As a plantsman and new product developer, IPM Essen has always punctuated my January calendar. In fact, I can’t start the year without visiting this key hort event. Traders from all over the world attend this extensive trade show, as it stretches across more than 10 halls.
My advice for your visit, keep 1 day to your appointments, even if it means making them back-to-back. And, then, reserve at least 1 day for infinite wandering (wear comfy shoes!) where you can find new connections and feel inspired, stopping for some strong german coffee en route!
This year, there’s a focus on Great Britain, as the partner country to the event. So, you can expect to see many of the top UK suppliers and a focus on ‘Made in the UK’, plus I’ll be speaking in the Speaker’s Corner! And, I’ll be around all week, capturing content to share with my followers. My followers are a blend of trade and consumer, so I’m looking forward to giving potential customers a nifty little insight into what’s coming next for horticulture!
Let me know if you’re planning to visit the IPM Essen. In the meantime, here’s 9 reasons why I attend IPM Essen every year:
1. Reconnect with colleagues, and forge new relationships. Face to face is always the preferred method.
2. Discover new varieties of plants for sale, many are shown years ahead of release, so you can bag a few exclusives for your range!
3. View the whole inventory of your favourite companies, up close and personal.
4. Feel inspired by unique displays, which could translate into your sales settings, online or in reality.
5. Find a new range of pots and materials, which enhance your plant offerings.
6. Improve your packaging prowess by taking inspiration from many brands at the show.
7. Make deals ahead of the main garden centre season, when things are too busy on the floor to take any time out!
8. Explore new countries, to see what opportunities could lie in their marketplaces, either buying or selling.
9. Indulge in cutting edge floristry, where you may discover new flowers, and refreshing ways to display them.
IPM Essen is a must-visit trade show – if you’re thinking about coming to the next one, visit their website to find out more!
Michael has been involved with gardening and plants since he was just five years old. He is a self-professed Plant Geek, and was listed in the Sunday Times top 20 most influential people in the gardening world, thanks to his plant hunter role at Thompson & Morgan.
Michael was responsible for new plant introductions such as the Egg and Chips plant and the FuchsiaBerry and keeps busy travelling the world in search of new plants as well as lecturing worldwide, including stints in Japan. He is very active on social media – so why not give him a follow at @mr_plantgeek or Facebook. You can also listen to The Plant Based Podcast with Michael and co-host Ellen-Mary on iTunes, Spotify and Google.
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