February 2012 | Volume 33, Issue 2
A m o n t h l y p u b l i c a t i o n f o r FN G L A m e m b e r s . D I G IT A L m o n t h l y i s s u e l o c a t e d a t h t t p : / / g r e e n l i n e . f n g l a . o r g
TPIE 2012 was a Tropical Escape! The Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) 2012 delivered calypso music, beautiful tropical plants and foliage and an ideal tropical escape. More than 6,100 industry professionals gathered in sunny Fort Lauderdale to take in the newest tropical plants, products and ideas which this exotic segment of the horticulture industry has to offer. Taking place January 18-20 at the Broward County Convention Center, TPIE offered a trade show with nearly 400 exhibiting companies, a full-day nursery tour in Homestead, FL, a thought-provoking opening session, cutting-edge educational programs, dozens of hands-on demonstrations and a fantastic outdoor Opening Day Happy Hour. “TPIE is always an exciting show. This year the mood was even more upbeat as people are finally feeling a turn in the economy,” noted Charlie Martin, owner of HB Martin, Inc. and TPIE chairman. “Our attendance was up by 8%, orders were written and buyers were excited by the products they saw. The fabulous weather didn’t hurt either!” TPIE exhibitors set the standard for exciting and inspiring exhibits. “It’s a challenging job to be a booth award judge at TPIE,” noted Robert Bowden,executive director of Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando and one of TPIE’s booth award judges. “There are so many exceptional displays. I wish we could give them all awards!” This year’s Best of Show award went to DeRoose Plants, Apopka, FL. A complete list of award winners is available at www.tpie.org. TPIE’s Opening Session was a standing-room-only event, as retail industry futurist Doug Stephens shared insights related to social, economic and technological trends which will impact everyone’s business in this decade.
“Doug’s vision of the future trends, who our target customer should be and the evolving technologies available to position our company for success, was very enlightening and exciting,” noted Bill Lyden, president of Farm Life Tropical Foliage. “This year’s opening session had a meaningful message for our entire industry and was a fabulous way to kick-off the 2012 TPIE.” Sponsored by Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses and SK, the TPIE Opening Session is a complimentary program for all TPIE participants. The first day of TPIE 2012 ended with the TPIE Happy Hour, sponsored by Sun Parasol/Suntory Collection, as thousands of TPIE attendees shifted from the confines of the exhibit hall to the balmy winter temperatures which only South Florida can offer. Attendees basked along the fountain plaza, enjoying drinks, appetizers and we’re entertained with music and a variety of dancers, including carnival, belly and fire dancers. Other activities at TPIE included a TPIE First-Timers’ Orientation where TPIE rookies were provided an overview of the show and the foliage industry, as well as tips to get the most benefit from the show. Industry buyer Gary Mangum, Bell Nursery, was recognized for attending every TPIE since it began in 1973, making Gary 39 in TPIE years! The TPIE Short Course provided exceptional education for interiorscapers attending from across the country. The management track introduced participants to biomimicry, a process of applying nature’s solutions to human design applications. In addition, sessions with Jason Cupp, a business growth consultant, provided insights on creating the best internal team, as well as improving external sales with new marketing methods. Technician sessions were also popular as they focused on biological pest controls, including a hands-on workshop. Dennis Snow, former Walt Disney World manager, provided an enlightening and entertaining luncheon keynote which offered fun and inspirational examples of exceptional customer service from world-class organizations. Offered as an optional event to the TPIE Short Course, the TPIE Road Continued on page 2