrived at 6.10am and just sat patiently and waited."
