An Introduction to International Floriculture Expo in America
The International Floriculture Expo is the largest floral-related event in North America and brings together industry thought leaders, buyers, and vendors together in one place. You can make new contacts and compete in the Designer Competition for a chance to win some amazing prizes.
If you’re not in the flower business, you might not have heard of the International Floriculture Expo. While it might be the largest floral-related event in North America, it is strictly for B2B businesses such as event planners, retail florists, online retailers, nurseries, distributors, supermarkets, and more. However, if you do happen to be a key buyer, it’s an excellent event not just to source flowers but also to learn from industry thought-leaders.
About the International Floriculture Expo (Ife)
The IFE started decades ago initially under the name Super Floral Show (SFS). It was eventually acquired by a new owner back in 2005, which came with the name change to IFE. Since its inception, the event has attracted attention from companies around the country. As of today, it remains the largest high-volume B2B show in North America offering a wide range of products from fresh cut flowers and greens to potted plants, containers, technology, balloons, care and handling, and more. There are over 200 vendors at the event from around the globe so you’ll definitely be able to find what you’re looking for.
Depending on your business, you can choose to come as an attendee in order to source flowers, accessories, and services. Or, if you are a retailer, you can exhibit to increase your clientele list. Considering the event attracts thousands of interested buyers, there’s a huge opportunity to really get your business off the ground.
Increase Your Knowledge
In addition to networking with thousands of floral professionals and checking out the latest and greatest products, the expo also offers educational panels to help you grow your business. Panels range on a variety of topics including current trends, business advice, and floral design.
Even if you’re not able to make a panel, the IFE provides on-demand content for free through their Floral Connect. These videos focus on yearly trends for the floral industry and how you can apply them to your own business. From talking about consumer habits, marketing, sales trends, color trends, etc. you can find plenty of topics that will help your business grow.
How to Attend
The IFE is held every year over the course of four days. Costs to attend vary based on when you register and what you plan on doing. If you only intend on going through the exhibit hall, the pricing ranges from $50~$100; while if you also wish to attend educational day, the full package ranges from $295~$395 depending on when you register. If it’s your first IFE or if you are a small business, it might make more sense to just pay for the exhibition hall pass than the full package.
If you’re an exhibitor, you will have to fill out a form to apply for a booth. Prices vary based on the size of your booth. If you don’t plan on selling but want to attend as a supplier or service/provider, you are subject to a $3,500 fee to attend.
The event takes place in Miami Beach, Florida, which is a notoriously expensive city in the United States. However, there are plenty of affordable food and even hotel options available if you’re willing to be a little further away from the main convention center. Make sure budget for travel and hotel accommodations as well as meals while you are in attendance.
Popular Events
The IFE has two popular events with the first being the flower naming ceremony. The ceremony honors pioneers who have made an impact in the floral industry by naming a flower after them. In order to be considered for the ceremony you, or whoever you nominate, must meet the following criteria:
- Is an active retailer, supplier, or educator in the floriculture industry
- Is a life-long member of the floriculture industry
- Holds a position of VP or higher
- Has had a major impact in the industry
- Is a public figure
- Maintains a high standard of conduct and reputation
- Has worked as a volunteer in the floriculture industry
Once the naming ceremony has concluded, it is immediately followed by the second most popular event – the Iron Designer Competition. Competitors must put their design skills to the test to create a beautiful design based on the yearly theme in just 20 minutes. Anyone can enter, but only one person will be the winner.
Conclusion
The IFE is a must attend event for anyone who is in the floriculture industry. Not only will you be able to network with thousands of other professionals, you will also be able to learn more about the business. If you’re feeling up for it, you can even enter a design competition. Even if you don’t, there are plenty of things to do at the largest B2B floriculture expo in North America.