Lush plants, Foliage Featured at Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition

January is a time of new beginnings and setting a precedent for the year ahead. The industry received a dose of positive attitude in South Florida as more than 6,200 industry professionals from the U.S. and around the world were greeted by sunny, warm skies and colorful, vibrant plants and flowers at the 2009 Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE). TPIE took place Jan. 15 – 17 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

In a time of economic downturn, TPIE breathed new life into many exhibiting businesses. Wholesale and retail buyers placed orders on the spot with the exhibiting companies that presented their 2009 palate of lush tropical plants.

“We had a great show," said Alex Fell of Kraft Gardens in Fort Pierce, Fla. "The quality of the buyers was outstanding and we had a constant flow of traffic to our booth.”

TPIE invited attendees to “Tag it Tropical” in the 200,000 square foot exhibit hall, which featured the greatest collection of tropical plants available anywhere in the country. Over 500 companies exhibiting at TPIE showcased a wide range of tropical plants and related products.

“Every year, our exhibitors go over the top presenting new plants, designs and products," said Jane Van Cleave of J Van Cleave Marketing and the chairperson of the 2009 TPIE committee. "Along with a first-class education venue, TPIE showcased the best of the best on a ‘Uniquely Tropical’ stage.

“The resounding word at TPIE this year was attitude," she added. "Great attitudes - along with stunning displays of new plant varieties, superior quality tropical specimens and a wide array of trendy houseplant accessories - made a spectacular venue for the only national tropical event. With frigid temperatures in the north, what a delightful paradise for our attendees to conduct business, meet international friends, find new products and kick back in sunny south Florida. TPIE 2009 certainly set the pace for a great 2009.”

In addition to the eye-catching displays on the exhibit floor, free demonstrations and Short Course sessions offered more opportunities to focus on tropicals. The TPIE Short Course offered several sessions to help business owners succeed in challenging times.

Jim Bouchard of Brunswick, Maine, encouraged attendees to “Think BIG!” and look to improve productivity and increase workplace morale. Economic Consultant Dr. Henry Fishkind offered a keynote presentation on the economic future of the industry and was an extremely valuable asset for companies working on business strategies for the upcoming year. Neville Mackay of Halifax, Nova Scotia, taught attendees how to make their business a better place to work by putting personality into their business and building a solid customer care program.

The TPIE New Plants and Products Room continued to be one of the most popular spots of the show. With more than 50 new items on display, attendees were impressed with the mix of new plants and products coming into the marketplace. Buyers were given the opportunity to vote on their favorites with the following coming out on top:

Favorite new flowering plant - Sun Parasol Stars and Stripes, Suntory/Sun-Fire Nurseries
Favorite new foliage plant - Neoregelia ‘Voodoo Doll,' Oglesby Plants International
Favorite new product: Orchid Bloom Bag, Palm Tree Packaging
 
Creative, colorful booths were recognized through TPIE's annual Booth Awards. Kerry's/Twyford International took home "Best of Show" while Oglesby Plants International won first place in the island exhibitor category.

TPIE is known as the place to make tropical connections in a fun atmosphere. This was certainly the case at the TPIE Opening Night Street Party, which took place under the 17th Street Causeway Bridge in Fort Lauderdale.  Food, drinks, dance entertainment, graffiti artists and percussionists welcomed trade show attendees to this unique, urban party. In addition, attendees took part in a reception held on Friday to raise money for the National Foliage Foundation (NFF). 

TPIE 2009 marked the 38th year of this unique event taking place. TPIE 2010 is scheduled for Jan. 14-16 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.