August 2014

It is almost time for GrootGroenPlus 2014, and that shows in a lot of things. At the moment, the waiting list has been activated, which means that it is still possible to register as a participant, but a spot on the trade fair can no longer be guaranteed. Novelties have been entered for inspection, and the organisation expects more to follow. GrootGroenPlus encourages businesses - that have not done this yet - to register their novelties as soon as possible, so these can be included in the full presentation. Other points of the program are also taking shape. The themes for the Around-the-large-green-table sessions and the set-up of the external press tour have been announced.

Bigger than in 2013
GrootGroenPlus 2014 does not only surpass the edition of 2013 in activities, but also in rented space. And like always, the composition of participants is very diverse. Approximately 80% is green and 20% is supplier. About 25% are international participants. The increasing number of Italian participants stands out. There are many new participants, but also a number of participants who will participate for the 24th time between 1 and 3 October 2014. Many trade visitors are registering every day for free access, which can be done right up until the trade fair starts.

Table sessions
Like last year, in 2014 another nine Around-the-large-green-table sessions will be organised. Every day, three sessions will be hosted, which are all about the trade fair theme #365green, with subjects such as 'Why, offer, and knowledge', 'Take a chance', and a target group-specific subject, such as '#365green in the countries surrounding us' (Wednesday, Retail day), 'Cutting costs is expensive' (Thursday, Public Green day), and 'Young Talent' (Friday, Day of the Horticulturalist/Garden Designer). Among the guests that will be participating in the discussions are on Wednesday among others the growers Rijnbeek, Bulk, Ronald Moerings (water plants) and retailers Jeroen Soontiëns (Tuincentrum Soontiëns), and Piet Withagen (Intratuin Halsteren). Thursday, there will be representatives of the municipalities of Zundert, Dongen, and Putten, Peter Verdyck from Antwerp Province, tree architect Wouter Crucke of Vartago, and Jan Spruyt, pioneer in prairie plants. On Friday, guests are among others Ben van Ooijen (Tuinen van Appeltern) and garden designers Jolie Van Himme, Connie Ettema, John Bijlsma, and Arie van den Hout. All sessions will be recorded and can also be watched on YouTube. However, it is obviously even more interesting to attend the sessions and take part in them.

Treeport evening
On Thursday evening, Treeport organises a special evening. This evening, a festive conclusion of the Majeur Project Treeport will be held, combined with a market square with activities of the new Coöperatieve Vereniging Treeport Zundert e.o. The 'Treeportmovie' will be shown and visitors can listen to subjects such as: Entrepreneur and business, Market and promotion, and Growing and Technique. After the official program, a nice networking event will be held. The participants of Treeport make up for 20% of the total trade fair surface and are responsible for the regional garden, which is also the entrance to the trade fair. Of course, everyone can attend this evening.

Press tour
This year, both the internal and external press tours will be organised once again. During the external press tour, the trade press will visit participants Van Oploo Tuinplanten B.V. in Bavel, Boomkwekerij E. de Jong in Dongen, AVRI Bloem- en Tuincentrum in Oosteind, and Kwekerij van Son & Koot in Kaatsheuvel, and after that, they will pay a visit to a public green project. And these are not the only activities that are interesting to the press: they will also be present at the breakfast, the prize ceremonies, an adjusted Around-the-large-green-table session, the internal press tour in the grey route, the press room at the Innovation & Inspiration square, and of course in the open reporter space, where participants and visitors can provide them with their news messages. At the moment, 25 journalists have registered for the GGP Program.