More than 1,500 people from across Norfolk and Suffolk will come together next week for the region’s first-ever Health and Care Expo and Awards – a landmark event celebrating innovation, collaboration and excellence in health and care.
Norfolk and Suffolk Health and Care Expo 2026 will take place on Friday 3 July 2026 at Rowley Mile Racecourse in Newmarket from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
The event will bring together professionals, volunteers, community organisations and partners from across the health and care system to share best practice, showcase innovation and celebrate those making an outstanding difference to people’s lives.
Reflecting the unique opportunities and challenges faced by rural communities, one of the event’s central themes will be rural health and wellbeing. Television presenter and conservationist Michaela Strachan will share insights from her career and personal experiences, alongside speakers working directly with farming communities and rural residents.
The event will feature keynote speakers and more than 160 exhibitors across seven zones including a dedicated rural health area, workshops, performances, presentations and demonstrations.
The Expo and Awards are being delivered in partnership by the new NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB), Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council.
It is the first major event to be held for Norfolk and Suffolk following the creation of NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board, reflecting a shared commitment across organisations to work together to improve outcomes for local communities.
Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, said: “This event is set to be a brilliantly positive day celebrating the tenacity, resourcefulness and passion of people who are making a difference in people’s lives every day. Working in the health and care sector is hugely challenging, but the rewards which come from helping people to live better and feel better, are unrivalled.
“It’s all about bringing together incredible local people and organisations to learn from each other, share ideas, make connections and show appreciation for people who have gone above and beyond for others.
“I’m particularly looking forward to exploring the rural health zone and hearing from people working with one of our most isolated communities around how we can better support their unique needs, break down geographic barriers and tackle issues connected to loneliness and mental health.”
Expo2026 Programme Director, Susannah Howard said that “We’re really excited to welcome everyone to Expo2026 and have a packed programme of exhibits, experiences and presentations running in parallel throughout the day. The event finale will be our glittering Awards Ceremony for our Norfolk and Suffolk Health and Care Awards.
“Expo2026 is a unique opportunity to connect and build the relationships between health and care stakeholders that enable us all to do our very best for local people and communities.”
Dr Frankie Swords, former Executive Medical Director at NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB who is now National Medical Director for NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care will also provide a keynote speech.
The day will culminate in a prestigious awards ceremony recognising individuals, teams and organisations that are going above and beyond to improve the health and wellbeing of local people. The awards have seen 176 entries across eight categories from businesses, social enterprises, charities, as well as local authority and NHS organisations. A full shortlist of the 80 finalists can be found on the website.
The awards celebrate individuals and organisations making a real difference across Norfolk and Suffolk, recognising unsung heroes, inspirational leaders and innovative approaches to improving health and care. They also showcase the work already underway across the region to support the ambitions of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan and transform services for future generations.
Anyone in any sector in health and care can attend, including those who represent local residents and patients. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance online.