Sharon Giblett, a director of event organisers Jigsaw Solutions Group, said the Business Expo was looking to grow and keep innovating following the success of its inaugural event earlier this year. The second Business Expo has been scheduled for 6 March, 2019 at the ASB Baypark Arena.
Showcased as “where business gets done”, the inaugural event was on track to generate more than $1 million in business.
Five months on the organisers were still hearing of success stories, new collaborations and business being done, she said.
“And we’re just getting started. We attracted businesses and visitors from across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, as well as others from throughout the North Island.
“And we already have bookings coming through from returning exhibitors and a strong flow of inquiries about the next Expo.”
Business Expo – Fact boxThe region has been enjoying strong growth. Last year the Bay of Plenty had the country’s largest annual percentage increase in GDP at 9 percent.
Giblett said there was some uncertainty about the future direction of the economy next year and despite the surge in online marketing, the Expo was proof that face-to-face engagement with potential clients and partners remains one of the strongest ways to build new business.
The Business Expo has been strategically timed as a regular March event, allowing businesses to get some quick wins to end the financial year and to kickstart opportunities for the year ahead at this supercharged one day event.
“Our goal is to become a key driver and platform for fostering growth in the regional economies and to be a must-attend event in the business calendar.”
The exhibitors will each be able to invite guests, providing a sizeable number of business connections to be made from the wider Bay of Plenty region and beyond.
The 2019 Expo will again be a one-day event where businesses can showcase their products and services in a vibrant, fun environment designed specifically for the business-to-business sector.
“Attendees at our inaugural event describe it as a great platform to keep building and developing professional and personal relationships,” says Giblett.
Tauranga Chamber chief Stan Gregec said the expo was “a fantastic opportunity to make new connections and be seen as a regional player.”
