Thursday 14th - Sunday 17th May 2026
Auckland Showgrounds
WELCOME TO THE HUTCHWILCO NZ BOAT SHOW 2026
“Welcome to the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show 2026 our special 70th anniversary year!
We’re thrilled to have you join us for this milestone event. For seven decades, the show has come to life thanks to passionate exhibitors like you, and we truly appreciate the energy, expertise and creativity you bring. Whether you’re unveiling new releases or showcasing trusted favourites, you play an essential role in what makes this show so iconic
This Exhibitor Manual contains all the key information you’ll need for a smooth and successful experience. Taking a moment to read through it will help ensure everything runs seamlessly
We’re excited to have you on board and can’t wait to see your stand come together at this landmark 70th celebration!”
- Helen Kay, General Manager
Key Contacts
Operations Manager
Chloé Monnier 021 202 1605 chloe@xpo.co.nz
Sales Manager
Carmel Jones 027 494 0699 carmel@xpo.co.nz
Head of Marketing - Consumer
Samantha Linn 021 158 8995 sam@xpo.co.nz
Sales Manager
Donna WInders 022 302 2052 donna@xpo.co.nz
All boats on display and for sale must be new and cannot be demo or second-hand boats.
All products on sale must be on your stand i.e. not in the carpark or trailer park.
The Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show is one of 18 events run by XPO Exhibitions LTD. We provide effective, dynamic event platforms that allows your brand to connect and grow.
1. SHOW INFORMATION
CONTENTS
PACK IN/OUT & SHOW HOURS
EXHIBITOR FUNCTION
DELIVERY / FREIGHT PICK UP
BOAT AND TRAILER ACCESS
DELIVERIES AND FREIGHT PICKUP
2. VENUE
MAP
PARKING - TRAILER AND BOAT
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
SECURITY
CATERING, EXHIBITOR LOUNGE & BAR
3. KEY SUPPLIERS AND ORDER FORMS
4. YOUR EXHIBITION STAND
STAND TYPE AND SERVICES
FLOORPLAN
INTERNAL MEASUREMENT
PANEL
FLOORING
POWER AND LIGHTING
AISLES
5. STAND DESIGN
DESIGN AND BUILD
HEIGHT & STAND STRUCTURE
REGULATIONS
SIGNAGE
MATERIALS, FABRIC & CEILING
CANOPIES AND DRAPES
HANGING BANNERS
PLANT HIRE
6. SHOW READY
EXHIBITOR
DISCOUNTED VISITOR TICKETS
STORAGE
FORKLIFTS AND TROLLEYS
PLUMBING
WASH STATIONS
INTERNET
CLEANING & WASTE MANAGEMENT
LIQUOR LICENCE AND ALCOHOL
SAMPLING
FOOD SAMPLING
7. MARKETING
EXHIBITOR LISTING SHOWGUIDE
MARKETING PACKAGES
ADVERTISEMENTS / WEBSITE
LISTING
SCAM WARNING
8. LUP - LEAD CAPTURE
9. HEALTH AND SAFETY
FIRE & EVACUATION PROCESS
FIRE REGULATIONS
GAS USE
BOATS & VEHICLES
WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
H&S INDUCTION
FIRST AID
TEST & TAG
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE
SCAFFOLDING & PLATFORMS
DRONES
10. ACCOMMODATION
1.1 PACK IN
SHOW INFORMATION 1. SHOW INFORMATION
Tuesday 12th May 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 13th May 8am - 7pm
1.2 SHOW HOURS
Thursday 14th May 10am - 6pm
Friday 15th May 10am - 6pm
Friday - Exhibitor Function 6pm - 10pm
Saturday 16th May 10am - 6pm
Sunday 17th May 10am - 5pm
1.3 PACK OUT
Sunday 17th May 5.15pm - 8pm
Monday 18th May 7am - 7pm
SHOW INFORMATION 1. SHOW INFORMATION
1.5 Boat and Trailer Access
If you’re having a boat and/or trailer delivered, please be aware that a strict access plan will be circulated closer to the event. This will ensure all exhibitors can access their stands and entry is not obstructed A form will be sent out prior, so please ensure you fill it out in due time.
Auckland Showgrounds
217 Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland 1051
2. VENUE 2. VENUE
2. VENUE 2. VENUE
Fernz Catering Exhibitor Account Set Up Form
3. KEY SUPPLIERS
Carpet, Furniture and Wall Panels
Exhibition Hire Services (EHS)
Julia Sandiforth - julia@exhibitionhire.co.nz / exhibitionhire.co.nz
Power and Lighting / Hanging Banners
Show Light & Power (SLP)
Shaun Dalgetty - 09 822 5100 - s dalgetty@showlight co nz / showlight co nz
ORDER FORM
Livewire AV
Simon Meades - 022 639 0985 - info@livewireav.co.nz / livewireav.co.nz
Catering
Fernz Catering
Andrew Blake – andrew@fernzcatering.co.nz / fernzcatering.co.nz
FORM
Design and Build Stands
(All plans must be submitted via your operational form before production)
Exhibition Hire Services (preferred supplier)
Julia Sandiforth - julia@exhibitionhire.co.nz / exhibitionhire.co.nz
Stand Out Design
Joe Downing - 64 27 597 0090 - joe@standoutdesign.co.nz / standoutdesign.co.nz
Exhibit Group
Brittany Jenks - 027 570 6989 - Info@exhibit.co.nz / Exhibit.co.nz
Audio Visual AV ORDER FORM CATERING FORM
3. KEY SUPPLIERS
EFTPOS
Shift4
Ashley Kohlhase - 09 442 7768 - ashley.kohlhase@shift4.com / shift4.com
Exhibition
Support Services
The Events Agency
The Events Agency can help elevate your show presence through strategic execution, creative booth design, and impactful marketing. Their goal is to ensure that your stand isn’t just seen it’s remembered.
Matt Reilly - 022 2484 3178 - matt@theeventsagency co nz / Theeventsagency co nz
Freight
Sneddens Global Logistics
0800 7633 33 - info@sneddens.co.nz / sneddens.co.nz
Internet
Skopik
Jan Hansen - 027 223 7645 - jan.hansen@skopik.co.nz / skopik.nz
INTERNET ORDER FORM
Lead Scanner
LUP
help@lup.events / lup.events
3. KEY SUPPLIERS
Marine Detailer
Marine Detailing Company
Harry - 021 175 8174 - harry@marinedetailingcompany.co.nz / marinedetailingcompany.co.nz
Merchandising & Display Systems
Plankwall Merchandising & Display Systems
Show your full product range - adapt your displays for every show. Plankwall® modular display systems include freestanding slatwall panels, towers, plinths, shelves, sign holders e& hanging attachments. Own your own display system to reconfigure and reuse across trade shows, showrooms and retail. NZ made. Flat-packed for easy transport and assembly.
Katie Jacobs - 09 272 9990 - katie@plankline.co.nz / plankwall.co.nz
Plant Hire
Hire Plants
09 828 6876 - info@hireplants.com / hireplants.com
Signage and Graphics
Display Works (Prefered Supplier)
03 338 4197 - enquiries@displayworks.co.nz / displayworks.co.nz
Benefitz
Blake Douglas - 021 876 987 - blake@benefitz.co.nz / benefitz.co.nz
Water Coolers
Sparkling Spring
Stan Likovs - 021 271 3712 - stan@sparklingspring.co.nz / sparklingspring.co.nz
3. KEY SUPPLIERS
3. KEY SUPPLIERS
to attach any signage, please ensure it can be removed without leaving a mark For any additional information regarding your booked marquee, please contact our Operations
4. Your Exhibition Stand
If you want to order a marquee on your stand, please contact your Sales Manager
If you are using your own marquee, it must be exhibition quality and securely weight strong winds.What will be on
your stand
4.2 Floor Plan
The floor plan may change between the time of your booking and the staging of the event. The latest floor plan can be obtained by contacting the Operations Team.
Please make sure you give the most updated plans to your contractors.
4. YOUR EXHIBITION STAND
4.4 Panel
Panels are covered with velcro-receptive material and are 2.3m high. Hall 4 Kai Collective, Tech Zone side panels are half height (1.2m).
Velcro is the best way to attach items – you will only need the hook (rough) side. Velcro hook and loop will be available for purchase from the Show Information desk.
Thumbtacks are also acceptable but must be removed at the end of the event. Nails, screws, painting or permanent marking of the panels is not permitted.
Any damage may be charged to the exhibitor. Panels may only be moved by EHS. Avoid exerting excessive pressure on the panels to prevent them from leaning and posing a safety risk If you need additional panels for storage or other purposes, please arrange this directly with EHS (this will come at a cost).
Please note: Panel height is 2.3m high, please do not have signage exceeding this height without prior approval from the operations manager.
PANEL ORDER FORM
4. YOUR EXHIBITION STAND
4.6 Power and Lighting
Your stand may include an allocation of power and lighting based on your stand size. Please check your contract to confirm the number of lights and power included. Additional power and/or lighting is available to order through Show Light & Power.
Power and Lighting Order Form
4.7 Aisles
It is imperative that exhibitors (includes staff, signage, furniture, etc) keep within their contracted area and do not encroach on the aisle space. Exits and emergency equipment (including power boxes on the walls above stands) must not be obstructed. During pack in and pack out please ensure aisles are left clear of all debris to allow forklifts, emergency vehicles and other contractor vehicles a clear passage.
Carpet Order Form
5. Stand Design
To maximise the potential of your experience at the show, we recommend making your stand visually appealing and inviting for visitors.
5.1 Design & Build
A design and build stand is one that is designed and built by another company, that needs to be specially constructed and installed for the exhibition. If you plan to have a design and build stand please contact the Operations Manager with your plans for approval before production.
For Design and Build supplier recommendations, please refer to page 8.
5.2 Height & Stand Structure
The stand panel height is 2.3m. For structures exceeding this, you must discuss your plans with the Operations Manager as permission from neighboring stands is required. If permission is not obtained before the event, XPO Exhibitions may require adjustments to comply with the 2.3m height limit.
5.3 Signage
Effective signage is crucial for ensuring your brand stands out in a crowded exhibition hall. It not only helps to capture the attention of our visitors, but guides them towards your stand.
For signage supplier recommendations, please refer to page 10.
5. STAND DESIGN
5.5 Hanging Banners and Lighting
For hanging signage and additional specialised lighting, contact Show Light & Power. Note that heights and rigging requirements vary by hall, affecting pricing. Banners or signage must be at least 1m within your stand boundaries. Prior approval from the Operations Manager is required.
5.6 Plant Hire
Including plants in your stand design can help improve your stand presence. Hire Plants offer a wide range of modern indoor plants. Please contact info@hireplants.co.nz for further information.
6. Show Ready
Please note: exhibitor badges will not be distributed unless full payment has been recei XPO Exhibitions.
Book your additional badges using the online Operational Form – this can be located on exhibitor dashboard under the label OPERATIONAL FORM.
6. SHOW READY
6. SHOW READY
6.5 Trolleys
We have a limited quantity of flat-deck and hand trolleys available for exhibitor use during pack in and pack out, therefore, we recommend bringing your own Trolleys will be kept in the main foyer when they are not in use by other exhibitors.
6.6 Plumbing
If you require water or plumbing to your stand, please contact the Operations Manager to discuss your requirements. We recommend any plumbing be arranged through Jeffries Plumbing as they are familiar with the layout at the Auckland Showgrounds and where water outlets are located.
6.7 Wash Stations
There will be a wash station with hot and cold running water located at the back of Hall 4 for Kai Collective exhibitors to clean their dishes. It is important that no fats or solids are put down the drains. See the floorplan for an exact location.
6.8 Internet
Limited wireless internet coverage is available free of charge to all exhibitors at the event. This will enable basic access to emails/internet browsing from your laptop or smart phone device. Please enquire at the event Information desk for the password. Alternatively, for a more secure and faster connection, a dedicated paid internet connection can be ordered for your stand by contacting Skopik.
6.9 Cleaning
Cleaners will vacuum your stand every night during event days as well as after pack in (floors will be vacuumed on the last night of pack in ready for event opening). If you do not require this service, please contact the Operations Manager.
6. SHOW READY
6.11 Liquor Licence and Alcohol Sampling
Those companies that have been approved to offer samples and/or sell alcohol will be sent specific licencing and sampling requirements by our operations team. We have a limit on the amount of alcohol permitted in the show. If you have not been approved to sell or sample alcohol it is not permitted on your stand.
7. MARKETING
7.1 Free Exhibitor Listing in Showguide
As an Exhibitor, you have the opportunity to feature one FREE complimentary listing in the official Showguide and website that provides information on your location along with a brief sentence or two detailing your products and services on offer. You will be sent a login to the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show website to submit your listing. The showguide is published by NZ Fishing News. For advertising opportunities for exhibitors only contact Josh at advertising@nzfishingnews.co.nz.
14 - 17 May 2026
7.4 SCAM Warning
Attendee Lists Scam – we have noticed a lot more scammers approaching exhibitors over recent years offering to sell attendee/visitor lists to our events. This is a SCAM and we do not recommend engaging in any way. XPO Exhibitions do not on-sell our attendee data to any other party – therefore the Attendees List being offered is NOT legit.
8. LUP - Lead Capture
Ticketing Tech and Data Collection Made Easy
XPO is proudly partnered with LUP technology for online ticket purchases, providing easy digital entry to the grand prize draw, but most importantly, giving exhibitors the opportunity to use scanning technology to build a database, capture leads and qualify key buyers.
Easy to use
Scan an entry ticket to receive the visitor contact details
Ability to attach follow up notes Download and follow-up
Collate sales and measure ROI!
It’s paperless, easy and instant!
If data collection and qualifying leads is important to you - it’s a no brainer.
To order the LUP system, please fill out the form below.
9. HEALTH & SAFETY
9.1 Health and Safety Induction
All people onsite during pack in will be required to complete a health and safety induction to be permitted entry to the venue You will receive an email link closer to the show with instructions on how to complete this.
XPO Exhibitions is committed to ensuring that our exhibitions are a safe environment for our staff, exhibitors, contractors and visitors. XPO Exhibitions considers that accidents, injuries and incidents can be prevented through appropriate management and planning, and we have developed policies and procedures that aim to protect the health and safety of all. Click here to view XPO’s full Health & Safety policy We encourage all exhibitors to review and understand their obligations under this policy.
9.2 Fire & Evacuation Process
At the sound of the fire alarm, please leave immediately by the nearest exit and proceed to an area well clear of buildings. Remain outside the building until the ‘All Clear’ sign is given. Follow the instructions of security staff and venue supervisors.
9.3 Fire Regulations
Any materials used for the construction of your stand or display must adhere to the following minimum standards:
Non-combustible and inherently non-flammable material
Durable, flame-proof fabric
Self-extinguishing plastic
Plywood, hardwood or fibreboard rendered flame-resistant by a process of impregnation acceptable to the authorities.
Fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment must at all times be visible and accessible, and must not be removed from its correct location.
9.4 Gas Use
If you intend on using gas or gas cylinders at the event you must discuss your plans with our Operations Manager as soon as possible. This includes, but is not limited to; cooking equipment, candles, heaters and barbecues.
All gas-fuelled appliances must be installed and tested for leaks by a licensed gas fitter before they are used. Gas cylinders, exposed gas pipes and all connections to the cylinder must be always protected from damage.
All gas bottles must be turned off overnight and disconnected to mitigate potential hazards
9. HEALTH & SAFETY
9.6 Weight Restrictions
At the Boat Show, the weight of the boat must be balanced with the size and strength of the wheels to prevent damage to the floor. If the wheels are too small, the boat’s weight won’t be evenly distributed, which could cause the floor to crack or collapse. Choosing wheels that can properly support and spread the load, ensures stability and safety If you have any concerns please get in contact with our operations team and we can provide more information.
9.8 Boat Hand Rails
It’s important to have handrails on the stairs leading to the viewing platforms at the boat show to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Handrails provide stability, especially when surfaces may be wet, and help ensure the safety and accessibility of all visitors.
9. HEALTH & SAFETY
9.9 Test and Tag
It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to ensure that ALL power leads and cords are tested and tagged by a registered electrician Jim’s Test & Tag will be onsite during pack in to assist with any test and tag requirements. Please see us at the Show Information desk if you require this service. Jim’s Test & Tag will charge exhibitors directly.
9.11 Scaffolding and Platforms
All scaffolding must conform to the Department of Labor heavy scaffolding standards. Handrails are required on all stairs that are over five risers high. One riser is approximately 180mm. An extra 1-2 rails are required under the handrail on platforms, stepping in planking must be tapered to prevent tripping.
9.12 Drones and Other Devices
The use of drones, skateboards, scooters, segways, electrical skateboards, bicycles, remote controlled toys, and other such devices are strictly prohibited. If you require these on your stand for demonstration purposes, please contact the Operations Manager to discuss how you plan to use the device, and the safety measures you will take.
10. ACCOMMODATION & XPO
10.1 ACCOMMODATION
For the best available hotel rates near Auckland Showgrounds, we recommend using the event Hotelmap
On behalf of the whole team here at XPO Exhibitions, we wish you a very successful show! If you have any further questions, please contact us at operations@xpo.co.nz.
XPO Shows
XPO owns and organises 18 of New Zealand’s largest and longest running exhibitions. We provide effective, dynamic event platforms that amplify your brands.
