AIPH announces online conference to support ornamental industry recovery

Growers, breeders, traders, retailers, manufacturers, associations and media are invited to participate in the first global online conference for the ornamental horticulture industry, hosted by the International Association of Horticulture Producers. Supporting partners include CIOPORA, Florint and FleuroSelect.

The conference will be held live on September 15, 2020 and will begin at 8:00 a.m. CEST. The conference will be a 3D Virtual Event and can be accessed from any device.

Recovering from the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic is the focus for every business in the ornamental horticulture industry, so AIPH is bringing together leading global experts to provide their ideas and guidance for the future.

The conference will address the shared issue of crisis management with speakers on handling crisis, business and investment implications, the impact on future mergers and acquisitions and understanding the impact on the end consumer.

Following this, the focus will move to the cut flowers industry with views from major supermarket retailers, florists, traders, online sales companies and flower auction markets. 

A panel of grower representatives from key producing countries will debate the impact of the pandemic on the sector and what needs to happen to create a more resilient supply chain.

The third session will focus on plants and trees with further discussion from leading growers, retailers, and breeders on how to take the sector forwards. The conference will close with an international panel to debate ways of stimulating market demand and how to grow out of the crisis into a brighter future.

Confirmed speakers so far include:

• Dr Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture, Texas A&M University, USA
• Carin van Huet, Director of Food & Agribusiness, Rabobank, the Netherlands
• Frank de Hek, Partner at Oaklins, the Netherlands
• Steven van Schilfgaarde, CEO Royal FloraHolland, the Netherlands
• Craig Musson, Managing Director, WAFEX, Australia
• Michiel de Haan, CEO, Royal Lemkes, the Netherlands
• Jan-Dieter Bruns, Managing Director, Bruns-Pflanzen Germany

Delegates will be able to create their own 3D avatars and identify and speak with other attendees. They will be able to participate and ask questions, just like you would at a physical conference. Sponsors and exhibitors can also reach participants, advertise, show videos and meet up at virtual booths.

AIPH Secretary General, Tim Briercliffe, says, “As we are unable to organize a physical congress this year, we are delighted to have identified this online solution that will enable us to run a major international conference. With this virtual environment, it is still easy to attend for anyone in this industry, wherever they are in the world. This platform is an excellent opportunity to bring the industry together and to map out our course for the future.”

For more details about the price, registration, technology, speakers and program, visit www.aiph.org/2020conference.