Despite international economic uncertainty, the Canterbury earthquakes and a change in dates to accommodate the Rugby World Cup, the mood at this month’s JWNZ Trade fair in Auckland was “cheerful”.
Roland Plank, chairman of the fair’s organising committee, said visitor numbers were on a par with last year and “trading for most was robust”.
“The Canterbury earthquakes did have a small effect on exhibitor numbers,” he said.
“It has been an especially tough year for our Canterbury members, with many businesses in the central business district destroyed by the quakes.
“We held the exhibitor spaces for as long as we could, but several of the usual participants were obviously hit too hard and were unable to make the trip north.
“We will, however, hold their positions open for next year and look forward to seeing them again.”
JWNZ President Steve Crout added that the atmosphere at the Fair was very relaxed and friendly.
“There was no feeling of pressure,” she said.
“It was, as always, a good time for business and to make contacts.
“Some exhibitors said they started off thinking August might be too early in the year to hold a trade fair, but by the days’ end had decided it wasn’t a bad idea and were quite comfortable with the timing.”
The dates and venue for next year’s JWNZ Trade Fair will be announced later this year.