MOSCOW, Russia: Preparations for FlowersExpo Moscow, Russia’s premier horticultural trade show, continue ahead of its anticipated time from 8 – 10 September 2020. Trade show organiser Nadeshda Grigorieva told FCI her show has been given the go ahead by the Russian government on 8 July.
Grigorieva added that anticipation for this year’s FlowersExpo is building as many industry professionals are in search of answers to crisis issues, waiting for practical solutions, as well as the support and cooperation that the industry needs right now.
However she candidly admits that to date there is still uncertainty about when international flights from and to Russia will resume. It is still difficult to predict when the EU will allow Russian passengers to resume travel to its countries. “Our quarantine services believe that it is possible to resume flights to 13 countries, including the EU countries (Holland, Germany, Poland). However, the EU is not ready to accept Russians yet, so the decision is postponed until 1 August. I am confident that this issue can be resolved in the days ahead and that everyone who plans to visit this year’s FlowersExpo can book a flight.”
Grigorieva stresses that safety for exhibitors and visitors comes first with a comprehensive action plan in place to meet all specific requirements issued by the government.
Covid-19 has reset the global economy and new trends are emerging. One of them is the orientation towards domestic production. Russian producers of flowers, plants, supplies, and equipment are among the show’s long-time exhibitors. Every company has experienced a challenging time of isolation, and each of them has relevant market offers for flowers and plants.
Grigorieva notes that the movement of goods was somewhat impeded during the pandemic, not stopped completely. “Flowers, plants and goods from abroad continue to arrive in Russia. Amidst closed borders, a question as to what form foreign companies without partners in Russia can participate arises. FlowersExpo offers them various alternatives as it has developed an online trade show next to its physical show. We expect this new format to increase the exhibition’s purchasing power by attracting a larger target audience. Attendees from different parts of Russia and numerous other countries will be able to visit the exhibition online.”
FlowersExpo Moscow Online will give virtual visitors remote access to the companies’ representatives, and will allow delegates from wherever the chance to participate in the exhibition with a virtual showcase, to hold video meetings, webinars, reports, excursions and presentations of companies in a live format.
Each virtual FlowersExpo participant will have its information or contact showcase at the exhibition at Crocus Expo. Just imagine going to a virtual showcase at the exhibition, after scanning a QR code, where do you think you will find yourself? For example, you could be watching a live stream from a rose farm in Ecuador. Without having spent money on a plane ticket. Now you can see the farm with your own eyes, ask questions or request to show a close up of some cultivar and more.
This year’s FlowersExpo Moscow offers a more exceptional business programme including live streaming from the physical trade show, floral art and design shows, conferences and product presentations.
It is safe to say that both Russia and the world flowers and plants markets will undergo significant changes in the post corona era. These are not adjusted to be ignored, they are of great significance and should be analysed and acknowledged. What better place to use the developing technology and experience it than at FlowersExpo Moscow?
The visitors’ registration to FlowersExpo is now open. This year, registration will be free and valid for both the physical and online show. The online format will be available from 17 August three weeks before the expo, allowing attendees time to plan their virtual visits. As for exhibitors, they will be able to track the attendance flow to their showcases, confirm meetings and optimise the number of speakers and other staff participating in the exhibition.
For more information visit http://www.flowers-expo.ru
