PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Small Business Expo Bigger And Better Than Ever
Auckland, 11 April 2006 – With one month to go until the opening of the Small Business Expo, the largest event for small
business in New Zealand, organisers say that with over 170 exhibitors and an extra hall of exhibition space, it promises
to be the best one-stop shop ever for business owners.
Including many new features such as Vodafone’s Business Mentoring, the Vero Business Support Zone and Te Puni Korkiri’s
Business Development Zone, as well as a fantastic line-up of outstanding speakers at the free Microsoft Seminar Series,
the Small Business Expo has something of interest for all business owners from marketing advice through to getting the
best tips on the latest technology for the office.
Sarah Trotman, Small Business Sector Specialist, founder and organiser of the Small Business Expo, says that the bigger
range of exhibitors across 270 sites, and new features on display over the three days of the event means lots more to do
and see.
“Business owners should definitely take some time out to attend the Small Business Expo between May 10 and 12, because
in many cases it’ll be the best investment they ever make. With a late night on Thursday 11 May it’s even easier for
business owners to attend until 8pm. From free seminars and services the Expo event is crammed with things to empower
owners to operate more efficiently from technology to accounting, as well as find any form of support they may need all
under one roof,” says Trotman.
Trotman says that many of the businesses exhibiting at the Small Business Expo play a vital role in supporting the SME
sector, so it is appropriate some of these are also finalists in the Vero Excellence In Business Support Awards.
“The winners of the Vero Excellence In Business Support Awards will be announced at a black tie dinner for 400 guests
and business influencers at the Expo on Thursday May 11. It will be very exciting to see who is successful in each of
the 10 distinct categories as well as the overall winner, which was the Open Polytechnic in 2005. Winners are recognised
around New Zealand as the Vero Awards are a real benchmark and the epitome of business success.”
The importance of the Small Business Expo and the SME sector is also underscored by the fact that several senior
government Ministers will attend and participate at the event including the Minister of Technology, David Cunliffe and
the Minister for Small Business Lianne Dalziel.
“We are delighted that the Minister of Technology, David Cunliffe, will open the special technology morning at the
Microsoft Seminar Series on Friday May 12.”
Tickets to the 2006 Small Business Expo are now available online at www.businessexpo.co.nz. The admission price of $20
is valid for all three days of the Small Business Expo and includes access to free events such as the Microsoft Seminar
Series and Vodafone Business Mentoring. Attendees need to pre-register at www.businessexpo.co.nz to ensure a place and
see a full list of over 40 speakers at the Microsoft Seminar Series.
ENDS