Exhibitor List Workshop Programme
Around 450 business people attended the Technology for Smarter Business expo in Tauranga on 27 May. Organised by economic development agency, Priority One, and the Western Bay of Plenty ICT Cluster, the expo showcased the innovative technology solutions available right here in the Bay. All stands had a strong focus on products and services that can increase productivity and maximise business potential.
In addition, a programme of workshops were held throughout the afternoon covering issues such as financing technology solutions, the future of technology with Microsoft, the new XT mobile network, why Open Source software is a smart business move, and business threats in the Internet age.
The expo particularly targeted local companies that currently access goods and services from outside the region to encourage them to give local suppliers a chance to provide the same.
This is the second year the expo has been held in Tauranga and organisers were delighted with the response from both exhibitors and the business people that attended. Andrew Coker, Chief Executive of Priority One, said “I think the strong turnout by over 400 representatives from our business community was an indication of the faith they have in the quality of the IT sector in the Bay. It was also great to see businesses recognising the potential competitive and productivity advantages that new technology and high performing technology businesses will bring to their own areas of activity.”
Information and communications technology is an integral part of the New Zealand economy, contributing $6.2 billion, or 5.1%, to GDP. The ICT sector offers a high-value opportunity to help grow the New Zealand economy as a key enabler and driver of productivity in the economy as well as providing links in global value chains. It has been identified as a key sector in New Zealand’s wellbeing because of its ability to lift productivity and its status as a powerhouse of economic growth in its own right, creating high value revenue opportunities.
