From January 18 through January 20, 2012, the 39th Annual Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition produced by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) returned for the19th time to the SMG-managed Fort Lauderdale Convention Center. After the exhibition, we had the chance to speak with FNGLA Chief Operations Officer Linda Adams to find out more the organization’s experience.
Tell us a little bit about the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition.
The Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) is an internationally attended event for professionals who are in the wholesale or retail business related to tropical plants. The majority of exhibitors are wholesale nurseries who specialize in tropical plants, often referenced as houseplants. TPIE was first produced in 1973 by a small group of growers in South Florida. It has grown to the be the largest event in the world related to tropical plants and is now produced by the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA).
How large was this year's exhibition?
The 39th Annual TPIE welcomed more than 6,100 industry professionals and featured a trade show with nearly 400 exhibiting companies.
Overall, how was the event?
Filled with calypso music, beautiful tropical plants and foliage, the 2012 TPIE was the perfect place to take in the newest tropical plants, products and ideas that this exotic section of the horticulture industry has to offer. The event included a trade show, a full-day nursery tour in Homestead, a thought-provoking opening session, cutting-edge educational programs, dozens of hands-on demonstrations and a fantastic outdoor happy hour on opening day.
Why has the FNGLA hosted TPIE at the Convention Center year after year?
We have hosted the exhibition at the Convention Center since its opening in 1991, as TPIE’s genesis was in South Florida. Many of our exhibitors and members have nurseries located in South Florida, so Fort Lauderdale makes a great central area for out-of-town attendees to visit nurseries while they are in the area for the show. Of course, the climate and setting Fort Lauderdale has to offer in January is a big draw for our show, as well.
How do your exhibitors and attendees feel about Fort Lauderdale?
We really enjoy being able to offer Fort Lauderdale as the setting for TPIE. Our theme this year was “tropical escape,” and we think people really felt they escaped to a warm and informally sophisticated spot to do business while in Fort Lauderdale.
Describe your experience working with Convention Center and Broward County Convention and Visitors Bureau staff.
Each year, the Convention Center and Broward County Convention and Visitors Bureau staff exceed our expectations. They are extraordinarily helpful and put forth a tremendous effort to ensure that this is a great event and a wonderful experience for our participants. We plan to host our exhibition at the Convention Center for years to come.
We would like to thank Linda Adams for sharing her organization's experiences with us. To learn more about the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, please visit www.fngla.org. To learn about how the Broward County Convention Center can make your next event a success, please call us at 954-765-5900.
This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.
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