Planning for next year’s Forest and Wood Industries Expo has stepped up a notch, with bookings opening this Thursday 1 July, 2010, for the 2011 New Zealand Forest Industries Expo.

Held every four years, the NZ Forest Industries Expo (or FI2011) will be held in Rotorua from 5 to 7 September, 2011, making the most of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

 The Expo will also be part of a national Forestry and Wood Industries Festival, with a number of other events planned to complement the Expo during the build up to Rugby World Cup.

 Event organiser, Dell Bawden, says members of the forestry industry from around the world will gather in Rotorua for FI2011, taking advantage of combining the Expo with other Festival activities, as well as a few games of rugby.

 “The Rugby World Cup provides us with the opportunity to showcase our forestry sector on a global stage, and the Expo is an important part of that. The New Zealand Forestry and Wood Processing Festival will be the single biggest opportunity for the forestry industry to demonstrate their expertise, technology and products, and to reach new markets and grow the sector.

 “If you are part of the forestry sector and you are focused on growing your business, you won’t want to miss being part of FI2011.”

 Dell says the Expo will cover every aspect of the forestry industries sector from plant to market, and everything from genetics and growing, to harvesting, processing, design, manufacturing, technology workshops and links to domestic and international markets.

 Traditionally held at the Rotorua Racecourse, this is the first time FI2011 will be held at Rotorua’s new Energy Events Centre.

 “The newly finished Energy Events Centre is purpose-built, which will better accommodate both exhibits and heavy machinery alike. Heavy machinery such as the latest logging gear, trucks and sawmilling equipment will have plenty of room on the car park area and the Government Gardens Golf Driving range which is right next door.”

 Dell says she has already strong interest from exhibitors.

 “There are only a handful of specific, dedicated forestry exhibition events worldwide, and FI2011 attracts exhibitors and visitors from around the world.”

 For further information about FI2011, or to reserve your space, check out www.forestevents.co.nz or contact Dell Bawden on +64 7 362 7865.