IFE’s Education Day delivered a conference program that drew more than 250 participants from around the globe tuning in to hear 20+ speakers discussing everything from sourcing and labor to 3D virtual reality bouquets and planograms. Tuesday kicked-off with Floral Flash Networking, a “speed-networking” event that paired qualified suppliers and high-volume buyers together resulting in 144 business meetings in just one hour.
New this year was a Supply Chain and Transportation Solution Forum, which gathered, suppliers & retailers to discuss the hard-hitting topics affecting the industry today – supply chain logistics and transportation. The open-format forum engaged thought leaders in critical discussions to provide solutions to the most pressing operational issues and current transportation issues. An introduction and overview was led by Global Cold Chain Alliance President/CEO Corey Rosenbusch, followed by a presentation diving deeper into floral-specific challenges and an industry discussion led by Sam Helgren and Eli Bice from England Logistics.
IFE also announced a much anticipated relocation to Miami, Florida for the 2019 event. With Florida being a hub for the floral industry the show is expected to grow and be able to offer additional benefits and significant savings to exhibitors and vendors and will allow for IFE to host even more buyers and put additional investments into the show. IFE was held in Miami for nearly a decade and the exhibitors and attendees remarked that they are looking forward to returning and having advanced networking opportunities. Mark your calendar for June 18-20, 2019.