Trade exhibition demand puts pressure on Show

19 June 2014

Trade exhibition demand puts pressure on Show

After five years of continued growth the trade exhibition space at the Canterbury A&P Show is putting pressure on the Canterbury A&P Association to push out the fence line and expand the boundaries of the Show.

“The Canterbury Agricultural Park, which includes Nga Puna Wai, was established with the 100-year future of The Show in mind. As we grow, the time is fast approaching to make critical decisions about where we expand within the Park. Our livestock numbers remain extremely strong and with our enormous equestrian show putting ever more pressure on the internal space, it’s likely the Association will use more of the eastern end of the Park for trade exhibition growth and the south western zone for equestrian related growth,” explained Canterbury A&P Show Event Director Geoff Bone.

Trade exhibition space for the 2014 Canterbury A&P Show is now open for general release and remaining sites are booking out quickly.

“The fact we have confirmed so many exhibitors this early in the year is clear evidence demand will exceed available sites in 2014. Any business wanting a site this year is advised to contact the Association now or risk losing an opportunity to apply. We are seeing more and more international companies (often small to medium sized businesses) wanting to engage with Cantabrians and The Show is proving the best platform for them,” commented Bone.

Two new spaces were introduced in 2013 – a Home & Garden Courtyard and Food Court area – lending even more retail and dining options to showgoers. After a hugely successful first year, both areas will return in 2014. These new spaces and other feature areas including the Food & Wine New Zealand Pavilion and Trade & Feature Pavilion are expected to reach capacity by the end of June with unprecedented high demand also experienced for outside trade sites.

This year’s 152nd Canterbury A&P Show will be held Wednesday 12 to Friday 14 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park in Christchurch. It is the largest A&P Show in the country attracting 100,000 people, close to 7000 livestock and feature competition entries and 600 trade exhibitors.

ENDS

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