“The efficiency of IFE cannot be beat,” said Bob Callahan, show director for the International Floriculture Expo. “In just four days, IFE brings in all the top floral industry buyers and suppliers to connect, educate, plan and see new products in a fun and entertaining environment.”

After a five-year run in Miami Beach, the Fresh Ideas in Bloom show will take place June 10-13 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Callahan told The Produce News that customers had expressed it was time for a change and he’s hearing great excitement from exhibitors and attendees about the new location.

“New Orleans promises to be a great opportunity to do business, make connections, enjoy new scenery, flavors and culture,” Callahan said.

The IFE, held in Miami in 2013, moves to New Orleans for 2014.The more than 225 exhibitors will occupy about 660 booths with 68,000 square feet of exhibit space. Last year more than 440 companies sent key decision makers to IFE. This year the key buyer program has been expanded to allow mid-size retail chains (20-49 units) to receive complimentary hotel nights at the show.

“The education sessions on June 10 have been moved into a one-day program that includes a complimentary breakfast and lunch so the attendees can focus on education and connections for the whole day,” said Callahan. “We will end the day with an opening cocktail reception (open to all attendees and exhibitors) and the presentation of the 2014 Merchandising Awards of Excellence.”

The State of the Industry panel session on June 11 is from the grower’s perspective, Callahan told The Produce News.

“The session will cover the current issues, opportunities and trends that growers from North America, Africa, Europe and South America are seeing in the floral industry,” said Callahan.

The keynote speaker on June 12 will be John Moore, former Starbucks and Whole Foods marketer, who promises to “kick start your business thinking” with his keynote address “Espresso Shots of Business Wisdom.”

There will also be an Iron Designer Competition using mystery items, the 2014 Flower Naming Ceremony of a new flower variety named in honor of a pioneering industry veteran, a Buyer Walkabout, Happy Hour celebrations and the Center Stage will feature eight design demonstrations showcasing the latest trends, new products and cutting-edge ideas from some of the top designers in the floral industry.

“We continue to look for ways to increase our visitors’ and exhibitors’ ROI for participating in the show,” Callahan said. “This year we have again partnered with burton & Burton to build off the success of 2013 and create an even stronger program.”