Events

You’ve probably noticed that you can’t open any of your news feeds without seeing at least one of your connection’s proud posts about his or her recent houseplant purchases. Fiddle-leaf figs, snake plants, succulents – it may as well be the 1970s again, as far as plants are concerned. And that’s just the way we in horticulture like it. And, as buyers, you may want to pay attention.

“Don’t miss January’s tropical plant international expo – the best resource for tropical foliage and indoor plants, industry info and education, and networking.”

Thirty percent of all households in the United States purchased at least one houseplant last year, according to the National Gardening Association (NGA). No longer a fad, houseplants are now part of a mindful lifestyle, and this product category is growing in sales and profits in all sectors of the market.

the resource for plants, trends and inspiration

Although one may see what a few plants-of-the-moment are by checking out social media, those in the industry look to the Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) each year for the inside track. With nearly 400 exhibiting companies and more than 6,000 wholesale buyers and sellers from around the world, TPIE is the place to build and expand one’s indoor plants and outside tropicals departments as well as to learn about trends and gain inspiration. Here are just a few of the highlights that are planned:

• Returning to head up the TPIE 2020 “Opening Session,” Maxwell Luthy, director of Trends & Insights for New York City-based TrendWatching, will reveal five key trends to supercharge one’s work as we dive headfirst into the next decade.
• In the “Elevating Expectations” session, Katie Dubow of Garden Media Group; Mason Day of GrowIt! gardening app; and Ellen Wells, editor-at-large of Green Profit will discuss what’s driving the growing trend in houseplants, how the industry can embrace it and how to keep the momentum going.
• TPIE’s “Exhibitor Showcase” is often a first look at the newest plants from breeders and growers, as well as innovative and useful products. And it’s your chance to let vendors and the industry know which are the most relevant to you.
• New this year will be a “Wellness Zone” on the show floor, featuring an array of live plants and other elements of well-being.
• Also making its debut this year will be a session for plant buyers of all sizes on shipping plants to include options of transportation and logistics.
• And back by popular demand will be a series of “Create Theater” presentations from world-class floral designers offering creative and sellable ways to highlight the wellness wonders of plants.
TPIE takes place Jan. 22-24, 2020 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. For more information or to register to attend, visit tpie.org.