Wellington businesses keen for a share of the city’s $100million conference and events market should sign up to ‘show off’ at the capital’s new look conference and events expo, Show Me Wellington.

Positively Wellington Venues CEO Glenys Coughlan says the revamped event – formerly known as the Wellington Conference and Events Expo – is the capital’s biggest opportunity to showcase itself to the lucrative conference, incentive and events market. And this year’s event will offer local exhibitors more opportunities than ever.

“Show Me Wellington will show off everything Wellington has to offer as a host city. It’ll be creative, dynamic, and distinctly Wellington. We’re planning on wowing event and conference organisers by giving them their own truly memorable Wellington experience and showing the rest of New Zealand what makes Wellington the coolest little capital for conferences, events and exhibitions.”

Ms Coughlan says around 100 top quality local exhibitors – from venues, accommodation providers, tour operators, food and beverage businesses to retailers and tourism attractions - are being sought for the event, to take place at the TSB Bank Arena on 18 July.

“Wellington is overwhelmed with dynamic companies that collectively make the capital one of New Zealand’s most special event locations. We’re expecting strong demand from local businesses keen to be involved.”

Natasha Lampard from online registration management tool Lil Regie Ltd, says the event will mark the company’s first foray into the national event management market.

“We’re really excited about using Show Me Wellington to officially launch after a period of establishing ourselves locally.  We’re told that if events is what you do, this is the place to be - so we’ll be making the most of the opportunity to chat to and learn from fellow exhibitors, and event organisers attending.”

“We’re delighted to be - along with other local businesses – showing off Wellington and everything it has to offer as an event destination.”

Positively Wellington Tourism CEO David Perks says the new direction PWV is heading in, perfectly reflects the successful brand and reputation Wellington has built for itself.

“The conventions market is performing very well for the capital, but other centres have really lifted their game so we need to keep competing, promoting and refining. We look forward to working with the venues team to help promote the best of Wellington to the business market.”
Around 700 event organisers from around New Zealand are – along with some hand picked events industry influencers from Australia – expected to attend the event.

Wellington businesses interested in showing what they have to offer should visit www.pwv.co.nz and click on Show Me Wellington. Registrations close Wednesday 6 June 2012.