28th Waikato Home & Garden Show a win win for exhibitors and visitors

The 2012 Waikato Home & Garden show was a resounding success according to visitor and exhibitor feedback. More than 33,400 visitors from Auckland, Taranaki, the Bay of Plenty and throughout the Waikato attended the Show. Visitor comment confirmed a renewed commitment to investing in and protecting their most important asset which was evidenced by an outstanding level of enquiry from those renovating, building and undertaking extensive projects inside and outside their homes.

This year's event was the largest Show in its 28 year history, with more than 400 exhibitors. Visitor surveys recorded visitors from Taranaki, Taupo, Bay of Plenty, Southern Auckland and of course from throughout the Waikato.

Graham Hannah said visitor numbers and feedback from exhibitors reflected recent data on national spending trends putting Waikato ahead in DIY and renovation.

“ There was a positive uplift in visitor's renewed interest in renovating, decorating, furnishing and building new homes over the four days with an increase of 1200 visitors over the 2011 Show.”

He said the four new seminar areas providing free seminars on all aspects of design, colour, cooking & gardening proved hugely popular and visitor satisfaction surveys and exhibitors feedback enthusiastically confirmed this year's show was one of the best ever he said.

Some exhibitors were freighting in additional supplies during the Show as stock sold out including 100% Nutz Natural Peanut Butter after selling nearly 1000 pottles of the NZ made spread.

“Apart from having to send for more stock it was a fantastic opportunity to get in front of a great crowd and educate people about the product. The Show had a great atmosphere too – I couldn't fault it,” said owner Paul Jolly.

Also grateful for the chance to get in front of the crowd was Richard Boobyer. Fresh from his success on The Block, Richard chose to launch his landscape design business, Richard Landscape Concepts at the event and was delighted to have bookings under his belt by day one of the Show.

As the Show wrapped up, the People's Choice awards were revealed.

The NZ Landscape Design Awards public choice was Richard Landscape Concepts – Richard Boobyer and the NZ Interior Design Awards public choice was Rooms Furniture & Design – Paula Hassard.

The Best Stand Award was awarded to APL & Origin Windows.

As the 400 plus exhibitors began the job of dismantling their exhibitions, Graham Hannah commended them on the quality of their exhibitions.

“In a changing environment our event has maintained its position as the country's leading consumer event . In doing so the event is contributing significantly to the local economy and providing businesses with a unique opportunity present new an existing products and services in a way no other sales method can”, he said.

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