IFE partners with Global Cold Chain Expo, United Fresh and FMI Connect in Chicago
IFE partners with Global Cold Chain Expo, United Fresh and FMI Connect in Chicago
After the International Floriculture Expo’s successful co-location with the United Fresh Produce Association show and the Food Marketing Institute’s Connect last year, the Global Cold Chain Expo has been added to the growing partnership. The three-day multi-event will take place again this year at McCormick Place in Chicago, June 20-22.
“Last year, we established great momentum as a result of our partnership with the United Fresh Produce Association,” Justin Childs, IFE key buyer manager, said. “It truly ignited a renewed sense of energy at our show, where produce and floral teams could visit together. We’re thrilled to welcome the Global Cold Chain Expo, featuring 25,000 square feet of exhibits including material handling, warehousing, construction, supply chain and logistics solutions, and transportation providers. Undoubtedly the addition of Global Cold Chain will be an attraction for visitors and our floral exhibitors alike. The partnerships hold true to our promise of covering every aspect of the floral industry, from supply to retail.”
IFE is considered the largest trade show for retail floral in North America, with 225 exhibitors in over 60,000 square feet of exhibit space. “We offer products covering every segment of retail floral, not only in our vast exhibit hall, but also in our meaningful education program,” said Childs. “We are not simply part of someone’s show or a pavilion — we are a floral-specific expo.”
Childs believes the education program is a highlight of the show. “We cover a wide range of topics, and our sessions are very interactive and collaborative,” he said. “We’ll have experts on sales and customer service staff training, post-harvest care, and of course merchandising and trends.”
This year’s edition of IFE is anticipated to be even bigger and better than 2015. “Last year, 5,500 attendees visited the IFE and United Fresh. We are in great shape this year, engaging our audiences early, so we expect an increase in attendance over last year,” said Childs. “We already have confirmed more than 100 top-level key buyers from some of the largest mass-market grocers, online retailers, designated buying agents, and distributors. If anyone buys for 20 or more retail locations, they can contact me [Justin Childs, [email protected], 207/842-5414] for free registration to this year’s show.”
For more information, visit www.floriexpo.com.
