There has been a marked increase in the number of companies wanting to exhibit in the 2010 Otago Home Show in February, with more than 100 already signed up.
Organiser George Owen said the economic downturn had stimulated promotional activity following a "quieter than normal winter" but economic "green shoots" had prompted interest in exhibiting next year.
"This year we have seen a marked increase in local businesses committing to the show, for the first time in years," Mr Owen said.
The three-day show, at the Edgar Centre, has seen space expanded from covering three tennis courts to more than five courts this year and is expected to attract between 8000 and 15,000 visitors.
Mr Owen said the economy had been buoyant for so long before the recession that promotional activities "had taken a back seat", but that appeared to have changed this year.
"Over half the exhibitors come from outside Dunedin, with one national company shipping in stock by the container to promote their new Dunedin store, which is opening next year," he said.
He predicted business numbers would be up 20%-30% for 2010, with about 120 companies taking part in the annual event.
