Author: Ron van der Ploeg
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.
According to Grigorieva 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.
The Russian government on Wednesday 15 July lifted the 14-day quarantine requirements for people arriving from abroad. The corresponding decree was signed by Anna Popova of Rospotrebnadzor, the Russian consumer rights watchdog.
Visitors now need a certificate confirming that they passed the Covid-19 test with a negative result. Those who do not have such a document will need to pass a virus test within three days. The document can be submitted in Russian or English.
Other encouraging news is that Russia may start gradually restoring air traffic with other countries from 15 July. This was announced at a briefing by Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova. “The first and most important thing is the principle of reciprocity, on which air traffic was carried out and will continue to be carried out,” Tatyana Golikova stressed.
Criteria by which the government will be able to make appropriate decisions on the gradual resumption of air services. “The first criterion is similar to the one used by other countries – it is the incidence rate per 100 thousand people,” the Deputy Prime Minister explained. “In Russia, we believe this indicator should be at the level of no more than 40 cases per 100 thousand of the population. The indicator is calculated for 14 days, i.e. the incubation period. The second criterion is the average daily increase in cases, which is also calculated over 14 days. It should not exceed 1 percent. Finally, the third indicator – the distribution coefficient-should also not exceed one.”
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 Flowers-expo.ru
