The business
BOP Event + Expo Hire provides the physical backbone of conferences, trade shows, expos and events across the central North Island. From its base in Rotorua, the team designs and builds exhibition stands and supplies panels, flooring, furniture, signage and graphics, power, lighting and audio-visual equipment — the full kit needed to turn an empty venue into a working event.
The business was founded by industry veterans James Mollison and John Culpitt, each bringing more than 25 years of exhibition experience, to give the region a dedicated, quality-focused exhibition services provider. It has since become a go-to partner for event organisers, venues and exhibitors across the Bay of Plenty.
Why Celsian invested
- A strong regional position — an established name with long-standing relationships with venues, organisers and exhibitors.
- Recurring event calendar — conferences, trade shows and expos that return year after year.
- A founder succession opportunity — an experienced team and hard-won know-how worth protecting.
- Room to grow — through better systems, broader services and reach into neighbouring regions.
What we're doing
Tom Howard stepped in as Managing Director, leading the business day to day. The focus is on protecting the reputation and relationships that made BOP Event + Expo Hire successful, while modernising how the business runs:
- Upgrading financial reporting and cash-flow planning, with board-level governance from Celsian's investment partners.
- Streamlining event operations — quoting, run sheets, picking lists and delivery logistics — so the team can deliver more events with less friction.
- Refreshing the brand and customer experience, including dedicated event pages for exhibitors.
- Growing the event calendar and exploring complementary services and bolt-on opportunities.
"The founders built something the region relies on. Our job is to protect that — and give it the systems and energy to grow for the next twenty years."
— Tom Howard, Managing Director