Atomicon is one of the biggest events in the UK small business calendar. It’s full of colour, energy, and useful advice (without a boring slideshow in sight). You’ll find freelancers, creatives, coaches, and yes—even the odd overwhelmed virtual assistant trying not to cry in the loo.

I didn’t go last year, but I followed along online and instantly knew it was something I wanted to be part of. As a virtual assistant for freelancers, I spend a lot of time helping others show up online. So this year, it felt like time to take my own advice—and show up offline too. I had already attended Creator Day earlier in May, and now I needed to go to Atomicon.

So tickets booked. Nerves kicking in. But I promised myself I’d say yes to more things that took me out of my comfort zone... and Atomicon definitely did that.

Colourful Atomicon 2025 stage with tropical graphics and bold lights. Two presenters speak beneath a welcome screen. A fun, vibrant setup perfect for virtual assistant for small business networking and inspiration.

The Journey (a.k.a. Me, My Back, and My Luggage)

On Sunday, 8th June, I made my way up to Newcastle… from London.

An image of Robbie Williams on stage in London in a red track suite — Now, before you panic and think I’ve moved to the Big Smoke—nope.

I still live in my little village in Cheshire, a country mouse at heart. But I’d nipped down to see Robbie Williams (he was bloody brilliant, thanks for asking), and I figured going straight to Newcastle made more sense than traipsing back home first.

I am always about efficiency. What I didn’t factor in was lugging bags across London like a mobile wardrobe on legs.

Lesson learnt: Don’t stack events. Your future self will be sore, tired and very sweary.

Dinner, Drinks and a Dash of Overwhelm

When I arrived in Newcastle, I spotted some lovely familiar faces. We shared a taxi to the hotel—well, I say taxi, but it was more like a game of Tetris. I had a suitcase on my knees, and there were three women (you know who you are!) squished in the back, making innuendos like “Is it in yet?” that had us howling. You had to be there.

Later that evening, we went out for a Persian meal and popped into the pre-pre-party. I wasn’t going to go (as I thought too many things would make me stressed), but FOMO won.

Spoiler: FOMO was wrong.

As soon as I entered the pub, the rising panic hit me like a wall. It was hot, it was busy, and my brain went “Nope.” I turned to leave, cried in the street, took a slow walk back to the hotel, and felt ten times better.

Lesson learnt: Don’t ignore your gut. Simple

Old Friends & New Faces

Monday daytime was much better. With no events until 4 pm, I could squeeze in some client work and a much-needed catch-up with my oldest friend. A friend of 37 years (yes, thirty-seven—don’t do the maths). She helped me stay grounded before the social mayhem kicked in.

At 4 pm, I threw on my yellow jumpsuit (my hair, naturally, refused to cooperate) and headed to meet the brilliant Being Freelance crew. They made the whole experience feel warm and welcoming, and I was so glad I went.

Lesson learnt: Have a community to belong to that makes you stronger, wiser, and empowered.

The Community Mixer

We then headed to the Community Mixer, where people from various membership groups arrived an hour and a half before the main ‘Pre-Party’.

My nerves were already on edge, but I did manage to talk to a few new people, which felt great. One of the many highlights was talking to the lovely ladies from Metricool. I also managed to catch up with people I have known for years but never met in real life, such as the lovely Sarah Cook from Come Network With Me.

As time went on, it grew louder, busier, and a little claustrophobic, but I didn’t want to leave yet, so I stood next to the exit with my back against the wall, watching people and their interactions ( I have always been a people watcher). Luckily for me, some people came to speak with me where I was standing, and I am genuinely grateful to them for doing so.

By 20:45, I was done and went back to the hotel. I will admit that I felt like a failure; two nights of socialising, and on both nights, I had to leave early.

Lesson learnt: Showing up is enough. You don’t have to stay the whole night or work the room to make genuine connections—sometimes just being there, even by the exit, is brave enough. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

The Main Event: Tuesday's Talks and Takeaways

Tuesday arrived, and the time for the official event to get started. I was dressed, caffeinated, and ready…ish. The nerves were still doing laps in my stomach, but a buzz in the air made it all feel exciting.

I even did something brave and introduced myself to Heather Murray, who is brilliant in the field of AI.

Proud moment for myself. Gold star for me.
Andrew & Pete opened with a session on finding your leverage, and asked the kind of questions that made me stop and think about my direction as a virtual assistant uk business owner.

Then Fearne Cotton came on, and I’ll be honest: I just really like her. Her talk was vulnerable, grounded, and full of growth. Properly inspiring.

How I Made It Work (Without Burning Out)

After Fearne, I decided to leave and grab a coffee so that I could process the information, and I realised not everyone was running around trying to get to every talk. So, I decided to be intentional. I picked sessions that resonated with where I am right now, and in between, I found quiet spots near the coffee and started small conversations with people. Some chatted and moved on. Some stayed and joined me. Either way, it felt manageable—and that’s the key.

Using this strategy helped a lot because it stopped me from feeling overwhelmed, as the in-between breaks were noisy and busy, and it allowed me to leave or go to the quiet zone.

Lesson learnt: You don’t have to do it all. Just do what feels right.

The Bits That Mattered Most to Me

✨ I hung out in the chill-out area.

✨ I spoke to incredible people.

✨ I rested when I needed to.

✨ I listened to Rory Sutherland about marketing (about what in marketing, I’m not entirely sure—but I was still inspired).

✨ And Geoff Ramm? Wow. His story about ‘Christina’ and delivering celebrity-level service left me asking myself: Am I still aligned with why I started my business?

Wrapping It Up

We finished with a Wagamama feast (us: thrilled. The staff: probably traumatised). I skipped the afterparty and went back to the hotel with zero regrets.

By then, I was:

✔ Shattered
✔ Full of Gyoza & ideas
✔ Genuinely proud of myself

Will I go again? Never say never.

Atomicon was worth attending, but if I’m honest, it’s probably not on my list for next year. Right now, I’m prioritising more local events that feel a bit more manageable—and that’s no criticism of Atomicon 25, which was a brilliant experience in its own right.

Final lesson learnt: Going to a big event doesn't mean you have to perform. It means you get to learn, connect, and grow in a way that suits you. And that’s precisely what I did.

What I Learnt at Atomicon 2025: A Virtual Assistant’s Honest Take