Organisers of Norfolk and Suffolk’s first-ever Health and Care Expo and Awards have hailed the event as a landmark success.
More than 1,500 people attended Expo 2026 at Rowley Mile Racecourse in Newmarket on Friday 3 July, bringing together colleagues from the NHS, local government, voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises, businesses and patient groups to showcase innovation, share learning and celebrate excellence.
With more than 160 exhibitors across seven themed zones, delegates explored initiatives tackling local challenges and improving outcomes for residents. Throughout the day, keynote speakers, presentations, demonstrations and workshops – some with standing room only – highlighted the creativity, ambition and collaboration helping to shape the future of health and care across Norfolk and Suffolk.
A key theme of the event was rural health and wellbeing, reflecting the opportunities and challenges facing Norfolk and Suffolk’s rural communities. Television presenter and conservationist Michaela Strachan shared insights from her career and personal experiences, alongside speakers working directly with local communities and using innovative approaches to support wellbeing, reduce isolation and improve access to services.
Delegates also heard from Professor Frankie Swords, formerly Executive Medical Director for NHS Norfolk and Waveney and now National Medical Director for NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care. In her keynote address, she challenged delegates to continue embracing prevention and partnership working to tackle health inequalities in rural communities.
Joining Professor Swords in the Rural Health spot was Dr Tom Pearson, a medical doctor who has also been running his family farm in West Cambridgeshire for the past 10 years. He spoke about the positive impacts our farming communities and rural landscape can have on people’s health and explored the role that farmers and growers can play in producing healthier foods.
The Expo also marked the first major event hosted by the newly formed NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB), underlining a shared commitment from partner organisations to work together to improve the health and wellbeing of local people.
Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, said:
“I was incredibly proud of the team behind Expo 2026 and what they delivered. To bring together hundreds of people from across health, care and the wider community for such a positive, inspiring and professionally delivered event was a remarkable achievement.
“The energy, enthusiasm and passion on display throughout the day reflected the very best of our health and care system. Expo 2026 demonstrated what can be achieved when organisations and communities work together to meet local needs and improve lives.”
The day culminated in the inaugural Norfolk and Suffolk Health and Care Awards, with 80 finalists selected from 176 entries across eight categories.
Representing organisations from across the NHS, local authorities, charities, social enterprises and community groups, the nominees showcased the innovation, dedication and partnership working taking place across Norfolk and Suffolk. The award categories reflected many of the priorities shaping health and care services both locally and nationally, including prevention, community-based care, innovation, leadership, research and partnership working.
The awards ceremony was one of the highlights of the day, with more than 300 delegates rising to their feet to applaud the winners and finalists. The celebratory atmosphere was made all the more memorable by three good-humoured colleagues who stepped into the role of official cheerleaders, helping the audience celebrate the remarkable achievements being recognised.
A touch of glamour was also added to proceedings thanks to event sponsors Seetec, who transformed the Expo’s main stage into a catwalk to share inspiring stories of people whose lives had been changed through employment support. Among them was Charlie Hewitt, who shared her personal journey back into work, highlighting the positive impact meaningful employment can have on health, confidence and wellbeing.
Susannah Howard, Programme Director for Expo2026, said:
“The response to Expo 2026 has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re thrilled by the feedback we’ve received from delegates, exhibitors and partners.
“This was the biggest health and care event that together with my team I have organised and it demonstrated the strength of collaboration that exists across our system. The quality of the award nominations was outstanding and showcased the talent, compassion and ambition that exists across our region. We hope everyone left feeling proud of what has been achieved and inspired by what we can accomplish together in the future.”
Photographs of winners and finalists from the awards ceremony are now available.
Event photographer Matt Calderbank said: “It was fantastic to capture so many special moments throughout the day. There was a real sense of pride and celebration, particularly during the awards ceremony, and it’s wonderful to be able to provide people with lasting memories of the recognition they received.”
In the film below, delegates from a wide range of local organisations described the event as an opportunity to make new connections, celebrate success and gain fresh ideas for addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing health and care services.
The success of the event demonstrated the strength of partnership working across Norfolk and Suffolk and the value of bringing together colleagues, volunteers, community groups and leaders from across the health and care landscape.
Please visit the Expo 2026 website for details of all the award winners.