I went to Atomicon - the huge sales and marketing conference for small businesses - for the first time this week.
I’ve heard a lot about Atomicon over the last few years. And before I went, I wondered if it would live up to the hype.
So if you’re thinking of booking your ticket for Atomicon 2026, here’s my honest guide to help you decide if it’s right for you. Plus I’ll share my tips for getting the most from the conference as a first-timer.
What is Atomicon?
Atomicon is the live event created by Andrew and Pete, founders of Atomic - a community and training hub for small businesses. Atomicon takes place in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the UK, in an amazing venue called The Glasshouse.
To call it a conference is to under-sell it though. Atomicon is the least boring, least corporate event you can imagine. It is pink. It has giant inflatable bubbles, pineapples and fluffy clouds on stage. There is music, and fun, and lots of laughter. It’s warm and friendly and welcoming.
The conference itself is a full day of speakers and break-out sessions, with top-drawer guests. This year included Fearne Cotton, Geoff Ramm, Carrie Green, the Two Lauras, and Heather Murray (too many great people to list here). There are over 2000 people attending in person, and there’s also the option to attend virtually with all sessions live-streamed.
As well as the conference itself, Andrew and Pete throw a pre-party the night before as a chance to start making connections, and a post-party to continue the conversations and fun.
Bonuses
Atomicon has a strict “no-pitch” rule, so the speakers are not allowed to sell from the stage (phew). In fact, all of the speakers offered freebie bonuses such as PDFs, bonus content, or even a free book.
The event has some great sponsors who are also dishing out freebies (I bagged a free hoodie from tech platform High Level).
Plus, like all great events, there’s a goody-bag for every delegate, including a yearbook to help you plan and make notes.
Slick organisation
This was the sixth Atomicon and you can tell it’s not their first rodeo. Andrew, Pete and the team really have thought of everything, from the Atomicon app where you can create your profile, connect with other attendees and plan your day, to the super-fresh, super-easy grab bag lunches.
Not just a conference
So far so good. But the very best part of Atomicon is that it’s not just one day. With your ticket you get access to the Atomic Power Group where you can connect with other small business owners, get access to monthly masterminds and more. There are also extra online events - a Big Networking Week (with more great speakers, this year included Seth Godin) and a Round Table Week - both opportunities to meet other attendees, get into conversations and learn from each other.
Plus, you’ll get access to the recordings for all the sessions for 12 months, so you can rewatch and catch any sessions you missed.
First-timer lesson: Mistake #1
I booked my ticket back in October 2024 for the conference in June 2025. And my first big mistake was I didn’t dive straight into the Atomic Community. Despite lots of emails from Andrew and Pete telling me about all the good stuff happening in there, I didn’t make the effort to check it out.
In fact, I didn’t get involved until Round Table Week in May. And this was when I discovered I’d been missing out. I joined several of these discussions, hosted by group members, and found them so interesting, thought-provoking and welcoming. I won’t be missing out again.
Mistake #2
My second mistake was a smaller one, but it’s a good lesson. As well as all the fabulous speakers at Atomicon, there’s loads more going on. I didn’t make time to visit the exhibition for free chocolate, get a glitter tattoo, or drink a pina colada from a pineapple. I’m seeing photos of Atomicon friends with stilt walkers, chatting to a man dressed as a lemon, or sporting balloon hats, and I’m wondering “how did I miss that?” Lesson: arrive early. Make better use of the breaks.
Mistake #3
I didn’t take NEARLY enough photos, and videos. So when I wanted to share about Atomicon on my own socials, I was scratching around for content. Luckily, we get access to the official photo library, but it’s not quite the same as having your own grinning face in front of the big screen image of Fearne Cotton. Lesson: Take lots of photos and video, and don’t forget your charger.
My top tips for Atomicon 2026
Preserve your energy: The pre-party “Jazzy Shirt Night” is fun but it’s full-on. Forget jazzy shirts - think glitter, sequins, hats, pink hair. This year’s party was in the Boiler Shop, which is usually a music venue. So it’s high ceilings, no soft furnishings, hard floors. And everyone talking at once. Very loud.
My tip: Arrive early, leave as soon as it gets too much. You need all your energy for the main event.
Get your head in the game: Atomicon is about learning and getting inspiration from the speakers. But it’s also about making connections and meeting new people. Don’t be shy. People are expecting you to randomly start conversations - so do it. Psyche yourself up. You can do this!
My tip: Leave time to talk to people. Take opportunities in the queue for coffee, when you take your seat in the hall, when you’re eating lunch. Use the app to find and message people you really want to talk to.
Forget everything you know think about conferences: Atomicon is more like a really well organised, really friendly and welcoming party where you get to learn lots of great stuff.
My tip: Throw yourself into it. Whoop, cheer, get involved. Feel part of it.
Go with a friend: I went to Atomicon with my good friend and WOW Team business bestie Juliet. We didn’t go to all the same sessions, but it was lovely to have someone to catch up with in breaks and over lunch. We also shared a hotel room which cut down on costs.
My tip: If you’re travelling alone, use the Atomic Group to connect with others and arrange to meet up, especially if you’re feeling nervous.
Look for the support: Andrew and Pete’s team have thought of everyone with this event. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, or it’s all a bit much, there are quiet areas to escape to. There’s also support available - this year from the Spicy Brain Collective.
My tip: Read the advance info so you know what’s available before you arrive. It will help you feel better.
Give yourself time to process: If you can, make sure you have a quiet day or two after Atomicon. You will be tired, and your brain will need time to get organised before you’re back into work. I joined a great online Implementation Session with Andrew and Pete today (the Friday after the conference) and I’m so glad I did. I’ll certainly be making time for it next year.
My tip: Don’t book any important meetings or client deadlines straight after Atomicon!
Should you go to Atomicon 2026?
Yes, yes, yes.
Think of it as Glastonbury for small business owners (with no camping, mud and lovely toilets). I’m still buzzing days later and I've come away with so many ideas for my own business and for WOW Team. I can’t wait to watch the replays and continue the conversations and inspiration inside the Atomic Community.
If you’re on the fence, my advice would be to go for it. I'‘ve already booked for 2026. See you there?
You can get your Atomicon 2026 ticket here (full disclosure: this is an affiliate link so I get a little gift if you buy through it. However, even if you don’t use my link, buy yourself a ticket anyway.)