The Exhibition |
Exhibiting |
Visiting |
The Industry Speaks |
Florist Event International 2009 Cancelled for 2009 We are sorry to have to inform you that Florist Event International has had to take the decision to cancel next January’ Florist Event International. Marcus Foster commented; “Obviously I am very saddened by the turn of events that have taken place over the past few months which has resulted in us having to take this decision.Unfortunately, while some exhibitors had signed up for next January, there was not enough support at this stage to make it a viable proposition. This is a great shame because nearly every day we have more people registering on the website for additional information about visiting next years show and it is they, the core florists who are going to be sadly disappointed. I am sure though that, as with many other trade events, a bi-annual exhibition will prove to be the boost that the show needs and efforts are being made in this direction. On a personal note I would like to thank the industry for twenty wonderful years of organising the event, seeing it come together and prove to be the show case platform for the industry – one that it needs. So many memories, so many laughs and good times...”
If you would like to make any comments about Florist Event, please email us back with your thoughts to Marcus@fei09.com. We will be compiling a page of feedback on the website and your comments may appear. If you don’t want your comments make public please let us know. Obviously your email address will not be included |
||
Reactions so far:
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooo sorry ! After all your hard work over the years... you have donea TERRIFIC job for the industry and must be very proud of what you have achieved over the years. There are not many, over those 20 years, that I have missed... but I suppose ther comes a time when a break and a fresh approach are needed. All very best wishes for the biannual event and look forward to 2010. Best regards Anne Bridge Norwich ================================================= HI Marcus over here in New Zealand we are just as disappointed that the show is cancelled as we consider it our annual showcase for all that is best in UK floristry especially with the superb photography of our UK correspondent, Chrissie Harten.. However I have a suggestion to those who intended to take part and now won’t be able to use this valuable forum. I am happy to receive emails from any of the would-be competitors with the view of featuring their work in the January 2009 edition of floral design. They may not be aware we have subscribers in 46 countries so it is a chance to be seen by an large, international , discerning audience. The theme will be Valentines Day and we may even be able to match the prizes of your event after discussion with you. Lets make this happen, in cyberspace in an exciting, new, innovative way. Warm regards Tricia Legg Editor Floral design magazine New Zealand ================================================= Hi Marcus The SFE was the highlight exhibition of my florist year. I first attended when I was a student at Capel Manor with my class and have been attending every year since. I was surprised and saddened that such a long standing popular event has been cancelled. In retrospect do you think you were a little too ambitious as I would presume the new venue would be larger requiring more exhibitors? Would you revert to the tried and very well tested formula of holding it again in central Birmingham at the ICC? I, for one would prefer it as, for me, it would be much easier to reach.
Kind regards Helene Howard Studio in the Crypt Hampstead London ================================================= Dear Marcus, I am so disappointed that the show has been cancelled, being in south west Wales it is difficult to get to many demonstrations/workshops etc and the annual show was always an event I looked forward to and booked as soon as I could. The exhibits and demonstrations were always an inspiration and a chance to network with people and traders in person instead of adverts in magazines and flyers (or on - line) was a buzz, and an opportunity for our new florists to experience what else is out there. Heidi Griffiths - Four Seasons Florist, Tenby, South Wales ================================================= Marcus and team, We just wanted to say how sorry we were that the SFE will not be going ahead in 2009. It was a highlight of our year we really looked forward to attending, it was an excellent way to start the year, meeting fellow florists, checking out the new products and being stimulated and enthused by the fantastic design shows. The changes to this years show with the smaller seminars were useful and informative and covered a variety of topics for all levels but for me the highlights were always the fantastic design shows which really did inspire and invigorated you for the year ahead. We have very fond memories from winning the Best overall Student Cup in London 20 years ago to being awarded Retail Florist of the Year, in Birmingham 1996. I'm sure this has not been easy for you and we send you our fondest regards and best wishes for the future. Kind regards Karen Holgate and family. Glenholme Florists Beverley East Yorkshire ================================================= Marcus, this is a terrible shame, SFE has been part of our calendar of activities for the last 5 years, what we have seen and learned by attending the show is invaluable, Many thanks, Jim & Bernie Lacey, Utopia Flowers, Ireland ================================================= Well Marcus, It must be my fault it’s cancelled, seeing that I won a ticket for completing a questionnaire on time! Obviously the suppliers and wholesalers are nervous about business in the current climate (I know of one wholesaler in Surrey that has gone into liquidation in the last month). I’m ignoring the current economic climate – I’m splashing out on ripping my shop apart and having a make-over (makes use of the summer holidays and has generated some interest). It’s my 40th birthday this weekend and we’re giving away glasses of champagne and birthday cake to customers (you’re invited if you’re not playing with the bike) – If the plaster board has not gone up on the back wall – I may get customers to sign the wall. Initially I was upset that the fei09 has been cancelled – maybe a bi-annual is the way to go. You must be gutted – all that time and effort wasted. Joanna Eden Leatherhead Surrey ================================================= Hi Marcus Yes it is very sad this event will not be running in 2009 and I hope that interest picks up and event runs again in 2010. Lee Gilmour On behalf of Berkshire College of Agriculture ================================================= Dear Marcus Foster, Sorry to hear that the show will not be taking place this next year, as a small florist we enjoy the chance to look at the new ideas that are on show each year & met new supplier contacts & simply just to network. I am sure that the next show, hopefully in 2010, will have even more ideas that we can take away and use in the shop. Sometimes you have to have a break to make it more wanted as people realise what there are missing - just look at Glastonbury!! Kind regards and best of luck for the future! From all at Fantasy Flowers Fantasy Flowers Eastwood ================================================= What a shame it wont be on next year i teach floristry at local colleges and it will mean no trip out for them next spring and no chance to compare their work with others in the industry hope this is just a blip due to the current economic circumstances Once every 2 years could be a good idea Hope you will be back soon Veronica Coe |
