California trade shows, historically, draw the highest attendance rates due, in part, to the ease of logistics for so many across the industry. The high concentration of growers in the state and service providers who support the supply chain means many companies can bring larger teams, more fresh products to display and mitigate travel expenses to participate in shows like IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show. The mild California fall weather also adds to the appeal.

In preparation for this October’s California-based trade show, the International Fresh Produce Association has published its Exhibitor Resources and Service Kit. Hundreds of exhibitors rely on these crucial planning tools as they make preparations for exhibiting at the 2023 Global Produce & Floral Show. They cover everything from shipping, carpet selection, furniture rental and marketing services. Event planners everywhere are now logging in to reference these tools, but attendees, too, should be thinking about the logistics of this fall’s big show in Anaheim. 

Your team should already be discussing the company’s strategic plan for participating at the Global Show, setting objectives for attending and having a strategy to achieve those goals. Next steps, whether exhibiting or attending, is to plan and secure your logistics. Whether you’re on your own, or setting up the show logistics for the team, here are some of the details that should be top of mind for your Global Show logistic planning:

1. The sky’s the limit
For global attendees, getting to California isn’t always the easiest task. John Wayne Airport is only 13 miles from the Anaheim Convention Center, whereas Los Angeles International Airport is nearly 40 miles away from Global Show HQ. It’s best to compare rates, taking all factors into account. Uber, Lyft, cab or car service, you’ll also want to consider how you’ll get to your destination once you’ve arrived in California.

2. Catch some zzzzs
Once you know how you’re getting to Anaheim, it’s time to figure out where you’ll call home for the week. At this point, most of the official hotel room blocks are full of exhibitors, making attendee accommodations hard to secure. We recommend going directly to the IFPA website for the best rates possible. But there’s more than one way to peel this orange — both AirB&B and VRBO offer accommodations that may suit your travel style better.

3. Hitchin’ a ride
Speaking of Uber and Lyft, get to know Anaheim and learn your transportation options. As daytime events wind down and evenings full of receptions and dinners heat up, the cab lines at each hotel get longer and longer. Getting promptly to your destination might be more challenging than you anticipate. Schedule rides in advance or consider renting a company vehicle (and assigning a designated driver). The cost-benefit analysis might prove to be more economical than you think.

4. Who are you?
Business cards: the No. 1 item left behind in the office days before an important show. They’re critical to doing business, but can be cumbersome. Consider a digital or QR code business card this year. With so many smartphone users, digital business cards instantly deliver your contact information, help you track client engagement after the event and are a sustainable option to the alternative.

5. Who wore it best?
Yes, fashion is important at this show, especially for those of you who are still working remotely and might have let your professional wardrobe lapse. But, your comfort is more important than your personal brand style on display. Two days walking a nearly 700,000-square-foot trade show floor is no joke. Start planning your footwear now to avoid having to pack band-aids.

With so much to accomplish in one short week in mid-October, it’s never too early to get a jump on managing the logistics in preparation for the industry’s largest trade show. Everything from booking booth labor to dinner reservations needs to be made in advance.

You’re competing with thousands of others for the same private dining room, hotel suite, brand visibility in the convention center, and ultimately buyer attention. Carpe diem and get to planning.