Major brands target MyBiz Expo

Increasing SME business profitability is the name of the game this month, with an enviable list of major exhibitors showcasing their latest products, best deals and biggest promotions at the inaugural MyBiz Expo, ASB Showgrounds this Sunday October 14 to Tuesday October 16.

Some of the country’s biggest companies and services including Microsoft, NEC, Hewlett Packard, HP, Contact Energy, Meridian and TVNZ will be onsite at MyBiz to provide product, services and support for the many small and medium business enterprises (SMEs) that underpin the national economy. 

New technology is key at MyBiz Expo this year, with many exhibitors focusing on how ‘cloud computing’, online tools and social media are changing the way we do business and offering improved opportunities for SMEs.

Industry frontrunner Microsoft is a notable inclusion, offering a unique opportunity to get hand-on experience with the much-anticipated Windows 8 and brand new Office products.

Technology powerhouse NEC is also at MyBiz, giving SMEs the opportunity to interactively view technology looking to shape the next 50 years, as well as the chance to meet the cutest robot in the world: PaPeRo. Also bringing the best in technology to the game will be Hewlett Packard, Dell Computers, Konica Minolta and Canon NZ.

It’s not all about state of the art technology however, with numerous services and experts on hand throughout the expo to give invaluable advice.

One such service can be found at the “Business Growth Corner” hosted by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd (ATEED). SMEs have the unique opportunity to meet powerful mentors and business associations designed to help them achieve their full growth potential. The “Growth Corner” line-up includes the Auckland Chamber of Commerce as well as representatives from Business Dominoes – providing intensive growth and investment skills programs for business owners, as well as Business Mentors New Zealand. For those wanting to enter the export market, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise will provide advice, and Auckland Council’s program Resilient Business encourages businesses to be resilient in event of disaster or other unforeseen circumstances. 

Also at the “Business Growth Corner” will be the EMA, which provides skills and learning programs, networks and business support, and IRL for research and development support. The Icehouse will present its programs specifically for owner-managers and entrepreneurs and finally ATEED, NZTE’s regional partner, will qualify business owners and  handout ‘vouchers’ for businesses to engage provider professional advice and services.

Price and service comparison is a key part of MyBiz Expo. Examples of this include power companies, with Contact and Meridian Energy showcasing their best deals and promotions. Meridian Energy will be using the time to educate SMEs on its unique power consumption offer, as well as giving away a full Working Style suit worth $1500. 

Contact Energy will also have its best deals on offer as well as a $1000 account credit to any SME that signs up.

As a major partner of the expo TVNZ plans to ignite engagement with a fully interactive stand, illustrating that television advertising doesn’t have to be unaffordable and how advertisers with a range of budgets have solved their business problems. SMEs can also spin the ‘Wheel That Makes You a Fortune' for a chance to win $20,000 worth of advertising airtime. 

Whatever the business need, SME owners will find the best deals on offer at MyBiz Expo, from travel with Air New Zealand and Corporate Traveller, insurance solutions with Sovereign to real estate with Bayleys and everything in between.

Registration for SMEs is free provided that they pre-register. To register and for a full list of exhibitors and seminar schedule, visit the website www.mybizexpo.co.nz.