During the 26th edition of trade show GrootGroenPlus, the theme was ‘My Favourite Plant!’ This proved to be such a versatile theme, that it has been extended for a year.
?My Favourite Plant!
Last year, we noticed that there was a need for more knowledge (sharing) when it came to plants. This resulted in the theme ‘My Favourite Plant!’; a theme focused on assortment and sharing knowledge. Participants were given the opportunity to indicate what their favourite plant was and why. On top of that, there were many opportunities to share knowledge, for example through the library. This library included books that were written by and for growers. The 26th trade fair edition was very interactive, and the visitors, press, and participants really liked this. It emphasised that professionals in the industry know a lot and therefore can share a lot of knowledge and learn from each other. This is an excellent reason for diving deeper into this theme in 2017.
?Participant profiles
Another important reason to extend is the fact that so many participants confirmed for the 27th edition, that the profile pages will be online as of January 2017. Participants who did not fully use their profile last year, can do that now. We understand that quality takes up time. This year, it is possible to not only upload a photo of the favourite plant, but also of the application thereof. On top of that, we will look into the possibilities regarding presentation of assortment.
The 14 members of the PR team of trade fair GrootGroenPlus, all members of the board and suppliers with their own portfolio and speciality, are currently working on a full PR plan, which will give participants the opportunity to present themselves during almost an entire year. Participants play a central part in trade fair GrootGroenPlus, which will show from the PR plan. The exact set-up of the plan will therefore depend on the use of the multiple parts for the participant. Of course, it will focus on digital media, and in the period prior to the trade fair, we will keep in close touch with journalists.
More international visitors
It is very important to attract the right type of visitors for the participants. That is why the board has decided to continue the 2016 targets in 2017. Emphasis will once again be placed on attracting more international trade visitors. For them, but also for other interested parties, the special arrangements will be made available once again. This time, we will focus more on tailor made group travels. Special attention will also be paid to the gardener/garden contractor, for example through showing more applications of the favourite plants at the trade fair. Other aspects that can be expected in 2017 are an expansion of and more central place for the library, to improve the development and sharing of knowledge. Of course, GGP wants to preserve the hospitable, friendly atmosphere at the trade fair. Partnerships with gardener associations, partners, and national and international media will be continued.
Besides the fixed PR parts which will be adjusted to the targets within the new PR plan, we will also work on some new ideas to attract more international visitors. Naturally, all activities will be started well before the trade fair starts, which means that participants can get the most out of the PR value.
GrootGroenPlus 2017 will be held from 4 – 6 October in Zundert. You can register via the digital registration form on the website www.grootgroenplus.nl. Requests are processed in the order that they are received, so it pays off to register early!
