Following the success of its inaugural event earlier this year, the Business Expo is looking to grow and to keep innovating for its follow-up expo on March 6 2019.

Launching next year's event at CBK on Tuesday night were Business Expo organisers and Jigsaw Solutions Group directors Sharon Giblett and Barry Brown.

'Showcased as ‘Where business gets done', the inaugural event is on track to generate more than $1 million in business,” says Sharon. 'And five months on, we are still hearing of success stories, new collaborations and business being done.”

The organisers believe the Bay of Plenty Business Expo, held this year and planned to be held next year, again at the ASB Baypark Arena, is set to become the region's premier business-to-business event.

'And we're just getting started,” says Sharon. 'We attracted businesses and visitors from across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, as well as others from throughout the North Island. And we already have bookings coming through from returning exhibitors and a strong flow of enquiries about the next Expo.”

The 2019 Expo will have a new feature in the form of the ‘Small Biz Hub'. This is an opportunity for small businesses, with three or less employees, which may not be in the position to invest in a premium exhibitor stand, to still broaden their connections across the Bay. The benefits of having a presence at the Expo is designed to enable smaller businesses to grow their brand, network, and take advantage of the seminars and masterclasses available during the day.

Stan Gregec, Tauranga Chamber of Commerce; Clare Basire, Westpac

Although the region has been enjoying strong growth, Sharon says there is some uncertainty about the future direction of the economy next year.

'Despite the surge in online marketing, the Expo is proof that face-to-face engagement with potential clients and partners remains one of the strongest ways to build new business.”

The Business Expo has been strategically timed as a regular March event, allowing businesses to get some quick wins to end the financial year and to kick-start opportunities for the year ahead at this supercharged one day event.

'Our goal is to become a key driver and platform for fostering growth in the regional economies and to be a must-attend event in the business calendar.”

The 2019 Expo will again be a one-day event held at the ASB Baypark Arena, providing opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services in a vibrant, fun environment designed specifically for the business-to-business sector.

The exhibitors will each be able to invite guests, providing a sizeable number of business connections to be made from the wider Bay of Plenty region.

'Attendees at our inaugural event describe it as a great platform to keep building and developing professional and personal relationships,” says Sharon.

'It's a fantastic opportunity to make new connections and be seen as a regional player,” says Tauranga Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Stan Gregec.

The Business Expo will also feature seminars and master classes throughout the day to motivate and inspire participants. There will be an exclusive VIP Expo Opening event with a special guest and light refreshments to kick the day off, and an Expo After-5 networking event for sponsors and exhibitors to continue to build relationships.

Early bird pricing is available until the end of October and exhibitors are encouraged to book early to secure their preferential stand and take advantage of opportunities available in the lead up to the Expo.

In addition to organising the Business Expo, Jigsaw provides solutions that maximise staff potential and business performance and specialises in business and personal financial planning, managerial recruitment, mentoring and employee growth.

Glen Whibley, Professional Painter; Michelle Beaumont, Nettl, Sharon Giblett, Jigsaw Solutions Group

Mike Bell, Think; Annie Hill, Priority One; Alan Neben, Neben Morris Media; Kirsten Murfitt, KM Law

Sharon Giblett, Jigsaw Solutions Group; Jodie Snooks, Stuff; Jolene James, Mediaworks