Trade-fair exhibitor attacks organisers

Press, 9 October 1978, Page 1

Trade-fair exhibitor attacks organisers

NZPA Los Angeles More than 600 buyers trekked through the New Zealand Trade Exhibition during its second day, a 50 per cent improvement on the first day. However, the stream of visitors, some with order books open, was not enough for some New Zealand businessmen. Mr Max Carter, the managing director of Yachtspars (N.Z.), Ltd, of Auckland strongly criticised the show organisation.

“This is a complete waste of time,” he said. “I would have done better coming to North America on my own rather than taking so-called help from the Government.” Mr Carter said that he

had telephoned his company’s chairman, Mr Tony Bouzaid, in Auckland to ask him to complain to members of Parliament about what he said was lack of promotion by the Department of Trade and Industry and trade commissioners in Los Angeles. “It is a farce, I would not mind if people were coming in and deciding my products were not good, but buyers are not. coming,” he said. Mr Carter said that checks he had made since arriving in Los Angeles had indicated that no-one in the boating world was even aware of the New Zealand show. “I am confident I have a good competitive product, but I’made a mistake relying on public servants for help.” he said.

However, trade and in dustry officials have re jected Mr Carter’s asser tions.

A Los Angeles trade commissioner, Mr .1. Spanjaard, said that preshow publicity had been handled by American public relations and advertising firms, “and they have done a first-rate job.”

“Most of the people here are satisfied, but where an exhibitor is not getting much response we will make extra efforts to get buyers in on succeeding days.” A few other companies have expressed criticism of the show’s organisation and promotion, but the majority of New Zealanders on more than 100 stands were happy with the results after two days.