Tropical Plant International 2024 'Wows' again
The 2024 Tropical Plant International Expo brought nearly 8,000 growers, landscapers, retailers and other stakeholders from all around the world to the Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL, to showcase the latest innovations and products in foliage, floral and tropicals.
“As the No. 1 producer of indoor houseplants and tropical foliage in the country, Florida is the epicenter of the tropical plant industry and the perfect place to host TPIE,” said Tal Coley, chief executive officer of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association. “TPIE plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration, exchanging industry knowledge and attracting vendors and buyers from around the world.”
The 2024 show saw 1,000 more attendees than last year's show. And this year’s industry trade event had more than 200 additional booths on the show floor, totaling more than 1,000 booths and making up 200,000 square feet of show floor space.
Attendees also had access to valuable resources beyond the showroom booths. Throughout the expo, 16 education workshops took place targeting trends, business management and plant shipping information. Additionally, the American Institute of Floral Designers hosted several plant design presentations on the trade show floor.
What’s more, the TPIE Road Show Production Tour took attendees to four unique production facilities in south Florida, complete with a memorable lunch stop and views of an old Florida wood frame vernacular house at the historic Palm Lodge and Tropical Garden.
“Horticulture industry professionals from 40 different countries gathered in one place to celebrate the beauty of our industry and to map the road forward," said Erik Dietl-Friedli, TPIE committee chair. “After this year’s TPIE, one thing is absolutely clear – consumers have much to look forward to from the horticulture realm. Beautiful colors, unique shapes and new textures will soon hit the shelves and fill landscapes and homes across the world.”
TPIE, an industry trade expo produced by FNGLA, allows buyers to browse all the latest wholesale offerings for foliage, florals, tropicals and house plants, allied services and supplies and initiate purchase orders. What was seen on the floor this year will appear in residential and commercial landscape spaces and store shelves in a matter of weeks or months.
Other notable show happenings included 15 products taking home coveted TPIE Cool Product awards. See the 2024 TPIE Cool Product Award winners here.
TPIE’s Booth Awards program also recognized a host of creative and inspiring exhibitors at the show and the Exhibitor Showcase yielded seven favorite plants and products. See the winners here.
The National Horticulture Foundation’s reception and the International Plantscape Awards Gala were took place at the show. The NHF’s annual reception is a platform where endowment holders bring contributions or make their annual pledges for the year. Thanks to the dedication of industry members, with end-of-the-year contributions and pledges made during TPIE, more than $72,000 was raised to support research, education and marketing efforts.
TPIE will return to Ft. Lauderdale's Broward County Convention Center Jan. 22 – 24, 2025.
