From tropicals to technology

While January may be considered a lull between Christmas and the hectic spring season, there are many opportunities to develop your business and hone your horticultural know-how during this month. There are several relevant tradeshows in the first month of the year, both in North America and in other parts of the world.

This month, Greenhouse Management staff traveled to Florida and Germany for TPIE and IPM Essen, respectively. TPIE offered attendees a look at the latest tropicals varieties and trends, out-of-the-box design inspiration, tours of local growing operations and retail stores and a chance to escape cold weather in the Sunshine State. Greenhouse Management assistant editor Chris Manning and Garden Center editor Michelle Simakis bring you 13 of their takeaways from TPIE, starting on page 20.

Meanwhile, in Essen, Germany, Greenhouse Management editor Karen Varga spent four days visiting a wide array of companies in the horticulture market across 14 exhibit halls, getting growers’ takes on the tradeshow, learning about new lighting, automation and other technology, and checking out the latest trends that will soon cross the pond into North America. Turn to page 26 to read more about IPM Essen 2017.

Did you attend TPIE or IPM Essen this year? What stood out as innovative or made your trip worthwhile? Drop us a line and let us know your thoughts at kvarga@gie.net