Events a powerful tool for building business, says Women's Lifestyle Expo organiser

NZME's regional event director, Renee Murray, (centre) at an expo in Hawkes Bay. Photo / File

While social media and print and radio marketing works wonders for a business, the organisers of Northland's major expos say the events remain a powerful tool for building business.

The two-day Women's Lifestyle Expo is in its third year and kicks off at ASB Stadium in Whangarei on Saturday, August 4. NZME's regional event director, Renee Murray, said that almost all of the 100 stalls are booked out.

"The expo is a highlight on the social calendar for Northland women – and we find that women go with mothers, daughters and friends. We got about 7000 people through last year, which is incredible exposure for any business."

She said the expo was a powerful event for businesses as women were main market drivers.

Cathy Holman of Whangarei checks out her new lashes at the 2016 Women's Lifestyle Expo, Kensington Stadium. Photo / File

"Women make the buying decisions, whether for skincare, travel or cars – it's women doing the buying," said Murray.

The event this year features everything from food and wine to fashion, beauty, art and community organisations.

"We also have NZ Police this year who will be looking to recruit some women."

She said NZME was delighted to have health campaigns on board too, such as those working to increase awareness around breast cancer and women's health.

"While social media and print advertising is all vital an expo allows passionate business owners and exhibitors to meet their customers face to face. They also allow them to engage all of their senses when being introduced to products or services," she said.

Rodney Brien from Stuff Made From Wood, based in Ruakaka, at last year's Expo held at ASB Stadium.

"Customers can touch and smell products, they can talk to the product owners and creators."

Expos, she said, also allowed for businesses to take advantage of opportunities to build databases, sell products, meet their clients and customers and build their business.

The event team, previously run as Peacock Promotions with 20 years of experience in event management, was bought by media group NZME three years ago and is run out of Palmerston North, now running 14 NZME shows throughout New Zealand each year.

"We are also organising the Northland Home Show for the first time this year and have just five stalls left to sell out of the 140 exhibitor stands."

The Home Show runs from September 28 to 30 and had 10,000 visitors last year.

Murray said stallholders for both shows could get in touch by emailing info@expos.co.nz.