The IPM Essen really got going yesterday. After a quiet start on Tuesday, the aisles were crowded on Wednesday, as was the restaurant in 'tech hall' 3 around lunchtime. Both there and in the many stands, there was plenty to see, and most of all, plenty to talk about.
The rise of the cannabis industry is one of the hot topics on the trade show floor. Many companies are starting spin-offs to focus exclusively on cannabis cultivation. Even those who closely follow the developments in the sector, continue to be amazed by the activities there.
As always, many growers visited their suppliers in the stands. It's always nice to put a face to the product you use, after all. Especially when it goes with a complementary drink and/or snack.
On Monday we'll publish our full photo report, but we'll give you a teaser here to see what you can expect. Maybe you'll spot yourself or a colleague:
IFG Cresco / Phormium: Rémy Ballet, Tayyar Erzurumlu, Joshua Gauche, Vitalina Tsourkan, Peter Ollevier, Arjan van der Veer
Lock Drives: Ralf Steves and Markus Moehler
Luiten Greenhouses and Saarlucon stood at their familiar place at IPM Essen, this time with a renewed stand. Starting from the left: Kick Jansen, Tina Wu, Ronald Kloppenburg, Irmgard Luiten, Ruud den Engelsman, Nico Luiten, Oscar Nijman, Twan Leurs and Michel Saarloos. 
Joost Haenen (Ludwig Svensson), Carla Cox (Mertens), Mat Versleijen (Mertens), Bart Joosten (Mertens) and Cor-Jan van der Elzen (Carbon Gold).
Peter Dekker (PDI), Mariska Slaman (PDI) en Mark Verdouw (Olsthoorn Greenhouse Projects). Watch PDI's new corporate film below.