The expo is the first of a number of NZME. events planned for Northland, which includes a fashion show with NorthTec on November 28, the Northland Home Show in September 2015 and a Getting Out There expo in August 2015.
Events manager Hayley Copsey spent months travelling to expos throughout the country, encountering Northland businesses calling out for expos in their own region. "It makes sense. These expos are great for Northland businesses, from the large ones to the start-ups that need that extra push to get going," she said.
"The average couple spends between $15,000 and $20,000 on their wedding and businesses will have customers come to them, at one big event."
More than 400 tickets had been bought so far through Grab One, she said.
The expos supported local businesses, offered entertainment for the community and provided funds for local charities, as all events extended a fundraising arm.
Northland couple Caroline and Andrew Davis will renew their vows at the event on Saturday too. The event features deals, a wedding package giveaway, music and entertainment, including fashion shows and hen party fun.
The general manager of The Northern Advocate, Greg Alexander, said readers wanted more events. "Like any business you play to your strengths and look for growth opportunities. Our company has a long established successful event management history throughout the country, but not in Northland.
"We're about creating events that connect our audiences with businesses and provide solutions for both businesses and the event visitors.
"Events will be an addition to our business, as we will be offering full event services, working alongside the relevant local organisations. "We are delighted to commit to this sector to grow opportunities for our region."
The Weddings in Northland 2014 Expo runs from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, October 18 and 10am to 4pm on Sunday 19.
What is NZME.?
The company APN, which publishes the Northern Advocate, is now known as NZME. (New Zealand Media and Entertainment).
NZME. is the new trading name for the group of businesses previously operating under The Radio Network, GrabOne and APN New Zealand company names.
This move excludes Adshel which remains 50 per cent owned by APN Group and Clear Channel.
The businesses now operating under NZME. include GrabOne, TRN radio stations including NewstalkZB, RadioSport, The Hits, ZM, Flava, Hauraki, Mix 98.2, Coast, and publishing businesses such as The New Zealand Herald, regional papers such as The Northern Advocate which includes Savvy Magazine, community newspapers The Northland Age and Educational Media. None of these brand names will change. For more information, check out www.NZME.co.nz.
