With a little over a week to go until the 26th edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus, everyone is really busy with dotting the final ‘i’s. The program is filled, the participants have been notified about for example the (de)construction times for the stands, and of course, the theme has really taken shape by now. The app has been available in the online stores for quite a while now, and provides the visitors and participants with a lot of useful information.
Adjusted set-up
At the beginning of 2016, the set-up of the trade fair has been adjusted. The entrance is now facing the industrial area. This industrial area is not accessible to regular traffic. Thanks to these changes, the routes are all approximately the same length. The parking for visitors will remain located at the Meirseweg in Zundert. A free shuttle service will be provided. The opening hours have also changed. This year, the trade fair is open to the public on Wednesday 5 October from 11:00 to 21:00, on Thursday 6 October from 9:00 to 18:00, and on Friday 7 October from 9:00 to 18:00.
Theme and novelties
This year’s theme is ‘My Favourite Plant’. This theme shines for example through in a representation of the favourite plants of the participants. These could be entered via the participant environment (which is, by the way, still possible), and have been included in for example the app. Favourites are also presented alongside the route via pinpoints.
Of course, this year a lot of attention will be paid to novelties. In total, 25 novelties have been registered for inspection. These novelties will be inspected by the KVBC, and based on that, multiple medals will be awarded. The best novelty of GGP 2016 will also be selected. This year, the Jac Lodders and Jan van Dongen awards and the ZGIP award will also be handed out, for the stands that best represent the theme, the plants, and the region.
International character
This year, the trade fair has an even stronger international character. Currently, over a fifth of the participants is from a foreign country. Countries represented at the trade fair are, among others, Belgium, England, Poland, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, and France.
International trade visitors have massively registered for access to the trade fair. Two groups that stand out are made up of entrepreneurs from China, who visit the trade fair during a private, commercial trip. One of the guests, mr. Wang Jianming, will give a speech on 5 October at 14:30 in the central restaurant. The subject of this speech is ‘Trends in technology and marketing in the Chinese tree nursery sector’. A translation into English will be provided.
Library
This year, the trade fair will also include a special bookstand. This stand can be found at stand number G052 and contains a number of books related to the industry. Many of these books are written by tree growers. The library also contains a sitting corner, books, and there will be a number of librarians to share their extensive knowledge. There will be a daily raffle in the central restaurant, during which 10 participants will win a copy of the book ‘Planten voor ieders tuin’ by Harry van Trier.
App and preregistration
Download the renewed app right away: GrootGroenPlus 2016. It is available for Android and iOS. The app is free and will be updated daily, with the most current information. This app can be used to plan the visit in advance, and it provides more information about subjects such as the novelties that are to be inspected.
Anyone who wants free access to the trade fair can preregister via www.grootgroenplus.nl. Without digital preregistration, access to the trade fair is not free. As of edition 2016, no more paper tickets will be provided. Therefore, an appeal has been made to share the URL to the digital preregistration as much as possible. Visitor information will only be used for other purposes than providing access to the trade fair. Everyone is welcome at the 26th edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus.
