“Trade show moves to Miami, offering a mix of buying opportunities, education, networking, sun and fun.” 

The International Floriculture Expo (IFE) is the floral industry hotspot this summer for exhibitors and attendees looking to soak up educational sessions as well as Florida sunshine. For the first time since 2013, the IFE show returns to Miami, Fla. – a destination well known for floral imports from around the world. Located at the redesigned Miami Beach Convention Center from June 18- 20, 2019, the show will provide attendees with an extensive program comprising education, entertainment and more.

THE TRADE SHOW

The International Floriculture Expo, which bills itself as “the largest floral B2B trade show for high-volume florists in North America,” boasts more than 60,000 square feet of floral exhibits. It features everything floral buyers might need for their stores from cut flowers and foliages to potted plants, containers, plush, technology, balloons, care-and-handling products and everything in between. The trade show expects to host more than 200 vendors from around the globe, as well as more than 1,500 exhibitors, buyers and other attendees.

Check out the list of exhibitors at floriexpo.com/exhibitor-list.

EDUCATION DAY
Sponsored by burton + BURTON, Education Day will kick off the Expo at 11:30 a.m. on June 18, with industry leaders sharing information on trends, tools and technologies. The day’s events begin with a Leadership Networking Lunch and the presentation of the 2019 “Merchandising Award of Excellence” (sponsored by Syndicate Sales and Super Floral magazine), followed by five sessions – each lasting 45 minutes to one hour.
• HOW DO THEY DO IT? – Industry Stats and Insights from Around the Globe Insiders in the global floriculture industry will discuss crop statistics, emerging markets, growth opportunities, environmental threats, transportation updates, new product trends and more) – Sponsored by Floralife and the American Floral Endowment (AFE)
• VISUAL MERCHANDISING How Color Ignites Design: Using the Full Palette of Colors and New Color Combinations to Engage Modern Consumers
• TECHNOLOGY WITH A TWIST The Keys to Virtual Learning, In-shop Classes and Customer Experience
• FROM FAX TO FACEBOOK Keys to Motivating and Retaining Your Workforce, with HR guru Glenna Hecht
• GROW, MARKET, SELL! with Shay Herman
Get the latest information at floriexpo.com/conference-program.
 
IFE WELCOME PARTY
New this year is IFE’s “Welcome Party,” which, at the conclusion of the Education Day seminars, will host attendees and exhibitors at one of Miami’s hippest locations and will feature signature cocktails, delicious food and fabulous entertainment. It is sure to be a memorable South Florida experience for all.
 
 
IRON DESIGNER COMPETITION
As exhibits open on June 19, excitement is sure to bloom for the returning “Iron Designer Competition & Happy Hour,” which will begin at 3:30 p.m. A new theme is chosen each year but remains a mystery until just before the competition begins. Competitors must create a design within 20 minutes that represents the theme, with only the supplies provided. Winners are chosen by a panel of judges and receive a trophy and cash, with all designs on display for the remainder of the show.
 
FLOWER NAMING CEREMONY
Also returning for 2019 is the “Flower Naming Ceremony” (the 10th annual!), which will take place on June 20, at 10:30 a.m. This ceremony honors “floral industry pioneers who have made a significant impact over the course of their careers.” Honorees are chosen by a panel of floral industry leaders.
 
FULLY FLORAL FOCUSED IN 2019
This year, the IFE re-launches itself as a solo venture strictly focused on flowers, serving floral buyers and suppliers without distraction from other industries. The IFE show brings together buyers from all levels of the industry, along with corresponding exhibitors that can cater to the individual needs of buyers.
Register to attend or exhibit at the 2019 IFE at floriexpo.com; click on “Register” in the upper right corner of the home page.
 
In the photo above, Michelle Beeson (left) and Cindy Fitzgerald (center), of Hy-Vee in Omaha, Neb., won the 2018 “Merchandising Award of Excellence” for their Valentine’s Day “Our Love is Written in the Stars” display. The award was presented by Melanie Spilbeler (right), marketing director for Syndicate Sales, the contest’s cosponsor, along with Super Floral.
2018 “Iron Designer of the Year” contestants.
Bradley Gaines, of United Supermarkets in Lubbock, Texas, was the honoree at IFE’s 10th annual “Flower Naming Ceremony” in 2018. The flower, which was bred by Ball SB, was a sunflower with a gold center, appropriately named ‘Bradley’.