BOP B2B Expo focuses on regional growth

The second Bay of Plenty Business Expo is set to become the region’s premier business-to-business event, say the organisers.

The 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.
Following the success of its inaugural event earlier this year, the Business Expo is looking to grow and to keep innovating for its follow-up Expo on 6th March 2019 at the ASB Baypark Arena, Tauranga, says Sharon Giblett, a director of the event organisers, Jigsaw Solutions Group.

Showcased as “Where business gets done”, the inaugural event is on track to generate more than $1 million in business, and five months on we are still hearing of success stories, new collaborations and business being done, says Giblett.
“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 enquiries about the next Expo.”

Giblett says there is some uncertainty about the future direction of the economy next year and despite the surge in online marketing, the Expo is proof that face-to-face engagement with potential clients and partners remains one of the strongest ways to build new business,” says Giblett.

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 kick start 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 held in Tauranga’s best-known business events centre, 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.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to make new connections and be seen as a regional player,” says Tauranga Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Stan Gregec.

The Business Expo will also feature seminars and master classes throughout the day to motivate and inspire participants. There will be an exclusive VIP Expo Opening event with a special guest and light refreshments to kick the day off, and an Expo After 5 Networking Event for sponsors and exhibitors to continue to build relationships.

Early bird pricing is $1,999 plus GST and is available until the end of October and Exhibitors are encouraged to book early to secure their preferential stand and take advantage of opportunities available in the lead up to the Expo.

The official launch will take place on 21st August 2018.

Photo:  Angela Thomas – Director, Enterprise at KPMG at the 2018 BOP Business Expo