A lot of trade exhibitors have been busy since last Friday's National Horticultural Field Day event at Showgrounds Hawke's Bay, as they have dried out, delivered gear sold at the field day and followed up sales leads post event.
Despite the terrible weather, many exhibitors reported great outcomes, said events manager Anna Hamilton, and many want to rebook trade sites and take more space for next year's event.
"We have had a lot of inquiry since Friday, with exhibitors wanting to secure their sites for next year. Some want even more space and we have had inquiry from people who missed the event this year but are keen to exhibit next year," said Ms Hamilton.
"Most people keep their cards close to their chest but we have it on good authority that it was worthwhile for many exhibitors. As someone said, if people chose to come out in that weather on Friday they were keen to buy and were there to walk the talk. You wouldn't come out in that rain without a purpose," she said.
Field day organisers are now securing the date for 2017 and expanding the outdoor trade area to make room for the increased demand for space.
"It's a very exciting time," she said. "For an event to have so much growth each year and for there to be such a positive mood in the air with people clambering for space and wanting to be part of the action, it's fantastic."