I went to Atomicon 2025 with a broken elbow and a cracked rib — and still joined the flash mob. Obviously.

Let’s just get this out of the way: yes, I turned up to my first ever Atomicon with a broken elbow, a cracked rib, and a bag full of misplaced optimism.

Was high-fiving tricky? Absolutely. Hugging? Comical. Shaking hands? Practically an Olympic sport. Imagine juggling a bag, a drink, a notepad, a phone, and a moderate amount of painkillers with only one fully functioning limb. Now throw in 2,000 small business owners trying to hug you. That’s the energy.

But did it stop me joining the flash mob across the Millennium Bridge? Not a chance. If I was going down, I was going down dancing.

OMG HOW AMAZING WAS #Atomicon25?!

Atomicon is the mega marketing conference created by Andrew and Pete, founders of Atomic — a vibrant community and training hub for small businesses. It takes place in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the gorgeous Glasshouse venue, and calling it a “conference” honestly doesn’t do it justice.

Atomicon is part party, part TED Talk, part glitter-fuelled dream sequence. There are giant inflatable pineapples. There are clouds. There’s colour, music, sequins, a slide (yes really!) and a lot of hugging (some of which I dodged, gracefully-ish).

This was my first time attending, and I can say without hesitation: it was utterly phenomenal. Like being on a business hen do — without the sashes and with better branding. I left exhausted, overwhelmed… and completely fulfilled.

I've already booked for #Atomicon26. Yep. It was THAT good.

So, what actually happens at Atomicon?

It’s a full day of incredible speakers, hands-on breakouts, and good vibes with 2,000+ fellow business owners. This year’s speaker line-up was wild:

• Kamal Ellis-Hyman opened the day with absolute brilliance.

• Fearne Cotton? Honest, thoughtful, and surreal in the best way (I’ve been a Happy Place fan forever).

• Sun Yi, Ryan Deiss, Ravi Rajani, Laura Belgray, Saira Khan — total masterclasses in storytelling, branding, and strategy.

• And closing the show: Geoff Ramm, who brought the house down with a perfect blend of storytelling, wit, and actionable genius.

And it’s not just the main day. There’s a jazzy shirt pre-party, a post-party, and a supportive online community you can tap into for the entire year. (As well as pre pre parties and post post parties but I could only handle so much as a first timer!).

I made sure I was in the front row and was even invited up on stage before the conference for the magician warm up for a little bit of card magic :)

Lessons learned from a slightly bruised first-timer

I made a few classic rookie mistakes. Learn from me:

🟣 Mistake #1: I didn’t dive into the Atomic community early enough

I booked my ticket last year, but didn’t engage with the Facebook group, webinars, or the Atomic Power Group until just before this year's event - Big Big mistake. I realised much too late how much of this marketing magic I’d missed.

Next year: I’m starting now. The community is packed with friendly, smart, supportive humans — and it’s where the magic starts long before the confetti drops.

🟣 Mistake #2: I didn’t explore Newcastle

Apart from flash-mobbing across the Millennium Bridge, I didn’t see any of the city.

Next year: I’m arriving a day earlier to soak in the sights (and maybe try to locate some food that doesn’t come in a branded tote).

🟣 Mistake #3: My shirt wasn’t jazzy enough not even close!!

The Jazzy Shirt Night is not a drill. People bring their A-game. Think barbie on a hen do lots of bright bright outfits, sequins EVERYWHERE, and quite a lot of face glitter :)

Next year: I'm investing in a shirt that screams “LOOK AT ME!!.”

🟣 Mistake #4: I didn’t stay the day after

The buzz is real. So are the ideas. And they deserve processing time — ideally not while half-asleep on a train with glitter in your hair and trying to type one handed.

Next year: I’m booking an extra day to meet up with new contacts and start implementing while it’s all fresh.

🟣 Mistake #5: I didn’t take enough photos or videos of the whole day AND my battery died :(

I started off way to eager with videos of EVERYTHING and didn't pay attention to the ever depleting battery BUT when it died I was more present and then was too busy listening, laughing, learning… and trying to make notes while one-handed.

Next year: My phone will be charged. And used. A lot.

🟣 Mistake #6: Don’t have a broken elbow

Honestly. 0/10. Would not recommend.

Andrew & Pete: take a bow (and a holiday)

Andrew Pickering and Pete Gartland ARE THE BEST and are absolute stars — brilliant, warm, hilarious and inspiring. You’ve built something truly special. Thank you for the connection, the energy, the thoughtfulness, and the fact you made every single person feel seen I am SOOOO glad I took the plunge and popped my Atomicon cherry!

And to everyone I met: thank you. You are the most welcoming bunch of peeps I’ve ever encountered in one building - I was a bit overwhelmed with all the happiness and positivity if truth be told.

Don't Get FOMO - Join me for #Atomicon26

If you’re even thinking about coming to Atomicon 2026… just do it. You'll feel like you've been on a hen-d0 to Benidorm / or a festival for the weekend only with lots of business owners just like you!

👉 Secure your #Atomicon26 ticket for just £210 (that's a whopping 70% off the £700 full price!) via this link: 

https://lnkd.in/e3a55pbC

Full disclosure: It’s an affiliate link, so I get a little commission if you book through me. But honestlyITS BRILLIANT so just book regardless,

Any questions at all just get in touch with me via LinkedIn and I'll be happy to answer any questions (on Atomicon Obvs :))