Fieldays sites fill fast

Exhibition sites are nearing full occupancy for the 45th New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays, even though the event is still months away.

Outdoor agribusiness sites are fully sold out and the sought-after indoor Mystery Creek Pavilion is fully subscribed. Over 97 per cent of all sites at Fieldays have been acquired by businesses keen to exhibit at New Zealand's premier agricultural and agribusiness expo and Fieldays organisers are expecting to reach capacity well ahead of previous years.

"The demand for sites at Fieldays 2013 continues to exceed expectations, reinforcing Fieldays' position as one of the world's premier agribusiness events, and a must-see for the 130,000 visitors we look forward to welcoming to Mystery Creek Events Centre in June," said Fieldays chief executive Jon Calder.

Companies exhibiting in the redesigned Premier Feature area will be showcasing the 2013 theme, Getting Down to Business in the Global Economy. The theme highlights New Zealand's unique position as an innovative agribusiness driven economy to capitalise on the growing international demand for food, protein and agricultural expertise.

In keeping with this year's international theme, there have been significant inquiries from overseas companies keen to exhibit at the event. Fieldays organisers have been contacted by Chinese delegates, several Russian exhibitors and a Canadian dairy company that will be making its first visit to exhibit in New Zealand. Fieldays' newly-formed relationship with the Agrotech Expo, held in North India's Chandigarth, will be strengthened when a delegation from India, including government ministers, attends.

With innovation as one of Fieldays' founding principles and at the heart of the event, the 2013 Innovation Centre will showcase the best industry developments and inventions; improving farming practices in New Zealand and beyond.

The competition puts inventions from New Zealand on show to the world and helps establish their success in the marketplace by educating entrants on how to take the next step to achieving commercial success.

The popular Kiwi's Best Kitchen has a prime location this year and just a few exhibitor sites remain for companies showcasing their premium, New Zealand-produced food and beverage items.

In addition to these food sites, a celebrity chef will demonstrate delicious ways to use exhibitors' premium products in the Kiwi's Best Kitchen Theatre.

New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays will be held June 12-15 at Mystery Creek Events Centre.

For more information, visit www.fieldays.co.nz.