Floriexpo exhibitors often have questions about what it means for them to make the most of their experience at the event. What does it mean to address pre-show logistics? What is the importance of networking events? What buyers do want to hear from them to do business? These questions and more were addressed as part of a special session that took place on the opening day of Floriexpo.
Christine Salmon, Floriexpo’s Sales Director, broke down what exhibitors need to do pre-show logistically, to be set-up for onsite, explain the importance of attending networking events, discuss booth etiquette and much more. She outlined what it means for exhibitors to present themselves and their company in the best manner possible, much of which goes beyond the aesthetics of their booth. “You want your best salesperson up front,” she emphasized, noting that the event is setup for networking opportunities.
Joseph Farrell, President of BloomQuest LLC, and Mike Amschler, Sales Account Manager of Bloomaker USA Inc., discussed how you can successfully do business in the U.S. from both an international and a domestic point of view. “The results come back to you from what you put in,” Joe noted, highlighting the importance of effort and investment when attending. Mike added practical advice, emphasizing, “If you come to a show by yourself, every time you step out of your booth for a phone call, bathroom break, or just to get a drink that’s a missed opportunity; always make sure you have two people to stand in the booth.” Their insights, based on decades of experience, were further explored by the audience with questions related to market realities and shipping logistics.
Maria Fernandes has years of experience in the industry, most recently at Sobeys before a much-deserved retirement. She discussed what buyers need and want to hear from exhibitors in order to do business. “Make your booth standout and tell them what your story is,” she advised, leaning into the importance of clear and compelling presentation. She talked about her experience bringing products into her stores to experiment with something new, and how exhibitors can enable those sorts of connections.
The group then came together to specifically answer questions that came from the audience, which includes questions that centered on follow up from the show, what it means to connect with someone they missed at the event, and how to bring the energy and activity from this year into 2025.
