Article published on stuff.co.nz

Planning for the 2019 Wellington Region Business Expo is well underway but there's still time to register to exhibit.

The region's largest business event, now in its ninth year, will be held at the Lower Hutt Events Centre on May 7, from 7.30am to 6.00pm, with a special after-event for exhibitors and sponsors running until 7.30pm.

Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO, Helen Down, says the Wellington Business Expo is the showcase business event for the Greater Wellington region and a "must attend" for anyone who owns, operates or works in business in or around Wellington.

"This is the ultimate opportunity for business owners, development managers and sales managers to network and make business-to-business connections, as well as promote their businesses to thousands of potential new customers."

This annual event has attracted extremely positive feedback in previous years and is regarded as the Greater Wellington Region's premier business networking event.

The Wellington Region Business Expo connects businesses and customers and is a great way to generate leads.

This year, the expo is set to host more than 120 exhibitors, comprising a broad range of expertise and knowledge. With free entry, upwards of 2000 visitors are expected to attend, exposing exhibitors to a wide demographic of customers, leads and contacts in an open-minded environment in which fresh thoughts, ideas and relationships can take hold.

A full schedule of events and activities is planned for the day, commencing at 7.30am with a Business Breakfast with prominent New Zealand economist and financial journalist Bernard Hickey, hosted by Mediaworks. Thought provoking seminars will take place throughout the day and there will be special expo-day deals and prize draws for exhibitors and visitors.

The Wellington Region Business Expo will be held at the brand new Lower Hutt Events Centre, on Laings Road. The venue features a large, modern space for the main exhibition areas, several meeting spaces, an exhibitors' lounge and three well-equipped seminar rooms, all on one level. The large Tutaki Café is on site and the venue opens out onto the newly developed Riddiford Gardens.

Exhibition places and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Business wanting to take part in the expo are encouraged to enquire about exhibiting in what promises to be a great opportunity and a great day. Early bird pricing is available until March 31, 2019.