The new year starts off best at the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE), the nation's only trade event linking industry professionals with everything foliage, floral and tropical. TPIE will take place Wednesday — Friday, January 18-20, 2012, at the Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
TPIE attracts producers and buyers of foliage plants from across the world. With nearly 6500 in attendance in 2011, it is the place to meet the industry players and to see the largest array of trend-setting foliage and tropical plants in the country.
Don't Miss These TPIE Events!
TPIE Road Show
Tuesday, January 17, 7:30 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Are you looking for a great networking and learning opportunity? Take the TPIE Road Show with fellow industry professionals as you head to Homestead, Florida, a major hub for the nation's foliage production. Attendees will visit a cross-section of nursery operations for an inside look at the technology and techniques used to grow the beautiful plants which ultiamtely make your business thrive.
Welcome to TPIE First Timers Orientation
Wednesday, January 18, 8 a.m.
If this is your first time attending TPIE, this is the perfect opportunity to learn about the show, discover the various programs and meet industry volunteer leaders who will answer your questions and be available throughout your visit to TPIE.
TPIE Opening Session
Wednesday, January 18, 9 a.m.
Shift 2020: Key Consumer Trends – Doug Stephens, Retail Prophet, Toronto, Ontario
A competitive head start… that's what TPIE is providing buyers and exhibitors! Once again we start the show by highlighting consumer and industry trends with a complimentary session. The opening session is a fascinating examination of the key trends shaping consumer buying patterns in the coming decade. This is an absolute must for companies that want to get in front of these seismic shifts in consumerism, technology, economics and demographics.
This key information can be applied immediately —even on TPIE's show floor. Doug Stephens, president of Retail Prophet, will give TPIE's audience a look at future consumer trends and their expected impact at both the retail and wholesale levels. Doug is the author of Retail Prophet's Shift 2020 Retail Trends Report and is thought by many to be one of the world's only retail industry futurists. His intellectual work and thinking have influenced many of North America's best known retailers and brands, including Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Hudson's Bay Company, Disney, Loblaw and Benjamin Moore.
TPIE Happy Hour
Wednesday, January 18, 5 p.m.
TPIE's Happy Hour moves off the show floor and into the main, multi-level lobby where you'll enjoy extending your business connections over a drink, appetizers and some tropical entertainment.
Come in Style – Tropical Style! Wear a tropical shirt and be entered in a drawing to win free hotel nights and more!
TPIE Short Course
Wednesday, January 18, 10:30 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Gain insight on the most current and key industry topics to improve your business performance and opportunities for the upcoming year. Among the list of speakers, this year's TPIE Short Course features industry superstars, Jason Cupp, Joe Zazzera and Suzanne Wainwright-Evans.
TPIE Exhibitors' Showcase offers the industry's newest tropical plants and related products. Exhibitors can feature any products of special interest in this area. Stop by on Wednesday to vote for your favorite new plants and products.
Complimentary Demonstrations
Free demonstrations will be presented daily on the trade show floor. These 15-20 minute hands-on presentations will cover a variety of tropical topics. Pick and choose the demonstrations which pique your interest. They are presented on the hour each day and are peer-to-peer sharing of information. Several of the demonstrations will be presented by members of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). These talented floral designers will show creative ways to add value and capitalize on lifestyle using foliage and tropicals. View the demonstrations schedule.
For additional information related to TPIE, visit TPIE's website or call 800-375-3642.
Registration is now open for TPIE Show Badges, the TPIE Short Course and the TPIE Road Show. Take advantage of early bird pricing!
Housing for TPIE (EventSphere) is open and hotel reservations are being accepted.
Visit TPIE's website for the most convenient access to hotel descriptions and availability.
TPIE is produced by FNGLA, the nation's largest state nursery and landscape association. FNGLA represents Florida's environmental horticulture industry, with an estimated $16.29 billion in industry-wide sales. For more information on FNGLA visit www.fngla.org or call 800-375-3642.
Source: Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association