“We are thrilled with the turnout for the show thus far,” said Bob Callahan, show manager for the International Floriculture Expo, on May 20. “With four weeks to go before show time, the number of exhibits has already surpassed last year’s level,” he added, noting more than 200 exhibitors have signed up already and attendance is expected to reach 1,750.

“On the buyer side, we are well ahead of last year’s pace, with the top retailers representing every region in the United States participating in the show,” he stated. Callahan works for Diversified Business Communications of Portland, ME. He told The Produce News that 700 buyers are expected to attend the show. The more than 200 exhibitors will occupy about 660 booths with 66,000 square feet of exhibit space.

The June 18-21 show at the Miami Beach Convention Center will as usual offer education sessions, including a keynote address on “Leapfrogging” for innovation; an Iron Designer “Beat the Clock” contest using mystery items; a new products showcase including a combination flower vase and greeting card and a “Sweet Treats” combination of flowers and candy; Happy Hour celebrations, awards, design demonstrations and a flower-naming ceremony.

Callahan said a new wrinkle this year will be more workshop-type education sessions. “We are always looking and listening for ways to improve our customer’s experience at the show,” he explained, and from this feedback the show is offering more hands-on, interactive sessions.

The keynote speaker on June 20 will be Soren Kaplan, author of Leapfrogging, which recently received the 2013 Axiom Best Business Book Award.

Education sessions will cover such topics as “Floral Decor for Life’s Celebrations,” presented by Bobbi Ecker of FloraPros and Michael Schrader, director of floral for Schnuck Markets; merchandising techniques using balloons as upgrades, led by Peggy Williams of burton + BURTON and Bradley Gaines, floral supervisor at United Supermarkets; and a gift basket workshop using flowers, fruit and packaged foods by Jimi Taylor of Taylor Made Gift Baskets.

Other presentations include the annual “State of the Industry” report by a trio of panelists, and “Get your Share of the U.S. Consumer Floral Market,” consumer research trends on cut-flower and potted plant purchasing at major floral retailers, will be presented by Thomas L. Prince and Timothy A. Prince of Columbus, OH.