Choosing the right professional development opportunities is more important than ever for those leading in the early years sector. For nursery leaders, early years leaders, and senior leadership teams, time spent away from settings must deliver real value to teams, with lasting connections, resource inspiration andpractical insights.
That’s why the voices that matter most are those of the people who’ve already been there.
Each year, the Childcare & Education Expo brings together thousands of early years professionals from across the UK and internationally, all looking to learn, connect, and feel supported in an ever-changing sector.
From inspirational CPD sessions and a bustling floor of 120+ exhibitors, to hands-on workshops that offer interactive activities to take back to settings, attendees consistently share powerful feedback about their experience of the Expo.
In this article, we’re sharing real stories and testimonials from nursery leaders and early years professionals who’ve attended the show, offering an honest insight into why Childcare & Education Expo continues to be the UK’sleading early years event, and what to expect from attending the London show in March.
Trusted by Early Years & Nursery Leaders Across the Sector
From first-time visitors to long-standing attendees, early years professionals continually highlight Childcare & Education Expo as a space designed with the realities of early years leadership in mind.
Whether it’sdiscovering practical solutions to everyday challenges, gaining clarity on sector updates, and connecting with like-minded practitioners and professionals, our feedback shows that the event delivers more than just inspiration.
It provides reassurance, confidence, and ideas that can be put into practice in settings straight away - making it a worthwhile time investment for those shaping the future of early years education.
Offering Professional Development & Inspiration
Feedback from attendees consistently highlights the Expo as a place to gain fresh ideas, practical strategies, and renewed motivation. From expert-led CPD seminars to thought-provoking discussions at the Share & Support Hub, many early years professionals leave feeling inspired and better equipped to lead positive change within their settings.
“The seminars, workshops, and the opportunity to connect with so many passionate individuals in the childcare space were, as always, incredibly inspiring. I left feeling motivated and energised to take that enthusiasm back into my work.”
- Previous Attendee, Childcare & Education Expo Midlands 2025
“The event was a fantastic opportunity to gain fresh insights and engage in thought-provoking discussions linked to children’s emotional well-being, inclusion, and fostering a love for learning with professionals who are deeply committed to enriching the lives of young children.”
- Previous Attendee, Childcare & Education Expo London 2025
“Attending the Childcare & Education Expo for the first time was an inspiring experience. The event was full of creative and innovative ideas that I can apply to my childcare practice. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore new resources, gain valuable insights, and connect with like-minded professionals.”
- Previous Attendee, Childcare & Education Expo London 2025
Feeling Supported in a Challenging Sector
Leading in early years can feel challenging, especially during times of ongoing change and pressure. Many nursery leaders share that attending the Expo offers reassurance, clarity, and a reminder that they are not alone. Hearing from others facing similar challenges and learning from those who understand the realities of the sector, creates a supportive experience that extends far beyond the event itself.
“The insights from all the experts within the sector is not only a relief to hear, many of us have the same things to overcome every day, but also how we can deal with these situations in so many different ways - very informative seminars and enriching advice.”
- Previous Attendee, Childcare & Education Expo Midlands 2025
“Attending the Childcare & Education Expo as part of our Inspiring Leadership training program was a reminder that great leadership in early years isn’t just about strategy or operational excellence - it’s about purpose. One of the most impactful moments was reading the What’s My Why wall. Seeing the deep-rooted commitment across the sector reinforced something I believe in strongly - leadership in early years is a responsibility, not just a role. We don’t just manage nurseries, we shape futures.”
- Previous Attendee, Childcare & Education Expo London 2025
More Than an Event: A Community for Early Years Professionals
Attendees often describe the event as more than just a day of learning. For early years professionals, it’s a chance to connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships with peers across the sector through networking, conversations between sessions, and meeting trusted suppliers.
“It was a great opportunity to catch up with some former colleagues and existing connections, some I met for the first time “in real life”. So much is happening in our sector at the moment, it really is time to secure those connections and work TOGETHER to ensure all those in early years & all the children we care for have the best outcomes.”
- Previous Attendee, Childcare & Education Expo London 2025
“The whole Expo was set out beautifully, everything and everyone as amazing as the other. So many inspiring people talking and sharing ideas bringing the childcare community together.”
- Previous Attendee, Childcare & Education Expo London 2025
“This event is a fantastic opportunity, bringing some of your team with you to really delve a little deeper into why you all fell in love with the childcare sector as a whole, meeting suppliers you all mostly talk to only over the phone really shows how your business is a much broader team that that looks after all those little lives we all care so much for in our nurseries every day.”
- Previous Attendee, Childcare & Education Expo Midlands 2025
Looking Ahead to Childcare & Education Expo London 2026
As the early years sector continues to evolve, Childcare & Education Expo remains committed to supporting nursery owners and managers, early years leaders, and senior leadership teams with relevant, high-quality content.
Building on the feedback and experiences shared by previous attendees, our London show will continue to focus on practical professional development, meaningful connections, and the issues that matter most to those leading early years settings.
For early years professionals looking ahead, the Expo offers confidence that their time will be well spent, shaped by the voices of the sector itself. To be a part of those valuable conversations, make sure you register to attend Childcare & Education Expo London today, and we'll see you at Olympia London across the 20th-21st March 2026.
