Rescheduled int'l horti events focus on future opportunities

The conference will be held on Sept. 15, 2020 and will be a 3D Virtual Event using the most advanced 3D technology in the world.

Recovering from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic is the focus for every business in the ornamental horticulture industry, so AIPH is bringing together leading global experts to provide their ideas and guidance for the future.

The conference will address the shared issue of crisis management, with speakers on handling crisis, business, and investment implications, the impact on future mergers and acquisitions, and understanding the impact on the end consumer.

Following this, the focus will move to the cut flowers industry, with insights from major supermarket retailers, florists, traders, online sales companies, and flower auction markets.

A panel of grower representatives from key producing countries will debate the impact of the pandemic on the sector and what needs to happen to create a more resilient supply chain.

Another session will focus on plants and trees with further discussion from leading growers, retailers, and breeders on how to take the sector forward. The conference will close with an international panel to debate ways of stimulating market demand and how to grow out of the crisis into a brighter future.

Confirmed speakers so far include:

• Dr Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture, Texas A&M University
• Carin van Huet, Director of Food & Agribusiness, Rabobank, the Netherlands
• Frank de Hek, Partner at Oaklins, the Netherlands
• Steven van Schilfgaarde, CEO Royal FloraHolland, the Netherlands
• Craig Musson, Managing Director, WAFEX, Australia
• Michiel de Haan, CEO, Royal Lemkes, the Netherlands
• Jan-Dieter Bruns, Managing Director, Bruns-Pflanzen Germany

Attendees will be able to create their own 3D avatars and identify and speak with other attendees. They will be able to participate and ask questions, just like they would at a physical conference. Sponsors and exhibitors can also reach participants, advertise, show videos, and meet up at virtual booths.

"Although we are unable to organize a physical congress this year, we are delighted to have identified this online solution that will enable us to run a major international conference," says AIPH Secretary General, Tim Briercliffe. "With this virtual environment, it is still easy to attend for anyone in this industry, wherever they are in the world. This platform is an excellent opportunity to bring the industry together and to map out our course for the future."

Photo Courtesy of Greenhouse Grower

Click here for more details about the technology, speakers, and program, and to book your place.

GreenTechAmericas Postponed to March 2021

RAI is postponing its first-ever GreenTech Americas event from Aug. 25-27, 2020 to March 16-18, 2021. The current health situation in Mexico, due to COVID-19, does not provide the optimal conditions to organize the event in Querétaro, according to event organizers RAI Amsterdam and Tarsus.

GreenTech Americas in Mexico is the first regional event of GreenTech. Half the exhibitors are international and expected visitors originate from all over the world.

The agriculture market in Mexico has a lot of potential and is a major supplier of vegetables and flowers to the U.S. At the same time, Mexico itself is an important market for international companies. Moreover, there is a lot of interest in horticulture knowledge that can be shared. The quality and success of the event at its original dates would have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions, hence the rescheduling.

"I'm looking forward to our show in 2021 and trust the decision to reschedule the show is widely understood. Our core objective is to provide the protected agricultural industry in Mexico and Latin America with a world-class event that will open new gates to business," says Mariska Dreschler, Director of Horticulture - GreenTech, RAI Amsterdam.

"The current health emergency does not yet provide optimal conditions in Mexico. We are implementing all the international protocols to safeguard the safety of our global community. As always, we are committed to maintaining the quality and success of the GreenTech brand," says Jose Navarro, Tarsus Mexico Director.

Source: Greenhouse Grower

Photo Courtesy of Growtech

Source: Greenhouse Grower