GrootGroenPlus 2021 was like a warm bath, for exhibitors and visitors alike 

We all know better than anyone else what was going on in 2020 that meant that physical trade fairs simply could not be organized. And even though trade fair GrootGroenPlus had taken place in an online version in 2020, everyone was delighted that an 'old-fashioned' trade fair with stands, personal conversations and the usual cup of coffee together could take place again. From October 6 to 8, 2021, professionals flocked to Zundert and both exhibitors, visitors and organizers look back on a very successful event.

Of course it all took some getting used to. And of course everyone was tense how it would go with any restrictions and adjusted rules for distance and contact. But the organizers had taken everything into account. They simply wanted to organize a safe event. A few months before, they had chosen a fair set-up that involved a flow-through location, with one-and-a-half-meter spacing and one-way traffic. By this set-up, the organization guaranteed the interests of all visitors. Shortly before the start, however, it became apparent that relaxations were possible. The Covid Safe Ticket would allow some of the restrictive measures to be abandoned. However, it was decided to keep the old form, and the flow location was kept unchanged. That choice turned out to be the right one. Research has shown that about 40 percent of the visitors attended the fair because there was indeed a flow-through location with maintenance of one and a half meters distance. 

Hybrid 

Partly dictated by the circumstances, the event was a hybrid one. A mix of a physical trade show and an online program was aimed for. This can be found via the website (videos, photos and texts), in the quadrilingual trade fair app and via the web app. The external press excursions can also be viewed via the fair program or directly via the GrootGroenPlus YouTube channel. This mix of activities dovetailed well with the expectations and perceptions of the attendees (online and otherwise), and that fact provides inspiration for years to come. 

Warm reunion

However, it was very clear that everyone enjoyed meeting in person again. Many participants and exhibitors found this a relief. Another striking fact: there was a relatively large international audience. Visitors were welcomed from many countries and several languages were spoken. This contributed to the good feeling of everyone: "We are happy to be here again." Many nurserymen, architects, garden centers, landscapers and traders knew how to find their way to the participants. And so, through a combination of all kinds of online and offline activities, the goals were achieved. Participants, visitors and organizers alike can look back on a successful event.

Finally, a word from the organization itself: "GrootGroenPlus is grateful for the patience and involvement of participants, suppliers and press. Without them it would not have succeeded. We are grateful for the trust the thousands of visitors had in the platform. The visitors knew how to find the participants in large numbers and people were warmly welcomed. With that, we succeeded by design." 

From October 5 to 7, 2022, the thirty-second edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus is planned. Groenbeurs Zundert will be on January 19 and 20, 2022.