International Floriculture Expo 2014 hosts 113+ high volume buyers

The 2014 International Floriculture Expo, the only industry-wide event that brings buyers and sellers together and serves all segments of the floriculture market, took place June 10-13, 2014 at the Morial Convention Center in in New Orleans, LA. 1,350 industry professionals and buyers registered for the 2014 expo, including more than 210 key buyers and decision makers from 113 high volume mass market retail chains and distribution channels.

170 exhibiting companies across 62,000 square feet of exhibit space, including 41 new companies, filled the show floor of the Morial Convention Center. 90% of the 2014 exhibitors have already renewed exhibit space for the 2015 show. The exhibit hall was packed with new innovations and ideas, including nearly 70 new products featured in the new product showcase. burton + BURTON received the 2014 Best New Product Award for their Mossy Oak Licensed Product, and the 2014 Best Booth Award was presented to World Class Flowers.

The first day of the 2014 show was dedicated to industry education sessions. These fun-filled, informative education sessions for designers, buyers, merchandisers and suppliers included: “Inspiring Floral Designs for a Successful 4th Quarter” presented by Bill Harper, AIFD, “Balloon RESCUE 911” presented by Peggy Williams and Robert De Bellis, AIFD, PFCI, “The Communication Conundrum” presented by Cindy Hanauer, Grand Central Floral, and “Here Comes the Bride … Are You on Target for Attracting her Business?” presented by Sharon McGukin, AIFD. The Lunch n' Learn Session “Trend Watch 2014,” presented by Rawlins Gilliland, Former National Sales Director for Neiman Marcus, over-packed the session room, with attendees eager to listen to this great story-teller and his insights in the industry.

In addition to the successful IFE education day, the Expo included a variety of exciting show features. During Wednesday’s late afternoon happy hour, the annual Iron Designer Competition took center stage. Seven top industry designers from around the country participated in the heated battle to win the title. Ian Prosser, of Botanica International Design & Décor Studio, emerged as the overall winner and took home the title of 2014 Iron Designer. Thursday afternoon’s happy hour played host to the annual Flower Naming Ceremony, where “Kathy”, a new variety of a Gerbera, grown by Florist Holland B.V., was named in honor of Kathy Hession, Vice President of Bakery and Floral of Roundy’s Supermarket, for her contributions to the floral industry.

International Floriculture Expo moves to Chicago to co-locate with United Fresh in 2015. “This move to Chicago opens up an array of buyer and supplier opportunities as we join with shows already attracting 15,000 attendees and 900 exhibitors,” commented Bob Callahan, Show Director for Diversified Communications, owners and organizers of the International Floriculture Expo. “The combination of these powerful events will bring together cross-category retailers from high volume mass markets and mid-size grocers, to independent operators from the local, national and international markets.” The 2015 edition of the International Floriculture Expo will be held June 9-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

Registration for the 2015 International Floriculture Expo will open in January 2015. Those interested in exhibiting at the 2015 Expo in Chicago, co-located with United Fresh, should contact Christine Salmon at csalmon@divcom.com. For more post-show information, visit www.floriexpo.com.